Preview: Ravens Look to Right the Ship Against Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens face off against their AFC North division rival the Cincinnati Bengals in primetime on Sunday night. Both teams currently sit at 2-2 and Sunday’s matchup, while early, could give either team the upper hand in the division race as the season goes along. The Ravens once again blew a lead at home, this time against the Buffalo Bills. At one point the Ravens led 17-3 before losing by a final of 23-20. This season the Ravens have only trailed for a total of 14 seconds but sit at 2-2 tied with the Bengals for first place in the division. The Bengals come into Sunday after 10 days of rest. The Bengals defeated the Dolphins last Thursday night by a final of 27-15.
The Ravens once again will be dealing with some injuries to key players at key spots. Running back Justice Hill (Hamstring), Guard Ben Cleveland (Foot), and outside linebacker Justin Houston (Groin) have already been declared inactive for Sunday. The biggest inactive for the Ravens however comes at the wide receiver position as receiver Rashod Bateman (Foot) was ruled out. Bateman injured his foot sometime last Sunday, and was on the sideline for the Ravens final drive against the Bills. Bateman was seen leaving the stadium in a walking boot and did not practice all week. Cornerback Marcus Peters (Quad) and left tackle Ronnie Stanley (Ankle) are both listed as questionable. Stanley could look to make his season debut if active. If Stanley cannot go, Patrick Mekari will likely fill at the left tackle spot. Mekari missed last Sunday with an ankle injury but practiced in full this week and will be active.
Devin Duvernay
In the absence of Rashod Bateman this Sunday, receiver Devin Duvernay will become the number one receiver for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. Duvernay thus far in 2022 has had a breakout season at the wide receiver position. Already known for his pro bowl level return ability, Duvernay currently leads all Ravens wide receivers with three touchdowns. Through four weeks Duvernay has 12 receptions for 172 yards, while averaging 14.3 yards per reception.
Duvernay has big play ability and has shown flashes through three seasons, but Sunday night will be the first time that he will be the main receiver on this Ravens roster. Sunday night could be a big opportunity for not only Duvernay, but also this Ravens offense. Duvernay will need to have a breakout game in order to help the Ravens win and by doing so will make his mark as a legitimate target moving forward.
Joe Burrow
Like him or not Joe Burrow has quickly become one of the top quarterback in the NFL. After tearing his ACL in his rookie season, Burrow came back in 2021 and had a career season throwing for 4,611 yards and 34 touchdowns as he led the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1989. Burrow did all this while being one of the most sacked quarterback in the league, going down 51 times. While Burrow lit up the NFL last season, one team that Burrow lit up the most was the Ravens. In two games, Burrow threw for a combined 941 yards, seven touchdowns, and just one interception. The Ravens had no answer for Burrow last season as he helped the Bengals sweep the Ravens outscoring them by a total of 82-38.
While Joe Burrow has been efficient for the Bengals through four weeks, the main concern for the Bengals offense once again has been how often the Burrow has been hit. Through four weeks, Burrow has been sacked 16 times, on pace for 68 sacks on the year. The Ravens defense will need to pressure Burrow and take advantage of a weak offensive line if they hope to slow down the 16th ranked offense and the eighth ranked quarterback.
Prediction
The Ravens have been one of the best offenses thus far in 2022 and Lamar Jackson has been playing at an MVP level through the first four weeks. But while the stats show that the Ravens are one of the best offenses, they have yet to put a complete game together. Last Sunday saw the Ravens score zero points in the second half, after scoring 20 in the first. Adjustments will be key for the Ravens as offensive coordinator Greg Roman has struggled to adjust in the second half the previous two weeks. Expect the Ravens to come out quick and keep their foot on gas through the second half this Sunday night.
The Ravens once again sit last in the NFL in pass defense and will have their work cut out for them against a Bengals offense that threw for close to 1,000 yards on them last season. Much like the Ravens offense, the Ravens defense has yet to put a complete game together in the last two weeks. With Marcus Peter’s health in question and Justin Houston missing his second straight game, expect the Bengals to be able to move the ball against the Ravens. While the Ravens will struggle at times to fully stop Burrow and the Bengals offense, they will make enough stops while outscoring the Bengals to pull off their first win at home in 2022. Ravens win by a final of 27-23.
Line: Baltimore -3.5
Over/Under: 47.5
All-Time Record: Baltimore leads series 27-25
Last Meeting: 12/26/2021 Cincinnati 41-21
