Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
It’s time for the Ravens yearly trip to the Jungle in Cincinnati where they haven’t fared too well lately. Still, the Ravens back down from no one with the awesome defense they have. Look for the Bengals to attempt to power the ball on the ground and to throw the ball down the field to their WRs. The Bengals will likely run a lot to the right side behind RG Bobbie Williams and RT Willie Anderson. Rudi Johnson will find the yards tough against NT Kelly Gregg and ILBs Bart Scott and Ray Lewis. OLB Terrell Suggs and LDE Trevor Pryce will be bringing the heat on the pass rush so Carson Palmer may have to throw the football quickly. WRs Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are both tough and will come back to the football. But, CB Chris McAllister is one of the best corners in the NFL so look for the Bengals to attack CB Samari Rolle on the other side as he is starting to slide.
The Ravens will likely attack the Bengals on the ground with Willis McGahee running behind C Mike Flynn, LG Jason Brown and LT Jonathan Ogden. Look for DE Justin Smith to try to screw up that plan as he rushes the passer well and defends the run with equal vigor. If the Ravens offensive line gives QB Steve McNair time to throw the Bengals might be in trouble. WRs Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams will be a handful for CBs Deltha O’Neal and Johnathan Joseph. Safeties Madieu Williams and Dexter Jackson will also have their hands full with TE Todd Heap who has an incredible set of hands.
PREDICTION: I like the Bengals to defend their turf in a game that will be higher scoring than most people think.