5 CRITICAL QUESTIONS
1. Can the Baltimore Ravens contain the Cincinnati Bengals’ explosive passing game?
Heading into tonight’s potential AFC North title clincher for the Ravens (9-2) at Paul Brown Stadium, Baltimore has to be wondering if the Bengals (6-5) have evolved since absorbing a 26-20 loss at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 5. The Bengals have averaged 34 points and 439 yards since that defeat with quarterback Carson Palmer tossing nine touchdown passes with two interceptions. The Ravens’ defense spearheaded a 27-0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Steelers last week with nine intimidating sacks. Now, it has to face off with an extremely dangerous offense centered around gifted wide receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Motivation won’t be in short supply as the Ravens have their sights set on becoming the second earliest team to clinch a playoff berth since the NFL went to an eight-division format in 2002 and claim their second AFC North title. The Ravens haven’t qualified for the postseason since 2003. Plus, Houshmandzadeh keeps insisting that the Bengals are the better team despite the outcome of the last meeting.
2. How much of an edge does Jamal Lewis have against the Bengals’ run defense?
The Ravens controlled the football 14 minutes longer than the Bengals in the last encounter, and they are likely to use another ball-control philosophy to try to keep the Bengals’ offense on the sidelines. Lewis is beginning to resemble at least a shadow of his former self, running with violent, high-knee action with his elbows, shoulders and helmet jutting into defenders. The Bengals’ linebackers are unlikely to be physical enough to contain him. They look like easy marks.
3. Will Steve McNair be a big factor?
The three-time Pro Bowl passer is facing off with the NFL’s last-ranked pass defense, a secondary of castoffs and misfits. He finally appears fully comfortable in this offense and is now audibling adeptly. The Bengals have struggled to contain athletic tight ends like Todd Heap, who caught a touchdown last week off a double-move after being split out wide. Pass protection hasn’t been an issue lately for Baltimore and that shouldn’t change tonight.
4. Will Rudi Johnson get untracked?
Traditionally, running backs don’t thrive against the Ravens’ formidable front seven. However, the Bengals still might pound Johnson up the middle to try to force rookie strong safety Dawan Landry to force the issue at the line of scrimmage. That could potentially set up intermediate and sideline throws to sizable targets like Chris Henry.
5. Can the Ravens pressure Palmer consistently?
The Ravens have produced 14 sacks in the past two weeks. However, Palmer has a quick release and has demonstrated great command of the offense. Especially when offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski has gone no-huddle. He completed 25 of 32 passes last week for 275 yards and three touchdowns before leaving the game early last week against the Cleveland Browns. His arm strength and pocket presence are major strengths for the Bengals. Palmer has progressed significantly since his poor outing against Baltimore.
WHO HAS THE EDGE?
RAVENS OFFENSE
Total (24) Rushing (23) Passing (17)
Quarterback
Steve McNair has expertly managed games over the past five games, throwing six touchdowns with two interceptions for a nearly 100 passer rating. When the Ravens have needed him in the clutch, he has delivered consistently.
Running backs
Jamal Lewis should be sufficiently rested up after an intentionally reduced workload against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s licking his chops about going up against the Bengals’ soft linebacking corps.
Receivers
Tight end Todd Heap is having a Pro Bowl caliber season, ranking first on the team with 51 receptions for 535 yards and a team-high six touchdowns. Meanwhile, wide receivers Mark Clayton and Derrick Mason have been consistent downfield targets.
Offensive line
Since the Ravens began starting youngsters Jason Brown and Chris Chester at the guard spots, the downfield blocking has improved. All-Pro left tackle Jonathan Ogden is having a banner season. Right tackle Tony Pashos is trying to earn a new contract.
RAVENS DEFENSE
Total (2) Rushing (2) Passing (9)
Defensive line
Kelly Gregg is one of the most active nose guards with 72 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks and two forced fumbles. Trevor Pryce has four sacks in the past two games. Terrell Suggs is coming off a two-sack, eight-tackle outing along with six quarterback hits.
Linebackers
Bart Scott won ESPN’s Jacked-Up segment for his vicious hit on Ben Roethlisberger. Ray Lewis made it through his first game since injuring his back, but appeared somewhat hesitant. Adalius Thomas scored his fifth career touchdown.
Secondary
Cornerback Samari Rolle is playing better since being torched for the majority of the season. Chris McAlister leads the team with four interceptions. Safety Ed Reed hasn’t generated many big plays since signing a $40 million contract.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Matt Stover has converted 19 of 20 field goals this year. Return specialist B.J. Sams didn’t exactly thrive against a subpar kick coverage unit last week. There were way too many penalties on special teams against Pittsburgh.
BENGALS OFFENSE
Total (8) Rushing (21) Passing (5)
Quarterback
Since throwing two interceptions in a 26-20 loss to Baltimore on Nov. 5, Carson Palmer has thrown nine touchdowns passes with two interceptions as Cincinnati has averaged 34 points and 439 yards per contest.
Running backs
Rudi Johnson is one of the most hard-nosed runners in the game, but hasn’t done much against Baltimore lately. He has rushed for 890 yards and eight touchdowns, but lacks a capable backup with Chris Perry out for the season.
Receivers
Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh comprise one of the most potent receiving tandems in the league. Factor in third receiver Chris Henry’s big-play capabilities, and the Bengals represent a matchup nightmare for most secondaries.
Offensive line
Shorthanded again without Levi Jones and Bobbie Williams, the Ravens’ defensive line could have a field day. Especially if center Rich Braham is out again or limited in terms of mobility.
BENGALS DEFENSE
Total (31) Rushing (18) Passing (32)
Total (31) Rushing (18) Passing (32)
Defensive line
Justin Smith is an active, intense defensive end with excellent speed and strength. Former Ravens defensive tackle Sam Adams is an absolute disaster with his sloppy girth. Since dropping weight, end Robert Geathers’ quickness is impressive.
Linebackers
Brian Simmons is pretty much the last man standing in a unit decimated by David Pollack’s broken neck and Odell Thurman’s season-long suspension for violating the NFL substance-abuse policy. Caleb Miller is far too undersized.
Secondary
Cornerbacks Deltha O’Neal and Tory James have been consistently burnt to a crisp. Safety Kevin Kaesviharn is contributing heavily over the past few games and leads the team with six interceptions. Former Maryland safety Madieu Williams is the bright spot of a bad bunch.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker Shayne Graham has converted 18 of 21 field goals. Kickoff returner Chris Perry was placed on injured reserve Tuesday. Punter Kyle Larson is averaging 43.7 yards per boot.
EDGES: Quarterback: Cincinnati, Running back: Cincinnati; Receivers: Cincinnati; Offensive line: Baltimore; Defensive line: Baltimore; Linebackers: Baltimore; Secondary: Baltimore; Special teams: Baltimore.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times in Westminster, Maryland
PROGRAMMING NOTE: Join the GAMETIME crew, Ravens mascot Poe, Ravens cheerleaders and other surprises at Della Rose’s Avenue Tavern in White Marsh prior to the Ravens @ the Bengals TONIGHT Nov. 30 at 6:30PM. There will be authentic autographed memorabilia given away and there is a free sign up for a Toyota raffle — the prize being a brand new 2007 Yaris!
