The Thursday night clash between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens may be one of the most pivotal battles in the AFC North this season. Both teams are in firm pursuit of divisional supremacy and, more importantly, crucial playoff positioning. Here is what to expect from this highly anticipated contest.
1. Fireworks on Offense
The Bengals offense, led by quarterback Joe Burrow, really has found its groove over the past couple of weeks. A huge reason for that has been the chemistry that Burrow has finally seemed to develop with his star wideout Ja’Marr Chase. As Burrow and Chase are an elite combo, the Bengals’ offensive depth will be put to the test since Tee Higgins remains questionable with a quad injury. Whether he plays or doesn’t will go a long way toward determining how well Cincinnati can stretch the field and keep pace with the Ravens’ scoring potential.
Meanwhile, the explosive, dual-threat ability of a quarterback, such as Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, is what Nightmare on Elm Street wishes it had on defenses. Adding another layer to the dynamic style of play, Baltimore can move the chains both with his arm and with his legs. Jackson has a new weapon in Diontae Johnson; seeing how their chemistry is going will be interesting. Add in King Henry, and the Ravens offense looks to be an unstoppable force. And since a divisional rival in Cincinnati is coming into town, Jackson’s performance will go a long way in Baltimore, staying atop the AFC North.
2. Defensive Showdown
Both teams boast great defenses entering this game, and that makes for a good setting in a match in which every yard could count. The Bengals’ pass rush has been among the most effective in the league all year, pressuring opposing quarterbacks consistently into bewildering decisions. Led by Trey Hendrickson, it is going to be big in pressuring Jackson, limiting Baltimore’s options on offense until mistakes are eventually forced.
The Ravens’ defense has not been as good this season as in previous years. Their trade for CB Tre’Davious White will help their secondary substantially, but it’s yet to be seen if he will suit up in a short week. With their blitz packages, they will try to keep Burrow uncomfortable in the pocket and get back on track.
3. Key Player Matchup: Ja’Marr Chase vs. Marlon Humphrey
One of the more intriguing matchups to watch will feature Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase going up against Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Chase’s athleticism and route-running have made him one of the league’s best deep threats, while Humphrey’s physicality and tight coverage skills make him one of the secondary’s best. This head-to-head confrontation could be crucial in deciding the ultimate fate of Cincinnati’s passing game. If Humphrey can somehow manage to limit Chase’s output, then Baltimore might have the edge it needs to neutralize the majority of Burrow’s air attack.
4. Injury Watch: Tee Higgins and Other Key Players
The biggest storyline going into this game will be the injury status of Tee Higgins. The Bengals’ receiver has been an integral part of the offense this season when he can stay healthy, and his questionable status due to a quad injury puts in question just how well Cincinnati can operate its plan of attack. On the flip side, the Ravens have their own set of injury issues to monitor. It’s highly possible that a lot in this game might come down to who can suit up on Thursday night and go at full strength.
5. Officiating Spotlight: The NFL’s Flag-Heaviest Crew
Tomorrow’s game will be officiated by Clete Blakeman and his crew, who are widely regarded as the most flag-happy crew in the league. They currently lead the NFL in penalties and penalty yardage, averaging 16.3 flags per outing and 142.5 yards assessed. That can be a huge factor in a football game, particularly when two physical teams face off, like the Ravens and Bengals.
However, with penalties sometimes amounting to lost chances and, at times, changing the score on the board, both teams will have to showcase disciplined football. As is expected from divisional games, which are always hot encounters, the players and coaches shall be quite aware of Blakeman’s tightly wound-officiating. Limiting the number of penalties may prove just as crucial as running successfully offensively and defensively against this heated rival.
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Thursday night’s tilt between the Ravens and Bengals offers huge stakes and crucial implications in the AFC North standings. Dynamic weapons on offense, standouts on defense, and one pivotal player matchup between Chase and Humphrey give this game all of the ingredients for a primetime barn burner. Add in the fact that Clete Blakeman’s crew calls a lot of penalties, and you have a real barnburner of a matchup that fans can bank on being disciplined, physical, and possibly coming down to the wire. If you like physical football, this is one game you won’t want to miss.
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