What to expect this weekend in the Bengals rematch against the Ravens. Division football is back this weekend and the Bengals have a huge game against the Ravens. While this is not a must win game, it sure does feel like it. The Ravens last week kicked the Bronco's tail and look to exact revenge on Cincinnati for beating them at home earlier this season. Many Ravens fans argue that it was a fluke win by the Bengals and the only reason they won was because the refs gave it to them. To those people I say two things:
1. I have never heard a fan base cry more about the officiating then the Ravens fans cry about it this year (although the Steelers are a close second). Seriously, the penalties at the end of the game were because the Bengals offense had been beating you all day and the Ravens defenders were tired and frustrated. Ray Lewis made the dumbest play of the game and it cost you. Get over it.
2. By your statements it shows that most of you only tuned in for or remembered the last drive of the game. The Bengals beat the Ravens, pretty bad actually. More than what the scoreboard showed. Yes you were up with 2 minutes to go but if there was any fluke it was that the Ravens actually had the lead at all during the game. Don't believe me? Still in denial? Lets look at the stats:
BENGALS
|
RAVENS |
| Total First Downs 22 |
Total First Downs 12 |
| Third Down Efficiency 38% |
Third Down Efficiency 27% |
| Fourth Down Efficiency 100% |
Fourth Down Efficiency 0% |
| Total Net Yards 403 |
Total Net Yards 257 |
Net Yards Rushing 142
|
Net Yards Rushing 82 |
| Net Yards Passing 261 |
Net Yards Passing 175 |
Interceptions 2
|
Interceptions 1
|
Fumbles Lost 1
|
Fumbles Lost 0 |
The Bengals had another half of football in stats compared to the Ravens. You rushed for 82 yds and passed for 175. You scream Ray Rice and Joe Flacco are the best players in the world yet they both were held pretty quiet all game. You boast your defensive stats and then get housed for 403 yds. You don't allow a 100 yd rusher in like 900 seasons or some crap and then Cedric trots along for more than 120. If you look passed the fact that the Bengals needed to go the length of the field in the last two minutes to win the game (which they did). Then what really did the Ravens show that day? That a team that no one has confidence in comes into your stadium, gives you the ball twice on turnovers and is down at the end of the game can have their way with your well respected but less than stellar defense and leave with the victory and division lead.
What do you want to see from the Bengals this weekend?
I want to see the Bengals build momentum. If they get the ball first a field goal or touchdown instantly puts the Ravens in a panic. The Bengals D can pressure Flacco and force their coordinator to have a 2nd year QB try and beat the Bengal corners. If the Bengals are on defense a quick 3 and out would also build the same momentum. I have a feeling the Ravens are going to try and focus Ray Rice. They should, he is by far their best player on offense. Mason may make claims that no one can cover him but I think Leon is ready to let him have 0 catches against the Bengals this season.
On offense I think Cedric Benson has proven that he can carry the ball well in the AFC North. Give him the ball and let him pound it. In the passing game I would like to see Henry on the field more. He is a receiver that stretches the field and would demand some coverage from Ed Reed. If Reed is on Henry or Chad, Palmer could feel comfortable passing to the other guy knowing Reed is out of the play.
All in all I predict the Bengals sweep the Ravens. Last time I predicted a more than 10 point victory. Look at the stats above, it should have happened. This time the Bengals are home and they win this game by 10 exactly. 27 - 17.
WhoDey
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