Baltimore Ravens eye sixth win as Lamar Jackson aims to exploit Bengals’ shaky defense
The Baltimore Ravens are riding high, fresh off their fifth consecutive victory, as they prepare to take on the struggling Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. With the Ravens sitting atop the AFC North standings, this matchup carries significant weight, and several compelling narratives are unfolding around it. Let’s delve into the key storylines that could shape this crucial game.
Offensive Improvement Needed
For the first time since Lamar Jackson took the reins, the Ravens have managed to secure wins without relying heavily on their star quarterback’s prowess. Yet, the team acknowledges that to achieve their ultimate Super Bowl aspirations, their offense must elevate its performance.
A primary area of concern is the red zone, where the Ravens have converted only five touchdowns from 14 attempts inside their opponents’ 20-yard line. Jackson, who has been nursing various minor injuries since returning from a hamstring strain, has experienced a decline in his usual explosive playmaking. Despite this, even a less-than-fully-fit version of the three-time All-Pro should be more than capable of exploiting the Bengals’ vulnerable defense, particularly with All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson sidelined.
Cincinnati has struggled with coverage, especially in the middle of the field, where their young linebackers and inconsistent safeties have failed to contain opposing threats. This bodes well for Jackson, who could find success targeting his tight ends, especially in the seams and between the hashes.
Milestones Within Reach
As the Ravens prepare for their clash with the Bengals, three veteran offensive players are on the verge of significant milestones. Each of them could potentially achieve their respective goals early in the game, perhaps even within the first quarter.
Mark Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowl tight end, needs just four receptions to eclipse Derrick Mason for the most catches in franchise history. This milestone would cap off a remarkable season for Andrews, who recently broke the franchise records for both touchdowns and receiving yards.
DeAndre Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, is one catch away from joining an elite group as he seeks to become the 18th player in NFL history to reach 1,000 career receptions.
Derrick Henry, also a five-time Pro Bowl running back, requires just 17 rushing yards to pass Jim Brown for the 11th-most rushing yards in NFL history, adding another layer of anticipation to the game.
Defensive Challenge Against Joe Burrow
As the Ravens look to secure their sixth win, a critical question looms: can their defense contain Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow? Historically, Burrow has been known to elevate his play in high-stakes situations, and the Ravens must be prepared for a potential “Burrow bump.”
The Ravens’ defensive unit will need to stay vigilant, especially against Burrow’s ability to find his top receivers, even in the face of pressure. With the stakes high in the AFC North, both teams will be looking to make a statement, and the Ravens’ defense will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome.
As the countdown to kickoff continues, all eyes will be on the Ravens to see if they can extend their winning streak and solidify their position at the top of the division. The clash with the Bengals promises to be a fascinating encounter, filled with milestones, strategic battles, and a test of resilience for both teams.
