Game Overview ::
By Mike johnson >>
- This will be the long awaited return of Bengals QB Joe Burrow, who has been sidelined since Week 2 with a toe injury.
- Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returns to the lineup after a one game suspension, while Tee Higgins will miss this game due to a concussion.
- Bengals RB Samaje Perine is practicing in a full capacity, which is likely to have the backfield reverting to a timeshare of sorts.
- The status of key defenders for both teams are in doubt with Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson and Ravens DB Kyle Hamilton facing an uphill battle to play.
- The two games between these teams last season combined for 69 and 79 points.
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How cincinnati Will Try To Win ::
Usually we like to look at recent performance and team tendencies to get an idea of how teams will operate, but in the Bengals case that is tough to do as they have a lot of moving parts. After several weeks of the Joe Flacco experience, Cincinnati gets all pro QB Joe Burrow back on the field. They will also be without WR Tee Higgins due to a concussion for the first time this season, while they are getting Ja’Marr Chase back after a one game suspension. Also, after three games with RB Chase Brown dominating the backfield work the Bengals will get veteran RB Samaje Perine back on the field to soak up some carries and the pass game role. All in all, this is basically a Bengals offense that we haven’t seen before on a short week in a must-win game on national TV. They are also facing a Baltimore defense that has held six straight opponents under 20 points.
The Bengals are obviously a pass based offense and most effective when they are able to play through their playmakers. Cincinnati ranks top-10 in the NFL in PROE in the red zone, neutral game scripts, and overall for the season. Missing Higgins has historically meant that the team will lean heavily on Ja’Marr Chase, who was peppered with targets by Flacco and will likely see the same treatment from Burrow. The offense is structured in a way that relies on their players winning matchups and making the plays, which is a challenge Chase is up for. The Baltimore run defense is solid and Cincinnati’s run game is more of an afterthought than a focal point, which means that most of this offense’s production will have to come through the air.
Cincinnati operates an offense emphasizing quick, rhythmic passing and stretching the defense both horizontally and vertically. With Ja’Marr Chase back, they will attempt to isolate him on the outside against man coverage looks, or exploit zone gaps with “Y-Option” or “Choice” routes that allow Chase to read the defender. The goal is to get the ball out quickly to neutralize the Ravens’ improving pass rush and exotic blitzes. The Ravens’ defense often dictates throws outside the numbers or over the top. The Bengals, however, are adept at attacking the seams and middle of the field with their tight ends and slot receivers. While Tee Higgins’ absence limits the deep sideline threat, expect more use of in-breaking routes and “screens” to get the ball out of Burrow’s hands quickly in his first game back from a toe injury. After Chase, the primary receiving options will be wide receivers Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley, with tight end Mike Gesicki also having a meaningful role after running a route on 67% of Cincinnati’s drop backs last week and tying for the team lead with six targets. All of Higgins, Tinsley, Iosivas, and Gesicki were targeted six times in that game, but we should expect a more top-heavy approach in this one with Chase being the clear focal point due to his more dynamic skill set than Higgins.
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