Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens Preview.

The Cincinnati Bengals had a week and a half to regroup after suffering a tough loss to the Miami Dolphins last Thursday night 22-20

in overtime, and also must overcome the lost of their best defensive player Geno Atkins to a torn ACL . They will head to Baltimore and take on a Ravens team who are struggling off the gates with a 3-5 record, a win tomorrow the Bengals can definitely seize control of the AFC North, also with this team is looming a big game with the Cleveland Browns next week at Paul Brown Stadium.

This team talking about the Bengals, has so many weapons and so many different looks they can present to teams and sometimes I think they can get too locked up in the run. With all the key injuries to the defensive side its so key for the offense to put up points down the stretch, and help them out.

The Ravens can’t run. They’re last in the league in yards per attempt. They struggle up the middle. The left tackle Eugene Monroe played well last week but they’ve had problems over there. The right tackle has struggled and the scheme isn’t good. The tight ends can’t block in it and running back Ray Rice isn’t the same Ray Rice, that’s a bad sign.

They haven’t given up on the run. But when they try to run, they can’t run. The tight ends can’t get the edge. So, with having that problem you will force Quarterback Joe Flacco throw the ball a lot, and when you can rattle him in the pocket and get pressure he can be bad, he does have a 5 interception game this season.

The Ravens have some good players on defense. Having cornerback Lardarius Webb back helps, a healthy Terrell Suggs helps. You look at some of those guys up front and they’re pretty good players.

They have linebacker Daryl Smith, who is replacing  the void left by future hall of famer Ray Lewis. Inside backer Josh Bynes has played pretty well for them actually. The defense for them is not the problem, its their offense that is.

The Ravens offense is going to have it tough Sunday because they are so one-dimensional. It’s almost like you don’t have to worry about their run game anymore. Even without Geno in the middle. I think the Bengals can handle the run game and that puts all the pressure on Flacco with few weapons. The tight ends are Dallas Clark and Ed Dickson, and also the fast wide receiver Torrey Smith.

PREDICTION: Bengals 24, Ravens 20 This is gonna be a old fashion physical AFC North battle between two teams, and for the Bengals they are desperate for a win, just because with all the injuries they have suffered in the defensive side. But you can say the Ravens are desperate too, in danger with a loss to fall behind big time in the division I expect a close game right til the end. Key for the Bengals: Protect Andy, no TURNOVERS, receivers catch the BALL, stop the RUN, get pressure on Flacco and force him throw a lot and you will walk out of Baltimore 7-3 and in control of the division.