Week 1 Preview - Ravens v Bengals

[Pino]

It's not too early right? Then let's get this party started!

I see this game as being about the sophomore development of Andy Dalton. Should we feel any threat here? He has a 'true' #1 receiver in fellow sophomore A.J. Green. But beyond that, they don't have any receivers on the radar right? As for the running game, they're starting BenJarvus Green-Ellis. I remember he's had some success against us the few times we played him, and our run defense didn't exactly impress in preseason. But just like last season's opener, I expect our intensity to overwhelm the Bengals in the home Monday night game.

However, in the back of my mind, I can remember a night game season opener in Cincinnati that took us by surprise. I think that was the beginning of a lost season for us.

Alright, please expand on these points and add your views on the Bengals D.

[SecretAgentMan]

Bengals D is very good. They have probably the best DT core in the leauge. Their LB core is so so and secondary is plauged with injuries. Dalton imo is very overrated and got those TD's cause of Green and Gresham. Green Ellis is a bruiser, but we (as of now) are the better team. No biased there. Now (bc the nfl hates us) will prob be projected to lose. My prediction, Flacco eats them up

27-10

[Alexir]

Key Match ups: Kruger/Court vs Bookends
Torrey vs Dre

[Alexir]

Actually Dre might miss that game

[arnie_uk]

Was just about to say I can't see Kirkpatrick making it

[redrum52]

I'd say the key matchup is our o-line vs their d line. They have a devastating d line and I'd say their line backers deserve more credit than they get when healthy. If our o line can sustain and we can generate pressure or at least confuse Dalton we should be fine.

[baltravensrj55]

Key factors: Torrey vs their said CB, an most importantly Flacco needs to continue to elevate his throwing game as he has demonstrated this preseason and in particular game 3. I expect our defense to allow probably 25+ points, but I hope I am wrong.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='redrum52' timestamp='1346518801' post='1136589']
I'd say the key matchup is our o-line vs their d line. They have a devastating d line and I'd say their line backers deserve more credit than they get when healthy. If our o line can sustain and we can generate pressure or at least confuse Dalton we should be fine.
[/quote]

We can gas their D-line with no huddle. I think if we can run the ball effectively out of the gun early then we win handily. If not, it's a nailbiter.

[SecretAgentMan]

[quote name='beasy2487' timestamp='1346520474' post='1136609']
We can gas their D-line with no huddle. I think if we can run the ball effectively out of the gun early then we win handily. If not, it's a nailbiter.
[/quote]
Remember what Rice did to them last game of the season. Follow Leach.... Oh right

[K-Dog]

We barely beat them both games last year.

[gabefergy]

Bengals front 7 is really good, when they are healthy. There is a good chance that Carlos Dunlap will miss this game which is a big blow. I think we will be able to run and pass the ball as long as we keep the tempo up and keep applying pressure. I am hoping we see a lot of no huddle like we saw during the preseason.

I think our defense can handle them as well. AJ Green and Gresham are their only real offensive threats and we have the secondary to match up very well. I too believe Dalton is a bit overrated. He had a nice rookie campaign against bad teams, but when he went up against the big boys his play fell off. Their running game will struggle and I have to believe BJGE will underwhelm for them.

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='baltravensrj55' timestamp='1346520022' post='1136602']
Key factors: Torrey vs their said CB, an most importantly Flacco needs to continue to elevate his throwing game as he has demonstrated this preseason and in particular game 3. I expect our defense to allow probably 25+ points, but I hope I am wrong.
[/quote]

1. It will be the first time Joes throwing has to work against a defensive scheme and not just man to man coverage. I agree with you, that seeing how this no-huddle offense-look looks in action will be the most important match-up. More importantly for me. If it doesn't work right away, will our coaches drop it immediately? This game will really show, just how much confidence Harbs and Cam have in Flacco.

2. Will our receivers get separation? That has been a huge problem last season. Torrey Smiths route running looked improved in pre-season. It will be interesting to see, if he will be just as productive in a "live situation" against a good defense. It's important, because due to Torrey, Jacoby and our new TE Billy actually getting touches things opened up in the middle for Anquan. It's all connected together and we will have to see how "creative" Cam can get in his play-calling. (personally I am still not holding my breath )

3. How good will our defense look? It's a given they will be good, but how good? Will the pass rush look better than in those pre-season games? I hope. Will our corners be able to cover those great Bengals receivers? They better.

The Bengals are a solid team in all aspects of the game. If we perform well here, things will look up for us this season.

[Ravenseconbeast]

[quote name='K-Dog' timestamp='1346527627' post='1136703']
We barely beat them both games last year.
[/quote]

Not really. 2-0 against them and I like our chances vs them. They're still Bungals to me

[NaveSenrag]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1346531673' post='1136754']
1. It will be the first time Joes throwing has to work against a defensive scheme and not just man to man coverage. I agree with you, that seeing how this no-huddle offense-look looks in action will be the most important match-up. More importantly for me. If it doesn't work right away, will our coaches drop it immediately? This game will really show, just how much confidence Harbs and Cam have in Flacco.

2. Will our receivers get separation? That has been a huge problem last season. Torrey Smiths route running looked improved in pre-season. It will be interesting to see, if he will be just as productive in a "live situation" against a good defense. It's important, because due to Torrey, Jacoby and our new TE Billy actually getting touches things opened up in the middle for Anquan. It's all connected together and we will have to see how "creative" Cam can get in his play-calling. (personally I am still not holding my breath )

3. How good will our defense look? It's a given they will be good, but how good? Will the pass rush look better than in those pre-season games? I hope. Will our corners be able to cover those great Bengals receivers? They better.

The Bengals are a solid team in all aspects of the game. If we perform well here, things will look up for us this season.
[/quote]
Their O-line isn't in very good shape. They have a backup at one of the guard spots, and a bargain bin guy at center because they didn't have a backup. It's decent, but I wouldn't say solid at this point in the season.

[The Raven]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' timestamp='1346532074' post='1136758']
Not really. 2-0 against them and I like our chances vs them. They're still Bungals to me
[/quote]

You're crazy. They are definitely not the Bungles. And we beat them by 8 and by 7. I would consider those to be somewhat close games.

[PolishRifle]

[quote name='NaveSenrag' timestamp='1346533231' post='1136772']
Their O-line isn't in very good shape. They have a backup at one of the guard spots, and a bargain bin guy at center because they didn't have a backup. It's decent, but I wouldn't say solid at this point in the season.
[/quote]

Sorry, I still don't know a whole lot about all of the other NFL teams. That word "Polish" in my nickname is not just for show. You got to forgive a European Ravens fan here.^^
I still think the Bengals are at least solid. They still have a good defense, right? (7th ranked last year) And A.J. Green will still be challenge for our defense.
I am not saying our guys won't win though, don't get me wrong.

[RavensPunkXVX]

All eyes have to be on Joe Flacco. I just wonder how Cam is going to handle it. Are we going to get the elite QB Joe Flacco or is Rice going to get a lot of carries. I believe in the last game, Rice tore them up. Plus, I think their defense is a little banged up.

Speaking of AJ Green, Webb should handle him nicely. The guy that ripped us in the last couple of games was Simpson who is longer there, so that might be good for our corners.

On defense, we just have to get to the ball, whether it be safety blitzes, we need Kindle/Kruger/Upshaw (if he plays) to the QB. I say we win this one. Our offense just has to produce and I think it will, we have a lot of weapons. Our offense shines and our defense plays consistently/smart.

[Malkavian Raven]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]IMO, this is one of those games where every match-up could play a huge factor.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]The front seven of Cincinnati can cause a lot of havoc, and with our carousel of an O-Line appears to have their footing now but we'll see what they do. I think they are still a question mark coming into this game.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]On the reverse side of that, will the Ravens front seven be able to cause enough pocket pressure and throw Dalton & his receivers timing off? We didn't see them getting much pressure this preseason, so again -- another question mark.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]And "calling all running backs", their production will land on the heels of my two prior points.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]Another is the QBs vs the DBs. I don't see Flacco making too many mistakes this year because of the level he is playing at right now. The AFCCG against the Patriots gave him a huge confidence boost, he's getting his reads in, getting the ball out quick and on target to receivers who are getting open.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i][u]The X-factor is going to be Dalton.[/u] If the Law Firm can get the running game going, it'll open things up for Dalton & Green. We can't afford to have Dalton & Green making a spectacle out of Jimmy Smith. I have faith he is going to step it up in the regular season.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]The last match-up, our special teams play. We know Koch is solid. Tucker has been tested, but now we're going to see what he'll bring to the table in the long run. Everyone else is a question mark, including BA (he knows it). If special teams doesn't execute on the defensive side of the ball, we're going to be in for a long night.[/i][/font]

[font=trebuchet ms,helvetica,sans-serif][i]~ Malkavian Raven[/i][/font]

[RavensPunkXVX]

Jimmy Smith better not be covering AJ Green. You put Webb on him. All game.

That leaves Jimmy to cover their number two, whoever it is. Hawkins at 5'7" or Brandon Tate or the rookie.

[Donte]

[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1346529693' post='1136731']
Bengals front 7 is really good, when they are healthy. There is a good chance that Carlos Dunlap will miss this game which is a big blow. I think we will be able to run and pass the ball as long as we keep the tempo up and keep applying pressure. I am hoping we see a lot of no huddle like we saw during the preseason.

I think our defense can handle them as well. AJ Green and Gresham are their only real offensive threats and we have the secondary to match up very well. I too believe Dalton is a bit overrated. He had a nice rookie campaign against bad teams, but when he went up against the big boys his play fell off. Their running game will struggle and I have to believe BJGE will underwhelm for them.
[/quote]
[quote name='gabefergy' timestamp='1346529693' post='1136731']
Bengals front 7 is really good, when they are healthy. There is a good chance that Carlos Dunlap will miss this game which is a big blow. I think we will be able to run and pass the ball as long as we keep the tempo up and keep applying pressure. I am hoping we see a lot of no huddle like we saw during the preseason.

I think our defense can handle them as well. AJ Green and Gresham are their only real offensive threats and we have the secondary to match up very well. I too believe Dalton is a bit overrated. He had a nice rookie campaign against bad teams, but when he went up against the big boys his play fell off. Their running game will struggle and I have to believe BJGE will underwhelm for them.
[/quote]

I agree with you...if we can control Green and Gresham then we should be just fine.....they didnt even know who would start next to Green and gresham is imo the biggest threat to out LB and Reed..if he bumps into Pollard then i think he will feel it

[Donte]

lol i just remembered about Williams being a bengal last year...his knowledge should help us with there defense

[codizzle]

Anyone who thinks this should be an easy game is crazy. The bengals are a good team.

[BMORElegacy]

[quote name='K-Dog' timestamp='1346527627' post='1136703']
We barely beat them both games last year.
[/quote]Rice ran all over them in the second game last year...

[izvoodoo]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1346540398' post='1136834']
Rice ran all over them in the second game last year...
[/quote]
He had two big runs. Apart from that not really.

[NaveSenrag]

[quote name='PolishRifle' timestamp='1346535038' post='1136793']
Sorry, I still don't know a whole lot about all of the other NFL teams. That word "Polish" in my nickname is not just for show. You got to forgive a European Ravens fan here.^^
I still think the Bengals are at least solid. They still have a good defense, right? (7th ranked last year) And A.J. Green will still be challenge for our defense.
I am not saying our guys won't win though, don't get me wrong.
[/quote]
Oh, totally. If they were healthy, the Bengals would probably be the most balanced team in the NFL. I would expect them to be top ten in every aspect of the game this year. Our games with them will probably be some of the toughest on our schedule. That said, I still see us winning both, and this one pretty handily.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='Ravenseconbeast' timestamp='1346532074' post='1136758']


Not really. 2-0 against them and I like our chances vs them. They're still Bungals to me
[/quote]

yes really.
Any thing less than a two TD victory is barely winning in my book. I dont recall what the lead was, but I recall the whole game being a nail biter.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='The Raven' timestamp='1346533240' post='1136773']


You're crazy. They are definitely not the Bungles. And we beat them by 8 and by 7. I would consider those to be somewhat close games.
[/quote]

Oh that was the score?
Thanks.
Yeah, I would call that close and barely beating them.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='NaveSenrag' timestamp='1346544275' post='1136881']
[b]Oh, totally. If they were healthy, the Bengals would probably be the most balanced team in the NFL.[/b] [b]I would expect them to be top ten in every aspect of the game this year.[/b] Our games with them will probably be some of the toughest on our schedule. That said, I still see us winning both, and this one pretty handily.
[/quote]

Defensively, they've certainly got talent but I'm not too impressed with them on offense. Outside of Green and Gresham (who they underutilize), they don't have any established weapons, Dalton isn't that at the stage where he can elevate the play of those around him, their o-line is okay at-best and their RBs are just as mediocre.

[K-Dog]

[quote name='BMORElegacy' timestamp='1346540398' post='1136834']
Rice ran all over them in the second game last year...
[/quote]
Maybe he did, but it was a close game all the way through.

[beasy2487]

[quote name='codizzle' timestamp='1346539053' post='1136825']
Anyone who thinks this should be an easy game is crazy. The bengals are a good team.
[/quote]

Agree. But one thing that makes me confident is we know Cam can put together a heck of a gameplan when given all offseason lol.