Ravens Insider: Bengals' passing game has weapons - The inside scoop and analysis on the team from The Baltimore Sun's Ravens columnist and Ravens beat writer.

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Bengals' passing game has weapons

The Bengals are near the bottom in just about every offensive category, but the Ravens will respect their passing game because of big-play receivers Chad Johnson, Chris Henry and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Ryan Fitzpatrick has replaced Carson Palmer at quarterback, and the Bengals' passing game is still basically vertical.

In this game, the Ravens need to get out front early and then pound the football. If they can get an early lead, that will take the crowd out of the game, and possibly turn them against the Bengals. But with Johnson or Henry, the Bengals can strike from anywhere on the field and that's what has the Ravens concerned.

Posted by Mike Preston on November 26, 2008 2:16 PM | Permalink

Comments

Ravens secondary (little guys) is going to have big problems tacking Houshmandzadeh and covering Johnson and Henry. They need to get a big rush on.

Posted by: Rages | November 27, 2008 7:44 AM

Is it just me noticing that all the Raven's poll questions are being answered in overwhelmingly negative fashion?.. Asked if the Ravens will beat the Bengals this Sunday over 1400 responded 'No'.. I'm gonna write this off as rival fans paying a little more attention to Baltimore media lately.. Do I smell concerned Steelers fans?

Posted by: J-Ott | November 27, 2008 10:41 AM

If the ravens can stop the run, which they should be able to do, they will force the Bengals to go in the air. This will set up the Ravens defense nicely so they can put pressure on the QB with their blitz packages. I have to think the defense will force Fitzpatrick to make bad throws which could result in some interceptions. I do not think the Bengals offense will move the ball consistantly and that could also make them give up early in the game as long as Flacco and company can put points up on the board. This game should be a blowout, but like any other NFL game, anything can happen on any given Sunday.

Posted by: MIke | November 27, 2008 12:22 PM

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About the bloggers

Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football. E-mail Mike.

Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland.