Reilly
11-23-2005, 04:37 AM
Baltimore (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=33) (3-7, 0-5 away) at Cincinnati (http://sports-att.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?teamId=4) (7-3, 3-2 home)
Why To Watch
Indianapolis exposed vulnerabilities in the Cincinnati pass defense last week but whether or not Baltimore can take advantage of those weaknesses depends on the play of QB Kyle Boller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6355). While the Ravens have the weapons to sustain long drives with an efficient passing attack, Boller needs to take what the defense gives him and deliver the ball with confidence. If he tries to force the big play or he isn't accurate, the Bengals have the playmakers in the secondary to generate some critical turnovers. Baltimore will try to take some pressure off Boller by consistently attacking the heart of the Cincinnati run defense on first and second downs. The hope is this will keep the Bengals off balance and create more manageable third-down situations for Boller.
Cincinnati will counter with a balanced attack but look for it to use the passing game to set up the running game for two reasons. The first is the Ravens' secondary will have problems matching up with the Bengals' multiple-receiver sets. That means QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) will have some favorable to matchups to exploit. The second reason is this approach could produce some big plays that result in an early lead and forces the Ravens to abandon the run in an effort to come back.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/bal_34_rf.jpgWhen the Ravens have the ball
Rushing: Baltimore gave backup RB Chester Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6142) more carries than Jamal Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5034) last week and don't be surprised to see that trend continue. While Lewis has appeared hesitant and he isn't consistently breaking tackles like he has in the past, Taylor is getting through holes quickly and he's regularly making the first defender miss. In addition, Lewis, who lost four fumbles this year, isn't protecting the football. With injuries weakening the depth on defense and making it vulnerable to wearing down over the course of the game, the Ravens cannot afford to turn the ball over. They cannot give the dynamic Bengals' offense any added opportunities to put points on the board or quality starting field position.
Look for both runners to have most of their success running between the tackles. Cincinnati's DTs Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105) and John Thorton are having problems holding their ground at the point of attack. Their inability to occupy blockers forces rookie MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224) to fight through more traffic and flatten his pursuit angles. As a result, he is making tackles three-to-four yards downfield rather than at the line of scrimmage. In addition, a Bengals' linebacker corps that starts Thurman and fellow rookie SLB David Pollack (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7193) can be overaggressive and the defenders get caught out of position at times. This is important because Taylor has the vision to recognize when a defender overruns the hole and the lateral mobility to cut back.
Passing: Against Indianapolis last week, Cincinnati DCs Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603) and Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) frequently lined up in press position. The Bengals will likely take a similar approach this week because they want their corners in position to help out in run support and more importantly, it plays to the strengths of the corners. James masks his lack of ideal speed with his physical style of play and O'Neal tends to gamble too much when he plays off the ball. However, this approach clearly didn't work as well as hoped and one of the biggest reasons for the break downs was neither James nor O'Neal showed great burst coming out of his backpedal. This allowed the Colts' receivers to get open underneath despite the tight coverage. Cincinnati needs to be more aggressive this week because WRs Derrick Mason (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3988) and Mark Clayton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7198) are crisp short-to-intermediate route-runners that are capable of getting open quickly. It's also important to note that getting Mason and Clayton the ball on the outside will draw attention away from the middle of the field where the Bengals' pass defense is vulnerable to giving up the big play. While SS Ifeanyi Ohalete (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5741) delivers some big hits, he lacks the natural ability to stay with TE Todd Heap (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5478).
Although Boller should have some favorable mismatches to exploit, there are two reasons to believe he'll struggle. The first reason is his throwing motion hasn't been fundamentally sound. He isn't stepping into his throws and he isn't always throwing over the top either. In other words he's pushing the ball downfield rather than throwing it, which makes it difficult for him to put good zip on his passes. That doesn't bode well for Baltimore because the Bengals lead the league in interceptions (21). The second reason is the Ravens' pass protection has been inconsistent at best. With Tony Pashos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6509) replacing Orlando Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3018) at right tackle last week and Edwin Mulitalo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4779) expected to start rotating with Brian Rimpf (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7005) at left guard, the offensive line has been in a state of flux resulting in some breakdowns.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: Cincinnati has actually thrown the ball more than it has ran the ball this year and don't be surprised to see the passing game setting up the running game. The Bengals have the weapons to exploit an inconsistent Baltimore pass defense that is dealing with several injuries. Taking advantage early will force the Ravens' safeties to play a little deeper and get their pass rush flying upfield. Cincinnati is running a fair amount of delayed handoffs and draws. Since these plays take a little longer to develop, defensive linemen get farther upfield, creating excellent seams for the backs. Johnson and Perry have both done a good job of hitting those seams and both are dangerous in the open field, as Johnson can run defensive backs over and Perry shows a second gear.
Part of their success is attributed to FB Jeremi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6454). Johnson has excellent instincts and a great feel for the intention of each play. Johnson rarely gets caught up in traffic or tries to reach a specific assignment when the defender takes himself out of the play. He should have success reaching Baltimore's linebackers as a result. In the event Ray Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3542) can't play, Johnson should have success neutralizing backup Tommy Polley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5489).
Passing: DC Samari Rolle (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4305) sustained a concussion last week and his status is unknown at this point. SS Ed Reed (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5910) has missed the past five games with an ankle injury. Making matters worse is Reed's backup, Chad Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6144), has struggled in relief and nickel back Deion Sanders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=589) isn't playing well either. Look for Cincinnati to exploit the Ravens' banged up secondary by going to multiple-receiver sets on downs with pass-heavy tendencies. Spreading the field will make it more difficult for Baltimore to double any one receiver and create some favorable matchups. That's not good news for the Ravens because Bengals' No. 3 Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) is developing into a playmaker and the versatile Perry has been effective when lining up at wide receiver.
Of course, it won't matter how open his receivers are if Palmer doesn't get enough time to go through his reads or space to step into his throws. Look for Baltimore to try to protect its vulnerable secondary with pressure. Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is creative and he will throw a number of different looks, including fronts with two, three and four down linemen at Cincinnati. The reason Ryan likes to use the three-man and two-man fronts is Terrell Suggs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6346) is the only true threat as a pass rusher that lines up at defensive end and he can line up at linebacker as well. As a result, playing more linebackers gives Baltimore personnel that is better suited for the situation and it allows Ryan to bring pressure from different areas. The Bengals' pass protection must stay on the same page and adjust to the different looks or Palmer will take some big hits.
Why To Watch
Indianapolis exposed vulnerabilities in the Cincinnati pass defense last week but whether or not Baltimore can take advantage of those weaknesses depends on the play of QB Kyle Boller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6355). While the Ravens have the weapons to sustain long drives with an efficient passing attack, Boller needs to take what the defense gives him and deliver the ball with confidence. If he tries to force the big play or he isn't accurate, the Bengals have the playmakers in the secondary to generate some critical turnovers. Baltimore will try to take some pressure off Boller by consistently attacking the heart of the Cincinnati run defense on first and second downs. The hope is this will keep the Bengals off balance and create more manageable third-down situations for Boller.
Cincinnati will counter with a balanced attack but look for it to use the passing game to set up the running game for two reasons. The first is the Ravens' secondary will have problems matching up with the Bengals' multiple-receiver sets. That means QB Carson Palmer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6337) will have some favorable to matchups to exploit. The second reason is this approach could produce some big plays that result in an early lead and forces the Ravens to abandon the run in an effort to come back.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/bal_34_rf.jpgWhen the Ravens have the ball
Rushing: Baltimore gave backup RB Chester Taylor (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6142) more carries than Jamal Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5034) last week and don't be surprised to see that trend continue. While Lewis has appeared hesitant and he isn't consistently breaking tackles like he has in the past, Taylor is getting through holes quickly and he's regularly making the first defender miss. In addition, Lewis, who lost four fumbles this year, isn't protecting the football. With injuries weakening the depth on defense and making it vulnerable to wearing down over the course of the game, the Ravens cannot afford to turn the ball over. They cannot give the dynamic Bengals' offense any added opportunities to put points on the board or quality starting field position.
Look for both runners to have most of their success running between the tackles. Cincinnati's DTs Bryan Robinson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4105) and John Thorton are having problems holding their ground at the point of attack. Their inability to occupy blockers forces rookie MLB Odell Thurman (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7224) to fight through more traffic and flatten his pursuit angles. As a result, he is making tackles three-to-four yards downfield rather than at the line of scrimmage. In addition, a Bengals' linebacker corps that starts Thurman and fellow rookie SLB David Pollack (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7193) can be overaggressive and the defenders get caught out of position at times. This is important because Taylor has the vision to recognize when a defender overruns the hole and the lateral mobility to cut back.
Passing: Against Indianapolis last week, Cincinnati DCs Tory James (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3603) and Deltha O'Neal (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5044) frequently lined up in press position. The Bengals will likely take a similar approach this week because they want their corners in position to help out in run support and more importantly, it plays to the strengths of the corners. James masks his lack of ideal speed with his physical style of play and O'Neal tends to gamble too much when he plays off the ball. However, this approach clearly didn't work as well as hoped and one of the biggest reasons for the break downs was neither James nor O'Neal showed great burst coming out of his backpedal. This allowed the Colts' receivers to get open underneath despite the tight coverage. Cincinnati needs to be more aggressive this week because WRs Derrick Mason (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3988) and Mark Clayton (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7198) are crisp short-to-intermediate route-runners that are capable of getting open quickly. It's also important to note that getting Mason and Clayton the ball on the outside will draw attention away from the middle of the field where the Bengals' pass defense is vulnerable to giving up the big play. While SS Ifeanyi Ohalete (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5741) delivers some big hits, he lacks the natural ability to stay with TE Todd Heap (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5478).
Although Boller should have some favorable mismatches to exploit, there are two reasons to believe he'll struggle. The first reason is his throwing motion hasn't been fundamentally sound. He isn't stepping into his throws and he isn't always throwing over the top either. In other words he's pushing the ball downfield rather than throwing it, which makes it difficult for him to put good zip on his passes. That doesn't bode well for Baltimore because the Bengals lead the league in interceptions (21). The second reason is the Ravens' pass protection has been inconsistent at best. With Tony Pashos (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6509) replacing Orlando Brown (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3018) at right tackle last week and Edwin Mulitalo (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4779) expected to start rotating with Brian Rimpf (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7005) at left guard, the offensive line has been in a state of flux resulting in some breakdowns.
http://espn.starwave.com/nfl/gamepackage/i/helmets/cin_34_rf.jpg When the Bengals have the ball
Rushing: Cincinnati has actually thrown the ball more than it has ran the ball this year and don't be surprised to see the passing game setting up the running game. The Bengals have the weapons to exploit an inconsistent Baltimore pass defense that is dealing with several injuries. Taking advantage early will force the Ravens' safeties to play a little deeper and get their pass rush flying upfield. Cincinnati is running a fair amount of delayed handoffs and draws. Since these plays take a little longer to develop, defensive linemen get farther upfield, creating excellent seams for the backs. Johnson and Perry have both done a good job of hitting those seams and both are dangerous in the open field, as Johnson can run defensive backs over and Perry shows a second gear.
Part of their success is attributed to FB Jeremi Johnson (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6454). Johnson has excellent instincts and a great feel for the intention of each play. Johnson rarely gets caught up in traffic or tries to reach a specific assignment when the defender takes himself out of the play. He should have success reaching Baltimore's linebackers as a result. In the event Ray Lewis (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=3542) can't play, Johnson should have success neutralizing backup Tommy Polley (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5489).
Passing: DC Samari Rolle (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=4305) sustained a concussion last week and his status is unknown at this point. SS Ed Reed (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=5910) has missed the past five games with an ankle injury. Making matters worse is Reed's backup, Chad Williams (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6144), has struggled in relief and nickel back Deion Sanders (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=589) isn't playing well either. Look for Cincinnati to exploit the Ravens' banged up secondary by going to multiple-receiver sets on downs with pass-heavy tendencies. Spreading the field will make it more difficult for Baltimore to double any one receiver and create some favorable matchups. That's not good news for the Ravens because Bengals' No. 3 Chris Henry (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=7259) is developing into a playmaker and the versatile Perry has been effective when lining up at wide receiver.
Of course, it won't matter how open his receivers are if Palmer doesn't get enough time to go through his reads or space to step into his throws. Look for Baltimore to try to protect its vulnerable secondary with pressure. Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is creative and he will throw a number of different looks, including fronts with two, three and four down linemen at Cincinnati. The reason Ryan likes to use the three-man and two-man fronts is Terrell Suggs (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/players/profile?statsId=6346) is the only true threat as a pass rusher that lines up at defensive end and he can line up at linebacker as well. As a result, playing more linebackers gives Baltimore personnel that is better suited for the situation and it allows Ryan to bring pressure from different areas. The Bengals' pass protection must stay on the same page and adjust to the different looks or Palmer will take some big hits.