Bengals Preview

Before each game this season, we will bring you five pluses and minuses the Ravens will face as they get ready to compete.  The opponent for the season opener is division rival Cincinnati Bengals. 

+’s

1) Joe Flacco: This week marks the first game of the Joe Flacco era for the Baltimore Ravens.  As fans try to erase the memory of the failed Kyle Boller experiment, Flacco brings hope and excitement to a city starving for its next great quarterback.  The newly acquired offensive tackle (and former Bengal) Willie Andersonwill help add depth to a young offensive line tasked to protect Flacco in the pocket.

2) Haloti Ngata: With the health of the secondary already in question, Ngata’s ability to plow through offensive lineman will be more important than ever.  Poised for a pro bowl season, this force of nature will have to storm down on opposing quarterbacks and running backs.

3) Ray Rice: The Ravens second round draft pick will be an essential part of the offense, especially the first few weeks of the season.  While Willis McGahee may play this week, he will be far from 100% having missed the majority of training camp.  Rice will get his first opportunity against a historically wretched Bengals run defense. 

4) Special Teams: As the new head coach, and a former special teams coordinator, John Harbaugh will emphasize the importance of this unit.  With the additions of Brendon Ayanbadejo, Haruki Nakamura, and Tom Zbikowski, the team should have all the blockers in place to spring second year return man Yamon Figurs for some huge yardage.  As a Chicago Bear, Ayanbadejo was a key factor in the success of superstar Devin Hester.  Lastly, the ever dependable Matt Stover is sure to see as much action as ever, once again proving himself to be one of the all-time great place kickers.

5) Opening Day: Until the success of the Orioles youth movement comes to fruition, the summer will be spent clamoring for Ravens football.  Finally, that day has arrived and the John Harbaugh era begins!!!  Bet the house that the fans will bring the noise while the Ravens bring the pain.

 

-’s

1) Joe Flacco: The QB of the future is now the QB of the present.  It’s only natural to expect rookie mistakes (even if it is against the Bengals defense) as the Delaware product steps onto the field for the first time.  While poise is one of Flacco’s greatest assets, it would be hard to imagine he won’t be nervous playing in front all 70,000+ of the M&T Bank Stadium faithful. 

 

2) Offensive Line:  The Ravens young offensive line only played together for one quarter in the fourth and final preseason game.  They held their blocks and protected the quarterback in a game where the main goal is to avoid injury prior to the regular season.  Protecting a rookie quarterback in his first start is a daunting task for any offensive line.  They will need to hold their blocks while Flacco goes through his progression slower than a more experienced player normally would.  Luckily, Ray Rice and Willis McGahee (if he plays) have the ability to make something out of nothing if the line can’t open up any holes.

 

3) Receiving Corp: Simply put, it’s time for Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams to carry their weight on this team.  Both players need to mature in Cam Cameron’s offensive system and prove to the organization that they are not draft busts.  While Derrick Mason will undoubtedly be the number one receiver, at 34 years old, he can’t take the pounding that he did last year. Tight ends Daniel Wilcox and Todd Heap need to stay healthy for an entire season.  Edgar Jones is still new to the position.  He will likely be used predominantly as a blocker in running situations.

 

4) Secondary:  Chris McAlister is still nursing a knee injury.  Samari Rolle is still learning how to manage epilepsy and play at a high level.  Fabian Washington and Derrick Martin are suspended for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.  Although Ed Reed fully participated in practice this week, his status for the game is uncertain due to a potentially career threatening nerve injury in his shoulder.  Corey Ivy, Frank Walker, newly signed Evan Oglesby, and Jim Leonard will have to step up in a big way. 

 

5) Bengals Offense: Carson Palmer has a history of finding the now legally donned Ocho Cinco and TJ Houshmandzadeh early and often against a healthy Ravens defense.  With almost half of the Ravens secondary inactive or hurting, this could get ugly in a hurry.  However, the Ravens should have no problems shutting down Cincy’s running back tandem of Chris Perry and Kenny Watson.