Jackson Aims to Put Cincinnati’s Season to Rest Early

A Re-Lit Rivalry

Everyone knows the mental and physical toughnesses needed to play in the AFC North. Every matchup seems like a bar fight to the final whistle no matter the teams. Sunday gives us another chapter in the Ravens-Bengals rivalry, a longtime feud that seems bigger than ever. Just ask Roquan Smith, who told reporters Thursday, “I’m pretty sure they don’t like us and we don’t like them.”

It’s a fair statement given the recent history between the two squads. The Ravens and Bengals have each taken home 2 division titles in the last four seasons, found their franchise quarterbacks, and believe their Super Bowl window is sitting right in front of them. We’ve seen scores run-up, stats boosted, late hits, and all the soundbites you could dream of during these past few matchups. It’s one of the few true rivalries remaining in the NFL, and when you put both these quarterbacks on the field, you’re bound to see some fireworks.

Head-to-head Lamar Jackson holds the upper hand on Joe Burrow with a 4-1 record. In those five games, Jackson has thrown for 1,112 yards, 8 TDs, 2 INTs, and ran for 257 yards on the ground. Jackson is an impressive 8-2 overall as a starter against Cincinnati including a current 3-game winning streak heading into Sunday. Burrow and the Bengals enter the game coming off their first win of the season in a 34-24 victory over the Panthers. The Bengals offense can take over if given the chance, but Jackson and the Ravens are looking to dash the chances of their rival’s playoff hopes. 

Leaning on the Ravens Run Game

The Ravens have leaned heavily on the run game over the last two games. It’s no fault to Jackson who’s looked real solid delivering from the pocket to begin the year. When you have a one-two punch of Jackson and Derrick Henry in the run game, it’s a major mismatch for opposing defenses. Jackson leads the NFL in carries (23), yards (181), and rushing yards over expected (+49) on designed runs this season. It’s clear when you turn on the tape, the quickness and speed of Jackson, especially when running a read option. He has the ability to tear up a defense. Lamar just continues to make grown men miss at the line of scrimmage while in his 7th season.

Despite the uptick in the run game, the Ravens have taken a more conservative approach in their passing attack. Jackson has an average depth of target of 7.8 yards, mixing it up between screens and intermediate routes. Getting the ball out quickly and including his guys out of the backfield was a key piece in the Ravens success over the Bills. Going up against the 25th ranked rushing defense this week, could open up some more opportunities for the Ravens on the ground and through the screen game. 

Shutting Down Another Top QB

Coming off season ending wrist surgery a year ago, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are more than underperforming through 4 weeks. A 1-3 start including home losses to the Patriots and Commanders is not where people thought Cincinnati would be entering Week 5. Not all the blame can be directed towards the offense though, as the Bengals rank 6th in passing and 9th in scoring. The Ravens have shown in the past few matchups however, ways to slow down Burrow and this deadly passing attack.

Taking away deep routes and forcing the Bengals to take routes underneath, gave the Ravens matchups to utilize their speedy linebackers last season. Trenton Simpson’s improving play in coverage will need to show up this week, as Roquan Smith continues to struggle in pass defense. Keeping contain on Burrow, will allow the Ravens the best chance of not allowing the explosive plays in the passing game. If given the time, Burrow has the chemistry with his receivers and skill to extend plays when everything breaks down. With the Bengals 23rd ranked rushing attack going up against the leagues best run defense in the Ravens, you have to expect the game plan to lean heavily on Joe Burrow. If the Ravens can continue to shut down the run game and get ongoing pressure on Burrow, the Bengals could walk away with their 4th home loss of the season.

[A New Weapon for Lamar?]

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