I’ll be the first to admit, I’m concerned about the game on Sunday. If you aren’t worried, I’m not sure how true of a Ravens’ fan you

really are. Considering Baltimore ended up losing to this Cincinnati squad a couple of weeks ago, there is no reason to think that this game is an automatic win. Don’t believe me? Let me reiterate. The Ravens LOST to the Bengals once already this season.

Since that loss, the Bengals roll hasn’t seemed to let up. Granted, they’ve lost a game in the time since their victory over the purple and black, the fact of the matter is that they’ve also destroyed the Bears by 35 points. It’s hard to wrap your head around a win by that much; Compared to the Ravens biggest win this season, a 34-3 win against the Cleveland Browns, the Bengals match up nicely. Their loss to Houston is actually a respectable defeat, which is surprising since it came to a team that holds the reputation of a perennial loser.

Baltimore needs for it’s defense to play the same type of game as they did against the Denver Broncos. Greg Mattison called an obviously more aggressive game, sending the blitz and letting the leaders do what they do best. Kyle Orton felt pressure all game, Ed Reed forced a turnover only feet from the line of scrimmage, and the Ravens made a stout offensive line’s effort look hardly better than a pee-wee league performance. Images of previous years’ dominance popped into our heads as we watched Ray Lewis and company pick apart the Denver offense.

The problem is that we have no idea whether the Ravens of last week will show up for Sunday’s game. Against Cincinnati, they only gave up 17 points, but the play was sloppy. We’ve all seen the games during which the cornerbacks might as well have watched the game from home. Minnesota had it’s way in the passing game, as did San Diego. So what will the difference maker be in order for fans to see the defense that we all were expecting to be visible every game this season?

For one, WR Chris Henry needs to be contained. The Ravens have built a slight reputation of being able to give up the easy pass over the middle for simple yardage. Teams can drive down the field easily as long as Baltimore gives up that short pass without contest. Henry, along with Wes Welker for the Patriots, is one of the best at exploiting defenses for short yardage via the slot route. He showed it in the first game between these two teams this season, posting 3 receptions, one of which went for 73 yards. Without containment of the quick Cincinnati receiver, the Ravens stand the chance of suffering more frustrating drives that lead to people wondering, “how did they end up losing that game”?

Another aspect of the Bengals that needs to be shut down is Carson Palmer. He posted 271 passing yards on an almost 60% pass completion against Baltimore in the last meeting, due mainly to the inability of the Ravens’ D to get pressure on the dangerous QB. With Palmer at the helm, the Bengals will always provide a threat to throw the ball with success, especially with a receiver like Chad Ochocinco. Last week, the Ravens proved that they are capable of shutting down an accurate quarterback; This week, they need to continue to do so and not allow Palmer any room to maneuver.

Will Cedric Benson be a factor this week? Don't count on it.

While some may think that Cedric Benson is a big reason why the Bengals match up well against Baltimore, the fact is that the running game doesn’t provide as much of a threat as the air attack. Benson, who was the first running back to put up over 100 yards against the Baltimore defense since 2007, will face his struggles this week as long as the Ravens continue to remain unpredictable on defensive packages. Greg Mattison figured it out last week, and we can only hope that his knowledge of confusing offenses will remain in tact.

Cincinnati looked human against the Houston Texans, and the Ravens have the capability of knocking them off this week. With the thought of redemption in the back of their minds, every player on the Ravens roster will be ready to go full force. ESPN claims that Terrell Suggs is the difference maker in this game. I believe it will be a man that is not on the field, but the coach calling the defensive plays from the sideline- Greg Mattison. The shoes he has needed to fill all season are large, but the man would not be in the position he is in if the Ravens’ front office did not think he could do it. The performance last week was a flash of what things could be if the Ravens’ defense can become consistant. For once, the offense is the least of the worries, and the team needs to take full advantage.

Prediction:

Ravens 24, Bengals 14

You heard it here.