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The Beat with Aaron Wilson - SCOUTING REPORT: Ravens v. Bengals
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Posted On: 11/11/07
Written By:
Who has the Edge?
Ravens Offense
Total (23) Rushing (19) Passing (24)
Quarterback
Steve McNair is undergoing a midseason career crisis, struggling with his ball security, accuracy, arm strength, mobility and decision-making. He looked as if he was playing in slow motion Monday night in a 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, fumbling twice, intercepted once and sacked five times. The mob is yelling for Kyle Boller to be reinserted. Who would have thought that would ever happen?
Running back
Willis McGahee is quietly having the second-best rushing season in franchise history. He's on pace to run for 1,387 yards, topped only by Jamal Lewis' 2066-yard campaign in 2003. The Ravens don't make enough use of the former Pro Bowl runner, though.
Receivers
Derrick Mason is tied with the Cincinnati Bengals' T.J. Houshmandzadeh with 62 receptions for the most catches in the NFL, and is on pace for 124 catches, second only all-time to the Indianapolis Colts' Marvin Harrison's 143 receptions. Tight end Todd Heap is expected to return today from a hamstring strain. Young wideouts Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams' anticipated breakthrough seasons haven't materialized.
Offensive line
Jonathan Ogden was exposed on speed rushes by former Ravens linebacker James Harrison, who notched AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors with three 1/2 sacks, nine tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and an interception. The steadiest player on the line right now is rookie right guard Ben Grubbs, the team's promising first-round draft pick.
Ravens Defense
Total (3) Rushing (3) Passing (10)
Total (3) Rushing (3) Passing (10)
Defensive line
Trevor Pryce missed a few sacks because he was unable to tackle properly due to a cast to protect his left wrist. He might shed the cast today. Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata were stout against the run inside, but didn't create penetration.
Linebackers
Terrell Suggs' tackling was subpar against Pittsburgh and his hits were often late on Ben Roethlisberger. Bart Scott remains hopping mad at how Hines Ward laid him out on national television, threatening the scrappy wide receiver. Ray Lewis called out the offense again, but what else is new? Jarret Johnson has been a steady performer as Adalius Thomas' replacement.
Secondary
The scorched-earth philosophy applies here. Derrick Martin and David Pittman were toasted several times by the Steelers. There's a possibility that the Ravens could be without three starters today since cornerback Samari Rolle (illness) has already been ruled out and cornerback Chris McAlister (knee) and safety Ed Reed (head, neck) are question marks.
Special teams
Kicker Matt Stover is recovering well from a right leg injury, and will likely yield to Rhys Lloyd on kickoffs again today. Cory Ross might be needed to step in on punt and kickoff returns due to Yamon Figurs' knee injury. Linebacker Gary Stills is having another banner year in kick coverage, as is fullback Justin Green.
Kicker Matt Stover is recovering well from a right leg injury, and will likely yield to Rhys Lloyd on kickoffs again today. Cory Ross might be needed to step in on punt and kickoff returns due to Yamon Figurs' knee injury. Linebacker Gary Stills is having another banner year in kick coverage, as is fullback Justin Green.
Bengals Offense
Total (7) Rushing (28) Passing (5)
Quarterback
Carson Palmer is one of the most precise, big-armed pocket passers in the league. He has owned the Ravens lately. He has rarely been sacked and usually takes advantage of whatever passing lanes are available to him. He has the advantages of excellent personnel outside and a solid offensive line.
Running back
Rudi Johnson has been splitting time with Kenny Watson since returning from a hamstring injury. This isn't vintage Rudi, though. The Bengals' running game is suspect and neither back is a popular pick with wise fantasy football owners.
Receivers
T.J. Houshmandzadeh has supplanted Chad Johnson as the Bengals' go-to guy. Although Johnson remains dangerous, it's Houshmandzadeh that's the more reliable, clutch target. The return of troubled wideout Chris Henry after an eight-game suspension should provide a boost to this already-formidable receiving corps.
Offensive line
Willie Anderson is out this week, which could give Trevor Pryce an opening on the right side. Left tackle Levi Jones usually wins these matchups against former college teammate Terrell Suggs. Inside, Andrew Whitworth is a mauler at left guard.
Bengals Defense
Total (31) Rushing (28) Passing (28)
Defensive line
Robert Geathers is the headliner, displaying loads of athleticism. However, he's a marked man by opposing blockers. Justin Smith is a high-octane motor guy opposite Geathers. Inside, Domata Peko has been collapsing pockets.
Linebackers
Landon Johnson is an underrated performer, but they miss Ahmad Brooks' girth and tackling at middle linebacker. Caleb Miller has excellent quickness. Rashad Jeanty is an ordinary player.
Secondary
Former University of Maryland star Madieu Williams has had a disappointing season. Deltha O'Neal's best years are behind him. Johnathan Joseph and Leon Hall are rising young stars outside.
Special teams
Shayne Graham has connected on 12 of 13 field goals this year. Punter Kyle Larson is averaging 42.3 yards per punt. Glenn Holt had an electrifying 100-yard kickoff return last week. Skyler Green has been a disappointment as a punt returner.
EDGES: Quarterback: Cincinnati; Running back: Baltimore; Receivers: Cincinnati; Offensive line: Cincinnati; Defensive line: Baltimore; Linebackers: Baltimore; Secondary: Cincinnati; Special teams: Even.
How the Ravens can win?
1. Generate a pass rush. If the Ravens can harass Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer sufficiently into hurries or sacks, then they can go a long way toward protecting a vulnerable, shorthanded secondary.
2. Execute a ball-control attack. The Ravens need to eat a lot of clock with running back Willis McGahee to keep T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Chad Johnson and Chris Henry sidelined.
3. Call a Cover 2. A secondary that's already missing Samari Rolle with Ed Reed and Chris McAlister hobbled and expected to be game-time decisions definitely needs to play conservatively. That means more zone coverage and very little isolating of anyone in man-to-man schemes, especially not Derrick Martin.
How the Bengals can win?
1. Throw deep. The Ravens proved again Monday night against the Steelers that they are highly susceptible to vertical strikes.
2. Blitz Steve McNair. The offensive line struggled markedly against Pittsburgh, allowing five sacks. McNair's mobility and decision-making have been shaky.
3. Dare Baltimore to throw deep. McNair hasn't displayed much arm strength or accuracy. Overloading short routes to take away his preferred passing lanes is the smart call against a regressing offense.
INSIDE SLANT
Baltimore was recently named "America's Best Football Tailgating City," according to a survey conducted DirecTV. The survey factored in Stadium parking lots, overall tailgating environment, fan enthusiasm and the sales of tailgating-oriented accessories. The rankings were compiled after four years of traveling to every major sports franchise city in the country and attending a home game of each team. Denver ranked second in the final standings followed by Houston.
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for teh Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
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Posted On: 11/11/07
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