NFL
By: Courtney Byrd
The Ravens have a chance to respond quickly after a frustrating loss. Baltimore returns to M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a Week 7 matchup that could shape the AFC North race. The Ravens are 4-2, while Cincinnati enters at 3-2 after its bye week. A win would help Baltimore put the Cleveland loss behind it and strengthen its position in a tight division.
The challenge is making sure last week’s fourth-quarter collapse does not carry over. Baltimore led Cleveland 10-3 early in the fourth quarter, but Derrick Henry’s fumble helped the Browns get back into the game. The Ravens’ offense then struggled to sustain drives, and Tyler Loop missed a 49-yard field goal before Cleveland kicked the game-winner as time expired. Baltimore showed flashes early, including rookie tight end Josh Cuevas’ first career touchdown, but it could not keep the momentum going.
That puts the spotlight on the Ravens’ offense, especially with Lamar Jackson’s status still uncertain. Jackson is listed as questionable after missing the past two games with an ankle injury. He returned to limited practice this week, but Baltimore may need Tyler Huntley again if Jackson is not ready. Huntley helped the Ravens score 30 points in their win over Atlanta, but the offense managed only 10 against Cleveland. Whoever starts will need to keep Baltimore moving after halftime and avoid long stretches without points.
Cincinnati’s defense will have a difficult assignment if Jackson plays, given the problems his mobility can create. Huntley gets the start; the Ravens can still lean on Henry and look for ways to involve their pass catchers, but they will need to be more consistent than they were in Cleveland. Baltimore cannot afford to let one missed opportunity turn into a stalled quarter.
On the other side, Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ receiving corps pose a major test for Baltimore’s defense. Burrow is completing 71.4% of his passes, and Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins can punish a secondary that gives them time and space. The Ravens need pressure up front to disrupt Burrow’s rhythm and make the Bengals work for every completion. Trey Hendrickson’s return gives Baltimore an important pass-rush presence against his former team, but the defense will also have to adjust after learning that outside linebacker Tavius Robinson is out for the season with a pectoral injury. Robinson had been leading the defense with 3.5 sacks.
Special teams will be another storyline. Baltimore signed Jake Moody to its practice squad, creating competition for Loop after his missed kick against Cleveland. Loop has delivered important moments this season, including a 56-yarder in overtime against Dallas, but the Ravens need reliable results when the game is on the line.
The Ravens have won five of their last six meetings with Cincinnati, including a 24-0 shutout last December. That history is encouraging, but this week’s game will come down to what Baltimore does now: protect the ball, finish drives, and make Burrow uncomfortable. The Ravens have enough talent to win this divisional matchup. After last week, they need to show they can close one out.
