Still in search of their first win of the season, the Cincinnati Bengals head to Baltimore this week to take on the AFC North-leading Ravens. Who needs to step up?
OL Alex Redmond/John Jerry
The Bengals have been toying with the idea of playing Redmond at left tackle with both Cordy Glenn and Andre Smith out, or will otherwise roll out John Jerry. The Ravens haven’t had a ton of success getting to the quarterback, ranking No. 26 in sacks per game, as only two players (Pernell McPhee and Matt Judon) have more than one sack through five games. The left tackle has his work cut out for him just being on the blind side, but he is up for the challenge. If either can step up big, perhaps the Bengals can finally start moving the ball on offense.
LB Preston Brown
This may not seem like a huge X-factor, but the key to stopping the Ravens is stopping Lamar Jackson, both through the air and on the ground. That means keeping a close eye on him as a spy, meaning Preston Brown should be very busy on Sunday. And even if it’s not Jackson, it’ll be Mark Ingram.
TE Tyler Eifert
The Ravens have been a little susceptible to opposing tight ends this season. The problem for Eifert, of course, is that he hasn’t seen a ton of snaps on offense, having only played about 40 percent of snaps. However, despite his limited opportunity, Eifert may have a chance to be another piece that helps the Bengals finally move the football on offense this week and find the end zone for just the second time this season.
