Like most AFC North matchups, the Baltimore Ravens’ win over the winless Cincinnati Bengals ended with only a six-point difference. A lot of the drama could’ve been avoided if Baltimore hadn’t allowed the 92-yard kickoff return in the opening seconds of the game to Brandon Wilson, though. As with most weeks, the Ravens, individually and as a team, had their fair share of ups and downs.
Here are some players and units who are going into Week 7 either better off after this win, or in need of dire improvement.
Stock up: Run defense
After allowing 333 rushing yards combined over Weeks 3-4, they only have allowed 110 yards on the ground over the last two games combined. That’s a massive improvement and it shows they’re heading in the right direction, which takes the pressure off other parts of the defense.
Defensive tackle Brandon Williams returning made a huge impact. In addition, the team seemed to be tackling slightly better than they have been earlier this season.
Stock down: Pass rush
The pass rush once again didn’t show up for a game. The Bengals have one of the worst offensive lines in the league and were even missing several of those starters due to injury. It should have been a massacre out there but the Ravens didn’t record a sack until late in the fourth quarter. Even with Baltimore brought an extra blitzer, they still couldn’t get pressure.
It could be a scheme thing as much as it is a personnel thing, but defensive coordinator Don Martindale is doing just about everything he can with the talent he has and it’s not getting home. Come playoff time, getting to the quarterback is a necessity to win and the Ravens can’t even do it to the worst of the worst right now.
Stock up: Linebackers
Who knew that a couple of linebackers signed off the street would make an immediate impact for this team?
Josh Bynes, in his second stint with the team, has impressed by playing solid defense with an interception last week and tipping a ball into the hands of Marlon Humphrey this week. L.J. Fort got his first start for Baltimore in Week 6 and played well in place of the injured Patrick Onwuasor.
Over-pursuing was less of a problem in this game and the linebackers stuck to their assignments. They also were fare more effective in stopping the run, which allowed the secondary to play better.
Stock down: Offensive line
It’s clear that the Ravens need help in the trenches as left guard and center remain a liability. Even though Baltimore only allowed one sack this week, the penalties and inconsistencies in pass blocking make this a very worrisome unit. Left guard Bradley Bozeman himself had four of the Ravens 10 penalties against Cincinnati, one shy of their total last week.
Stock up: RB Justice Hill
We finally got an extended look at the rookie fourth-round pick as he totaled 31 yards on five carries, an average of six yards-per-carry. It came against a lesser opponent, but the Ravens look stacked at running back right now with Hill the exclamation point.
Hill looked patient against the Bengals — a huge difference from earlier this season. When combined with his speed and surprising power, it may tempt the Ravens into giving him more touches.
