Ravens-Bengals: Three key story lines
The Ravens kick off not just their 2008 season, but the John Harbaugh and Joe Flacco eras today when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium.
Here are three key story lines to keep an eye on:
RBs need to open some space
All eyes are going to be on Flacco, but the running backs will play just as important a role for offensive coordinator Cam Cameron.
Regardless of who is in the backfield for the Ravens, they need to pick up chunks of yardage to ease the load on the rookie QB. If Willis McGahee (who will be a game-time decision) and Ray Rice can put Flacco in manageable 2nd and 3rd downs, it will open up the field for him, and open the playbook for Cameron.
If McGahee and/or Rice have a tough time picking up yardage on the ground, the Bengals will bring lots of pressure. They will blitz Flacco from all angles, and if he is forced into lots of third-and-long situations, it could be a long day for the Ravens offense.
Ravens secondary vs. Bengals passing game
The Ravens secondary will be without CB Fabian Washington (suspension) and could be missing S Ed Reed (questionable, neck). Corners Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle also both missed a large portion of the preseason, and might still not be 100%.
The Bengals' passing attack is potent enough when you've got a full secondary to match up against them. If Reed can't play, and if McAlister or Rolle aren't at full strength, Carson Palmer, Chad Ocho Cinco and company might put up big numbers.
Special Teams
Yamon Figurs had a great preseason returning kicks, and looks like a guy who can break one anytime he touches the ball. He averaged 28.6 yards on kickoff returns during the preseason, and 24.7 yards on punts.
Field position will be crucial in this game, and Harbaugh, a longtime special teams coach, would love it if Figurs can give Flacco a short field. The less work the rookie has to do on his own, the better.
You've been following the team as close as anyone during the pre-season... What's your prediction for today's game and how many wins do you think the Ravens are good for this year?
KatieKat,
You're up late...you prepping for the game just like me?
I think the Ravens will hang tough with Cincy and pull out a close one. I see Flacco holding his own and Rice having a solid game on the ground.
As for a season prediction -- it might sound like a cop-out, but to me it all depends on the injuries. If Ed Reed can come back from the nerve injury in his neck and the elder statesmen on the defense can stay healthy, I think this team can be better than a lot of the "experts" are projecting.