Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a highly anticipated AFC North matchup on Thursday night. With the Ravens currently leading the division, they are determined to extend their lead while seeking redemption after a close loss to the Cleveland Browns.
Having been overshadowed by the Bengals in the past two seasons, the Ravens are eager to avoid a similar fate in 2023. A victory against Cincinnati would not only allow them to sweep the season series but also give them a 2 1/2-game lead over their rivals. With all teams in the AFC North boasting winning records, the loss to Cleveland has significantly tightened the race for the top spot.
Reflecting on their loss, Lamar Jackson emphasized the importance of every game for the Ravens, not just in terms of the division standings but also as a source of motivation following their close defeat. The Ravens have consistently led their division after Week 10 in recent years, but they haven’t finished in first place since 2019.
While the Ravens prepare to face the Bengals, the other two teams in the AFC North, the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, will also be battling it out. This means that if the Ravens were to fall short against the Bengals, they would relinquish their position at the top of the division.
The Bengals, on the other hand, are striving to bounce back from a frustrating loss to the Houston Texans. Despite quarterback Joe Burrow’s impressive performance of 347 yards passing and two touchdowns, two fourth-quarter interceptions and a dropped pass ultimately cost them the game. Burrow described it as one of the most frustrating defeats of his career.
Burrow’s accuracy and recovery from a calf injury earlier in the season have been commendable, but the Bengals need to overcome their recent setbacks to secure a win against the Ravens and strengthen their chances of winning the division. Tee Higgins, one of their key receivers, will be sidelined with a hamstring injury, while defensive end Sam Hubbard will also miss the game due to an ankle problem. Their absence will undoubtedly present a challenge for the Bengals.
When it comes to the quarterbacks, both Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow have demonstrated their prowess on the field. Jackson’s impressive pass completion rate of 70.3% and a passer rating of 98.1, combined with his running ability, solidify his status as an MVP candidate once again. While the two quarterbacks have only faced each other four times due to injuries, the Ravens have emerged victorious in three of those encounters. In their most recent meeting in September, Jackson threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns, while Burrow passed for 222 yards and two touchdowns with one interception.
In terms of injuries, the Ravens will be without tackle Ronnie Stanley, who is dealing with a knee issue, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey is doubtful due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, the Ravens’ defense will also have to overcome the absence of Hubbard, who has been instrumental in their run defense.
Despite their dominance early in games, the Ravens have struggled in the fourth quarter, which has resulted in losses to the Indianapolis Colts, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Cleveland Browns. However, Coach John Harbaugh remains confident in Lamar Jackson’s abilities, describing him as his preferred quarterback in tough situations. Harbaugh commended Jackson’s competitiveness and stated his unwavering belief in him.
With the Ravens’ impressive record at home in regular-season night games and the Bengals’ recent struggles on the road, the stage is set for a compelling showdown between these AFC North rivals.
In conclusion, the Ravens are determined to extend their lead in the AFC North by securing a victory against the Bengals, seeking redemption after their close loss to the Browns. Meanwhile, the Bengals are eager to overcome their recent frustrations and narrow the gap in the division standings. With both quarterbacks displaying exceptional skills, this game promises to be an intense battle with significant implications for the AFC North race.
