The Cincinnati Bengals‘ defense has been legit this season. While many have pointed out that they have played four backup quarterbacks thus far*, they’ve proven they can win with multiple looks and schemes.
*Yeah, we’re counting Mitch Trubisky as a backup here. Sorry, Steelers fans.
On Sunday, their tougher test yet will take the field in the form of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, who boast the #1 passing offense in the league per DVOA.
Despite back-to-back losses for the Ravens, Jackson remains an MVP candidate as he’s been unleashed as a passer in 2022.
But Cincinnati catches the Ravens weakened by an injury to their top wide receiver as Rashod Bateman has been ruled out for Sunday night’s game with a foot injury. The second-year receiver missed every practice this week.
This gives the Bengals a huge edge on the colossal AFC North match-up.
While Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay should give Jackson the opportunity to move the chains somewhat consistently but he won’t have that one-on-one option on the outside to beat the Bengals’ single-high looks.
Consider the following splits for the Ravens’ offense with and without Bateman on the field:
Lamar Jackson 2022 splits with Rashod Bateman on or off the field
Bateman ON the field (81 att):
+0.14 EPA/att, 8.8 YPA, 9 TD, 1 INT
Bateman OFF the field (36 att):
-0.18 EPA/att, 4.9 YPA, 2 TD, 3 INT
Bateman will miss Sunday night vs the Bengals due to injury
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 7, 2022
Notice the great difference in yards per attempt. Without Bateman, they’re not pushing the ball down the field.
That should allow Cincinnati way more freedom against such a dangerous attack.
That plays to this defense’s strength which is all based on versatility. Lou Anarumo’s unit continues to shine because of its multiple looks.
Instead of standing out as a defense that plays single-high, two-high, zone, or man, they do a little bit of everything.
Without having to account for the deep shots to Bateman, an experienced group gives them the opportunity to play a healthy diet of different schemes.
Not to mention, it gives Chidobe Awuzie – who continues to look amazing this year – a more favorable match-up on Sunday.
