The Baltimore Ravens' defensive struggles reared their ugly head once again in their disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, raising concerns about their ability to make a deep playoff run. Despite entering the game as favorites, the Ravens' defense was unable to contain the Bengals' high-octane offense, allowing quarterback Joe Burrow to throw for 446 yards and four touchdowns.
Secondary Falters, Giving Up Big Plays
The Ravens' secondary, which has been a liability all season, was particularly vulnerable against the Bengals. Burrow repeatedly found open receivers downfield, with Ja'Marr Chase burning Baltimore's cornerbacks for a pair of long touchdowns. The Ravens' inability to generate pressure on Burrow allowed him to extend plays and find his targets at will.
Front Seven Fails to Generate Pressure
The Ravens' front seven, once considered a strength, also failed to live up to expectations. Defensive end Calais Campbell, who has been dealing with injuries, was largely ineffective, while the rest of the pass rush struggled to generate consistent pressure. Burrow was given ample time to survey the field and deliver accurate passes, leading to the Bengals' dominance in the passing game.
Missed Tackles and Poor Discipline Costly
Missed tackles and poor discipline plagued the Ravens' defense throughout the game. Baltimore defenders repeatedly failed to bring down Bengals receivers after short catches, allowing them to gain yards after the catch and extend drives. The Ravens also committed several costly penalties, including a pass interference call that gave the Bengals a crucial first down in the end zone.
Conclusion
The Ravens' loss to the Bengals exposed glaring flaws in their defense that could prove fatal in the playoffs. Their secondary is vulnerable to big plays, their front seven is unable to generate consistent pressure, and they struggle with missed tackles and poor discipline. Unless these issues can be addressed, the Ravens' Super Bowl hopes will remain in jeopardy.
