How the Bengals Can Complete the Sweep Against the Ravens in Week 15
Beating a division rival once is tough. Beating them twice?
That’s a different kind of challenge. But that’s exactly what’s on the table for the Cincinnati Bengals as they prepare to host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 15.
The first meeting went Cincinnati’s way, but if they want a repeat performance, there are a few critical boxes they’ll need to check.
1. Tight Ends Can’t Be the Backbreaker
If there’s one area that’s quietly been hurting the Bengals' defense, it’s their inability to lock down tight ends. While the linebackers have taken their share of criticism, the real issue may lie deeper - in the secondary. Specifically, the safeties have struggled to contain the middle of the field, and that’s exactly where Baltimore loves to attack with their tight ends.
This might be the week to shake things up. Getting a fresh look with someone like DaiJahn Anthony or Tycen Anderson could provide a spark.
And sliding Dax Hill back into the slot could be a smart adjustment - he’s shown he can match up well against tight ends in the past. The Ravens’ wide receivers don’t pose the same level of threat, so tightening coverage on the tight ends could go a long way in disrupting Baltimore’s rhythm.
2. Lamar Jackson Must Be Contained - Not Chased
There’s no sugarcoating it: the Bengals let Josh Allen escape too often last week, and it cost them. If they make that same mistake with Lamar Jackson, the results could be even more damaging. Even if Jackson isn’t at full strength, he’s still one of the most dynamic players in the league when he breaks the pocket.
The key here is discipline. The Bengals have to collapse the pocket from the outside in, forcing Lamar to stay between the tackles.
That means edge rushers can’t over-pursue, and interior linemen need to maintain their lanes. And someone - whether it’s a spy or a zone defender - needs to have eyes on Jackson at all times.
Giving him space to create is asking for trouble.
3. Situational Defense Has to Show Up
It’s easy to talk about defense in broad strokes - “just be average” - but in the NFL, it’s all about the moments that matter. You can give up yards between the 20s, but you have to clamp down in the red zone.
Field goals instead of touchdowns? That’s a win.
Forcing punts on third down? Another win.
The Bengals’ defense needs to step up in those key situations. Red zone stands, third-down stops, and - maybe most importantly - closing out the game with pressure.
That used to be Trey Hendrickson’s specialty, but with his status uncertain, someone else has to become that closer. Whether it’s Sam Hubbard, B.J.
Hill, or a blitzing linebacker, the Bengals need a finisher.
4. Reignite the Ground Game
Joe Burrow can carry this offense, no question. But if the Bengals want to control this game, they need to get Chase Brown going again.
The rookie back has flashed big-play potential, and the offensive line has been steadily improving. But last week, Brown was a non-factor - and the offense felt it.
This isn’t just about balance. It’s about taking pressure off the passing game and keeping the Ravens’ defense honest.
Establishing the run early, and then using it to create explosive plays, could open up the entire offense. Brown doesn’t need 25 carries - he just needs to make the ones he gets count.
5. Win the Turnover Battle - Again
If there’s one stat that’s defined the Bengals’ past two games, it’s turnovers. On Thanksgiving, they were +4 in the turnover margin - and they walked away with a win. Last week, two untimely interceptions flipped what could’ve been a victory into a frustrating loss.
It’s simple: protect the football, and take it away when you get the chance. The Bengals don’t need to be perfect, but they can’t afford to give the Ravens extra possessions. In a game that figures to be tight, one turnover could be the difference between a season-defining win and a missed opportunity.
The Bengals have already proven they can beat the Ravens. Now they’ll try to do it again - this time with the stakes even higher. If they can clean up the coverage on tight ends, keep Lamar in check, win the key defensive moments, reestablish their ground game, and take care of the football, they’ll put themselves in a strong position to sweep the season series and keep their playoff hopes alive.