OTL: Can the Ravens Exorcise Paycor Demons?

For all the pageantry and discussion about the Ravens-Steelers rivalry — and it is certainly deserved — there is another bitter foe on the Ravens’ collective mind this week.

Yes, the Ravens take on the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday in a game that doesn’t only have ramifications on deciding this year’s AFC North champion, but also contains a certain personal flavor. The Bengals, as you certainly recall with a certain amount of turmoil in your belly, knocked the Ravens out of the playoffs last year with an improbable fumble return for a touchdown in a game the Ravens probably should have won.

That leaves a mark.

The Ravens chose their words carefully as to not say anything that will wind up on Bengals whiteboards this wk. But make no mistake, they know what’s at stake. The Bengals have been the class of the division the past 2 yrs. It’s up to Ravens to respond. https://t.co/qMXy2I4h6u

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 14, 2023

The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec captured the essence of that game in his most recent article.

The Baltimore Ravens quietly shuffled out of the visiting locker room at Paycor Stadium shortly after midnight and headed into an offseason filled with disappointment and regret.

They did pretty much what they sought to do over the previous three hours against the Cincinnati Bengals. They kept Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ cadre of explosive playmakers mostly in check. Even with backup quarterback Tyler Huntley at the helm for an injured Lamar Jackson, the Ravens outgained the Bengals by 130 yards, ran the ball relatively well and maintained a five-minute advantage in time of possession.

Beautifully written. Horrific memory. Hey, both can be true.

Yes, the Ravens will have Lamar Jackson in their arsenal this go-around, and that is a huge factor. But they won’t have Ronnie Stanley, Tyler Linderbaum or Marcus Williams — three players they did have last January. In addition, Marlon Humphrey seems unlikely at this point to be on the field, and Mark Andrews’ status is up in the air.

Still, it’s a big-boy league, and you play the hand you’re dealt. The Ravens could move two games up on the Bengals with a win Sunday, and enjoy at least a temporary advantage in the tie-breaker scenario with a head-to-head win.

In short, last year’s playoff game means nothing in terms of this year’s game. Well, not nothing. Still, the Ravens are saying the right things about Sunday’s game.

Asked about using last yr’s playoff loss as motivation, Roquan Smith said, “Every game I play is personal, every play I play is personal. They’re going to get what they’re going to get. That’s just how I look at it. That’s any opponent, each and every week.”

— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) September 13, 2023

CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco wrote his popular picks article this week, and he leaned towards the Bengals picking up the win Sunday.

“The Bengals are coming off a horrible showing in their opener, one in which Joe Burrow looked bad,” wrote Prisco. “That will change here. The Bengals will get the offense going here. The Ravens have some injury issues on the offensive line, which could be a problem. The division games are always tough, but I don’t see Cincinnati going 0-2 to start this season like it did in 2022.

“Pick: Bengals 27, Ravens 20”

Boo, Pete. Just… Boo.

Russell Street’s leader Tony Lombardi has been sharing the story of the site, and how it has evolved, in a series of articles, and each one has a few bits and pieces that really jump out. This installment has been my favorite.

He’s been whining incessantly about being treated unfairly by the Ravens and Orioles. Ladies and gentlemen, say hello to the kettle…#WhatGoesAroundhttps://t.co/DjTD5GB5n1

— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) September 14, 2023

As the Ravens begin this treacherous trek of three road divisional games over the course of four weeks, they found out today that one significant foe will miss some time.

#Steelers perennial Pro Bowl DL Cam Heyward is having surgery to repair his groin today in Pittsburgh, per me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s expected to miss about eight weeks, but will be back midway through this season. He suffered his injury Sunday. pic.twitter.com/RQVLrfKA05

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2023

It obviously helps the Ravens if Heyward is not available when they face the Steelers in a couple weeks, but it also stinks. Injuries are the worst part of this beautiful sport, and Heyward is one of my favorite non-Ravens in the league. He’s a great player.

The post OTL: Can the Ravens Exorcise Paycor Demons? appeared first on Russell Street Report.

Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2023/09/14/out-to-lunch/otl-can-the-ravens-exorcise-paycor-demons/