Man, I remember September 22nd like it was 30 days ago. The Orioles were wrapping up their AL East crown, the weather hadn't changed to actually being fall yet and everyone was crowning the Bengals as Super Bowl contenders. Obviously being the class of the AFC North division.
What a difference on October 22nd. Currently it is a cool rainy fall day, chiming in at 50 some degrees. The Orioles were unfortunately swept in the ALCS and the Bengals have fallen off the wagon like a recovering alcoholic. Did all the hype get too real for them?
They were 3-0 and living the high life going into their prime time matchup against the Patriots. Whom had faltered the week prior. Which only meant one thing, Tom Brady coming out party! The Pats stomped them 43-17 making Bengals fans shout, "Just one game, we still own the division! WHO DEY!" Well "dey" played a much improved game the following week, unfortunately nothing screams failure like a tie in the NFL. It's worse than kissing your sister, it is just terrible. They tied a Panthers team(whose defense is just plain terrible this season, a high school team could drive 80 yards on them!), in Cincy, who had just gotten smashed by the Steelers in Carolina and the Ravens at the Big Crab Cake. Their defense looked soft and their best player came out of the game with toe injury that has sidelined him ever since. Maybe that is why they couldn't even muster a point this past week against the stout Colts defense, being completely demolished 27-0.
Not only is their offense struggling but the defense hasn't been as stout as they were at the beginning of the season. They have given up a total of 1,442 yards in the past three weeks. Along with a whopping 107 points. They have currently dropped to number 13 in ESPN's power rankings this week. Two spots ahead of the Steelers and four spots below our Baltimore Ravens.
The Ravens have earned that ranking from having a pretty decent month compared to that of the Bengals. In their past four games they are 3-1 with that one being a tough loss to the Colts 20-13. The good news is that our defense has been consistent this season. The Ravens are number one in scoring defense and red zone defense. Sure you might gain a bunch of yards on them, hell you might even get into the red zone. Get your kicker loose, because that is all you are going to get. Yes, I know we have basically been destroying the NFC South but that is what you do. You play your schedule and demolish the weaklings in the way. That is just what they have done. Sacking everyone (except Andrew Luck) and putting up big offensive numbers on some poor defenses.
It helps that the offense has had such good performances out of Joe Flacco, Steve Smith Sr. ,Torrey Smith has shown up and of course Justin Forsett. In their wins this season there was only the game in Cleveland that came down to a last second field goal. Everything else has been one sided. Pittsburgh (20-6), Carolina (38-10), Tampa (48-17) and this week's victim Atlanta (29-7). Their points margin is the highest in the NFL at 12.7. Nearly two touchdowns! Quite impressive.
That being said I hope the Ravens are able to twist the knife into the Bengals to continue their downward spiral. Kicking a team when they are down to take complete control of our division sounds like a win win to me. This is our chance to do it, hopefully they seize the opportunity. It's right there men, now take it!
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