They gave up 32 points the last time they met the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Baltimore Ravens could have two breakout starters back on defense for the return match with their AFC North rivals in Week 15.
Head coach John Harbaugh would neither confirm nor deny outside linebacker Tavius Robinson and safety Ar’Darius Washington will be back for the trip to Paycor Stadium. Yet, Harbs did say “there is a chance” both “will play against the Bengals. Harbaugh said the official decision and moves would be made Saturday,” according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
Having one or both players back on Sunday, December 14 would be a huge boost for a defense that’s regressed in recent weeks. Most of a brief revival on this side of the ball has been undone, with the Bengals posing challenges the Ravens have struggled to contain in the past.
Ar’Darius Washington, Tavius Robinson Returns the Boost Ravens Need
Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit needs answers for the two biggest threats on the Bengals. Namely, quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Washington and Robinson can provide some solutions, provided they’re up to speed. Robinson has been missed as a physical edge-setter who was growing into a role central to the front seven before fracturing his foot.
He’d already logged two sacks, a tally still good enough to be the second-highest on the team. That lowly number underscores the problems the Ravens have had getting after quarterbacks.
They couldn’t unsettle Burrow back in Week 13, and he responded by throwing for 261 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Chase accounted for 110 of those yards on seven receptions.
Finding the right matchup for Chase has long been a problem for the Ravens. Perhaps a returning Washington could help as a hybrid defensive back who was primed for a breakout campaign before tearing his Achilles back in May.
Washington can play deep safety, in the slot or outside corner. Even at less than 100 percent, he could help the Ravens bracket Chase, something easier to do after some major Bengals team news.
Ravens Have Better Chance to Stop Bengals’ Offense
It’s fair to say stopping, or even slowing down, the Bengals’ offense has proved beyond the Ravens in recent years. Cincy has topped the 30-point barrier in each of the last three meetings, but that could change now Burrow is set to be without one of his favorite targets.
Wideout Tee Higgins will miss out while he remains in concussion protocol. It means the Ravens can commit more resources to stopping Chase.
That will be easier if Washington and Robinson are on the field. The latter can improve a pass rush ranked in the doldrums of the NFL, with Thomas Valentine of Pro Football Focus noting “Baltimore is 31st in pressure rate (29.6%), and dead last in pressure rate when rushing just four defenders (23.9%).”
Failing to raise those numbers will force Ravens QB Lamar Jackson to go point for point with Burrow. That didn’t work in the last meeting, when the offense was guilty of five turnovers, three by Jackson.
Harbaugh needs his defense to carry the load this week to help fend off a pesky division rival and keep slim playoff hopes alive.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post John Harbaugh Teases Return of 2 Ravens Starters at Bengals appeared first on Heavy Sports.