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Bengals, Ravens each seek to end two-game losing streaks
Sunday, November 11, 2007
What you need to know about today's Bengals-Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore:
Overview
Extras
Baltimore seeks revenge after suffering a 27-20 season-opening loss to the Bengals, who forced a season-high six takeaways (four fumbles, two interceptions) in their victory. Cincinnati has won five of the past six meetings in the series, while the Ravens own an 11-4 (.733) home record in the AFC North since 2002. Two of Baltimore's home division losses in that span came at the hands of the Bengals (2004-05).
Scouting the Bengals
Winners of just one of their past seven games, the Bengals hope to end a two-game losing streak. Landon Johnson starts at middle linebacker for an injury-riddled defense that ranks 31st (ahead of only Cleveland). Wide receiver Chris Henry, who returns from an eight-game suspension, should give the offense a boost. Spreading the field with receivers Chad Johnson, T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Henry should create more running room for tailback Kenny Watson. Last week's 28 rushing yards at Buffalo were the fewest in the Marvin Lewis era (73 games).
Scouting the Ravens
Losers of two straight — at Buffalo (19-14) and at Pittsburgh (38-7) — the Ravens return home, where they are 3-0 this year. They rank 26th in the league in scoring (a 16.4-point average per game), but have the NFL's No. 3 defense, which yields just 270.9 yards a game. Wide receiver Derrick Mason, tailback Willis McGahee and free safety Ed Reed are their three top playmakers. Mason is tied with Houshmandzadeh for first in the league with 62 receptions. McGahee (689 rushing yards) is on pace for a career-high 1,378. Reed leads the AFC with five interceptions.
Numbers game
The Ravens lead the series, 13-10 overall and 8-3 as the home team, but the Bengals have won two of the last three games in Baltimore. Cincinnati aims for its third straight win in the series.
Injury report
Bengals — OT Willie Anderson (knee) and LB Caleb Miller (back) are out; TE Reggie Kelly (knee), DT John Thornton (neck), SS Herana-Daze Jones (knee) and LB Anthony Schlegel (back) are doubtful. Ravens — CB Samari Rolle (illness) and TE Daniel Wilcox (foot) are out; LB Terrell Suggs (knee), CB Chris McAlister (knee), CB David Pittman (head), S Ed Reed (Neck) and S Gerome Sapp (thigh) are questionable.
Outcome
Baltimore's weaknesses on both sides of the ball were exposed against Pittsburgh. The Bengals will open up the offense and turn the game into a high-scoring shootout. The final: Bengals 38, Ravens 30.
Today's game
Who: Bengals (2-6) at Ravens (4-4)
When: 4:05 p.m. | TV: CBS (Ch. 7)
Radio: WTUE-FM (104.7)
