Welcome to the latest edition of 5 Questions. This weekly collaboration is a way for SB Nation to preview upcoming Ravens matchups. Anthony Cosenza, from Cincy Jungle, is here to answer Baltimore Beatdown’s questions for Week 13 as the Ravens play the Cincinnati Bengals.
1. What are the changes you expect when Joe Flacco becomes Joe Burrow?
This week not much. Joe Burrow is known to create more structure and adlib, so I expect that this week will be different. However, in such a short time, I do not expect any major changes. Burrow prefers to use the shotgun and spread formation, but I still expect to see the running game on Thursday night.
2. Despite giving up 60 goals, the Bengals’ defense has improved in the past two weeks. What’s behind these improvements and are they sustainable or not?
After an absurd statistical run for Flacco and the Bengals, the opposition defense has scored touchdowns in the last two weeks. This has affected the total points scored.
A few weeks ago, a meeting with only players may have reverberated and given the young players more time. The defense is making small steps forward. Myles Murphy has been impressive in the defensive line. He was a first-round selection. The tackling has improved and the team is making more big plays than during Flacco’s tenure as a starter.
3. What hope do fans have that Burrow will return to the team and help them make it into the playoffs? Are there two groups of fans: those who don’t want Burrow to get injured again and those who are willing to fight till the end?
Realistically, it’s low. It’s fun to see him return for a primetime holiday game, but his offense and he tend to find their groove in November once he has already played a half-season. Last season, we saw the team’s incredible momentum.
This offseason marked the first time that No. The Week 2 injury was ironic because 9 had a full preseason and training camp. While he is “healthy”, the Bengals will be without Tee Higgins, Trey Hendrickson, and other key players on the opposing side of the football. Still, even with Flacco playing well overall, his quicker-than-expected recovery and willingness to go back out there in an extremely-important game may inject some life into this Bengals team.
4. Who will be the Bengals biggest pass-rush threat without Trendrickson?
Murphy is the next player I want to mention. Shemar Stewart, a 2025 first round pick, is currently on I.R. Murphy has performed well after injuries to Hendrickson and he. He has a sack and another tackle for a loss.
B.J. Hill’s potential interior disruption could also be a factor. Hill, Joseph Ossai’s athleticism and Hill himself could be factors. DJ Turner, a third-year Bengals linebacker, will continue to provide coverage at the level of a Pro Bowl, now that Hendrickson is out. Dax Hill, who may be moving around in his coverage assignments on Thursday, will also make for an interesting player in Cincinnati’s secondary.
5. Who is a lesser-known offensive star who can step in if Tee Higgins is out?
Mitchell Tinsley is likely to be the one. Undrafted wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley showed flashes in preseason. On the rare occasions that he has been looked at and/or active, his ratio of touches to big plays is insane. He made a fantastic touchdown catch in Week 2, and then another one against Christian Gonzales, the Patriots’ great wide receiver last week.