Bengals at Ravens: 5 Questions With The Enemy

Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) stiff arms Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) as he run during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) stiff arms Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) as he run during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cincinnati Bengals head to M&T Bank stadium to face off against the Baltimore Ravens. As the Bengals try to find the answers, we turned to Chris Schisler of Ebonybird.com for answers to our questions.

Stripe Hype: The Baltimore Ravens sit on top of the AFC North at 5-5 (3-0) and control their own destiny. Who will be the key in winning this division?

Chris Schisler: Joe Flacco. The Ravens offense has been absolutely awful. The defense has been tremendous. If the offense was even half way average the Ravens might be a top tier team in the NFL. Flacco has to step up. The schedule is tough. If he continues to struggle this can slip from the Ravens.

SH: What has been the reason for the success in the division to go 3-0, so far?

CS: The Ravens have the Steelers number. They have won four in a row and nine of the last 12. The Browns stink. It is really that simple.

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SH: The Cincinnati Bengals have won the last 5 matchup, including 2 at M&T Bank Stadium. What does Baltimore need to do to pull off a W on Sunday?

CS: The Ravens need to run the football. Every time the Ravens abandon the run bad things happen. The defense needs to make this an ugly game.

SH: Who will the Bengals need to worry about, if they want a chance of winning on Sunday?

CS: I’ll give you a name you may not have expected. Michael Pierce has been playing great at the nose guard position. Brandon Williams is a top tier nose. Pierce is playing great and he keeps Williams fresh through the game.

SH: What is the prediction?

CS: Give me the Ravens. I’m not overly confident but they need this one. It should be an ugly defensive game. 17-10 sounds about right.