Five Bengals to Watch vs. The Ravens

Aug 24, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Emmanuel Lamur (59) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

When the Bengals square off with the Baltimore Ravens this weekend, both teams will want to start the season on the right foot while earning an all-important divisional win.  The Bengals will be seeking their first win in Baltimore during the Andy Dalton, which would give the Bengals a huge boost in 2014 as they look to repeat as division champs and seek their fourth straight playoff berth.  The Ravens will not want to start their season with a loss at home as they look to rebound from a down year in 2013 after winning the Super Bowl in 2012.

Both teams should largely know what to expect from the other, though this should be taken with a caveat as both teams have made improvements over the off-season.  The Ravens still possess an extremely strong defense, which features a front seven that will require much attention from the Bengals’ offense.  They were able to replace several of their “lost” pieces such as Ed Dickson, James Ihedigbo, and Arthur Jones, so the Bengals should expect a difficult matchup in Baltimore.  But the Bengals have made some improvements of their own this off-season, which may help them get over their Baltimore woes.  Here’s a look at some key Bengals heading into the Baltimore game this weekend.