Cincinnati Bengals: 6 bold predictions vs Ravens in Week 7
By Aaron Burd
Lou Anarumo’s defense remains stout against a tough opponent
If Ja’Marr Chase has been the most pleasant surprise for the Bengals in 2021, Lou Anarumo’s defense is a close second. Going into Week 7, the Bengals defense has allowed the fifth least points per game, holding their opponents to an average of 18.5 points a game.
A key part of this defensive improvement has been veteran additions that the Bengals brought in over the offseason. Trey Hendrickson leads the team in sacks with 5.5 in just six games, putting him on pace for a single-season franchise record of 15.5 sacks. Chidobe Awuzie has looked like a true number one cornerback, with an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 77.8. Additionally, interior defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi and B.J. Hill have flashed.
Another contributing factor to the Bengals’ defensive dominance has been the major leap in play by second-year linebacker Logan Wilson. The 25-year old linebacker has been one of the Bengals’ best players on the entire roster and his four interceptions put him at second in the league in picks.
This defense will face one of its toughest tests of the season when they face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. However, the defense was able to hold Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers to just 25 in a game that went deep into overtime, so they may just be up to the task.
Perhaps Jessie Bates III will come up big with his first interception of the season, or maybe Logan Wilson will tally his fifth of the year. Either way, this Bengals defense will provide a challenge for the Ravens.