6 realistic expectations for Bengals vs. Ravens in week 16
By Alex Austin
Defense continues to put on a dominating performance
Trey Hendrickson will tie the NFL record for consecutive games with a sack
Usually predicting that the player leading their team in sacks will get another sack isn’t shocking and a sack against the Ravens will vault Trey Hendrickson into the record books. Hendrickson just was named to his first Pro Bowl and he’s going to show the world that he was deserving of the honor.
"I think it should be everybody's goal. It has been my goal for several years. I've written it down many times... It was really an emotional night." Trey Hendrickson on Pro Bowl #Bengals #RuleTheJungle
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) December 23, 2021
Hendrickson has recorded a sack in 10 straight games, and with a sack on Sunday, he will tie the NFL record with 11 straight games with at least one sack. Defensive coordinator, Lou Anarumo, is going to do everything he can to get Hendrickson in the backfield and let the pass rusher match the record in front of a rocking home crowd.
Defense forces two turnovers and propels a strong performance
As of writing this article, Lamar Jackson’s status is still unknown going into this game. It sure looks like even if he does play he may not be at 100%, or Tyler Huntley is going to get another start. Either way, I would expect the Bengals to be aggressive and force the quarterback to make plays on Sunday.
Knowing that playing aggressive can be the difference-maker, the Cincinnati defense will go for interceptions and fumbles rather than play it safe, resulting in several turnovers.