Travis Thomas: Five Reasons The Ravens Will Take Command Of The AFC North This Sunday
The Ravens will take command of the AFC North Sunday on the road in a hostile environment against the Bengals. With that win the Ravens will be in the driver's seat of the division with a favorable schedule ahead. Pittsburgh clearly is not the team they used to be at home or otherwise for that matter. Does anybody fear going to New Orleans and playing Drew Brees on that turf anymore? Doesn't seem like it to me. San Diego is tough but that's a home game, and we all know how hard it is for West Coast teams to get a win in the Big Crab Cake. Much like the Orioles, I believe the Ravens can have this Division wrapped up early. Here are five reasons why:
1. TRENDING STOCKS
The Ravens Stock is trending up. In the past three wins the Ravens have won by an average margin of 27 points. Even the games they lost were close and could have gone the other way late. The Bengals have two lopsided losses to good teams (New England and Indianapolis). Not to mention a measly tie to Carolina. A team the Ravens beat down.
2. PRESSURE BUST PIPES-
In the first game against Cinci Joe Flacco was sacked three times. But, in the six games since Flacco has only been sacked five times. On the contrary, the Ravens Pass Rush has recorded 10 sacks and 24 hits on the QB over the past two games alone.
3. TOUGHNESS
The Bengals rank 30th in run defense. Ravens Running Back Justin Forsett leads the League in Yards Per Rush (5.8) and is averaging over 100 yards rushing in the last two games (103). His partner in crime Bernard Pierce is looking to score a touchdown in his third consecutive game as well.
4. HAVES VS HAVE NOTS
Look around the AFC. Similar to the Wealth Gap in our Country the NFL is starting to reflect that outline as well. Look at the bottom teams in the AFC for example, Raiders, Jacksonville, Jets, and Titans. Most teams fall into the Middle Class, and very few teams are at the top, Broncos, Colts, and Patriots, Chargers and Ravens. Time to act uppity Ravens!
5. JOE FLACCO-
Joe Cool has the hot hand right now. He's tossed 7 touchdowns in his past two games, not to mention the first meeting with the Bengals he passed for 345 yards. Flacco has a career 2-4 mark in Cincinnati, and the Ravens have not won there since 2011. Its due time.
