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After delivering their strongest performance of the season, the Baltimore Ravens defense faces another significant challenge in their Week 5 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, a rivalry match within the AFC North.
For any opposing defense, neutralizing the Bengals’ offense begins with disrupting the chemistry between quarterback Joe Burrow and his receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While much attention will focus on the Ravens’ defensive backs matching up against Chase and Higgins, defensive coordinator Zach Orr emphasizes the importance of teamwork in containing the Bengals’ high-powered passing attack.
“I believe it requires a team defensive effort,” Orr explained to reporters. “They have standout receivers; their passing game is very effective, and their quarterback plays a crucial role in that. It’s a matchup within a matchup. It’s our entire defense against their entire offense. When focusing on the passing game, our defensive line and linebackers also play a role in disrupting timing and other aspects.”
In Week 4, Baltimore’s defense showcased dominance in a 35-10 victory over the previously unbeaten Buffalo Bills. The Bills (3-1), who were averaging a league-best 37.3 points per game leading up to Week 4, were limited to just 236 yards. Quarterback Josh Allen completed only 16 of 29 passes for 180 yards and faced constant pressure from the Ravens’ pass rush, being sacked three times and hit eight times.
The combination of Burrow, Chase, and Higgins presents an entirely different challenge. Over the past two weeks, Cincinnati (1-3) has averaged 33.5 points per game. Among the Ravens defensive backs tasked with containing this dynamic duo is Marlon Humphrey, a matchup Orr is particularly eager to see.
“That’s a matchup Marlon Humphrey is really focused on because, as a defensive back, he needs to understand those players thoroughly,” Orr noted. “While it’s team defense, the duel between our defensive backs and their receivers will be critical on Sunday, and our guys have been working diligently all week to prepare.”
