BALTIMORE — The Bengals, with a record of 4-5, find themselves just 20 yards away from getting back into the AFC North playoff picture in a crucial matchup against the Ravens, who boast a 6-4 record.
On Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium, the Bengals will take on the Ravens in a game featuring the league’s top two red-zone offenses. The Bengals rank third, while the Ravens lead the league with an impressive 15 touchdowns on their last 18 trips to the red zone. They’ve also scored in 24 consecutive possessions dating back to their season opener.
Quarterbacks Joe Burrow of the Bengals and Lamar Jackson of the Ravens both have a knack for improvisation, often turning potential messes into scoring opportunities. Burrow referred to the style of play as feeling more like “playground” than a strict playbook when you get closer to the goal line.
“I see a lot of quarterbacks making plays down there,” Burrow said, reflecting on his recent success in the red zone with three touchdowns against the Raiders. “It’s tough to design plays to get guys open in such a tight area. You have to be quick and decisive.”
Burrow believes that about half of his red-zone successes come from spontaneous plays rather than scripted ones. However, Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase sees it differently, stating that even when it feels improvised, it’s rooted in their planned strategies.
“It starts with the playbook and then can turn into street football,” Chase said.
The Bengals’ wide receivers coach, Troy Walters, likened their approach to basketball: “Lose your man, get open, and make your move,” he said. With players like Tee Higgins, who excelled in basketball, and Mike Gesicki, a former dunk champion, the team has a diverse set of talents at their disposal.
Both Burrow and Jackson have a range of reliable receivers and tight ends to connect with in the end zone. The Bengals have seen seven different players catch red-zone touchdowns this season, with four of them scoring multiple times. The Ravens have also spread the wealth, with six players registering multiple touchdowns.
As part of their game preparation, Burrow and the coaching staff spend time crafting a plan each week to ensure he has options available early in their drives. This week’s preparation was a bit condensed, but they continued to emphasize the importance of being ready.
Justin Rascati, the passing game coordinator, highlighted Burrow’s exceptional skills, saying, “He has a great feel for the pocket and knows when to extend plays.” This ability is crucial for any quarterback, especially in tight red-zone situations.
In terms of performance, Burrow has thrown 13 touchdowns without an interception in the red zone, a record only matched by Jackson. Despite the tighter spaces inside the 10-yard line, both quarterbacks have excelled, each managing ten touchdowns without a pick from that area.
Bengals slot cornerback Mike Hilton, who faced Burrow regularly in training camp, praised Burrow’s skillful escaping ability. “He doesn’t get enough credit for how he can extend plays,” Hilton noted. “He has a unique ability to keep plays alive.”
A recent touchdown by tight end Drew Sample showcased this when he started blocking, recognized an opportunity, and connected with Burrow on a surprising throw across the field.
While not every scramble exists within their game plan, the team’s training on scramble drills positions them to adapt effectively. Rascati emphasizes effort during these drills, as players are trained to effectively find space and capitalize on defensive breakdowns.
With a mix of innovation and spontaneity, the Bengals plan to continue finding ways to score. In last month’s game against the Ravens, both Higgins and Chase secured touchdowns through well-executed plays, demonstrating the successful combination of planning and execution.
Ultimately, whether it’s structured play or spontaneous improvisation, Burrow’s ability to keep plays alive and hit targets precisely remains vital for the Bengals’ success in the red zone, paving the way for what they hope will be a triumphant game against the Ravens.
As Gesicki humorously put it, “Sometimes, it all turns into playground football, but you have to give credit to Joe for his leadership and skill.”
