The opening Monday night of the regulars season offers a double header for rabid NFL fans.
The first game will feature an early divisional matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.
Here is my BSO preview:
1: How will Dean Fare
The Ravens will be breaking in a new defensive coordinator Dean Pees and his scheme will be tested early with the explosive A.J. Green coming to town. Pees will be without the reigning Defensive Player Of The Year Terrell Suggs.
It will be imperative that the Ravens get a good pass rush going to protect their soft corners Jimmy Smith and Carey Williams.
2. As Ray Goes
Ray Rice has a new deal, he’s happy and the Ravens will go as his productivity goes. It will imperative for Rey Maualuga to keep up with Rice if the Bengals are going to have any shot stopping the little engine that will. Rice may be the top duel threat in the game as far as rushing and receiving goes.
3. Andy vs The Legend
Andy Dalton has to make plays in the passing game and a lot of those plays will have to be made with Ed Reed lurking around. It will be important for Dalton to find out where Reed is, do his best to not stare down his receivers and not take unnecessary chances trying to get the ball to Green.
4. Be Consistent Joe
The Bengals will have to pick their poison, and they’ll most likely feel more confident as a group trying to have Joe Flacco beat them instead of Rice. Flacco has to be patient and take the opportunities he gets to target Bolden and Torrey Smith efficiently.
The Ravens even without Suggs are primed to make a deep playoff run. It starts tonight.
The Bengals are a team they are suppose to beat.