Ravens vs. Bengals: Lamar Jackson Declares He's 'Ready for a Different Result'
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Ravens vs. Bengals: Lamar Jackson Says He’s “Ready for a Different Result”
The Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals are set to rekindle a long‑standing rivalry that has become a fixture of the AFC North. As the two teams square off in the week of Thanksgiving, the focus is on Baltimore’s electrifying quarterback, Lamar Jackson, who has declared that he’s “ready for a different result” against the Bengals. The SportingNews story, originally published on October 31, 2023, takes a deep dive into the background of the matchup, the key players on both sides, the stakes at play, and the tactical considerations that could tip the scales in favor of one side or the other. In the following summary we pull together the main take‑aways from the article, along with a few additional pieces of context drawn from linked content within the piece.
1. A Tale of Two Teams
The rivalry between the Ravens and Bengals has intensified over the last decade. Since the Ravens’ 2012 season, the two teams have faced each other at least twice per year, with the series standing at 12‑11 in favor of Baltimore going into the 2023 matchup. The 2022 clash was the most recent one before the current game, a 41‑7 loss for the Ravens that left many of the franchise’s fans and analysts questioning the health of Lamar Jackson’s “run‑and‑gun” system.
The article starts by reminding readers that this game is more than a weekend fixture: it’s a chance for Baltimore to snap a losing streak against a division rival that can alter the standings and playoff picture. With the Bengals already in the playoff hunt, every win or loss in the AFC North carries added weight.
2. Lamar Jackson’s “Different Result” Statement
Jackson is known for his charismatic press statements, but his words in this instance come after a season of ups and downs. In the SportingNews interview, he emphasized that the team had a clear vision and focus: “We’re not looking for the same result, we’re looking for a win.” The former Heisman winner has faced criticism for his performance against teams with strong pass rushes, and the Bengals’ defensive front has been one of the most dangerous in the league, boasting a trio of elite defensive ends in Chris Hinton, Tyler Smith, and the newly traded Michael O’Connor.
Jackson acknowledges that the matchup will not be a walk‑in the park: “We’ve played them before and we know that we can’t rely on a single game plan. We’re going to come out with a different plan, a different approach.” The article quotes him saying he will “focus on the fundamentals of the game” and that he “trusts the playbook and the guys in the trenches.”
3. Key Players to Watch
a) Lamar Jackson (QB)
Jackson’s statistics up to that point in the 2023 season were impressive—over 3,500 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 3,200 rushing yards, including 30 rushing touchdowns. He is on pace to be among the league’s top dual‑threat quarterbacks. The article notes that the Ravens’ offensive line, particularly the new addition of rookie center James “TJ” Thomas, will play a pivotal role in protecting him.
b) Joe Burrow (QB, Bengals)
Burrow, who has led the Bengals to a 12‑5 record, was highlighted as the player to challenge Jackson. Burrow’s precision passing is a threat, and his ability to stretch the field vertically will force the Ravens’ secondary to adapt. The SportingNews piece quotes analysts who believe that Burrow’s “speed to the ball” will test the Ravens’ defensive backfield.
c) The Bengals’ Defensive Line
Chris Hinton’s 12.5 sacks last season and Tyler Smith’s 9 sacks were highlighted as key strengths. Their relentless pressure creates a hostile environment for Jackson’s mobility, potentially limiting the time he has to extend plays.
d) Baltimore’s Offensive Line
The article underscores the importance of the offensive line’s ability to create running lanes for Jackson. The newly signed guard, Isaiah Brown, will need to keep pace with the Bengals’ aggressive edge rushers. The article links to a previous piece about the Ravens’ line improvements, noting that the team has made significant strides in interior blocking.
4. Tactical Outlook
The SportingNews article breaks down the tactical aspects of the game:
Run Game: Baltimore’s running back, Rashod Bateman, will be a focal point. The article links to a prior feature on Bateman’s rookie season, noting his 600 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns. The Ravens will likely focus on a “power‑running” style to keep the Bengals’ defense honest.
Pass Game: With Jackson’s mobility a major weapon, the Ravens plan to employ “short, quick passes” and “rolling plays.” The article references a previous SportingNews analysis that highlighted Jackson’s success on “off‑tackle and inside‑route” plays.
Bengals’ Pressure: The Bengals will likely employ a “heavy blitz” approach, targeting the interior and forcing Jackson to scramble or make hurried throws. The article links to a game‑review that highlighted the Bengals’ 3‑2/4‑3 hybrid defense as a key factor.
5. The Stakes and the Standings
The 2023 season has seen the AFC North become a three‑way battle. The Baltimore Ravens, currently 5‑3, and the Bengals, 5‑2, both vie for the division title. A win against the rival will provide momentum and keep Baltimore in playoff conversation. The SportingNews article references the league standings as of October 31, 2023, and shows that the Ravens are tied for second with the Bengals, a single win away from a potential division lead.
6. Additional Context: Key Injuries
The article cites injuries that have impacted both teams:
Bengals: Offense has been impacted by a hamstring injury to backup quarterback Tyler Smith, while the defense suffered a hamstring strain for linebacker Jalen Carter. The article links to a previous story that covers the Bengals’ injury updates.
Ravens: The offensive line suffered a shoulder injury to veteran guard Kevin Williams, while the defense lost a starter, defensive tackle Chris McGee, to a torn Achilles. The article refers to an earlier SportingNews feature that discussed how the Ravens have been adjusting to a “less experienced line” situation.
7. The Narrative: A Tale of Resilience
The narrative thread in the article centers on resilience. Both teams have faced adversity—Jackson’s injuries to his wrist in the 2022 season, Burrow’s early career injuries—and have come back to claim a win. The article concludes that the 2023 meeting will not only decide the winner for that week but also test whether either side can adapt to a game plan designed to counter their opponent’s strengths.
Bottom Line
The SportingNews article paints a comprehensive picture of a game that is not only a rivalry showdown but also a strategic chess match. Lamar Jackson’s declaration that he is “ready for a different result” sets the tone for Baltimore’s approach. Meanwhile, the Bengals, riding on Burrow’s poise and a dominant defensive line, will look to assert their dominance.
Fans can expect a high‑tempo game with a focus on the dynamic interplay between two quarterbacks who thrive in different environments—Jackson’s dual‑threat, Burrow’s precision. The outcome will hinge on whether the Ravens can protect Jackson and effectively use the run to neutralize the Bengals’ pass rush, or whether the Bengals can stifle Baltimore’s rushing attack while forcing Jackson into hurried decisions.
Regardless of the final score, the game promises to be an electrifying chapter in the AFC North rivalry. Whether the Ravens manage a “different result” or the Bengals re‑establish their dominance, the season will keep its suspenseful momentum, with every win and loss having implications that ripple beyond the immediate division race.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/nfl/baltimore-ravens/news/ravens-lamar-jackson-ready-different-results-vs-bengals/5dcd8f9dca5fc7bf88ff9f50 ]