By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Hidden somewhat behind the larger-than-life personality of their defense and record-setting running game, the Baltimore Ravens will bring one of the NFL's top special teams groups into Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Meanwhile, Darrin Simmons - a former Baltimore assistant special teams coach who now directs the Bengals' kicking game - has elevated Bengals special teams units from a liability, though they're still not a bankable asset.

"We now have to get to the point where we're making big plays that help us win," Simmons said.

The Bengals will have their hands full Sunday with the Ravens.

Last week, Baltimore safety Ed Reed blocked an Arizona punt and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown.

In two games against the Bengals last season, both victories, the Ravens scored a touchdown on special teams. In Game 1, Lamont Brightful returned a punt 95 yards for a score. And in Game 2, Ron Johnson ran 22 yards for a touchdown with a blocked punt.

Baltimore kicker Matt Stover has made nine of 10 field goal attempts and all 10 extra points.

Punter Kyle Richardson, Stover's former holder, will make his debut for the Bengals against his old team and will be counted on to help give the Bengals a field-position edge.

The Bengals have to at least break even Sunday with the Ravens in the kicking game.

STOP JAMAL: Ravens tailback Jamal Lewis has 797 of Baltimore's 1,484 scrimmage yards (53.7 percent).

The Ravens will bring the NFL's top-rated rush offense into Paul Brown Stadium. They're rushing for 199.6 yards a game. And the 231-pound Lewis is going for 148.4 yards a game.

"It's a big part of the game," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "I think that will affect whether we win or lose the football game."

Stop the run, and the Ravens have to rely on the passing game of rookie quarterback Kyle Boller, which is ranked last in the league at 97.2 yards a game. With two touchdowns and six interceptions, Boller has a passer rating of 48.9, lowest of 17 ranked AFC quarterbacks.

Boller's wide receivers haven't helped: Travis Taylor had three dropped passes at Arizona, and Frank Sanders has dropped two touchdown passes in four games.

WIN LATE: In three of their four losses, the Bengals had a legitimate chance to win in the fourth quarter.

The two losses last season to the Ravens were part of a stretch of seven setbacks in nine games (the other two were the team's only victories) that the Bengals could have won in the second half.

Lewis has talked of the importance of learning how to finish. The Bengals will have to finish strong Sunday to beat the Ravens - known for making big plays late on defense and special teams.

E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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