By Mark Curnutte
The Cincinnati Enquirer

There was a sense around the Bengals that the team could be much improved and still be 1-4 or winless at the bye. They reached the off week at 1-4, possibly a couple of plays from being 3-2.

Now the Bengals begin what might have been considered the "easy" part of their schedule.

After playing three teams in the first five games that made the playoffs in 2002, they play six teams in a row that did not qualify for the postseason last year - though three of them (Baltimore, Seattle and Kansas City) are in first place in their respective divisions.

The pressure is on.

"You hear about teams starting 1-4 and making the playoffs," linebacker Kevin Hardy said. "You don't hear about them starting 1-5 and making it."

Quarterback

The early-season success of wide receivers Chad Johnson and Peter Warrick and the tight ends has much to do with Jon Kitna's knowledge of the offense. But if a few more losses drop the Bengals out of the chase for the division title, Kitna will be demoted in favor of rookie Carson Palmer.

Speaking of rookies, Ravens starter Kyle Boller has the NFL's lowest passer rating (48.9).

Edge: Bengals

Running backs

The Ravens have the most imbalanced offense in the NFL, first in rushing (199.6) and last in passing (97.2). Tailback Jamal Lewis is on pace to establish a single-season NFL rushing record and accounts for more than 53 percent of the team's scrimmage yards.

If he plays, Bengals tailback Corey Dillon (groin) might not be 100 percent. The Bengals need yards from whoever runs the ball.

Edge: Ravens

Receivers/tight ends

Dillon's injuries have made the Bengals a passing team, and Johnson and Warrick have emerged as one of the league's top tandems. Kitna uses his tight ends, and they've responded with 26 catches. Tight end Todd Heap (17 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown) is the Ravens' best receiver. Wideouts Travis Taylor and Frank Sanders have a double case of the early-season drops.

Edge: Bengals

Offensive line

After giving up 10 sacks in the first three games, the Bengals line has allowed just one in the past two games. The run blocking remains inconsistent.

The Ravens are blocking well for Lewis but might be banged up with left guard Edwin Mulitalo (ankle) and top reserve Casey Rabach (hip) listed as probable. Boller holds the ball too long, helping to account for 10 sacks in just 125 pass attempts.

Edge: Ravens

Defensive line

The Bengals line has all eight of the defense's sacks and has been largely left alone to pressure the quarterback. Dropping linebackers in coverage has helped the pass defense achieve its No. 6 league ranking. The line is seven deep and getting better each time out; tackle Tony Williams is having a Pro Bowl season. The three-man Ravens line anchors a defense that's allowing just 3.9 yards a rushing attempt.

Edge: Bengals

Linerbackes

Now playing a 3-4 defense, the Ravens start four playmakers at linebacker - led by Ray Lewis - and not counting rookie sack specialist Terrell Suggs. Peter Boulware is a three-time all-star. The Bengals have new players in each of the linebacker spots, but the lack of takeaways is a big problem (seven fumbles, no recoveries).

Edge: Ravens

Defensive backs

The Bengals field their best overall secondary in many years. Cornerback Tory James has eight passes broken up to lead the defense, which has 31. The Bengals had 59 in 2002.

The Ravens have drafted well in their secondary, and the latest DB to bloom into a star is safety Ed Reed. He has four interceptions this year and nine in his 21-game career.

Edge: Ravens

Special Teams

The Bengals' special teams units are vastly improved since the last time the Ravens came to town. The kicking game is no longer a major weakness and is turning into a plus. Still, Baltimore has some of the best special teams units in the league.

The Ravens are where the Bengals are headed in many respects, especially on special teams: The Ravens make plays in the kicking game that help them win games.

Edge: Ravens

Coaching

Other than settling on a quarterback, Brian Billick (45-30) has made almost all the right moves since coming to Baltimore in 1999. He continues to guide a young team forward since a salary-cap housecleaning after the 2001 season.

Of course, Billick's Super Bowl defensive coordinator was Marvin Lewis, now coaching the Bengals and using much of the same method to rebuild the woeful Bengals.

Edge: Ravens

Mark Curnutte's prediction

Ravens 16, Bengals 13

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