Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals: 3 Bold Predictions

Oct 19, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) high fives tight end Owen Daniels (81) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Flacco will finally have a big game against the Bengals, and Owen Daniels will be his leading target

The last time Joe Flacco exceeded a passer rating of 75 against the Bengals was September 10, 2012, over two full years ago. This offense is too talented for that streak to continue.

Working in the Ravens’ favor is the Bengals’ struggles on defense, which has given up just under 36 points per game in the past three games. Injuries in the linebacking corps have allowed opposing tight ends to dominate. The past three weeks, the Bengals have allowed Rob Gronkowski 100 yards, Greg Olsen 62 yards and Coby Fleener 64 tards. Those are good tight ends, and so is Owen Daniels. He should be in line for a big game.

Ravens fans well know when Flacco can connect with his tight end, good things happen. Flacco has always had a good connection with guys like Todd Heap, Dennis Pitta and even Ed Dickson at one point. When he gets the tight end going, he gets going. So hitting Owens consistently for short gains should open up some longer plays for guys like Torrey Smith and Steve Smith en route to a big day for the passing game.

Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this article, Owen Daniels has been declared OUT Sunday.

Substitute Crockett Gillmore for Owen Daniels in this slide.