Baltimore Ravens Vs Cincinnati Bengals: Ravens Offense Has Some Explaining to Do

In week two, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals put on a similar performance that both teams gave last season.

It started, and ended with defense for both teams, who finished statistically in the top five in total defense last season. In the end, Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Baltimore Ravens once again at home.

Some may say the Bengals had more on the line. With having a tough 2010 schedule, an 0-2 start couldn't be afforded for the Cincinnati.

However, the storyline is the Ravens offense not playing up to the expectations that the media brought upon them in the first two weeks. Twenty points in two games, with only one touchdown won't cut it in this league anymore.

Before I talk more about the offense, I need to shed light on this Ravens defense. If there were any questions about age in 2010, Ray Lewis and company put that to rest. Baltimore has not given up one touchdown, despite the tough positions the Ravens offense put them in.

The weakest link of the defense, the secondary, did put together a solid performance against a stacked passing attack on the Bengals. The performance should have been enough for the victory, but the offense couldn't keep their other end of the deal.

Stat-Line for the Ravens offense: 10 points, one offensive touchdown, four turnovers. It won't cut it in this league anymore, especially within the division. My first area of concern is the offensive line, which was one of the strenghts of the Ravens coming into the season.

Playing without starting lineman Jared Gaither is a killer for the Ravens. Gaither is a top five right tackle in this league when healthy, which could have led to the inconsistency of this unit. Joe Flacco did not have enough time to find any targets downfield, putting a heavy load on the running game to carry them.

On the receiving end, there are some issues. Granted, Cincinnati's secondary is one of the best in the NFL, but they were mostly a non factor.

Anquan Boldin could not repeat his performance from week one, and TJ Houshmandzadeh is still learning this offense at a fast pace.

Derrick Mason was able to contribute with a 31 yard touchdown grab, but after that he was shut down by the Cincinnati secondary.

The running game did bounce back after struggling for yardage against the Jets. Ray Rice was able to break for a few big gains, and was able to help move the chains and change field position for Baltimore.

But the sloppy performance of the Ravens offense continues. Five interceptions by Joe Flacco in two games, combined with the multiple turnovers in last week's game, gives head coach John Harbaugh his work cut out for him.

Last season it was the penalties. In the first two games, the Ravens have been better in that department. However, ball control will be the key, especially in the red zone.

Do I have confidence in this offense? Yes I do. I understand playing two top five defense to start your season will result in a bit of a drop off statistically. But the turnovers are inexcusable, and with two straight division games coming up, the Ravens offense needs to fix their issues fast.

Matt Miselis is an NFL/Baltimore Ravens Featured Columnist for BleacherReport.com.

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