Bengals vs. Ravens: Halftime Observations for the Bengals

The Bengals have shown that they aren't backing down from anyone in the NFL. After a tough loss to Pittsburgh last week, Cincinnati knows exactly what is at stake today in Baltimore. With a win against the Ravens they'll have a one-game lead over them, as well as the early tiebreaker.

Although they don't have the tiebreaker vs. Pittsburgh, it is essential that they play step-for-step with them in the win column. There will be plenty of opportunities to pick up one extra game during the rest of the season. But that all has to start today. 

Let' s take a look at a few observations from the first half, and some keys to the Bengals putting the Ravens away quickly. 

1) O-Line

The Ravens dialed up heavy pressure on third downs in the second quarter, and they worked. Andy Dalton was running from Raven pass-rushers several times on third downs, a very different story from the first quarter. The Bengals have kept Dalton off his back, but they need to give Andy enough time to look to his receivers.

2) Deep Ball

The Ravens' secondary is top notch, especially with Ed Reed waiting in the weeds. But so far today, the Bengals' receivers have shown the ability to get behind the cornerbacks on both completions and incompletions. If Dalton can the time (see No. 1) the Bengals need to keep taking their shots down the football field. 

3) Brush It Off

Dalton ended the half on a long interception by Ed Reed. No problem with the Bengals taking a shot deep. Just because something doesn't work one time doesn't mean you give up on it. Bengals need to regroup in the locker room, and realize they are right in this game. A 14-7 game means this division rivalry is far from over.