The Ravens pulled a shocker in the home opener upending the Bengals last Sunday.  Rookie Joe Flacco had a solid NFL debut as he completed 15 of 29 passes for 129 yards and he also carried the ball 4 times for 37 yards (9.3 ypc) with a 38-yard TD run.  Fullback LeRon McClain had a huge game for the Ravens as he carried the ball 19 times for 86 yards (4.5 ypc) and he also added 2 catches for 24 yards.  Rookie Ray Rice carried the ball 22 times for 64 yards (2.9 ypc) and he caught 3 passes for 19 yards (6.3 avg).  But, not all was good for Rice in his NFL debut as he lost a fumble that Bengals’ CB Jonathan Joseph returned 65-yards for a TD.  WR Mark Clayton only caught 3 passes for 21 yards (7.0 avg) but he also ran the ball on a double reverse 42-yards for a TD.  The Ravens had possession of the football for an amazing 36:15 in this football game and that helped keep the Ravens’ Defense fresh.

The Ravens’ Defense was flying to the football in this game as they suffocated the Bengals’ offense last Sunday.  Linebacker Jarrett Johnson led the way for the Ravens’ D with 6 tackles and a sack.  CB Chris McAllister was the best defender on this day for the Ravens as he made 4 tackles, recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.  The Bengals finished up with 229 yards rushing on 46 carries (5.0 ypc) and they also completed 10 of 25 passes for 89 yards.  The Ravens’ Defense will likely have to carry the team this season and they looked good against the Bengals.