‘They’re scared’: Analyst claims Ravens built entire offseason around stopping one Bengals player
from CincinnatiBengalsCommunity, with Evince Das, and from www.yardbarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
Joe Burrow is once again expected to lead the Cincinnati Bengals into an AFC North title race, and one NFL analyst believes the Baltimore Ravens spent the offseason preparing for that challenge. Much of the Ravens’ biggest additions have sparked claims that containing Burrow became a priority.
According to a report by Dylan Oakley of Stripe Hype, Baltimore’s defensive moves point towards one clear objective ahead of the 2026 season. Oakley argued that the Ravens strengthened both their pass rush and secondary with Burrow in mind.
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“The Ravens offseason suggests they’re scared of Burrow,” Oakley wrote. “With the impending battle between Baltimore and Cincy likely, the Ravens seem to have not so subtly tailored their offseason to get better at one thing…stopping Burrow.”
The statement comes after the Bengals quarterback continued to enjoy success against the Ravens. He completed 25 of 39 passes last season against Baltimore with a 64.1% completion rate in 2025. Burrow holds a record of 279 of 429 passes for 3,185 yards and 23 touchdowns against the Ravens. Oakley pointed to Baltimore’s headline additions as evidence, as per Stripe Hype.
The Ravens acquired former Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, signed ex-Cincinnati cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, and added veteran safety Jaylinn Hawkins, giving their defense more experience against the pass.
Awuzie contributed 38 solo tackles while Hendrickson generated 23 total pressures as a pass rusher. Meanwhile, Hawkins’ coverage grade of 78.9 ranked 8th among 98 qualified safeties.
He also argued that bringing in two former Bengals defenders could provide valuable insight into Burrow’s tendencies and Cincinnati’s offensive system.
But that remains an opinion rather than a confirmed strategy, and Oakley believes the Ravens’ personnel decisions reflect how much respect they have for Burrow.
While Baltimore prepared itself for Burrow, Cincinnati also made changes to its roster.
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According to a report by ESPN’s Seth Walder, the Bengals also reshaped their defense this offseason. But Walder was less convinced by some of the organisation’s biggest decisions.
Walder praised Cincinnati for signing edge rusher Boye Mafe due to his pass-rush and run-stop metrics. He also suggested that Mafe could become one of the club’s better value additions if he maintains last season’s production.
He viewed the trade for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II differently.
“The move was both uncharacteristic and unwise,” the analyst wrote. “Yes, Cincinnati needs to invest resources into its defense. But this was not the way to do it. Lawrence is a good player who has been elite in the past. But he is coming off a down season.”
The Bengals also signed Jonathan Allen and safety Bryan Cook. Later, they extended left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Walder questioned Allen’s recent production but noted the Bengals have made a clear effort to improve a defense that struggled last season.
For Cincinnati, those moves may prove just as important as Burrow’s health. ESPN’s Football Power Index projects the Bengals to have the league’s easiest schedule in 2026.
The easy schedule can give them a strong opportunity to challenge Baltimore for the AFC North if their defensive rebuild delivers.