Bengals gearing up for ‘slept on’ part of Lamar Jackson’s game

The Cincinnati Bengals tend to struggle against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson because of the dual-threat nature of his play.

But Bengals defenders say it is Jackson’s passing that doesn’t get enough credit and could cause them problems during Sunday’s AFC North showdown.

It’s something cornerback Mike Hilton touched on this week while stressing the need to contain Jackson and disguise some coverages.

“They spread the ball around. These are the best weapons he’s had his whole career,” Hilton said, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com. “They’re loosening it up, throwing it around more. He’s a good passer. I think that’ part of his that gets slept on. We want to keep him in the pocket and make him read coverages and make throw it into tight windows. Can’t let him sit back there and get comfortable.”

That part about this being Jackson’s most talented supporting cast rings true given the wideout duo of Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers (nine catches, 78 yards last week), plus tight end Mark Andrews.

Sunday will be Jackson’s second game in a new system and while he didn’t throw a touchdown during a 25-9 win over Houston last week, he did post a 17-of-22 line.

New system and weapons or not, though, the Bengals are wildly familiar with Jackson and the Ravens by now, making for a captivating chess match.