Lamar Jackson currently leads the league in yards per attempt (9.3) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (20-to-2). He’s also doing this while working with three new starters on the offensive line. This season, Jackson has converted 44.7% of his pass attempts into first downs—an elite mark. And this season the Cincinatti Bengals have had front row view of Jackson this year.
Photo Cred: KGET
Despite a late rally from Joe Burrow and Jamar Chase, the Ravens held on to improve to 7-3. The game started slowly, with both defenses dominating early. Baltimore’s high-powered offense was stifled in the first half, as Cincinnati held Derrick Henry in check and limited the Ravens to just seven points—their lowest first-half total of the season. The Ravens’ defense also held strong, forcing multiple Cincinnati punts. But the Bengals dominated time of possession, nearly doubling Baltimore’s in the first 30 minutes. Despite this, Cincinnati led only 14-7 at halftime, keeping the game within reach.
Early in the third quarter, it looked like the Bengals were ready to pull away. After a Ravens punt, Burrow immediately hit Chase for a 67-yard touchdown, electrifying the Cincinnati crowd and giving the Bengals a two-score lead. Their defense followed up with another stop, giving the ball back to Burrow and his offense. But momentum shifted midway through the third quarter when the Ravens’ defense forced a crucial fumble from running back Chase Brown. Baltimore wasted no time capitalizing, scoring four consecutive touchdowns to surge ahead. By the time they reached the end zone for the last time, the Ravens had turned the game around, leading 35-28.
Photo Cred: USA Today
With under two minutes left in the game, the Bengals launched one final drive. Burrow led them downfield with precision, converting a key fourth down to keep their hopes alive. With just 50 seconds remaining, Burrow found Chase for what appeared to be the game-tying touchdown. Rather than playing for overtime, the Bengals opted for a two-point conversion to win it outright. On the deciding play, the Ravens’ defense came up big, forcing Burrow into an incomplete pass and preserving their slim lead. A successful onside kick recovery by Baltimore sealed the 35-34 victory, preventing Cincinnati’s comeback from becoming a reality.
The Bengals were frustrated after the game, as two controversial non-calls on the Ravens’ defense went unaddressed. Tight end Mike Gesicki appeared to be held on the two-point attempt, and Burrow may have taken a hit to the facemask as he released the ball. Either call could have given Cincinnati a chance to win. The loss drops the Bengals to 4-6 as they prepare to face the LA Chargers next week on Sunday Night Football. Meanwhile, the Ravens will look to extend their division lead when they face the Pittsburgh Steelers on CBS.
