The Baltimore Ravens continued their dominance over the Cincinnati Bengals with a thrilling 35-34 win on Thursday night, sweeping their division rivals for the second consecutive season. This victory, secured by a resilient Ravens team led by star quarterback Lamar Jackson, came a month after Baltimore defeated Cincinnati in an overtime battle in Week 5.
The AFC North showdown had fans on the edge of their seats as Jackson and the Ravens mounted a comeback from a 21-7 deficit in the second half. With relentless playmaking, Jackson rallied his team to victory against a determined Bengals squad featuring standout performances by quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest winners and losers from this exciting matchup.
Winners
Lamar Jackson
Jackson continued to solidify his MVP case with a stellar performance in the second half, despite a quiet start to the game. He turned the tide with four consecutive touchdown drives, leveraging his mobility and accuracy to keep the Bengals’ defense off balance. Jackson finished with 290 passing yards, four touchdowns, 33 rushing yards, and a successful two-point conversion, demonstrating why he remains one of the league’s most dynamic players.
Joe Burrow
Though the Bengals fell short, Burrow showcased his toughness and skill, delivering an impressive 428 passing yards and four touchdowns despite constant pressure from the Ravens’ defense. Burrow’s resilience kept Cincinnati competitive, even as he battled through hits and pain, and his determined play left no question about his ability to lead under difficult conditions.
Ja’Marr Chase
Chase has a history of excelling against the Ravens, and Thursday night was no exception. His 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns underscored his elite skills, making him a nightmare for Baltimore’s secondary. Chase’s explosiveness, agility, and strength were on full display, making a strong case for AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
Bengals’ Run Defense
The Bengals’ front line successfully contained Baltimore’s ground game, one of the NFL’s most formidable rushing attacks. Limiting Derrick Henry to 68 rushing yards, Cincinnati’s defense disrupted Baltimore’s rhythm, with players like B.J. Hill and Logan Wilson stepping up to plug running lanes and make tackles.
Ravens Wide Receiver Tylan Wallace
The usually quiet Wallace had a breakout game with a career-high 115 receiving yards on three catches, including his first NFL touchdown. Wallace’s 84-yard touchdown was a highlight moment, offering a glimpse of his potential in Baltimore’s offense.
Losers
Bengals’ Second-Half Struggles
For the second time this season, Cincinnati let a second-half lead slip away against Baltimore. After holding a 21-7 advantage, a costly fumble by running back Chase Brown set up Baltimore’s comeback, sparking a surge in momentum for the Ravens.
Chase Brown
Brown’s fumble in the third quarter proved to be a turning point, giving the Ravens a short field and fueling Baltimore’s offensive rally. Though a promising player, Brown’s error will be one he’ll need to overcome as he works to prove himself as a reliable back for Cincinnati.
Ravens’ Secondary
Baltimore’s pass defense struggled mightily, giving up 421 passing yards and four touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase seemed nearly unstoppable, exploiting gaps in the Ravens’ coverage. The night was further marred by an injury to safety Kyle Hamilton, underscoring concerns in Baltimore’s defensive backfield.
Ravens’ First-Half Offense
The Ravens’ offense looked sluggish in the opening half, managing only 10 minutes of possession and three quick three-and-outs. Their slow start nearly cost them the game, and it’s an area the team will need to address to maintain consistency against top-tier opponents.
Referees
Thursday’s officiating raised some eyebrows as questionable penalties were called on both teams, and several missed calls drew criticism from fans and players alike. With 11 penalties assessed against Baltimore alone, both teams will likely feel frustrated by some of the night’s officiating decisions.
This week’s battle was an exciting chapter in the Ravens-Bengals rivalry, showing the strength and determination of two talented AFC North teams. For now, Baltimore emerges as the victor, with Jackson’s stellar leadership pushing them to a memorable win.
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