A completely crazy division match between Cincinnati and Baltimore. The rivals' meeting went into overtime. With the Bengals desperately looking for a second victory this season and the Ravens riding on their crushing victory against Buffalo, everything came together to offer an intense spectacle. And it didn't fail.
In difficulty at the start of the match, Joe Burrow and his team finally delivered an XXL performance after half-time. Being able to count on a Ja'marr Chase on the big nights, the Cincinnati quarterback led the race for a large part of the match. But the Ravens did not give up, particularly on offense, where Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry always knew how to stay within reach of their opponents. It was at the end of an insane overtime that Baltimore finally pocketed a third victory, while Cincinnati, disgusted, missed the field goal of winning.
Cincinnati slightly ahead
The Ravens are the first to strike. On a long 6-minute drive, Derrick Henry (15 races, 91 yards, 1 TD) finally dived inside and scored a historic hundredth career touchdown. The Bengals, on the other hand, did not start under the best auspices with a punt after three small attempts. But the situation improved afterwards. Especially for the Cincinnati defense which, despite its shortcomings against the run this season, manages to force a punt to the ruthless Lamar Jackson. Behind, Joe Burrow (30/39, 392 yards, 5 TD, 1 Int), well supported by his runner Chase Brown, finds Tee Higgins (9 receptions, 83 yards, 2 TD) in the opposing paint on an 11-yard pass . Parity score at the start of the second quarter.
After an exchange of punts between the two offensive squads, Lamar Jackson (26/42, 348 yards, 3 TD, 12 races, 56 yards) progresses and takes the lead on a superb 16-yard pass to Rashod Bateman. The Bengals do not respond. Joe Burrow is even sacked on his 32 yards on third attempt. But a masterful punt from Ryan Rehkow will redistribute the cards. Returned to its 2 yards, the Ravens attack was surprised. Sam Hubbard traps Derrick Henry in his zone and offers safety to his team.
The stadium is screaming, but the Bengals are still struggling on offense. After another exchange of kicks, Cincinnati had the opportunity to take the advantage for the first time in the match. With 34 seconds remaining before the break and three timeouts, Joe Burrow and his team move up the field at the speed of light. Ja'marr Chase (10 receptions, 193 yards, 2 TDs) concludes with a 41-yard bomb, converted to two points. It makes 17-14 for the locals at the break.
Arms pass between Burrow and Jackson
Returning from the locker room, the Bengals' aerial attack continues to shine, like this 39-yard reception from Andrei Iosivas in extension above the sideline. The offensive ended in style with a 5-yard touchdown from Tee Higgins. On the other hand, the reaction is immediate. Lamar Jackson responds with a huge 55-yard pass to Charlie Kolar. Isaiah Likely continued on the next play with six points.
The tiger attack, however, seems to have found its rhythm. And the Ravens defense is making too many mistakes. Baltimore is the worst team in the league this season in penalties per game, and it shows. Cincinnati scores another touchdown and gets some fresh air. The offensive orgy is total and Lamar Jackson intends to participate in it. Called upon on several races, the double MVP provides a perfect drive and ultimately finds Charlie Kolar to stay within range.
This is without counting an express response signed Ja'marr Chase. The 24-year-old receiver goes through a mouse hole and rushes 70 yards for another touchdown. Baltimore's defense is completely overwhelmed. Since half-time, it has not once managed to contain the Tiger armada. The attack, on the other hand, continues to impress. Lamar Jackson gesticulates, almost gets sacked, and finds in extremis Isiah Likely on a completely crazy action to inexorably stay within three small points of Cincinnati. The tension doesn't go down a notch.
THE TOUCHDOWN OF THE YEAR FOR LAMAR JACKSON?!?!? HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE OMGGGGG?!
😱😱😱😱😱pic.twitter.com/Yf2gaQO0A0
— DNA of Sports.com – NFL News (@DNA of Sports) October 6, 2024
On the following drive, Marlon Humphrey will finally provoke an interesting action for the defense with a key interception three minutes from time. Jackson recovers the leather and has all the cards in hand to disgust the Bengals. But he had to settle for a 56-yard field goal. Tied, the Bengals in turn have a match point in their hands with 1 minute 35 remaining and three timeouts. But the squad is forced to clear and the match heads into overtime.
Extension at the end of the suspense
Even in overtime, the match maintains its intensity. After great progress, Lamar Jackson commits the irreparable. The ball slips from her hands and in the crowd, Germaine Pratt recovers it. Cincinnati is on the opposing 38 yard line. Joe Burrow is not taking any risks and hopes that his kicker Evan McPherson will put an end to the meeting. Poorly captured, his 53-yard shot was completely missed. Baltimore recovers an unexpected possession and Derrick Henry definitively seals the outcome of this match. After a 51-yard run, Tucker concluded the game with a final 21-yard field goal. The Bengals have reason to be upset. The match escapes them on small details.
