Baltimore Ravens (8-3) – Cincinnati Bengals (5-5): 34-20
The clash between the two AFC North rivals was one of the most anticipated matches of the week, one that could change the future of the division and the playoffs. The duel between Lamar Jackson (16/26, 264 yards, 2 TD, 54 yards rushing) and Joe Burrow (11/17, 101 yards, 1 TD) being the main attraction of this match. While the match started superbly, with only 4 points difference in the middle of the second quarter, it was an injury that changed everything.
Arrival at the stadium with a wrist splint before the match (although absent from the injured list), Joe Burrow left his teammates shortly before halftime, after observing on the sidelines that it was impossible for him to continue throwing. Cincinnati never recovered.
Lamar Jackson had a great game, even after the injury to Mark Andrews (23 yards), helped by his skills players including Gus Edwards (70 yards, 2 TD) and Odell Beckham (116 yards). Cincinnati’s defense was once again shaky, which is becoming a constant this season.
For the Bengals Jake Browning (8/14, 68 yards, 1 TD) did what he could, with his strengths but above all his limits. Joe Mixon (100 yards, 1 TD) survived, but it was far from enough.
With this victory the Ravens are more than ever at the top of the AFC North, while the Bengals are suspended awaiting medical news for Joe Burrow. Without the young quarterback, the chances of the playoffs will be slim.
blow for blow
From the first drive, Baltimore will take the lead. Led by an incisive Lamar Jackson, the Ravens dominate in the air. Mark Andrews (out with injury shortly after) and Zay Flowers (43 yards) play the detonators, and the essential Gus Edwards concludes on the ground (7-0).
The Bengals have a lot to lose in this game, and are taking control quickly. First with a field goal, then a touchdown from Joe Burrow for Joe Mixon (7-10). The match is off to a superb start.
But Baltimore is indeed the best team in this first act, and takes off in a few minutes. First with a touchdown from Nelson Agholor (37 yards, 1 TD), on a lucky action. Then after the injury to Joe Burrow on a touchdown from Rashod Bateman. The Raves are in control and everyone participates, even Odell Beckham who shows encouraging signs of progress (21-10).
The Ravens as a good family man
Without the Burrow threat, Baltimore is in control and the plan is clear: gain time on the ground to prevent the Bengals from coming back. The start of the second half illustrates this, with an exchange of field goals to start (24-13).
Cincinnati is suffering, and is no longer moving forward. Baltimore then takes out the weapon Keaton Mitchell to gain more time and score three additional points (27-13). Risk-taking is minimal, the objective being to glean the minutes while keeping a comfortable mattress and managing the advance.
The coup de grace takes place four minutes from the end. Lamar Jackson finds Odell Beckham for a deep reception, and Gus Edwards finds the endzone (34-13). Checkmate for a match that was never the same after Joe Burrow’s injury.
For the honor, the match ends with a touchdown from Ja’Marr Chase (12 yards, 1 TD), without impact on the final result.
