The Cincinnati Bengals needed this one badly but didn’t get it, as they fell to the Baltimore Ravens in overtime 41-38. Now 1-4, Zac Taylor will have some pressure on him for next week, as the conservative playcalling ended up costing them a potential win. Although there was a botched hold and snap before the Evan McPherson field goal attempt in OT, there were 3 straight run attempts up the middle.
The Raven’s secondary was torched through the air all game, as this was a fun offensive clash with Joe Burrow vs. Lamar Jackson. Both defenses were abused all game, as the key turnover was the Marlon Humphrey interception. Baltimore at 3-2 gets closer to leading the AFC North, depending on what happens tonight on SNF with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Baltimore Ravens Coming Into Form
The “King” Derrick Henry was quiet for most of the game, till he closed out the Bengals with his OT 51-yard run to step up the game-winning field goal for Justin Tucker. But this was great to see for the Ravens offense, as they were down by 2 scores and had to pass to get back in the game.
Lamar Jackson was otherworldly today, on the ground and through the air, potentially making a case for his third MVP. Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and their collective of 3 tight ends all made crucial catches and came alive. It is great to see that if the run game slows down, Baltimore can win games off Jackson’s arm. This will be key in games with high stakes, like AFC North divisional matchups.
Cincinnati Bengals Got Hot But Flamed Out
The Ravens’ defense was a letdown besides the 1 turnover, as Joe Burrow and company carved their secondary, and the pass rush was not as ferocious as last week against Josh Allen. Humphrey and rookie Nate Wiggins made some plays but if Humphrey is out (was seen after the game with a walking boot), that will affect their secondary long-term. Brandon Stephens was picked on all game, as Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins had massive showings.
Although Jackson fumbled, he was basically unstoppable. The Ravens answered the call every time the Bengals scored a touchdown. Lou Anarumo’s defense has been exploitable all year and even though they limited the running game in the first half, they were not prepared for the air raid attack from Jackson. With Zach Moss injured, Chase Brown was able to score but other than that, was relatively ineffective on the ground against the NFL’s best-rushing defense with Baltimore.
Final Thoughts on Week 5 AFC North Battle
The potential game of the year had its ups and not really any downs beside the defenses, as Burrow and Jackson went bar-for-bar. It was good to see Baltimore finish at the other end of this, as they have blown these types of close games. It was filled with big plays and it will be interesting to see how the Bengals adjust to the Ravens in Week 10 on Thursday Night when they next meet up.
Baltimore gets a home matchup as the red-hot 4-1 Washington Commanders make a short drive to M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati plays the 2-3 New York Giants at Metlife for Sunday Night Football in Week 6. That is a do-or-die type game for them and their playoff hopes potentially in 2024.
