Cincinnati, OH — Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow put on a dazzling display of offensive prowess, exchanging touchdown passes throughout a gripping matchup that culminated in a thrilling overtime victory for the Baltimore Ravens over the Cincinnati Bengals, 41-38.
The game turned when Derrick Henry burst through the Bengals’ defense for a crucial 51-yard run, setting up Justin Tucker’s 24-yard chip shot field goal that sealed the win for Baltimore.
Earlier in the game, Tucker had tied it up with a clutch 56-yard kick with just 1:35 left in regulation, capping off a contest that featured over 700 passing yards and nine touchdown throws.
“It was a shootout, a flat-out shootout in the second half,” said Ravens coach John Harbaugh. “That’s a great win against a team that was playing at a high level.”
The Ravens (3-2) found themselves on the brink after the Bengals (1-4) had established a 10-point lead three times in the second half. Each time, Jackson rallied his team back into contention.
One of the standout moments came when Burrow hit Ja’Marr Chase on a screen pass that turned into a spectacular 70-yard touchdown, putting the Bengals ahead 38-28 with just under nine minutes remaining in the contest.
However, the Ravens responded swiftly with an impressive 11-play, 70-yard drive, culminating in a remarkable 6-yard touchdown pass from Jackson to Isaiah Lively. Jackson, after fumbling the snap, displayed remarkable composure as he scrambled and stiff-armed Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard before delivering the pass.
“He was ready, no panic,” Henry remarked about Jackson’s play under pressure.
Burrow’s subsequent drive took a turn for the worse when he was intercepted, and the Bengals faltered on their final possession of regulation, allowing Tucker to tie the game with his second field goal.
In overtime, Jackson lost a fumble, giving the Bengals a golden opportunity to clinch the game. However, Cincinnati’s kicker Evan McPherson misfired on a 53-yard attempt after a fumbled snap, handing the Ravens the ball at their own 43-yard line. On the very next play, Henry broke free for the decisive 51-yard run, leading to Tucker’s winning kick.
“I feel like I should make every kick, whether it’s a perfect snap or not,” McPherson commented on the miss.
Jackson finished the day with an impressive 26 completions on 42 attempts for 348 yards, throwing four touchdowns and rushing for another 55 yards. He connected with Lively for touchdowns of both 1 yard and 6 yards.
Burrow, on the other hand, completed 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards and a career-high five touchdowns, with two each going to Chase and Tee Higgins. Chase stood out with 10 receptions for 193 yards, while Higgins added nine catches for 83 yards.
“Perfect is what was needed, and that’s not what we did,” Burrow said, reflecting on the game.
“This one is sickening. For real,” Bengals running back Chase Brown expressed his disappointment after the tough loss.
Henry, who has had a strong first season with the Ravens, struggled for much of the game, finishing with 92 yards and a touchdown after a second-quarter safety. However, his late-game heroics proved vital in securing the Ravens’ hard-fought victory.
“Green grass,” Henry said when asked about the final run. “Green grass and trying to get as close to the end zone as possible.”
Up Next:
Ravens: Plays the Commanders next Sunday at home.
Bengals: At New York Giants next Sunday night.
