In a thrilling AFC North showdown, Lamar Jackson showcased his prowess as the Baltimore Ravens triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals with a final score of 27-24. Jackson’s stellar performance, coupled with some resilient play, propelled the Ravens to a 2-0 record, while the Bengals fell to 0-2 for the second consecutive season.
Despite the absence of injured running back J.K. Dobbins, Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dynamic quarterback, delivered a remarkable performance. He threw two touchdown passes and extended crucial drives with his exceptional mobility, providing Baltimore with the edge they needed to secure the win. Jackson completed 24 of his 33 passes for 237 yards and added 54 rushing yards to his impressive stat line. The absence of J.K. Dobbins, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon, led to Gus Edwards taking on a more significant role in the running game, contributing 62 yards on 10 carries.
Baltimore’s head coach, John Harbaugh, commended Jackson’s winning performance, stating, “Lamar played winning football. He got in a rhythm early, hit some passes, and made some huge plays throwing the ball down the field.”
On the other side, the Cincinnati Bengals, the reigning AFC North champions, struggled to find their footing early in the game. Quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been nursing a calf injury that kept him sidelined during training camp, faced adversity as he attempted to lead the Bengals to a comeback. Burrow completed 27 of his 41 passes for 222 yards and two touchdowns, a significant improvement over his 86-yard performance in the previous week’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns. However, his calf injury resurfaced, potentially impacting his availability for upcoming games.
Burrow managed to connect with Tee Higgins for a 4-yard touchdown late in the game, narrowing the deficit to just three points with 3:28 remaining. However, despite their spirited comeback attempt, the Bengals were unable to halt Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. The Ravens efficiently moved the chains, running down the clock and securing the win.
Lamar Jackson’s contribution was evident from the outset as he completed all five of his passes on a 70-yard opening drive that consumed nearly eight minutes. The drive culminated with Gus Edwards rushing for a 1-yard touchdown.
Cincinnati, though slow to start, found their rhythm in the second quarter when rookie Charlie Jones electrified the game with an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown. This marked the first punt returned for a touchdown by a Bengals player since 2012.
Despite their offensive struggles, the Bengals gradually made progress in the second quarter. Their first down came after more than ten minutes of play and was the result of a defensive pass interference penalty. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, the drive stalled at the Ravens’ 9-yard line when cornerback Rock Ya-Sin deftly deflected a pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase. This forced the Bengals to settle for a 27-yard field goal from Evan McPherson.
In the second half, Joe Burrow orchestrated an impressive drive that advanced to the Ravens’ 17-yard line. However, a crucial interception near the goal line by Geno Stone denied Cincinnati the opportunity to capitalize in the red zone.
The Ravens extended their lead to 20-10 with a 3-yard touchdown pass from Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews.
In the fourth quarter, Cincinnati staged a comeback, narrowing the gap to 20-17 as Joe Burrow orchestrated a stellar drive, connecting on 8 of his 10 passes and throwing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins.
Baltimore responded by pushing their lead back to 10 points, with Jackson connecting with Nelson Agholor on a 17-yard touchdown pass.
Reflecting on the game, Bengals coach Zac Taylor emphasized the learning experience gained from the tough encounter. He remarked, “I just told our team, this is one of those games you store away and you learn from so that you win more games down the road because of what we went through here.”
The game, played at Paycor Stadium, marked the third meeting between the two teams in nine months. The Bengals had previously hosted the Ravens for the last game of the 2022 regular season and again a week later in the wild-card round of the playoffs. Both games saw the Bengals emerge victorious with Lamar Jackson sidelined due to a knee injury.
Despite the past setbacks, the Ravens were determined to secure a division win. Tight end Mark Andrews commented, “Obviously, we’ve had a kind of rough past history here last year and the year before, but I’m proud of the way the guys fought today. There was definitely some energy, and it’s a good division win.”
In terms of injuries, Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. left the game with an ankle injury and did not return, while Bengals safety Nick Scott was evaluated for a concussion in the third quarter and did not rejoin the game.
