The Bengals took the field for their home opener, looking to even up their record after losing to the Browns last week. It was yet another divisional matchup, this time against the Ravens. Baltimore was beaten up when it came to injuries, but nevertheless, came in with a good game plan, really taking it to the Bengals.
Right off the bat, it was a tough start for the home team. Lamar Jackson was drinking and dunking his way into 3rd & short situations, and the Bengals defence couldn’t get off the field. The Ravens offence also ran the ball with relative ease. Their first drive went 75 yards, took almost 8 minutes off the clock, and ended in a TD. 7-0.
Cincinnati later tied the game at 7, scoring their first TD of the season. Unexpectedly, the season’s first TD came via a Charlie Jones punt return TD. A flag was thrown on the play, but the refs decided to pick it up. 7-7.
In the 2nd quarter, the Bengals had a field goal drive sandwiched between two of the same for the Ravens. Baltimore led 13-10 at the half.
The Bengals got the ball to start the half, and seemed to be putting together a nice drive. Mixon made a few nice plays, including a 32 yard catch and run that included some trickery. However, the march was stopped in its tracks, as Burrow’s pass was picked off by Stone near e goalline. Lamar Jackson then completed a 52 yard pass to Zay Flowers, which was followed by a Mark Andrews TD a few plays later. Suddenly, the Ravens led 20-10, moments after it looked like the Bengals might take the lead.
With the ball back, the Bengals finally managed to score their first offensive TD of the season. Ja’Marr Chase was more involved this time, making a few catches. Tee Higgins was the one to finish it off, though, catching a 3 yard TD pass from Burrow. 20-17
Even after scoring, momentum was hard to come by, for the Bengals on the defensive side. Big gains by Gus Edwards and Mark Andrews allowed the Ravens to move the ball efficiently. Then, a 17 yard TD pass from Jackson to Nelson Agholor restored the Ravens 10 point lead. 27-17 Ravens.
Both teams went three and out on their next drive, but the Bengals were able to score before the 2 minute warning. Boyd and Higgins were heavily involved throughout the 80 yard drive, and it was Higgins finding the endzone from 4 yards out for his second TD of the game. 27-24.
Down 3 points, the Bengals needed a stop from their defence. Unfortunately, the Ravens were able to pick up a couple of 1st downs before running out the rest of the clock.
The Bengals drop to 0-2 on the year and 0-2 in the division. They will take on the Los Angeles Rams at home next week on Monday Night Football.
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