Baltimore Beatdown
The Baltimore Ravens roared back to life on Sunday in their 24-0 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Here are the instant takeaways from the victory:
Zach Orr and his defense came ready to play.
This is undoubtedly the story of the game. The Ravens defense handed Joe Burrow his first shutout in the NFL and his first in any game since a 2018 loss to Alabama. With the incredible Kyle Van Noy interception/Alohi Gilman return touchdown, the unit was actually +7 on the day. Their frustration with their last two games showed up on the field with a clear and intentional physical edge that took a toll on the Bengals as the game went on. In below-freezing temps, Baltimore’s defenders flew to the ball for punishing tackles that set the tone for the game.
Burrow again funneled the ball to Ja’Marr Chase with Tee Higgins sidelined, and though he made a few key plays, the Ravens limited him to an inefficient game as they did on Thanksgiving. None of the Bengals’ other playmakers made an impact with Burrow largely forced to check the ball down when he could not find Chase. Overall, Cincinnati converted just three of their 15 third downs and averaged just 4.2 yards per play.
Zach Orr, take a bow.
The Ravens offense held up their end of the bargain…
On Thanksgiving, the Ravens defense put up a valiant performance but was ultimately let down by turnovers and general ineptitude on the other side of the ball. This week, Baltimore’s offense stumbled out of the gate but course-corrected with two touchdowns to end the first half. In the second half, they scored a field goal on their first possession, ate up 4:16 on their second, and did not see the ball against until Tyler Huntley kneeled it out in victory formation.
Subtracting those plays, the Ravens racked up 192 yards on 21 carries (9.1 YPC) after not getting the most out of their run game in the last matchup. Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell both ripped off explosive rushes behind a solid performance from the offensive line, and Lamar Jackson chipped in two key carries for 26 yards. The unit did not dominate the Bengals, but they held their own and didn’t continually put their defense in tough situations.
…but still did not look their best.
The Ravens offense still went punt-punt-interception on their first three possessions with a number of mistakes from multiple players. Zay Flowers’ drop into the arms of Jordan Battle was the biggest, but in general, Baltimore could not establish the run or find a rhythm in the passing game. They went two-for-seven on third down and did not convert their only red zone opportunity.
The offense’s efficiency and lack of penalties were welcome signs of progress, but this unit is still not playing up to its potential. It may not have mattered in this game, but it can and will in the future.
**Baltimore’s pass rush showed signs...
