Ravens Rally: Key Takeaways from Their Thrilling TNF Comeback Against the Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals put on yet another instant classic under the lights on Thursday Night Football at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens came into the game looking to dent the Bengals' playoff hopes for the remainder of the season, with Cincinnati sitting at 4-5 ahead of their second matchup this season. After falling behind 21-7 with an uncharacteristically sluggish offense in the first half, the Ravens caught fire the rest of the way, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, who put on another stellar performance to propel them to a season sweep of the Bengals with a thrilling 35-34 primetime victory. That said, there were several major takeaways from the Ravens' win against the Bengals.
1. Lamar Jackson Remains a Frontrunner for MVP
Following yet another MVP-worthy performance this season, and his second dominant showing against the Bengals, Lamar Jackson continues to showcase why he's a frontrunner for his third MVP award in his seventh NFL season. The two-time MVP once again demonstrated his game-changing abilities after the Ravens' offense struggled through most of the first three quarters. With the offense out of sync, racking up penalties, and lacking rhythm, Jackson put the team on his back. He threw for four or more touchdown passes for the third time this season, amassing 290 passing yards on 25-of-33 passing. In the second half, he was perfect on third downs, going seven-for-seven, leading the Ravens back from a 14-point deficit. By donning his 'Superman cape,' Jackson continued his dominance against the Bengals, improving to 10-1 against them in his career.
2. Defense Steps up in Crucial Moments
The Ravens' defense was once again a major talking point in both positive and negative ways. Entering the game with the 32nd-ranked pass defense, they continued to show significant lapses in coverage, allowing Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow to carve up the middle of the field. Burrow finished with 428 passing yards and four touchdowns on 34-of-56 attempts. Additionally, Bengals' star receiver Ja'Marr Chase had his second standout performance against the Ravens this season, recording 11 catches for 264 yards and three touchdowns.
Despite concerns about the Ravens' defense moving forward, key players stepped up in crucial moments to shift the momentum and seal the victory. In the third quarter, with the Ravens trailing 21-7 and the Bengals holding all the momentum, the game seemed to be slipping away from Baltimore. However, Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey forced a fumble on Bengals running back Chase Brown, which helped swing the momentum in Baltimore's favor and 'wake up' the offense. The Ravens then scored four straight touchdowns following the turnover. Additionally, the defense came up clutch on the Bengals' two-point attempt late in the game, preserving the Ravens' one-point lead with less than a minute remaining. Moving forward, the defense's ability to make game-changing plays, whether interceptions, forced fumbles, or critical stops, will be crucial in determining how far the Ravens can go this season and if they can overcome their defensive struggles.
3. Unexpected Offensive Weapon Stepped up When Needed
During the Ravens' 28-point second-half performance, an unexpected offensive weapon stepped up when needed most, helping to turn the tide and get the offense rolling after a slow start. That player was four-year wideout and special teamer Tylan Wallace. With the Bengals successfully slowing down the Ravens' top receiver, Zay Flowers, who was held to just four catches for 34 yards, Wallace, along with Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, stepped up to carry the offense down the stretch. After not getting many opportunities this season at wide receiver, Wallace showcased why he's an undervalued offensive weapon. He caught a pass and ran for an 84-yard touchdown in the third quarter, trimming a seven-point deficit to one and helping the Ravens eventually win. Wallace's long touchdown was his second consecutive season with a game-changing play; in Week 14 of last season, Wallace made one of the Ravens' most memorable plays, walking off the Rams with a 76-yard punt return touchdown to win the game. Fast forward a season later, and despite being targeted only three times in the game, Wallace made his receptions count, catching all three passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. If one of the Ravens' more well-known wideouts has a down game during the remainder of the season, Wallace has shown that he can be relied upon to become a difference-maker for the high-powered Ravens offense.
