It would have been a crushing defeat for the Ravens, but after being victimized by a Bengals Hail Mary pass, the Ravens prevailed in overtime. The Ravens appeared to be in control, leading 17-0 at halftime, 17-3, heading into the fourth quarter, and 17-10 with the fourth quarter almost over. But on the last play of regulation, Andy Dalton threw a Hail Mary pass that was tipped up into the air by Ravens safety James Ihedigbo, right into the arms of Bengals wide receiver A. J. Green for a 51-yard TD. The crowd at M & T Bank Stadium was stunned. So were the Ravens. What appeared to be almost a sure victory for the Ravens was now going into overtime. When the Hail Mary works, it’s always stunning to the team that is victimized. Ihedigbo jumped in the air and with one hand, he tipped the ball higher and away from the pack, which made it easier for Green to make the catch, standing by himself in the end zone. Give the Ravens for regrouping and winning in overtime, especially since the Bengals got the ball first in the extra period. The Ravens put together a 28-yard drive in overtime on their first possession, setting up Justin Tucker’s game-winning 46-yard kick.
Turning point – The Ravens stopping the Bengals on their first drive in overtime.
On fourth and-two from the Ravens’ 33, the Bengals went for the first down. Dalton passed to running back Giovani Bernard, but after alluding one tackle, Bernard was chased backward by a Ravens posse led by Corey Graham. Bernard tried to reverse field and lost 11 yards on the play, giving the ball back to the Ravens. Their defense, after being stunned in regulation, made a huge stop that allowed the Ravens to win. With the victory, the Ravens (4-5) are still alive in the AFC North, while the Bengals (6-3) have lost two straight, and don’t seem the same since star defensive tackle Geno Adkins suffered a season-ending knee injury. The Ravens have to keep winning, but the Bengals may be hearing footsteps.
Ravens players of the gameÂ
Offense: Torrey Smith, WRÂ
The Ravens didn’t do much offensively in the third and fourth quarters, but Smith (five catches, 46 yards, one TD), was their best offensive player. Actually, Smith has been their best offensive player all season.
Defense: Lardarius Webb, CB
Webb was excellent in coverage and also had an interception. He was also effective as blitzing from his cornerback position, putting pressure on Dalton several times. Webb bounced back from a subpar game in Cleveland and played well in a game the Ravens had to have.
When this play works, it’s always stunning to the team that is victimized. Ihedigbo was in the air and with one hand, he tipped the ball up in the air and away from the pack, which made it easier for Green to make the catch, who was standing by himself in the end zone.
