So, maybe Cincinnati Bengals fans have been on to something lately when they’ve been chirping about Ravens-Bengals taking over Ravens-Steelers as the AFC North’s top-dog rivalry. Of course, we will get a chance to re-visit that next week when the Ravens take on Pittsburgh.
But, for now… what a game.
Marlon Humphrey once again made a game-changing play against the Bengals, and that vaunted Ravens’ offense finally got rolling in the second half. Like most weeks, there was some good, some bad and some “what did I just see?”
Let’s look at some grades.
Offense
Overall: A-
This was a tale of two halves. At halftime, I made a note that the Ravens had seven points, 103 yards, Lamar Jackson had thrown for 72 yards and the Ravens had three three-and-outs. In the second half, they produced 286 yards, Jackson threw for 218 yards and the Ravens scored 28 points. This is a group that goes on runs, like the 80’s Showtime Lakers. Last week, it was seven consecutive scoring drives. This week, it was four straight touchdown drives. They are a dangerous, varied, multi-dimensional group that can become unstoppable.
Quarterback: A
The leader of that offensive juggernaut we just talked about is Lamar Jackson, and he was special once again tonight. He went 25-33 for 290 yards, four touchdowns and a passer rating of 141.4. He added 33 yards on the ground, including an improbable sideline-stepping scramble that brought the Ravens to the Bengals 1-yard line. He completed passes to nine different receivers, and displayed his hallmark 2024 touch again and again, including a third-and-nine touchdown pass to Mark Andrews in the fourth quarter, and his game-winning toss to Rashod Bateman. Just a stellar performance, once again.
Running backs: B
Derrick Henry had a modest box score in this one, with 68 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. I thought he ran well, and earned a lot of his yards through sheer power and an ability to constantly lurch forward for an extra yard or two consistently. Patrick Ricard was his usual brutish self, and had a deliciously-violent block on a Henry third-quarter run. I wouldn’t mind seeing Henry get another target or two a game. I like him out on the edges with the ball in his hands.
Receivers: A
Tylan Wallace, you do know how to make yourself seen at a party. His stupendous gallop down the sideline for an 82-yard score conjured up memories of his dramatic walk-off punt return down the sideline against the Rams last season. He also made a big 20-yard sideline catch in the fourth quarter. Mark Andrews made up for the loss of Isaiah Likely with six grabs for 68 yards and a touchdown, and was a reliable target for Jackson when he needed a play. Rashod Bateman continued his best season with 54 yards on six catches and a touchdown, and Zay Flowers dazzled again with short-area quickness.
Offensive Line: C+
The penalties continue to put the Ravens in tough spots. Nearly everybody got flagged in this one, and drive after drive in the first half got sidetracked because of penalties. On the positive side, Ronnie Stanley was great against Trey Hendrickson, and largely won that battle all night. Tyler Linderbaum continued to make an impact on the second level, and Patrick Mekari made a huge block on a third-quarter run by Henry.
Defense
Overall: D
They gave up 470 yards, including 428 from the arm of Joe Burrow and 264 yards receiving from Ja’Marr Chase. Now, let me add this: I thought Burrow and Chase were magnificent. The Ravens did a great job getting sudden pressure on Burrow, but he kept finding room to operate and buying time for his receivers to shake loose. Some of this was just great play by Burrow and Chase. But some of it was a heaping helping of “suck” by the Ravens, as well. The injury to Kyle Hamilton certainly didn’t help, but the big fumble forced by Marlon Humphrey did. There was some good here — there really was. But the “suck” was always waiting behind the corner to rear its ugly head again.
Defensive Line: B
This unit was the best on the field for the Ravens’ defense tonight. Nnamdi Madubuike had three sacks, two tackles for loss and three quarterback hits. Travis Jones probably got away with a face-mask on the game-deciding two-point conversion, but he also physically moved the Bengals’ offensive line over and over again. Odafe Oweh was buzzing around Burrow all night and registered four quarterback hits. David Ojabo blew up a run early when he forced the runner inside for a small gain, and Broderick Washington did the same in the third quarter. Washington drew a big flag for a hit on Burrow at the end of the game.
Linebackers: C-
Roquan Smith had one of his better games, with 12 tackles, the fumble recovery and a decent job in coverage. It’s hard to totally know that without being on the inside for the coverage responsibilities, mind you, but it looked like Trenton Simpson had some problems getting deep enough on some mid-level throws again. Again, it’s impossible to know everybody’s assignments, but Simpson was in “the area” on a lot of big passes. Kyle Van Noy pressured two incompletions that I counted, but did get beat on a third-down pass in the first quarter.
Defensive Backs: Getting Put on Double Secret Probation
Nate Wiggins and Ar’Darius Washington are not only two of the smallest players on the field, but they are involved around the ball a lot — some good, some bad. Wiggins had a big flag on a third-and-10 to help the Bengals convert, and was in on the coverage of Chase on his third touchdown, along with Washington. Marcus Williams had another tough night from first watch. Like Simpson, he seemed to be “in frame” of some big plays. Arthur Maulet looked like his 2023 self, standing out with an open-field tackle and good coverage on a third-down incompletion. Humphrey continued his good season, forcing that fumble to shift momentum Baltimore’s way, and plastering tight coverage on a third-down incompletion int he first half. Kyle Hamilton’s injury looms large.
Special Teams: B-
Justin tucker missed an extra point, Jordan Stout had one bad short punt and everything else was pretty good. Devontez Walker blew up two returns, and the Bengals averaged -2 yards on two punt returns. Keaton Mitchell looked fast on a 30-yard return, which was a good sign, and Stout’s other punts were good — including his first one the Ravens downed at the 10 yard line. And, get this: THE RAVENS RECOVERED AN ONSIDE KICK.
Coaching: D+
I didn’t like the challenge on the first drive. Even if the Ravens won it, they gained what? Three yards? Then they were forced to call a time out because of personnel issues and they had one timeout left for the first half with 9:40 left in the first quarter. It mattered later. I also didn’t like the draw call on third-and-four after the Bengals drew first blood and just gave it right back to them. That being said, I liked Zach Orr bringing pressure in the fourth quarter. The only thing that was working at all was pressure, so why not try? Plus, get it back in Jackson’s hands with some time left if needed. The running game wasn’t clicking the way it has been, and the Bengals get a ton of credit for that — they’ve seen this team before, after all. But the Ravens need to find more answers to keep the ball on the ground when the sledding gets tough. Maybe Keaton Mitchell’s return to health can help out that equation. I should give credit to Todd Monken for giving Jackson more options now in the pass game. There seem to be options on nearly every level of the field for Jackson to target, depending on the defense.
