Bengals Squander Opportunity vs Ravens

Date: Tuesday November 12, 2024

Writer: Anthony Iles

The Bengals went to Baltimore for Thursday night football. They aimed to secure a win and split the regular season 1-1 against the Ravens. They also sought to get to 5-5 for the season.

The Bengals offense and defense complimented one another in the first half as the Bengals defense contained Lamar Jackson. Bengals were up 14 – 7 at halftime. To begin the 3rd quarter the Bengals were able to score again and go up 21 – 7. However, the Ravens got into rhythm after a fumble by Bengals RB Brown. Ravens cut the lead to 21 – 14. At this point each team kept going back and forth with scoring. Ravens were able to get 2 TD’s because of poor tackling by the Bengals defense. Burrow and Chase kept giving the Bengals a chance to keep the lead and win.

At the end of the game, Burrow went the length of the field. Chase got a TD, putting them down by 1. There was less than a minute to play. Coach Zach Taylor decided they should go for 2. I also think that was a good idea. However, the play call was questionable. They didn’t even attempt to throw Ja’Marr the ball. Instead, they threw to one of the tight ends. The play had several issues. There was holding on defense where they were holding TE Gesicki. Additionally, there were three facemasks, including one on Burrow as he went to throw the ball. The failed 2-point conversion resulted in the Ravens getting the ball and kneeling the ball to end the game.

The Bengals are now 4 – 6 instead of being able to be 5 – 5. Each game should be approached with a playoff mindset. They are only 1 game back from the last playoff spot in the AFC. There are 7 games left. If they run the table and win all last 7 games they go 11-6. If they can go 6-1 in last 7 games they can finish 10 – 7. Getting to 10 wins is huge to make the playoffs on the AFC. This is very attainable if the defense can gather themselves. They need to play consistently and avoid big waves of playing well. Burrow is playing MPV level. Chase is playing as the best WR in NFL. Trey Hendrickson is showing why he is a top DE. If the Bengals can end these last 7 games playing consistent football they will get into the playoffs.

Bengals play Chargers on Sunday night football this upcoming Sunday. They then get their BYE week. After the bye its rounding third and headed home as they play the Steelers, Cowboys, Titans, Browns, Broncos, and Steelers. I see the Bengals finishing the season 10 – 7 and getting a Wild Card spot in the playoffs. If you ask any AFC team who gets into the playoffs, they would not want to face the Bengals as they know how dangerous they can be.

Next up Chargers! Let’s get that W and get to 5-6 at the BYE week. Let’s make a playoff run. The road to the Super Bowl begins now for the Bengals. Playoff mindset here on out.

WHO DEY!!!