Burrow Returns as Bengals Capitalize 32-14 on Ravens Turnovers/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Joe Burrow made a strong comeback Thursday night, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a 32-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens committed five turnovers, including three by Lamar Jackson, as Cincinnati snapped Baltimore’s five-game winning streak. Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase and threw two second-half touchdowns to seal the win.
Burrow’s Return Ignites Bengals Quick Looks
- Joe Burrow returns after injury and leads Bengals to victory
- Cincinnati defeats Baltimore 32-14, ending Ravens’ five-game win streak
- Ravens commit five turnovers, including three by Lamar Jackson
- Burrow throws for 261 yards and two second-half touchdowns
- Bengals dominate time of possession: 38 minutes and 46 seconds
- Ja’Marr Chase hauls in 110 yards on 7 receptions
- Cincinnati defense holds Ravens to season-low 14 points
- Baltimore offense struggles despite early Derrick Henry touchdown
- Bengals improve to 4-8; Ravens fall to 6-6 in AFC North
- Key injuries hit both teams during Thursday night matchup
Deep Look: Joe Burrow Returns, Bengals Beat Turnover-Prone Ravens 32-14 in Thursday Night Matchup
BALTIMORE, Md. — The Cincinnati Bengals welcomed back their franchise quarterback Joe Burrow in a big way Thursday night, and he didn’t disappoint. Burrow threw two second-half touchdowns to lift the Bengals to a 32-14 win over the Baltimore Ravens, capitalizing on a flurry of Baltimore turnovers.
It was Burrow’s first game action since suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2. Though his numbers weren’t spectacular — 24-of-46 for 261 yards — Burrow was sharp when it mattered most. He showed poise and control, giving Cincinnati (4-8) its first win in nine games without him.
Ravens Self-Destruct with Five Turnovers
The Ravens (6-6) saw their five-game winning streak come to a crashing halt, largely due to five costly turnovers. Quarterback Lamar Jackson committed three of them — one interception and two fumbles — while tight end Isaiah Likely and receiver Zay Flowers also lost fumbles.
“All five of the turnovers were on passing plays,” said head coach John Harbaugh, visibly frustrated after the loss. “You’re not going to win in this league when you give away the ball like that.”
Jackson, who finished 17-of-32 for 246 yards, admitted the mistakes were decisive: “I’m ticked off. Turnovers are a big part of winning or losing games. We gave them too many chances.”
Bengals Strike Back in Second Half
Despite leading just 12-7 at halftime, the Bengals controlled the second half. Tanner Hudson made a spectacular one-handed catch for a 14-yard touchdown to give Cincinnati a 19-7 lead early in the third quarter.
After Keaton Mitchell responded with an 18-yard scoring run for Baltimore, Burrow found Andrei Iosivas for a 29-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead. On Baltimore’s next drive, a deflected pass by Jackson was intercepted by Demetrius Knight Jr., ending any hopes of a comeback.
Total Team Effort From Bengals
Though the offense showed flashes of rhythm, Cincinnati’s win was largely a total team performance. The defense allowed its fewest points all season and consistently put pressure on Jackson, who looked uncomfortable in the pocket behind a struggling offensive line.
“That was kind of the first all-around game we’ve played all season,” said Bengals coach Zac Taylor. “It wasn’t perfect, but to get a road divisional win — on a Thursday night, no less — says a lot about our team.”
Game-Changing Mistakes from Baltimore
Baltimore’s miscues started early and only got worse. After taking a 7-3 lead with a Derrick Henry touchdown run, the Ravens failed to build momentum.
In a key second-quarter sequence, Likely nearly scored on a long reception but fumbled just before the goal line. The ball rolled through the end zone, resulting in a Bengals touchback. Later, a Zay Flowers touchdown was nullified by a pass interference penalty, and Jackson’s unforced fumble ended a promising drive just before halftime.
Notable Performances and Milestones
- Ja’Marr Chase was Burrow’s favorite target, with 7 receptions for 110 yards on 14 targets.
- Derrick Henry surpassed Jim Brown for 11th on the NFL’s all-time rushing list, now sitting at 13,354 yards.
- Mark Andrews became the Ravens’ all-time leader in receptions with 473.
- DeAndre Hopkins hit the 1,000 career receptions mark, further cementing his Hall of Fame case.
Injury Updates
- Bengals: LB Brian Asamoah II exited with a knee injury.
- Ravens: CB Nate Wiggins (foot) missed the second half, hurting the secondary. LB Chandler Martin (knee) also left early. RB Justice Hill was placed on IR before the game due to a disc issue.
What’s Next
- Bengals: Travel to face the Buffalo Bills on Dec. 7
- Ravens: Host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 7, in a crucial AFC North clash
You must Register or Login to post a comment.