The Ravens faced off against the Bengals in the final game of the regular season last Sunday. With the playoffs on the line, Baltimore faced immense pressure to secure a win and trip to the postseason, and came out successful with a final score of 38-3.
The first quarter’s pace was set by the Ravens through a long drive that resulted in a field goal from Justin Tucker for 34 yards. Their defense then immediately shut down the Cincinnati offense, allowing the latter to make a quick possession. QB Jackson made a dazzling pass to WR Miles Boykin for 43 yards, setting the stage for an early 10-0 lead. Another quick stop by the defense gave the Ravens a chance to blow the game open early. However, Jackson threw an interception to WR Devin Duvernay at the start of the second quarter, giving the Bengals a chance to strike back.
Despite the mistake from Jackson, the defense suffocated the Bengals offense yet again with another 3 and out. Baltimore made a statement on offense again with a 93-yard drive captivated by another touchdown pass from Jackson to Brown. Finally managing to get some momentum, Cincinnati kicked a field goal after a drive led by QB Brandon Allen. With only 30 seconds left in the second quarter, the Ravens ran down the clock and entered the half confident with a 17-3 lead.
Baltimore continued their dominance in the second half, setting the tone early with a 70-yard drive. A run by RB J.K. Dobbins put them steadily ahead, leaving the Bengals unable to stop the dynamic Ravens offense. Another strong stop from the defense gave the Ravens the ball right back to further widen the gap. The Ravens scored yet again in the 3rd on another pass to Brown, resulting in a commanding 31-3 lead. With their backs against the wall, Cincinnati looked to crawl their way back in the game, but a costly interception from Allen undeniably ensured a Ravens victory going forward. A mesmerizing run from Dobbins for 72 yards and the score reflected the lop-sided nature of this game. The Ravens closed out the third quarter eager to run down the clock and secure their playoff spot.
The Ravens eventually came up victorious 38-3 after filling their lineups with substitutes and ending the game as soon as possible. With the path to victory certain, both teams looked eager to leave the field. When the game clock expired, Baltimore celebrated as they look forward to another playoff appearance and high hopes for a Super Bowl.
Baltimore finishes the regular season with an 11-5 record, down from the 14-2 record achieved last year. Much of the season was a rollercoaster for the Ravens, starting off 5-1 but slipping to 6-5 after a loss to the Steelers. However, Baltimore pulled off an impressive 5-game win streak to clinch a spot in the playoffs. Jackson, while showing a strong performance this season, failed to repeat his MVP-level stats from 2019. Despite the rocky season, the Ravens appear to be a real threat for any team they face in the coming weeks. Their recent win streak, a star quarterback, and a commanding defense make them a formidable opponent and possible contender in the quest for their third Super Bowl.
Featured Image courtesy of Darth_Brooks via Flickr Creative Commons
