The Baltimore Ravens transformed a sluggish offensive performance into an explosive comeback, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34 at a buzzing M&T Bank Stadium. Down 21-7 in the third quarter, Baltimore seemed to be running out of options when Bengals rookie Chase Brown’s fumble reignited the Ravens’ offense—and the crowd. That turnover gave the Ravens great field position, and Lamar Jackson took full advantage. A dazzling run down the sideline set the tone, and soon after, Jackson connected with Tylan Wallace on an 84-yard touchdown, one of three long scoring plays that propelled Baltimore to a commanding lead.
With under two minutes to go, the Ravens held a 35-28 advantage, and although the Bengals rallied for a late touchdown, they fell just short on a two-point conversion attempt. Jackson and the Ravens’ offense came alive in the fourth quarter, showcasing the firepower they needed to hold onto their playoff ambitions.
Bengals’ Last-Minute Bid Falls Short
Joe Burrow and the Bengals pushed Baltimore to the brink, with Burrow launching a touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, cutting Baltimore’s lead to 35-34 with only 38 seconds left. Confidently calling for a two-point attempt, Burrow targeted Tanner Hudson in the end zone, but his throw fell incomplete. Despite an impressive 428-yard, four-touchdown game from Burrow and a record-breaking 264 receiving yards from Chase, Cincinnati’s playoff hopes took a hit with this close loss, dropping them to 4-6 on the season.
Ravens’ Defense Falters Without Kyle Hamilton
The absence of safety Kyle Hamilton, who left with an ankle injury in the first half, was felt deeply by the Ravens’ defense. The secondary struggled to contain Chase, who repeatedly broke free, including a 67-yard touchdown that extended Cincinnati’s lead to 21-7. Brandon Stephens and Marcus Williams had difficulty adjusting without Hamilton, allowing the Bengals to keep the pressure on Baltimore’s defense until the final moments. Still, Baltimore’s defensive line stepped up, with Justin Madubuike notching a career-high three sacks and seven pressures. Despite their struggles, the Ravens managed the crucial stop needed to clinch the game.
Bengals’ Defense Collapses in Fourth Quarter
After holding the Ravens in check for much of the game, Cincinnati’s defense unraveled in the final quarter, allowing three long touchdowns. The Bengals, who had allowed fewer than 150 total yards through three quarters, couldn’t sustain their containment of Jackson in the fourth. Their defensive strategy shifted from selective blitzing to a more passive approach, a gamble that ultimately backfired as Jackson found his rhythm.
Unexpected Contributors Lift Ravens’ Offense
While Jackson’s heroics were essential, lesser-known Ravens stepped up as well. Tylan Wallace, previously quiet in the passing game, broke out with three critical catches for 115 yards, including the 84-yard score that fueled the comeback. Derrick Henry’s late-game rushes also kept the clock moving, while Rashod Bateman snagged the go-ahead touchdown, ending his recent cold spell. With Baltimore’s offense firing on all cylinders in the final stretch, they notched another memorable win in a season that continues to showcase their resilience.