Instant analysis of Ravens’ 41-17 loss to Bengals

The Baltimore Ravens were blown out in their own stadium by the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 7, losing 41-17. Cincinnati earned their respect, putting up over 500 yards of total offense while also stifling the Baltimore offense for most of the day. It was a disappointing effort for the Ravens, who enter their bye week at 5-2.

The game was relatively close in the first half, as both teams got off to slow starts on the offensive side of the ball. The halftime score was 13-10 in favor of Cincinnati, but Baltimore was able to take an early-third quarter lead on a beautiful touchdown throw and catch from quarterback Lamar Jackson to wide receiver Marquise Brown. However, after that the Ravens did not score again while giving up 28 points to the Bengals.

Jackson finished the contest completing 15-of-31 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown while also rushing 12 times for 88 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry. The other Baltimore ball carriers had 12 carries for 27 yards, good for 2.3 yards per carry. The offensive line struggled for most of the day, as they couldn’t get much push in the run game while also giving up five sacks.

On defense, Baltimore couldn’t stop anything in the second half. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow carved up the Ravens’ pass defense to the tune of 416 yards and three touchdowns, while also throwing a late interception. Rookie wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase put up 201 yards receiving on eight receptions, and tight end C.J. Uzomah scored two touchdowns on National Tight End Day.

Tackling continued to be an issue for the Baltimore defense, as did overall execution. The run defense was solid overall, but gave up some big gainers. Cincinnati is a very talented football team, and they came to play while the Ravens did not.

Heading into their bye week, Baltimore has a lot to figure out. There are plenty of positive takeaways, but a performance like the Ravens had right before the bye will sting. It was a dud game for Baltimore against a division rival, and they now fall behind the Bengals in the AFC North standings due to Cincinnati having the tie-breaker.