Bengals’ Playoff Aspirations Dashed by Ravens’ Dominant Shutout
CINCINNATI — In a crucial matchup that could have kept their playoff hopes alive, the Bengals instead delivered one of the most disheartening performances of the season. On Sunday at Paycor Stadium, the Baltimore Ravens dismantled Cincinnati, winning 24-0 and effectively extinguishing the Bengals’ chances of postseason play. This loss marked a historic low for quarterback Joe Burrow, who faced his first career shutout in the NFL.
A Historic Offensive Struggle
Burrow’s struggles were glaring, as the entire offense faltered with a lack of cohesion and execution. Throughout the game, Burrow appeared off balance, missing several throws that could have kept drives alive. He finished the day completing 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards, with two interceptions, including a devastating pick-six in the fourth quarter.
The Bengals’ offense seemed perpetually out of sync, as star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, despite leading the team with 10 receptions for 132 yards, also committed critical errors that hampered scoring opportunities. The Bengals had chances to capitalize deep in Ravens territory, failing to score on three separate possessions inside the Baltimore 35-yard line.
Adding to the woes, Cincinnati didn’t enter the red zone until late in the fourth quarter, a telling sign of their struggles. Running back Chase Brown contributed with seven catches for 37 yards and added 53 rushing yards, but the lack of a cohesive offensive strategy ultimately sealed the Bengals’ fate.
Defensive Resilience Amidst Offensive Collapse
While the Bengals’ offense crumbled, the defense showed glimpses of promise. They began the game with three consecutive stops against Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, showcasing consistent pressure that led to four sacks overall. Myles Murphy was a standout performer, recording two sacks and multiple quarterback hits. Demetrius Knight Jr. also excelled, posting two sacks and forcing a fumble, while Jordan Battle made an impressive diving interception off a deflected pass.
However, despite their efforts, the defense faltered late in the first half, allowing the Ravens to score two quick touchdowns that shifted the momentum firmly in Baltimore’s direction. Jackson ended the day completing 8 of 12 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns, further exploiting the Bengals’ defensive lapses.
A Disastrous First Half
The first half encapsulated Cincinnati’s struggles succinctly. Burrow managed only 71 yards and one interception on 8 of 16 passing attempts, leading to a dismal 36.2 quarterback rating. The ground game provided little relief, with the team accumulating just 63 rushing yards, primarily thanks to contributions from Chase Brown and Samaje Perine.
Chase’s performance was a microcosm of the Bengals’ difficulties. While he recorded four catches for 40 yards, his two drops proved costly. Burrow also found himself under pressure, taking a sack that pushed the Bengals out of field-goal range and stifling any semblance of offensive rhythm. The Bengals entered halftime trailing 14-0, a daunting deficit that would only deepen as the game progressed.
Looking Ahead
With their playoff hopes dashed, the Bengals now turn their attention to a matchup against the Miami Dolphins next Sunday, December 21st, at 1 p.m. ET. The focus will be on regaining momentum and finding answers to the myriad issues that plagued them against the Ravens. As Cincinnati seeks to rebound, the urgency to regroup and refocus for the remainder of the season has never been greater.
