Burrow’s Triumphant Return Leads Bengals to Victory over Ravens
In a much-anticipated return to the field, Joe Burrow led the Cincinnati Bengals to a decisive 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night, ending the Bengals’ four-game losing streak. The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 4-8, while Baltimore fell to 6-6, halting their five-game winning streak. Bengals fans had waited patiently for their franchise quarterback’s comeback, and though Burrow started slowly, he eventually found his rhythm with his receivers, showcasing the vintage Bengals offense that had been missing during his absence. The game marked a significant turning point for Cincinnati, who had been struggling without their star quarterback, while exposing vulnerabilities in a Ravens team that had seemed to be gaining momentum in recent weeks.
The first half was dominated by field goals and turnovers, with ball security becoming a critical issue for the Ravens. While Derrick Henry managed to score a 28-yard touchdown on Baltimore’s opening drive, the Ravens went on to commit three first-half fumbles that significantly impacted the game’s trajectory. Most notably, tight end Isaiah Likely fumbled the ball just before crossing the goal line on what would have been a 43-yard touchdown reception, resulting in a touchback for Cincinnati. Lamar Jackson also struggled with ball control, fumbling once near his own goal line and again when he couldn’t maintain his grip while attempting a pass. By halftime, these turnovers had allowed Bengals kicker Evan McPherson to build a 12-7 lead with four field goals, creating mounting frustration for Baltimore.
The Bengals’ offense truly came alive in the second half when Burrow engineered a methodical 10-play, 61-yard drive that culminated in a 14-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tanner Hudson. The Ravens responded with Keaton Mitchell breaking free for an 18-yard touchdown run to narrow the gap to 19-14, but Cincinnati quickly countered when Burrow connected with Andre Iosivas for a 29-yard touchdown that proved to be a crucial score as the game progressed. This back-and-forth scoring demonstrated the classic AFC North rivalry intensity that fans have come to expect when these teams meet, with momentum shifting throughout the contest but ultimately favoring Cincinnati as they continued to capitalize on Baltimore’s mistakes.
Despite entering the game with the NFL’s statistically worst defense—allowing 415.8 yards and 32.7 points per game—the Bengals managed to contain the Ravens’ typically explosive offense. Ball security continued to plague Baltimore in the fourth quarter, with Jackson throwing an interception at Cincinnati’s eight-yard line on a pass intended for Mark Andrews, followed by a turnover on downs with eight minutes remaining. Even when Cincinnati’s Samaje Perine fumbled on what should have been a game-sealing drive, the Ravens couldn’t capitalize as Zay Flowers fumbled near midfield during their attempt to make it a one-score game. These critical turnovers allowed McPherson to add his sixth field goal of the night, cementing the Bengals’ victory.
In his return performance, Burrow completed 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, demonstrating the poise and accuracy that has made him Cincinnati’s franchise cornerstone. Ja’Marr Chase was his primary target, collecting 110 yards on seven catches, while running back Chase Brown contributed significantly with 78 rushing yards and seven receptions for 35 yards. This balanced offensive attack proved too much for the Ravens’ defense, which had previously been performing well during their five-game winning streak. The victory showcased how dramatically Burrow’s presence transforms the Bengals’ offensive capabilities and team morale, potentially setting them up for a stronger finish to what has been a disappointing season.
On the other side, Jackson struggled throughout the game, completing just 17 of 32 passes for 246 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, while adding only 27 rushing yards on six carries—well below his usual production. Derrick Henry was limited to 60 yards on the ground, and while Isaiah Likely led Baltimore’s receivers with 95 yards on five catches, his critical fumble at the goal line epitomized the Ravens’ night of missed opportunities. The game highlighted ongoing concerns about Baltimore’s offensive consistency, particularly in high-pressure divisional matchups. As the Ravens look ahead to the final stretch of the regular season, this loss raises questions about their playoff positioning and ability to compete against top-tier AFC competition, especially when turnovers become a determining factor.
