Ravens Fall to Bengals: Quotes, Notes, and What's Next
The Baltimore Ravens suffered a disappointing 27-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, marking their third straight defeat. Despite a valiant effort, the Ravens couldn't overcome a sluggish start and a costly turnover in the red zone. Here's a breakdown of the game, including key quotes, notes, and a look ahead:
Key Takeaways
- Slow Start: The Ravens struggled to find their rhythm early, falling behind 14-0 after the first quarter.
- Turnovers: A crucial fumble inside the Bengals' five-yard line in the second quarter proved costly, halting a promising drive.
- Defensive Struggles: The Bengals offense, led by Joe Burrow, found success against the Ravens' defense, putting up 27 points and consistently moving the chains.
- Lamar's Performance: Lamar Jackson had a solid performance, throwing for 217 yards and a touchdown, but he was also intercepted once. The Ravens' rushing attack, however, struggled to find consistent success.
- Injuries: The Ravens were again hampered by injuries, with key players like Ronnie Stanley and Marcus Peters sidelined.
Quotes
- John Harbaugh (Head Coach): "We didn't start fast enough. We didn't play well enough. We've got to figure out how to play better. We've got to be better in all facets of the game."
- Lamar Jackson (Quarterback): "We've got to get better. We've got to execute better. We've got to be more consistent. We've got to stay focused. It's about trusting in ourselves."
- Mark Andrews (Tight End): "We know we can play better. We've got to do a better job of executing. We've got to come out with more fire."
Notes
- Defensive Line: The Ravens' defensive line, a strength in recent years, was unable to contain the Bengals' rushing attack.
- Special Teams: The Ravens' special teams unit was largely effective, with Justin Tucker converting both of his field goal attempts.
- Offensive Line: The offensive line continued to struggle, giving up four sacks against a Bengals defense that has been known for its pressure.
What's Next?
The Ravens will look to bounce back next week against the Cleveland Browns, a crucial AFC North matchup. The team needs to find ways to improve their start, reduce turnovers, and shore up their defensive performance if they want to return to winning ways.
Will the Ravens be able to right the ship and get back on track against the Browns? Only time will tell.
