Ravens fall to Bengals 35-13, Lamar Jackson status uncertain for Bills

Baltimore fans left M&T Bank Stadium Sunday with a 35-13 loss and a new set of questions about their team’s ability to close out games. The Ravens started the season 4-1 but have now dropped two of their last three, including this defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals. The result leaves the team at 4-3 on the season.

The game split sharply between halves. Baltimore led 13-0 at the break, with quarterback Tyler Huntley throwing for 215 yards. Wide receiver Zay Flowers opened the scoring with a 48-yard reception. Despite holding the ball for over 22 minutes in the first half, the offense failed to convert three red zone opportunities and two fourth down attempts. Defensively, the unit drew 10 penalties totaling 57 yards, which allowed Cincinnati to stay within striking distance.

Cincinnati took control after halftime. Joe Burrow threw touchdown passes to Mike Gesicki and Tee Higgins. Ja’Marr Chase and Samaje Perine also scored, giving the Bengals touchdowns on five consecutive possessions. The AP noted that Baltimore has now been outscored by 70 points in the second half this season.

Head coach Jesse Minter, who took over after John Harbaugh’s departure, acknowledged the team’s volatility. In his postgame press conference, Minter stated, “We’re riding the wave when it’s good, and we’re riding the wave when it’s bad.” He described the squad as too dependent on momentum, a trait that was evident when Cincinnati’s first second-half score flipped the game’s dynamic.

The immediate focus shifts to Lamar Jackson. The star quarterback has missed three straight games with an ankle injury sustained in an October 4 win over Tennessee. He was a limited practice participant last week and was ruled out for Sunday’s game. Minter said the team will determine Jackson’s status over the next few days ahead of a trip to Buffalo on November 1.

Jackson is in the fourth year of a five-year, $260 million contract that runs through 2027. No extension was agreed upon before the season began. Other injuries complicate the roster depth. Rookie right guard Vega Ioane left Sunday with a knee injury and was ruled out. Linebacker Roquan Smith left briefly with a knee issue but returned. Edge rusher Tavius Robinson remains out for the season.

The schedule offers little relief. Baltimore plays at Buffalo on Sunday, then hosts Jacksonville in a Thursday night game on November 5. The next bye does not arrive until December 6. The Ravens must also face Pittsburgh twice more, on December 20 and in Week 18, before rematching the Bengals on New Year’s Eve.