Bengals surprise Ravens as Joe Burrow returns: Victors and vanquished

BALTIMORE On a crisp Thanksgiving evening, Joe Burrow energized the Cincinnati Bengals. While its unclear if this performance signals a playoff resurgence, his presence was felt immediately.

After an 11-week absence due to turf toe surgery, Burrow guided the Bengals to a decisive 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the win, Cincinnati (4-8) remains a long shot for the postseason, currently 12th in the AFC standings. Meanwhile, the Ravens dropped to 6-6, surrendering first place in the AFC North back to the Pittsburgh Steelers and falling out of the projected playoff bracket.

Before the game, Burrow explained on NBC why he returned to a struggling team: Were getting paid a lot of money to play a kids game, he said, emphasizing his desire to be with teammates who went 1-8 during his absence. With Burrow active, the Bengals are now 3-0, extending their relevance at least another 10 days.

Burrows Performance

Playing in near-freezing conditions with a protective metal plate in his cleat, Burrow wasnt at his peak initially. However, he found rhythm in the second half, throwing two touchdown passes after Cincinnati managed only four first-half field goals. As his toe heals and with the possible return of WR Tee Higgins (concussion), Burrow could inspire a late-season rally similar to last years near-playoff run.

Defensive Standouts

Cincinnati's defense, often criticized this season, played with remarkable intensity. Despite allowing the most yards and points per game in the league, the Bengals forced five turnovers and limited Baltimores offense effectively. WR Ja'Marr Chase returned from suspension and delivered a strong performance with seven receptions for 110 yards, reconnecting with his LSU-era quarterback in the process.

Ravens Highlights and Milestones

Despite the loss, RB Derrick Henry reached 12,354 career rushing yards, moving him past Jim Brown to 11th all-time and positioning him to challenge Tony Dorsett for a top-10 spot. Baltimore also celebrated a milestone as a backup receiver joined the 1,000 career receptions club.

Ravens Struggles

QB Lamar Jackson appeared below his usual standard, fumbling twice and throwing an interception. Several key Ravens missed opportunities, including dropped passes and turnovers near the end zone. WR Zay Flowers struggled with just two catches for six yards and committed a crucial pass interference penalty that nullified a touchdown.

Game Conditions and Fan Response

The cold and windy weather seemed to dampen energy in the stands. Attendance was over 70,000, but many fans left early as Baltimore trailed by 15 points. The home crowd struggled to make an impact on the games momentum.

Looking Ahead

The Bengals will need to face the Buffalo Bills in the coming week to remain atop the AFC North, while the Ravens aim to regroup after a challenging loss. Cincinnatis combination of an improving offense and resilient defense could offer a spark for the final stretch of the season.

Analysis: Can Joe Burrow's Return Spark the Bengals' Playoff Hopes?

The Cincinnati Bengals' 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving evening was undoubtedly a morale booster. Joe Burrow's return after an 11-week absence due to turf toe surgery marked a defining moment for the team. However, despite the win, Cincinnati’s playoff prospects remain slim. With a 4-8 record, the Bengals are currently in 12th place in the AFC standings, making any postseason aspirations look like a long shot. Yet, Burrow’s leadership, even in less-than-ideal conditions, could signal hope for a late-season resurgence, much like last year.

Burrow’s performance wasn’t flawless, especially in the first half, where the Bengals could only manage field goals. Nevertheless, his two touchdown passes in the second half highlighted his potential as he continues to recover from his injury. With the possible return of wide receiver Tee Higgins, the Bengals' offense could gain more stability in the coming weeks. Still, Cincinnati’s path to the playoffs will require more than just Burrow’s return to form; it will need consistent play from both the offense and a defense that has been inconsistent all season.

On the defensive side, the Bengals played with a level of intensity not often seen this season. Despite being statistically one of the worst defenses in the league, Cincinnati managed to force five turnovers and hold Baltimore’s offense in check. This performance provides a glimmer of hope that, if this defensive intensity continues, the Bengals might make things interesting in the final stretch.

Meanwhile, the Ravens find themselves in a difficult position. After being overtaken for first place in the AFC North, their hopes of making a deep playoff run are in jeopardy. Quarterback Lamar Jackson's subpar performance, including two fumbles and an interception, along with key missed opportunities, has raised concerns about Baltimore’s ability to close out games. While the Ravens did reach some individual milestones, such as Derrick Henry surpassing Jim Brown on the all-time rushing list, the team's collective effort fell short against a resurgent Bengals squad.

The coming weeks will be crucial for both teams. The Bengals face the Buffalo Bills, and a victory there could give them some momentum to finish strong. For the Ravens, regrouping after this loss and addressing their offensive and defensive inconsistencies will be key to staying in the playoff picture. However, with their recent struggles, the Ravens face a tough road ahead.

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• Bengals upset Ravens in Joe Burrow's return: Winners and losers