The Cincinnati Bengals secured a decisive 32-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving Day, marking the return of quarterback Joe Burrow from injury. This win halted the Ravens’ five-game winning streak and left them with critical implications for their playoff aspirations.
Burrow, who had been sidelined with a turf toe injury, demonstrated his impact by throwing two touchdown passes in the second half. The Bengals’ performance was highlighted by Baltimore’s struggle with turnovers, as the Ravens committed five, including four fumbles—two of which were lost by their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. In addition to the turnovers, Baltimore incurred seven penalties, which proved costly during key moments of the game.
The Ravens faced significant pressure to maintain their position within the AFC North, especially as they were tied for first place with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to this match. Baltimore now stands at 6-6, having experienced their first loss since October 12, 2023. Coach John Harbaugh addressed the impact of the turnovers, stating, “When you turn the ball over as much as we did tonight, that’s the story of the game. You just can’t do it if you want to win.”
Baltimore’s offensive struggles were evident throughout the game. Jackson, who has been dealing with multiple injuries, completed 17 of 32 passes for 246 yards and added 27 rushing yards. He acknowledged his mistakes, including the interception thrown in the third quarter, and the fumble by teammate Zay Flowers, which capped the Ravens’ turnover woes. “I’ve just got to be consistent,” Jackson remarked. “Two fumbles and an interception. Can’t have them. I’ve got to make those throws. I don’t miss them in practice, I shouldn’t miss them in games.”
In contrast, Burrow’s return was a welcome boost for the Bengals, who had struggled significantly in his absence, winning only once in nine games. Bengals coach Zac Taylor praised Burrow’s performance, saying, “Statistically it’s not the best game that we’ve ever had as an offense, but you could feel the rhythm he was in, the confidence he was in.” Burrow ended the game with 262 passing yards and the two touchdown passes that helped secure the victory.
The loss stings for the Ravens, especially with a national audience watching. They now look ahead to an important matchup against the Steelers on December 7, 2023, followed by a rematch against the Bengals the following week. “Everything we want to accomplish is still in front of us,” Harbaugh noted. “Every game stands alone. This one we’ll put behind us.”
As the playoff race heats up, both teams will need to reassess their strategies. The Bengals hope Burrow’s return can spark a turnaround, while the Ravens will need to address their turnover issues if they wish to stay competitive in the tight AFC North.
