Sporting News
In an exhilarating Thursday Night Football game, we have Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals facing off against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. This game is the second consecutive NFC North showdown. Although the Ravens have a significantly better record, 7-3, than the Bengals, 5-4, many analysts are not ruling out a Bengals upset. This prediction comes even after the Bengals’ loss against the Houston Texans. My initial pick is for the Baltimore Ravens, but I must say the AFC North looks mighty good this season, with all four teams having winning records entering this game.
Here is a full quarter-by-quarter breakdown of the Thursday Night Football showdown.
First Quarter
USA Today
The Baltimore Ravens received possession first and progressed well against the Bengals’ highly touted defense. With 10:06 left on the clock, the Ravens’ drive ended with a three-yard rushing touchdown from running back Gus Edwards, but not before a major ankle injury scare from a pivotal part of the Ravens offense, tight end Mark Andrews #49. This injury was later reported on by Kaylee Hartung. Hartung reported that Andrews could not put any pressure on his injured ankle and was moving around with crutches. It was ultimately reported that Andrews was ruled out of play after x-rays in about eight minutes of football time.
In the Bengals’ first possession, it is evident that the Ravens have a major home advantage. In a crucial moment, communication could not reach Burrow’s entire offense, so they had to spend a timeout, which only riled up the crowd more. This same thing also happened in their next possession. The Bengals ended the drive with a field goal, setting the score at 7-3.
The next Ravens possession, the Bengals’ defense came up and SHOWED OUT, getting a tackle for loss and ending the Ravens’ possession with a big sack. In the Ravens’ following possession, the Bengals tackled Ravens quarterback Jackson, resulting in a trip to the injury tent.
Quarter Ending Score: 7-3
Takeaway: The Bengals’ defense is coming alive while injuries are swallowing the Ravens.
Second Quarter
CBS News
The Bengals began the quarter by setting a 10-game record of missing a field goal against the Baltimore Ravens, keeping the score at 7-3.
Lamar Jackson returned to the game after his brief trip to the injury tent, relieving the home team fan base. In this possession, Jackson threw a major bomb to a receiver to try and secure a speedy score. That attempt was his second time at that same play. I believe it will eventually work, but for the Ravens’ sake, I hope it is not too late.
The Bengals begin to MOVE the ball. Burrow throws some pretty great throws that result in a few first downs and, ultimately, a passing touchdown to running back Joe Mixon, gaining their first lead of the night. With this throw, Burrow’s right wrist was hit, and he showed obvious discomfort and displeasure in his throw on the sideline before retreating to the locker room. Kaylee Hartung reported that Burrow cannot grip the football or raise his elbow above a 90-degree angle. This is very tough news for the Bengals team and offense.
After the Bengals touchdown, Zay Flowers completed a major play for well over 50 yards, but the play was taken back on a controversial holding call that revoked the touchdown. All of that did not matter because a Lamar Jackson throw to wide receiver Nelson Agholor resulted in a dazzling touchdown somersault.
Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning entered the game in the second quarter in place of Joe Burrow and made some nice throws to his receivers.
With 23 seconds left in the first half, Jackson connected with wide receiver Rashod Bateman for a Baltimore touchdown and Bateman’s first touchdown of the season.
Quarter Ending Score: 21-10
Takeaways: The Ravens offense is on a roll. Will Burrow come back, and if not, will Browning be able to fit the massive shoes left behind?
Third Quarter
Burrow is officially ruled out for the remainder of the game as well as the Bengals’ leading interceptor cornerback, Cam Taylor-Britt.
The Baltimore Ravens take the ball down the field to score a field goal. The score is now 24-13.
The Bengals still cannot get anything rolling since the departure of Joe Burrow, and their defense seems to be wavering after a few pass interference calls.
After an almost 11-second scramble from Lamar Jackson, the Ravens ended their third quarter with a field goal, increasing their lead to 27-13 with 26 seconds left in the third quarter.
Quarter Ending Score: 27-13
Takeaways: The Bengals are not looking too good. Ravens continue to hold their lead with field goals.
Fourth Quarter
DAZN
Let us call this quarter “Winner Takes All,” because that is what this game seems to be, even though I am sticking with my original pick of the Baltimore Ravens to win. A question seems to surface of whether either team will win or if injury came out to be the true champion. One thing we know for sure is that reporter Kaylee Hartung got her fair share of work throughout this game due to injuries.
The referees had to call a second administrative timeout due to a drone. I just thought that was pretty interesting to share, but it did cause game-time frustrations.
Entering the fourth quarter, the Ravens have a total of 300 yards, while the Bengals only have 197. This difference in numbers is evident and proving to be crucial.
Remember how, earlier in the blog, I said that Jackson would connect on at least one of those huge throws? Well, he did. Jackson threw a nice ball to Odell Beckham Jr., setting them up within the red zone. Unfortunately, Odell Beckham Jr. left the game for his shoulder to be looked at, ending the game with 116 receiving yards. This drive resulted in a rushing touchdown by running back Gus Edwards to increase the score to 34-13.
On another note, it is really nice to hear former Alabama player Jordan Battle’s name being called repeatedly throughout this game. He had several tackles…ROLL TIDE!
Browning got a 19-yard run with a little under three minutes left in the game and threw a nice ball right into the two-minute warning. This drive resulted in a receiving touchdown to Jamar Chase, making the score 30-24. They also attempted an on-side kick. It was not successful.
Final Score: 30-24
Takeaways: All in all, it was not a very exciting quarter. I hope both teams can recover from the many injuries.
Be on the lookout for next week’s Chicks Picks Thanksgiving Day Edition.
