Ravens Collapse in Second Half, Falling to Bengals 35-13

Key points

• The Ravens led 13-0 at halftime but allowed 35 unanswered points in the second half.
• Joe Burrow threw four touchdowns for Cincinnati, while Tyler Huntley threw for 83 yards and an interception.
• Lamar Jackson missed his third straight game due to a high-ankle sprain.
• The Ravens are now 4-3 and last in the AFC North, with a 0-2 divisional record.
• This is the second straight week Baltimore has blown a double-digit lead, a trend that has occurred 10 times since 2022.

Background

The Ravens have struggled to hold leads this season, having blown double-digit leads in 10 games since 2022. Lamar Jackson has missed three consecutive games with a high-ankle sprain, forcing backup Tyler Huntley to start. The team replaced coach John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter this offseason, hoping to address chronic issues with closing games.

How outlets are covering it

The Baltimore Sun highlighted the 'ugly' nature of the defeat and the team's inability to hold leads, noting that all three losses this season have come after double-digit leads. Sports Illustrated emphasized the 'Hallmark Issue' of the Ravens blowing leads, pointing out that this is the 10th such collapse since 2022. ESPN was unavailable due to a 403 error. CBS Sports provided detailed play-by-play stats, showing the Bengals' dominance in the second half with five consecutive touchdown drives.

Why it matters

The loss drops the Ravens to last in the AFC North and highlights a persistent issue with closing games. With Lamar Jackson out, the team's reliance on Tyler Huntley has been exposed, and the coaching staff faces scrutiny over strategic decisions, such as choosing fourth down over a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter.

What to watch

The Ravens will face the Buffalo Bills after a bye week. Lamar Jackson's return remains uncertain, and the team must address its defensive and offensive inconsistencies to improve its divisional standing.