The Athletic Jeff Zrebiec says The Ravens have had their best three hours this season. They’ve recorded their first shutout in over a year, since beating the Tennessee Titans in October 2018. They’ve held a Joe Burrow led offense without any points in his NFL career. And they’ve officially eliminated the Bengals (4-10) from playoff contention. This was in many ways a classic Ravens performance. The Ravens defense never gave up, even though it was the coldest match in the franchise’s history. The Ravens sacked Burrow 3 times, and hit him 10 more times. They also told the quarterback and offensive line about it.

NFL.com Eric Edholm says: “That classic Baltimore Formula – a run-friendly offense combined with a strong defense – was the formula that the Ravens were looking for all season. They found it against a Bengals squad who thrashed them on Thanksgiving.”

Jonas Shaffer, The Baltimore Banner: Before the game, safety Kyle Hamilton delivered a passionate PG-13 speech in front of his Ravens defensivebacks. He focused on the Bengals, whose season was in danger. All game long, the Ravens were playing with a [expletive] you energy. They were hard-hitting. They chattered Joe Burrow. They talked, flexed, and stared. They were the Ravens’ defense that was missing a swagger, even on good days.

Bo Smolka, Press Box: “Defensive coordinator Zach Orr made Joe Burrow appear nothing like the Joe Burrow that has thrown more than 400 yard three times against Ravens. Burrow had trouble in this game early on, both because of the weather and because the Ravens’ defense. Burrow’s pocket was disrupted by pressure at times. He also looked for flags more than once as he tried to pick himself up off the frozen ground. Orr was the target of a lot of criticism earlier in the season when the Ravens struggled to a 1-5 record. It was hotly debated about his job status. Orr, who was well liked by his fans, brushed off criticism each week and said that he and the players were focused on their next game. Orr had his best game in the two years he was in charge of Ravens’ defense.

Baltimore Beatdown Stephen Bopst says It’s difficult to recall a Ravens defense that has performed better in the last two years. Zach Orr’s defense shut out the Bengals in a game that was a must-win. The pass rush was the best of the year. This led to some huge turnovers including an incredible interception from Kyle Van Noy, who gave it to Alohi Gillman for a 95 yard TD.

Baltimore Beatdown Mark Myers says “What an amazing breath of fresh air.” The Ravens defense put on a stellar performance and shut out Joe Burrow, the Bengals’ offense who have been a constant source of frustration in the past. Alohi Gilman played well, as did Dre’Mont Jones and Travis Jones. Kyle Van Noy deserves credit for his shrewd handoff of Gilman to the pick-six. The formula for the offense was very simple. RUN. THE. BALL.”

Tim Schwartz, The Baltimore Sun: Derrick Henry (11 runs for 100 yards) set the tone in the first three play of the game and then he began to break off longer runs. Keaton Mitchel looked good, gaining 66 yard on eight carries. Lamar Jackson also had a 14-yard run. Baltimore has a winning formula. You can count on the defense having a great day, and riding Henry and Mitchell to victory (and Rasheen ali for good measure). “We will win.”