

Baltimore Ravens lost 32-14 to the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night. The Ravens are now 6-6, and they could lose their first-place AFC North position if the Pittsburgh Steelers defeat the Buffalo Bills this Sunday. Here are some instant reactions from the Baltimore Beatdown staff.
In almost every sport, it’s common to lose the ball. You’ll most likely lose the game if you do. The Ravens, it seems, are still learning, because they let the ball slip from their hands on Thursday night. They also had a tip drill interception. In the first half, the defense was able to hold their own, but injuries and turnovers combined with a huge time-of possession disparity put them in a difficult situation. This loss might even be worse than the Ravens’ early-season losses. Baltimore’s illusion of a win streak is shattered, and the team will need to work hard in order to reach the playoffs. – Nikhil Mehta
It doesn’t really get worse than that. The Ravens spoilt Thanksgiving in front of an ecstatic crowd, and the momentum gained since the Bears’ victory is now gone. Lamar Jackson made three mistakes and failed to score for the third time in a row. The offense was anemic, and it could not overcome its own obstacles. The Bengals’ defense, which was among the worst in NFL history, held the Ravens scoreless.
There were too many mistakes to single out. The mini-bye should give the team the time it needs to correct its mistakes before the Steelers’ must-win game next weekend. Mark Myers The AFC North could be yours
The Ravens offense had a terrible performance. It is unacceptable to commit five turnovers against a defense that has never been better. Lamar Jackson’s performance was the worst we have seen since his rookie year. In recent weeks, the Ravens were able to get by thanks to their defensive effort against low-tier offensive teams. The Bengals’ defense, despite some heroic stoppages in the first half, couldn’t help them. Moving forward, the Ravens’ margin for error has been reduced to zero. This loss should be a wake-up call for the Ravens, as they have a lot to learn over the next ten days. – Frank Platko
The game was at its lowest point. While everyone will be negative about the game, I am going to share some positives. Lamar Jackson appeared to be the most healthy he has been since his injury. He picked up several first downs and called out his own number. He also made multiple throws in the downfield. In the third quarter, the offense also found itself in the end zone four times. However, two touchdowns were lost due to a Likely fumble on a six-inch line. Keaton Mitchell scored his first touchdown and Derrick Henry had a great game. Likely, on the other hand, was the most active player all season. It was their most impressive performance since the Miami game, with five turnovers by the team and Jackson’s missed field goals.
The defense kept Cincinnati and Joe Burrow from the end zone for the first half. Nate Wiggins’ toe injury forced the Bengals to concede their only two touchdowns after Nate was taken off. The defensive dynamic changed. The Bengals were forced to settle for field goal after field goal, and had the offense not made mistakes and scored when given the chance, the game would have been a waste.
I’m here not to tell you that the Ravens were good tonight. I’m here not to tell you that the Ravens have a great team. I’m here not to tell you the Ravens will figure it out, and do enough to qualify for the playoffs. It’s not my job to tell you what the Ravens will do. I am here to let you know that there is a plan, and with a 10-day holiday coming up, and a chance for rest and to figure out some things, it can be done. It’s just a matter of being dumb enough to hope and look for it. – Zach Canter