Baltimore Ravens won 24-0 over Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Here are some immediate takeaways:

Zach Orr’s defense was ready to go.

The story of this game is without a doubt the one that you will remember. Joe Burrow’s first shutout since the 2018 loss against Alabama was achieved by the Ravens defense. The unit actually had a +7 for the day, thanks to the Kyle Van Noy interception and Alohi Gilman’s return touchdown. The frustration they felt from their two previous games was evident on the field, with a physical edge that was clear and deliberate. This took its toll as the game progressed. Baltimore’s defense flew at the ball in temperatures below freezing to make punishing tackles.

Burrow once again threw the ball to Ja’Marr Chase, with Tee Higgins out. Although he made some key plays, he was limited to a game that was inefficient, just like they were on Thanksgiving. Burrow was forced to rely on the check-down when he couldn’t find Chase. Cincinnati averaged 4.2 yards per play and converted only three out of 15 third downs.

Zach Orr: Take a bow.

The Ravens’ offense met their end of bargain…

The Ravens’ defense was a disappointment on Thanksgiving. They put in a great performance, but were let down by the turnovers and the general lack of skill from the offense. Baltimore’s offensive team struggled to get going this week but corrected course with two touchdowns at the end of the first half. In the second half they kicked a field-goal on their first possession and ate up 4:16 on their second. Tyler Huntley then kneeled the ball out in victory formation.

After subtracting those plays, they racked up 91.1 YPC on 21 carries after not getting as much out of their running game in the previous matchup. Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell and Lamar Jackson all had explosive runs behind an offensive line that was solid. The offensive line did not dominate the Bengals but it held its own. They also didn’t put their defense into difficult situations.

But they still didn’t look their best.

The Ravens offense still went punt-punt-interception on their first three possessions with a number of mistakes from multiple players. Baltimore’s biggest mistake was Zay Flowers dropping into Jordan Battle’s arms. Baltimore also struggled to establish a rhythm with the passing game or run. The Ravens were only two-for seven on third down, and they failed to convert their one red zone opportunity.

This unit has not yet reached its full potential. Although it may not have been important in this game, in the future it will be.

Baltimore’s pass-rush showed signs of life.

On Thanksgiving, the Ravens had only one sack against Burrow and seven quarterback hits. But they pressed him all day on Sunday. Mike Green, Travis Jones and Tavius Robertson all sacked Burrow and Dre’Mont Jones racked up five (!) There were a lot of quarterback hits. Zach Orr’s nifty designs and individual pass rush victories were responsible for those impressive numbers.

Baltimore’s Achilles heel in defense has been its inability to pressure the opposing passers consistently. They turned this weakness into strength on Sunday and won a shutout with a dominant defensive display.