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Bengals Use Dominant Second Half to Secure Huge AFC North Win in Baltimore
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- Bengals Use Dominant Second Half to Secure Huge AFC North Win in Baltimore
(Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images)
The Cincinnati Bengals traveled to Baltimore for an important AFC North matchup against the Ravens on Sunday and came away with a statement victory. After trailing 13-0 at halftime, Cincinnati scored 35 unanswered points to defeat Baltimore 35-13 and improve to 4-2 on the season and 1-1 in the division.
The Ravens completely dominated the first half without their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, keeping Cincinnati's offense off the scoreboard while building a 13-point advantage. Baltimore opened the game with a 48-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Huntley to Zay Flowers before adding two field goals in the second quarter.
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The Ravens also controlled the clock, putting together lengthy scoring drives of 18 plays for 78 yards and 13 plays for 82 yards. Cincinnati struggled to find consistency offensively, entering halftime without a touchdown and facing a significant deficit on the road. Joe Burrow completed just 6 of 12 passes for 43 yards in the first half.
However, everything changed after the break.
The Bengals came out of halftime with renewed energy on both sides of the ball, scoring 14 points in the third quarter to take the lead before adding 21 more in the fourth. Cincinnati scored on five consecutive possessions, while its defense held Baltimore scoreless throughout the second half.
Burrow led the offensive turnaround, totaling 292 yards and four touchdowns while completing 73% of his passes without throwing an interception after a less-than-stellar first half.
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Higgins finished with six receptions for 148 yards and a touchdown, while Ja'Marr Chase recorded five catches for 62 yards and a touchdown . Samaje Perine added a 1-yard rushing touchdown, and Drew Sample caught a 16-yard touchdown pass from Burrow to cap the scoring in the fourth quarter.
Cincinnati's defense also delivered when it mattered most. Boye Mafe recorded 1.5 sacks, Dexter Lawrence II added a sack and Demetrius Knight Jr. had an interception. The defense also held Derrick Henry to just 45 yards on 17 carries.
The Bengals finished with 358 total yards, converted six of 11 third downs and scored touchdowns on all five of their red-zone trips.
Cincinnati earned its second consecutive win after a two-game skid against the Steelers and Jaguars. With both the Steelers and Browns winning Sunday afternoon as well, the victory was important in the highly competitive race for the division title.
The Bengals will now return home to face the 1-6 Tennessee Titans next week at Paycor Stadium.
