Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

GOOD, BAD & UGLY: Ravens Blank Bengals

Monday, December 15, 2025 13:33
% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


Ravens Trounce Bengals, 24-0

For the first 1 ½ quarters against the Bengals, the Ravens looked lifeless, WFLAT in Cincinnati, particularly on offense. They had the look of a team that had mailed it in – one that had just showed up to punch the clock, grind through a workday in an uninspired way and pick up a check for their ho-hum efforts.

The Ravens had just 9 yards of offense in the opening quarter. Then, during the first drive of the second quarter which was jump started by Keaton Mitchell (3 consecutive runs for 25 yards), the Ravens turned the ball over when Lamar Jackson hit Zay Flowers on a deep in-cut route with a perfectly place ball that went through Flowers arms and into the appreciative hands of Bengals’ safety Jordan Battle.

It had that, “Here we go again!” kind of feel to it. But give the defense credit for stepping up after the turnover. The Ravens forced a 3-and-out and then took over at their own 21 at the 7:34 mark of the second quarter. The first play of the ensuing possession, Lamar Jackson took off after being flushed from the pocket and picked up 14 yards. That seemed to spark the offense, particularly Lamar. He then unleashed his inner Matthew Stafford with a no look pass to DeAndre Hopkins for 32 yards.

After two runs the Ravens found themselves in a 3rd-and-7 at the Cincinnati 30. Lamar sensed a blitz and noticed the Bengals defense was heavily shifted to his left. He audibled at the line of scrimmage and found Rasheen Ali for an easy pitch and catch house call that was eerily similar to the play that had beaten the Ravens a week earlier when Jaylen Warren scampered down the right sideline in Baltimore to put the Steelers up 27-16 late in Q3.

The convincing win was the result of a total team effort. The Ravens ran the ball well and the passing game, save for the Flowers muff, was very efficient. The offensive line had its best game in recent memory; the defensive front pressured Joe Burrow and the Ravens flew to the ball with some very solid team tackling.

After the game, Marlon Humphrey who had a pick, shared an interesting thought that the coaching staff should embed in their collective short-term memory.

“Honestly, it was crazy how we practiced. I was actually sore on Saturday because we went so hard on Friday. The message, ‘Hey, we’ve got to practice well.’ I feel like guys really took it to heart. It kind of did get a little contagious. You walk in the locker room and people are talking about, ‘You had game reps in practice.’ Bodies were in a lot of places this week during practice.”

The game was the most important of the season to date. It was also quite revealing. Full disclosure, I thought that the team had tanked – that they lacked the prerequisite passion to turn the season around on John Harbaugh’s watch. The signs were all there.

Maybe we can credit that physical practice on Friday – a day that is normally a walk-thru session; maybe that visit from Ed Reed inspired them. Whatever the case, the outing looked like one from a team with their backs to the wall. And when that happens, there’s only two ways to go. Cave in or fight for your survival. On one Sunday in Cincinnati, the coldest game played in team history, the Ravens fought like they used to for so many years.

Perhaps the game was an awakening – a reminder of what the Ravens are capable of. Now they just need to build on it.

Better late than never.

THE GOOD

Offense

Tyler Huntley’s 3 kneel downs aside, The Ravens rushed 21 times for 192 yards (9.1 YPC). Again, the kneel downs aside, the Ravens averaged an astounding 8.6 YPP…Derrick Henry registered 100 yards on 11 rushes (9.1 YPC). He recorded 3 runs of 20+ yards, all of which came in the second half. Those 3 rushes are tied for the most 20+ yard rushes in a game this season…Keaton Mitchell had 8 carries for 66 yards and for the season he has an astounding 295 yards on just 39 attempts (7.6 YPC).

Zay Flowers recorded 68 yards and 1 receiving TD on 3 receptions (22.7 avg.). Flowers secured a big 26-yard catch to spark the Ravens second scoring drive in Q2, hanging on to the ball despite a big hit to the head. It was a hot and cold day for Flowers who was responsible for Lamar’s INT. Zay also failed to secure a catchable ball (although not Lamar’s best pass) in the back right corner of the end zone forcing the Ravens to settle for a Tyler Loop field goal.

Lamar was sacked 4 times for 22 yards on just 16 drop backs, but a couple of those sacks were the result of him holding the ball too long and not bailing out earlier. He was also sacked on a boot designed to leave the edge defender untouched, but Lamar didn’t get rid of the ball to cut his losses and took the sack. Otherwise, it was one of the offensive front’s best efforts in recent memory with the best of the bunch being Messrs. Stanley, Linderbaum and Rosengarten.

Rasheen Ali is doing an admirable job stepping into Justice Hill’s role as a third-down back capable. He’s been effective in pass pro also.

Defense

Tavius Robinson probably didn’t deliver the consistency that he’s known for but that was to be expected. He missed 7 games with a foot injury so there was some rust to knock off. That said, he made two huge plays. The first, a sack that dropped Joe Burrow for a 15-yard loss on a critical 3rd-and-4 from the Ravens 25 at the 3:44 mark of Q1 with the score tied at zero. The sack put Cincinnati out of field goal range. Then with 7:55 to go in the game, the Bengals were threatening to score, down 17-0. Robinson had a great get off and immediately disrupted Burrow, forcing him to unload prematurely. Robinson’s explosiveness couple with Kyle Van Noy dropping in coverage, confused Burrow and the result was a defensive play that for all intents and purposes put the game away.

At times it is frustrating to watch D-Linemen and edge rushers bluff a pass rush rep only to drop into coverage. These players oftentimes look lost in space – they look uncomfortable in their drops, and you can only hope the drop is in the right place to disrupt an opposing QB’s throwing lane. But it often feels like a misuse of pass rush talent and the Ravens have little. But here’s another look at the game-clinching play that features KVN and Travis Jones doing their thing.

Speaking of Jones, he celebrated his new contract with a very productive outing. Outside of his prowess in coverage Jones had 4 tackles, a sack and another QB hit during the afternoon…Roquan Smith had 14 tackles and was effective in coverage…Kyle Hamilton was active in the box and redirected Burrow’s focus a few times forcing him to go through his progressions which allowed the pass rush to affect plays… Alohi Gilman played fast and swarmed to the football. He had 8 tackles and a PD in what for me was his best game as a Raven.

Ar’Darius Washington has always had a nose for the ball. Like Robinson, AD had to knock off some rust. He was limited to just 15 snaps but you get the sense that he’ll make the most of his time on the field moving forward. Below, Washington and 3 teammates swarm to the ball on this key 3rd down stop.

“Obviously, you saw T-Rob’s impact. First drive, he got a sack. … If I had to give him an NBA comp, probably like a Jalen Duren or Dennis Rodman, guys who just eat glass and do the dirty work, and at the end of the game you look up and they’ve got good numbers. Team guy, super physical.” ~ Kyle Hamilton on Tavius Robinson

Special Teams

The kick and punt coverage teams had their best outings of the season. The Bengals had 5 kick returns and averaged just 22 yards per return. Following kickoffs the Bengals average start position was the 28-yard line and twice they started from the 25 or deeper…The Bengals had 1 punt return for minus 2 yards…The Ravens had just 1 kick return, the opening kickoff, but it went for 32 yards to give Baltimore a start from their own 34…

Charlie Kolar led the way with 3 ST tackles. His fiery spirit and team-first approach are invaluable. When evaluating Kolar and his possible return to the squad (he’s a free agent), these intangibles have tangible value.

THE BAD

Offense

The Ravens were just 2 of 7 on third-down attempts and they were 0 for 1 in the red zone. They now rank 31st in red zone offense.

THE UGLY

Offense

Zay Flowers’ drop that morphed into an interception was the only notable shade of ugly on the afternoon.

Defense

At the 13:32 mark of Q2 the Bengals faced a 4th-and-2 from the Ravens 49 with the game knotted at 0-0. The Bengals kept their offense on the field, perhaps hoping for an offsides from the anxious Ravens defense to pick up a cheap first down. If that was the plan, mission accomplished. Of all people, the crafty veteran Kyle Van Noy took the bait…Losing Teddye Buchanan was a blow, and now Zach Orr will need Trenton Simpson to step up.

Officiating crew chief Brad Allen’s lack of grace and style during his Duke basketball flop following a scuffle involving Ronnie Stanley was hardly poetry in motion. But it was another lame call from the zebras.

COACHING

John Harbaugh

Just when I thought the Ravens had quit on Harbaugh, they put together an impressive team effort like they did in Cincinnati. John deserves credit for that, the loss of style points for corniness notwithstanding.

Todd Monken

The Ravens got off to a slow start but it’s hard to knock the diverse play calling and the efficiency given that Monken really only called 37 plays to produce his 317 net yards of offense.

Zach Orr

The Ravens recorded their first shutout since 10/14/18 at Ten (W, 21-0). The last time the Bengals were shutout was on 9/10/17 (W, 20-0) by the Ravens. The Ravens limited Burrow to a 58.2 passer rating, which is the second lowest in a game Burrow has started in his career. It’s the second time Burrow has thrown multiple INTs while being held to 0 TDs in a single game in his career, the last of which happened on 11/7/21 vs. Cle. The players executed but the game plan was on point. The Bengals scored a total of 66 points in their previous two games, both on the road. The expectation was a big day for Burrow. Instead it was a big day for Zach Orr & Co as the big cats posted a goose egg.

THE CAPTAIN DEE-FENSE PLAYER OF THE GAME

Captain Dee-Fense

Dre’Mont Jones was a menace on Sunday in Cincinnati. Jones recorded 2 tackles (1 solo) and a career-high 5 QB hits. The last Raven to record 5 QBH in a game, was DT Nnamdi Madubuike on 12/10/23 vs. LAR (W, 37-31 OT). Jones’ 5 QBH are tied for the NFL’s third most in a single game this season. Burrow was unsettled all afternoon and a big factor in his substandard performance is the tenacious effort of Dre.

THE PAIGE SPIRANAC AWARD (POTG)

Lamar Jackson provided a spark with his legs on the team’s 4th possession, leading to a TD. The TD was the result of an audible called at the LOS by Lamar ending in a 30-yard strike to Ali for the game’s first points. On the next possession, Lamar marched the team 80 yards in 5 plays beginning at the 1:05 mark of Q2, capped by a perfect scoring strike to Zay Flowers to put the Ravens up 14-0. Jackson recorded 150 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT (114.6 rating) on 8-of-12 passing, while also rushing for 26 yards on 2 attempts. With a little more playmaking from Zay, those numbers elevate dramatically.

Jackson is now 5-0 on the road vs. Cincinnati. In those contests, he has thrown for 1,071 yards, 14 TDs and 2 INTs (126.8 rating), Jackson holds a 16-0 record in Weeks 16-18. Let’s hope he can make it 17-0 against the Patriots on Sunday night.

ODDS & ENDS

The Ravens won 24-0 yet they were dominated in offensive play count (71 to 40) and in time of possession (39:19 to 20:41). Very strange!

In addition to Teddye Buchanan, the NFL lost some big names on Sunday, injuries that will be felt this season and next. The Chiefs were knocked out of the playoffs for the first time since the 2014 season. Adding insult to injury, Patrick Mahomes tore an ACL which will place the Chiefs 2026 season in jeopardy…Meanwhile the Packers, the Ravens week 17 opponent, lost Micah Parsons for the season and like Mahomes, a chunk of the 2026 season due to his own ACL injury…The Rams lost Davante Adams for a couple of weeks. Just brutal injuries.

The Ravens host the Patriots on Sunday night, the last regular season home game. Currently the Ravens are listed as 2 ½ point favorites under the night skies of Charm City. The early forecast calls for a slim chance of precipitation (5%) and cloudy skies with a low temperature of 34 degrees.

The post GOOD, BAD & UGLY: Ravens Blank Bengals appeared first on Russell Street Report.


Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/12/15/gbu-paige-spiranac/ravens-trounce-bengals-24-0/


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

Comments

Your Comments
Question Razz Sad Evil Exclaim Smile Redface Biggrin Surprised Eek Confused Cool LOL Mad Twisted Rolleyes Wink Idea Arrow Neutral Cry Mr. Green

MOST RECENT
Load more ...

SignUp

Login