Lamar Jackson played like an MVP.
Justin Tucker kicked like the GOAT.
And the Ravens escaped Cincinnati with a huge W.
In one of the wildest games of the NFL's young season, the Ravens rallied from two 10-point fourth-quarter deficits to defeat the Bengals, 41-38, in overtime.
Jackson was the game's signature player, (26-of-42, 348 yards, four touchdown passes, 55 yards rushing), like a whirling dervish who would not be denied.
It was an emotional win for Baltimore (3-2), winning its third straight game to put Cincinnati (1-4) in a deeper hole in the AFC North.
"That was a grit win," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "That shows you everything you need to know about their character."
Here are my five thoughts on the Ravens' victory:
Lamar Jackson's heart and talent is leading an impressive offense.
The Bengals kept scoring, but Jackson and Baltimore's offense kept answering. Whether he needed to scramble, throw, or run, Jackson would not be denied. He responded like an MVP in a game that Baltimore would have never won without him.
Jackson has produced many mind-blowing plays during his career, but his touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely in the fourth quarter ranks among his top signature plays. He stiff-armed Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard twice to escape what should've been a sack. Then Jackson somehow spotted Likely cutting across the back of the end zone and whipped a high pass that Likely climbed the ladder to snag.
"That's why Lamar is who Lamar is, the best player in the league," said Derrick Henry.
Jackson's fumbled snap in overtime almost spoiled the day for Jackson. But after Evan McPherson of the Bengals missed a 53-yard field goal in overtime, Henry busted loose on the next play with a 51-yard run, setting up Tucker's game-winning 24-yard field goal.
After his turnover, Jackson was thankful to have another chance to win the game.
"I was furious," Jackson said. "I don't like putting our team in that type of situation. Our defense made a great stop when it counted, the offensive line did a great job, and J.T. (Tucker) finished it."
Jackson seems to be getting even more comfortable taking command in his second season with Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken. That gives the Ravens reason to believe they can still have a special season if the defense improves from a slow start to the season. Zay Flowers (seven catches, 111 yards) made plays throughout the game and No. 3 tight end Charlie Kolar (three catches, 64 yards, one touchdown) was a key part of Baltimore's well-rounded attack.
"We're a balanced offense, but we've still got work to improve on," Jackson said. "I don't think we've reached our ceiling yet."
Marlon Humphrey saves the day.
Things were looking grim for the Ravens until Marlon Humphrey's fourth quarter interception gave the ball back to Baltimore's offense, trailing by three points with just over three minutes to play.
Jackson took over from there, but this victory for Baltimore doesn't happen without Humphrey's turnover. He anticipated that Joe Burrow would throw to his top target, Ja'Marr Chase, and Humphrey cut in front of Chase to make an interception that was the turning point of the game.
Humphrey has been healthy this season, and his versatility as a corner who can be physical against some of the game's best is massive.
Tucker reminds us why he's the GOAT.
After missing a field goal in each of Baltimore's first three games, the most accurate kicker in NFL history came up big in the clutch. His 56-yard field goal with 1:35 left in regulation tied the game at 38 and ended any doubts about Tucker's confidence.
He knew it was a must-have kick and Tucker nailed it. It also quieted the noise about Tucker's struggles from deep after he was 1-of-7 from 50+ since the start of last season before that kick.
He's often been the difference between Baltimore winning or losing during his stellar career, and Tucker assured everyone that he would shake off his early-season slump. But as they say, actions speak louder than words, and Tucker silenced the critics when it counted.
"You either have the choice to rise to the occasion, or fold up like a cheap suit," Tucker said. "I left a couple out there earlier this season, so to be able to come through like we did today, and I emphasize we, is particularly satisfying."
Baltimore's defense has plenty to fix.
Watching film of this game will be difficult for Baltimore's defense. The Bengals scored too often, too easily, and had too many big plays.
Even when the Ravens got Cincinnati into third and long, they couldn't make a key play to get off the field. The Bengals were 7-for-7 on third down conversions to start the second half, leading to two long touchdown drives that kept Cincinnati in front and kept Jackson and the Ravens' offense off the field.
Until Humphrey's interception, the story of the game was the Ravens' inability to keep Cincinnati from moving the ball through the air almost at will. Chase (10 catches, 193 yards, two touchdowns) turned a simple wide receiver screen into a 70-yard touchdown by running through Baltimore's secondary unimpeded.
Burrow and Chase are exceptional players. But a secondary that includes Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Marcus Williams, Brandon Stephens, Nate Wiggins, and Ar'Darius Washington should not be picked apart with frequency. The Ravens' defense has plenty to talk about, but at least they'll be doing it after a win.
"There are plenty of things to look at and pick apart, things that we'll be working hard to improve on," Harbaugh said. "But I'm proud of the guys to keep believing."
Extra Points:
- The Ravens have four touchdowns and one field goal on their five opening drives this season. Getting off to fast starts has not been a problem.
- Rashod Bateman (four catches, 56 yards, one touchdown) was a standout on the second touchdown drive. He made a diving catch to extend the series, then he stayed alive as Jackson scrambled to make a catch near the end zone to scamper end for a 16-yard touchdown play.
- A special teams mistake cost the Ravens a safety when Tylan Wallace failed to field a punt that the Bengals downed at the 2-yard line. Henry was tackled in the end zone on the next play. Wallace did redeem himself with two clutch catches for 31 yards later in the game.
- Henry became the 26th player with 100 career touchdowns. He's tied with Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for first place on the active list. Henry also eclipsed 10,000 career rushing yards Sunday, becoming the 32nd player in NFL history to accomplish the feat.
- The matchup between Justice Hill playing against his brother, Bengals cornerback Dax Hill, unfortunately didn't last long. Dax suffered a knee injury in the first quarter and did not return.
