Joe Burrow Returns, But Bengals Fall Flat in Critical Loss to Ravens
Joe Burrow could’ve taken the easy route. With the Bengals already out of playoff contention and the season spiraling, no one would’ve blamed him for shutting it down and focusing on 2026.
But that’s not who he is. Burrow chose to suit up, to fight through the frustration, and to lead from the front.
Unfortunately for Cincinnati, his return didn’t come with a Hollywood ending.
Instead, the Bengals were blanked at home in a 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens - a game that served as a gut punch to a fan base already reeling from a tough season. With the defeat, Cincinnati officially misses the playoffs for the third straight year and hits the 10-loss mark for the first time since 2020.
This one hurt - and not just on the scoreboard.
Burrow’s Rough Outing
Burrow’s stat line tells part of the story: 25-of-39 for 225 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions. It was, by all accounts, his worst performance of the season.
The Ravens' defense brought relentless pressure, took away the deep ball, and forced Burrow into uncomfortable throws all afternoon. Baltimore didn’t just win - they dominated.
Lamar Jackson didn’t light up the stat sheet either, throwing for just 150 yards, but he didn’t need to. He managed the game, made key plays when it counted, and let his defense dictate the tempo. It was a classic Ravens formula - efficient offense, suffocating defense, and a whole lot of physicality.
Frustration Boils Over
The loss didn’t just sting - it sparked visible frustration on the Bengals’ sideline. Cameras caught some tense moments between players, and while star wideout Ja’Marr Chase didn’t name names, his message to heckling fans was crystal clear: “If you don’t like it, you can go the f- home.”
That moment captured the raw emotion of a team that expected so much more from this season. Chase, like Burrow, is a competitor.
He’s not just frustrated with the scoreboard - he’s frustrated with the situation. And when fans started turning on their own QB, it clearly struck a nerve.
Footage from the stands showed fans tossing Burrow jerseys onto the field and pointing fingers - literally and figuratively - at the quarterback. It’s the kind of scene that underscores just how far expectations have fallen in Cincinnati since their Super Bowl run not so long ago.
Burrow Owns It
To his credit, Burrow didn’t deflect or make excuses after the game. He stood at the podium, took the heat, and shouldered the blame.
“I was the worst QB in the league today,” he said.
That’s the kind of accountability you want from your franchise leader, even if the performance didn’t match the standard he’s set in years past. It wasn’t just about the interceptions or the missed throws - it was about a team that couldn’t find answers when it mattered most.
What Comes Next?
There’s no sugarcoating it - this season has been a disappointment. Injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities have defined the 2025 Bengals. Now, with the playoff picture officially out of reach, the focus shifts to what comes next.
This team still has a core that includes Burrow, Chase, and a handful of young, talented pieces. But after three straight years on the outside looking in, it’s clear something needs to change. Whether that’s coaching, scheme, or personnel - the front office has decisions to make.
For now, Burrow’s return was a reminder of his commitment to the team and the city. He didn’t have to play, but he did.
He didn’t have to take the heat, but he owned it. That’s what leaders do, even on days when nothing goes right.
Cincinnati will regroup, retool, and try to turn the page in 2026. But Sunday’s loss - and the fallout that came with it - will stick with this team for a while.