Ravens Defense Dominates, But Offense Shows Signs of Life in Crucial Win Over Bengals
In a game that could have major playoff implications down the stretch, the Baltimore Ravens delivered a statement win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15 - and it was the defense that made the loudest noise. For the first time in Joe Burrow’s NFL career, he was held scoreless. That’s not just a feather in the cap for Baltimore’s defense; that’s a full-on crown.
From the opening whistle, the Ravens’ defense dictated the terms. They didn’t just stop the Bengals - they disrupted them.
Every drive felt like a struggle for Cincinnati, with Baltimore’s front seven collapsing pockets and the secondary blanketing receivers. It was a clinic in defensive discipline and execution, and it came at exactly the right time.
But while the defense stole the headlines, the offense quietly started to find its footing - and that could be just as important as the team eyes a postseason run.
Lamar Jackson: Efficient, Not Flashy - and That’s Okay
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a fireworks show from the Ravens’ offense. They scored just 17 points and had the ball for a little over 20 minutes. But those 17 points came with a level of efficiency that’s been missing in recent weeks.
Lamar Jackson looked sharp, completing 8 of 12 passes for 150 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. The pick came on a drop from Zay Flowers - one of two on the day for the rookie wideout - but Jackson stayed composed and kept the offense moving. Flowers still managed to bounce back, finishing with three catches for 68 yards and a touchdown, showing the kind of resilience that coaches love to see in young players.
Running back Rasheen Ali also made his presence felt, hauling in a 30-yard touchdown reception - the first of his career. It was a smooth route and a confident catch, and it gave the Ravens another weapon to work with in the passing game.
Ground Game Finds Its Groove
If there was one area where the offense truly shined, it was in the run game. The one-two punch of Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell finally clicked, and the results were explosive.
Henry looked like vintage King Henry, racking up 100 yards on just 11 carries. Mitchell added 66 yards on eight carries, flashing his burst and agility on several chunk plays.
And then there was Jackson, who looked healthy and mobile, adding 26 yards on two runs. He didn’t need to do too much with his legs, but the threat was there - and that alone changes how defenses have to play this team.
Still Some Wrinkles to Iron Out
As promising as the performance was, it wasn’t perfect. The offensive line had its hands full, allowing four sacks and too much interior pressure. Jackson was under duress more often than you’d like, and against elite defensive fronts, that could become a bigger issue.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken made some strides with his play-calling - the balance between run and pass was better, and the designs opened up space for playmakers - but the slow starts continue to be a concern. The Ravens didn’t really get rolling until midway through the second quarter, and that kind of sluggishness can be costly in tighter matchups.
Jackson acknowledged the need for improvement after the game, especially in red zone execution. “I feel like we’re taking a step in the right direction,” he said.
“But still need to finish in the red zone. There’s always room for improvement.”
Looking Ahead
This win was about more than just the scoreboard. It was about a defense peaking at the right time and an offense starting to click - not perfectly, but purposefully. The Ravens are finding their identity, and with a healthy Lamar Jackson and a revitalized run game, they’re starting to look like a team that can do damage in January.
They’ll get another chance to prove it in Week 16 under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football against the New England Patriots. If the defense keeps playing like this and the offense continues to build momentum, Baltimore could be a very tough out come playoff time.