Ravens at Bengals: Highlights, score and recap
By James Dudko
Highlights, key players and recap from the Cincinnati Bengals 27-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium in Week 17.
The Cincinnati Bengals closed out their season at 6-9-1 after beating AFC North rivals the Baltimore Ravens 27-10 on New Year’s Day. Andy Dalton threw a touchdown, while Rex Burkhead rushed for over 100 yards and two scores for the Bengals.
Baltimore’s only response was a touchdown from rookie running back Kenneth Dixon and a Justin Tucker field goal. The Ravens, who finished the season 8-8, couldn’t muster a consistent offense.
It’s the same problem that’s blighted head coach John Harbaugh’s team all season. The Bengals sacked Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco three times and snatched a pair of interceptions.
By contrast, Baltimore’s defense couldn’t apply anywhere near as much heat on Dalton. He connected with tight end C.J. Uzomah from a yard out as part of a 226-yard passing effort.
Dalton spread the passes between a host of targets while star wideout A.J. Green remained sidelined with injury. But it was Burkhead’s surprise emergence that stood out.
Usually a utility player out of the backfield, Burkhead responded well to being given the primary rushing chores. He worked over a tough Ravens front seven with straight-ahead power running, including barrelling into the end zone from five yards out in the first quarter.
He repeated the trick to close out the scoring in the fourth.
Three Stars
1. Andy Dalton
With no Green to throw to, Dalton has become decidedly generous with the football. He linked up with five different receivers against the Ravens.
Everyone got in on the act. Brandon LaFell caught seven passes, while rookie Cody Core snatched four.
Dalton has been the one standout player on this team during the season. The Bengals can make a quick return to the posteason if they get smarter about building around the man under center.
It will first mean finding a credible running game.
2. Rex Burkhead
Normally a H-Back, Burkhead was tough between the tackles and rarely went down after first contact. Instead, he kept the chains moving and controlled the clock.
More important, Burkhead ensured the balance Cincy’s offense has craved all season. When the run game supports Dalton, the Bengals can control games on both sides of the ball.
3. Wallace Gilberry
Wallace Gilberry has been a useful rotational pass-rusher for years. His versatility and deceptive power help open up the playbook for clever defensive coordinators on third downs.
Bengals’ DC Paul Guenther played Gilberry at both end and tackle against the Ravens. He responded with a sack and made sure Baltimore blockers couldn’t account for situational pressure.
The Bengals defense hasn’t been at its marauding best this season. But when opponents are forced into a pass-first mode and Guenther is allowed to turn his D-line rotation loose, there are few better units in the NFL.
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The Bengals defense hasn’t been at its marauding best this season. But when opponents are forced into a pass-first mode and Guenther is allowed to turn his D-line rotation loose, there are few better units in the NFL.
LaFell’s emergence is bad news for a Baltimore secondary again set to be depleted. The Ravens are likely to be without their best cover man, cornerback Jimmy Smith, for the second week in a row.