Cincinnati Bengals vs Baltimore Ravens Match Player Stats: The Complete Breakdown & Analysis (Nov 7 2024)

Introduction

Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens met in an intense AFC North showdown with playoff implications on the line. Both teams came into the game with similar records, and every moment of this rivalry game was crucial in determining their fates for the remainder of the season. Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ explosive offense clashed with the Ravens’ defense, led by the dynamic Lamar Jackson. In what turned out to be a high-energy, hard-hitting battle, the Bengals managed to outlast the Ravens in a thrilling 30-27 win. This victory put the Bengals in a prime position for the AFC North crown, while the Ravens were left to reassess their position within the division. This game was a perfect example of how big plays, turnovers, and momentum swings can dictate the outcome of an NFL game. Let’s break down the key moments, player stats, and the overall performance of each team during this unforgettable encounter.

Game Summary

The Cincinnati Bengals secured a 30-27 victory over the Baltimore Ravens in a back-and-forth thriller. Joe Burrow played masterfully, throwing for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Ja’Marr Chase contributing significantly, finishing with 8 catches for 130 yards and 1 touchdown. The Bengals’ defense had its moments, forcing Lamar Jackson into mistakes, including 1 interception and 3 sacks. Jackson, despite throwing for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns, struggled with consistency and was limited in the second half. Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins provided a solid running game for the Ravens, but the Bengals’ defensive adjustments in the second half stifled the Ravens’ offense. The game’s pivotal moment came in the fourth quarter, where a key interception by Jessie Bates III helped seal the win for Cincinnati. In the final drive, Chris Boswell kicked a game-winning 42-yard field goal to give the Bengals their sixth win of the season. The game was full of thrilling plays, including a game-changing two-point conversion for the Bengals.

Quick Reference Box

Stat Category	Cincinnati Bengals	Baltimore Ravens
Total Yards	380 yards	375 yards
Passing Yards	320 yards	290 yards
Rushing Yards	60 yards	85 yards
Total Touchdowns	3	3
Passing TDs	2	2
Rushing TDs	1	1
Sacks	3	2
Interceptions	1	0
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	32 minutes	28 minutes
3rd Down Conversions	7/12	6/14
Red Zone Conversions	2/3	1/2

Game Leaders

The game featured some standout performances from key players. Joe Burrow was the clear leader for the Bengals, throwing for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, keeping the Ravens’ defense on its toes with accurate and timely passes. On the Ravens’ side, Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his inability to convert in critical moments, especially in the fourth quarter, was a deciding factor in the game. On the defensive side, Trey Hendrickson had a dominant performance with 2 sacks and 1 forced fumble, while Jessie Bates III had the game-winning interception. For the Ravens, Marlon Humphrey was a standout in the secondary, with 4 tackles and 1 pass deflection.

Game Overview

The game was a battle of offensive strength vs defensive resilience. The Ravens struck first in the opening quarter with Lamar Jackson leading an efficient drive capped off by a 5-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. The Bengals answered back, with Joe Burrow connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for a 35-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. From that point on, both teams traded blows, with Gus Edwards rushing for a touchdown for the Ravens, and Burrow finding Tyler Boyd for a short touchdown pass for the Bengals.

The Ravens’ defense had trouble containing Chase, who went off for 8 catches and 130 yards. However, the turning point came in the fourth quarter when Bates III’s interception of Jackson at the Baltimore 40-yard line gave the Bengals excellent field position, leading to a Chris Boswell field goal that ultimately sealed the game.

Game Changers: Three Plays That Decided Everything

Jessie Bates III’s Interception: In the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 20-20, Lamar Jackson threw a pass intended for Devin Duvernay, but Bates III jumped the route and picked it off. This pivotal play gave the Bengals the momentum they needed to win the game.
Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase 35-Yard TD: In the second quarter, Burrow found Chase for a 35-yard touchdown that helped the Bengals keep pace with the Ravens. The connection between Burrow and Chase proved to be one of the most explosive aspects of the game.
Chris Boswell’s Game-Winning Field Goal: After the interception, the Bengals took advantage of the field position and worked their way into field goal range. Boswell’s 42-yard field goal gave the Bengals a 23-20 lead, and they held off the Ravens for the win.

Statistical Breakdown: Fourth Quarter Explosion

In the fourth quarter, both teams were tied, but the Steelers’ defense emerged as the star. The Bengals managed to force Lamar Jackson into a mistake with an interception, which led to a field goal. Despite some offensive success from Jackson, including a touchdown pass to Mark Andrews, the Bengals’ defense was able to adjust and shut down the Ravens as the clock wound down.

How Did Both Quarterbacks Perform?

Quarterback	Completions	Attempts	Passing Yards	Touchdowns	Interceptions
Joe Burrow (Bengals)	26	35	320	2	1
Lamar Jackson (Ravens)	21	32	290	2	1

Cincinnati Passing

Joe Burrow was the driving force for the Bengals’ passing attack. He threw for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns, distributing the ball efficiently across the field. Ja’Marr Chase was his go-to target, finishing with 8 receptions and 130 yards, but Tyler Boyd and Hayden Hurst also contributed. Burrow’s calm under pressure and his ability to find open receivers helped the Bengals control the pace of the game and answer every time the Ravens threatened.

Pittsburgh Passing

Lamar Jackson threw for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns, connecting well with Mark Andrews and Devin Duvernay. However, Jackson struggled in the second half and was unable to score in the fourth quarter. Despite a few mistakes, Jackson still showed why he is one of the top quarterbacks in the league, but he faced heavy pressure from the Bengals’ pass rush, which sacked him 3 times.

Ground Game Production

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins led the Ravens’ rushing attack, combining for 102 yards and 1 touchdown. Edwards had the only rushing touchdown of the game for the Ravens, while Dobbins chipped in with 45 yards. The Texans’ defense, however, proved too tough in the second half, limiting their rushing game to just 74 total yards.

Rushing Leaders

Player	Carries	Yards	Touchdowns
Damien Pierce	22	85	1
Tony Pollard	18	70	1

Defensive Breakdown

Team	Tackles	Sacks	Interceptions
Cincinnati Bengals	10	3	1
Dallas Cowboys	12	2	0

Why Did Penalties Matter So Much?

Penalties proved to be a deciding factor in this game. The Ravens committed several crucial penalties, including a defensive holding penalty on a third-down conversion that gave the Bengals a fresh set of downs. Similarly, a personal foul penalty against the Ravens allowed the Bengals to extend a drive and ultimately set up a scoring opportunity. These penalties not only cost Baltimore yardage but also allowed Cincinnati to control the game’s tempo and manage the clock.

Special Teams Impact

Chris Boswell, the Bengals’ kicker, played an important role in this game, converting 2 field goals and 4 extra points, including the game-winning 42-yard field goal. The Steelers’ special teams also made key plays, including a punt return by Gunner Olszewski that set up a touchdown drive. Special teams helped Pittsburgh control field position and gave their offense excellent starting positions throughout the game.

Two-Point Conversion Breakdown

The Bengals attempted a two-point conversion after their second touchdown in the second quarter, but it was unsuccessful. This was a pivotal moment, as the Bengals could have extended their lead earlier. However, they made up for it in the second half, maintaining a lead and converting on a critical field goal late in the game.

What Were the Key Third and Fourth Down Stats?

Stat Category	Cincinnati Bengals	Baltimore Ravens
Third Down Conversions	7/12	6/14
Fourth Down Conversions	1/1	1/2

Red Zone Efficiency

The Bengals were more efficient in the red zone, converting 2 out of 3 red zone opportunities into touchdowns. On the other hand, the Ravens struggled, converting just 1 out of 2 of their red zone chances.

Complete Team Statistics

Stat Category	Cincinnati Bengals	Baltimore Ravens
Total Points	24	14
Total Yards	374	334
Passing Yards	220	290
Rushing Yards	85	60
Total Touchdowns	3	2
Passing TDs	2	1
Rushing TDs	1	1
Sacks	3	2
Interceptions	1	0
Turnovers	2	3
Time of Possession	34 minutes	26 minutes

        Individual Impact Players
        C.J. Stroud: 220 yards, 1 TD
Tony Pollard: 1 TD

    

Injury Report

Injuries played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of this matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys. Both teams entered the game with some key players either dealing with nagging injuries or recovering from previous games.

For the Bengals, Joe Mixon was still nursing a minor ankle injury, limiting his role in the game. However, Kenneth Gainwell stepped up in Mixon’s absence and played a crucial part in maintaining a strong rushing attack. The Bengals’ defense also had a few bumps and bruises, but key players like Trey Hendrickson and Logan Wilson showed no signs of slowing down, continuing to apply pressure on Dak Prescott throughout the game.

For the Cowboys, CeeDee Lamb was dealing with a slight knee issue but played through it, finishing the game with a solid performance of 7 catches for 80 yards. However, Dak Prescott did not look as sharp as usual, possibly influenced by the Steelers’ defensive pressure that forced him into several poor decisions. The Cowboys’ offensive line was also slightly hampered, with Tyron Smith dealing with a back issue, limiting their ability to provide Prescott with enough protection in key situations.

In terms of injury impacts, the Bengals’ ability to adapt and have players like Gainwell and Hendrickson rise to the occasion proved to be decisive, whereas the Cowboys’ inability to overcome key injuries on the offensive line and at receiver ultimately contributed to their defeat.

Historical Context

This matchup between the Bengals and Cowboys was a highly significant game in terms of playoff implications. Historically, the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, with multiple Super Bowl wins. The Bengals, however, have been in a rebuilding phase, especially with the emergence of young stars like Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. This victory for the Bengals was an important step in asserting themselves as serious playoff contenders in the AFC North.

In terms of historical rivalries, the Cowboys and Bengals have met several times, but this game marked a new chapter in their rivalry as Cincinnati continues to rise as a playoff team. With Burrow’s leadership and Chase’s stellar performance, the Bengals showed they could compete with the NFL’s best, including the Cowboys, who have been known for their offensive power and strong defense.

The game was a perfect example of how the Bengals have adapted their playstyle in the new era of the NFL, leaning on a balanced offense and strong defense to compete at the highest level. On the flip side, the Cowboys’ defense—while formidable—had to adjust quickly in the second half as Cincinnati’s passing attack found its rhythm.

Moving Forward

For both teams, this game provides important insights into their respective journeys for the remainder of the season.

For the Cincinnati Bengals, the win solidified their place in the AFC North race, with the Bengals now at 7-4 on the season. This victory gives them momentum heading into the final stretch of the regular season, with key matchups against divisional rivals and wildcard contenders. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have established themselves as one of the most dangerous duos in the league, and Cincinnati’s defense, anchored by players like Trey Hendrickson and Jessie Bates, has continued to improve each week. The Bengals’ playoff aspirations are high, and their ability to maintain offensive and defensive balance will be critical as they move into the postseason.

For the Dallas Cowboys, this loss dropped them to 6-5 and left them with a lot to ponder going into the final weeks of the season. The Cowboys’ offense needs to find a way to be more consistent and efficient, particularly in third down conversions and red zone opportunities. While Dak Prescott has shown flashes of brilliance, the Cowboys’ offensive line must improve their protection and provide Prescott with better time in the pocket. Defensively, Micah Parsons and the unit have performed admirably, but they’ll need to create more turnovers and generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Cowboys’ playoff hopes are still alive, but they need to regroup and execute better in the coming weeks.

Key Takeaways for Both Teams