The Cincinnati Bengals were plenty convincing in their 35-13 win over the Baltimore Ravens on the road in Week 7. So much so, in fact, that the Ravens appear shaken in a variety of ways in the aftermath.
We've got uncertainty about Lamar Jackson's outlook after he missed a third straight game. We've got a panic-button signing. We've got psychological scar tissue mounting.
What a thing of beauty. Oh, and Joe Burrow is squarely in the mix for his first MVP award after throwing for 292 yards and four TDs.
Wasn't Jesse Minter supposed to be some defensive genius? Baltimore, what happened!??!?!? I must specify what I mean by the headline now, though.
The hits (read: blown leads) just keep on coming for the Ravens
Lamar Jackson is a first-team All-Pro choke artist in the playoffs. His backup, Tyler Huntley, threw for over 200 yards in the first half of Sunday's game, but in Lamar-esque postseason fashion except in the regular season, shrank more as the stakes kept rising.
Between that phenomenon and Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase just marching all over Baltimore's defense, that's how you end up with these data points:
Ravens led 13-0 at half and now trail Bengals 21-13. Ravens have blown 9 double digit leads in 2nd half in last 5 seasons. Next highest is Eagles with 6
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 25, 2026
Teams to lead by 13+ points at half and lose by 20+:
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 25, 2026
Ravens 35-13 L vs Bengals today (led 13-0)
Colts 55-20 L vs Giants 11/19/1950 (20-7)
Eagles 49-14 L vs Bears 11/30/1941 (14-0) https://t.co/eEBPKBWOVS
If Lamar ain't back soon, this season could be a total debacle for the Ugly Birds.
Conflicting information (and implied tension) regarding Lamar Jackson's status
So is Lamar Jackson coming back for Week 8's massive road trip to Buffalo to face Josh Allen? The Ravens sure could use him. However, there would appear to be a bit of tension behind the scenes between the quarterback and organization beyond the still-outstanding next contract agreement...
There was a report that it definitely came as a shock to the Ravens that Lamar Jackson didn't play Sunday.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) October 26, 2026
Asked if that was a mischaracterization, Ravens coach Jesse Minter replied, "a little bit."
Weird energy abound in Baltimore for years now. Maybe that's why John Harbaugh had enough. We can't even get a straight answer as to whether it was a surprise that Jackson didn't play on Sunday.
No need for Minter to be coy or indirect here. He could've avoided any reading between the lines. Alas, doesn't this seem like a coach who's frustrated that his best player isn't on the field? Again, I said words to this effect once Jackson was ruled out for Week 7: His game is bound to age poorly since he's not a pocket passer first like Burrow.
A desperate attempt to help the secondary Joe Burrow just shredded (again)
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Ravens signed veteran safety Rayshawn Jenkins to their practice squad on Monday. Not sure Jenkins is the answer to what's ailing Baltimore, as the Ravens will be the third different AFC North team he's played for since 2025.
For all the issues the Bengals have had at the safety position, they never sprung for Jenkins.
It's just funny to me that Baltimore felt compelled to make such a swift move at this position. Minter's scheme clearly isn't landing just yet for the Ravens, and maybe a 10-year vet like Jenkins can provide some leadership and guidance on the back end.
I get it. I would be reeling too if somebody did this to me in front of my home fans LOL...
JOE BURROW OUT OF HIS MIND in the second half pic.twitter.com/O0je5REBhV
— PFF (@PFF) October 25, 2026
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