The Cincinnati Bengals unfolded their 2023 postseason with a matchup in opposition to a divisional rival because the Baltimore Ravens got here to Paycor Stadium. They commenced it off the proper manner as they locked up their first win of the NFL playoffs, 24-17.
With a rematch of final weeks regular-season finale, the primary half-hour of this recreation mimicked the early season matchup in Baltimore. With Lamar Jackson now no longer travelling with the group, the Ravens knew their exceptional hazard to drag off the disillusioned might be to maintain this Bengals offense off the sector. Thats precisely what they did withinside the first 1/2 of, and it labored to perfection as they took a 10-nine lead into the locker room.
4 winners and 3 losers as Bengals defeat Ravens
The 2nd 1/2 of proved to be a lot of the same, as each groups exchanged blows. Until a fumble go back TD through the Bengals, absolutely flipped the momentum. From that factor ahead it by no means switched returned, permitting Cincinnati to push ahead for a huge win.
Now, lets test out a few winners and losers from tonights win over the Ravens;
Winners
Joe Burrow
The Bengals had the exceptional participant on the sector tonight, and pretty arguably would possibly whenever they take the sector. With a depleted offensive line and going in opposition to a hard Ravens protection, Burrow shined all over again.
No one higher to be the face of this franchise.
Tee Higgins & Ja`Marr Chase
One aspect that could take the Bengals a ways all over again this postseason is that their offense functions genuine No. 1 receivers.
Although Ja`Marr Chase and Burrow have a chemistry constructed that dates returned to their days at LSU, Tee Higgins keeps to step up and make plays. With time withinside the pocket quick tonight, and Burrow having to increase plays, Higgins endured to locate approaches to create separation and choose up key yards for this offense.
Talking approximately that chemistry among Burrow and Chase, it`s apparent the primary participant that he’s seeking to throw the ball to. What is even wilder is that Chase keeps to get open.
No clue if we will anticipate to peer each in a Bengals jersey lengthy-term, however we without a doubt want to take a seat down returned and revel in this duo for every other post-season run.
Young Secondary
The Ravens finished their recreation to perfection while it got here to preserving this Bengals offense off the sector.
As they attempted to run the ball primarily, each time Tyler Huntley dropped returned to byskip this Bengals` byskip protection held up well. Despite some damaged plays, particularly from the veteran Eli Apple, the younger institution of secondary gamers took a step withinside the proper course tonight.
Sam Hubbard
We need to upload Hubbard to the listing of winners after the 98-backyard fumble recuperation touchdown. It became the longest fumble recuperation TD in NFL postseason history. The Cincinnati child stored the day in what became out to be the recreation-prevailing score.
Shoutout to Logan Wilson for knocking it unfastened and Germaine Pratt for supporting to preserve Huntley up and out of the quit zone.
Losers
Pass protection
With a brand-new proper facet of the offensive line, a skilled Ravens protection took gain of it early and often.
With plenty of short throws occurring for Joe Burrow, they werent capable of take gain of the power of this group, that is its deep-danger ability. With a date with Buffalo subsequent week, the Bengals can be hoping that todays reps play a important position in how this new appearance offensive-line will play in opposition to the Bills.
Injury Bug
A huge storyline to the final 1/2 of of the season for Cincinnati has been accidents. Well the damage trojan horse bit all over again tonight, as each Jonah Williams and Eli Apple went down with accidents withinside the first 1/2 of.
Add in Alex Cappa, Cam Taylor-Britt, and dropping Chidobe Awuzie halfway thru this season, accidents derailed what became a strong season all round for this franchise. Luckily they were capable of combat thru and nevertheless win, however including intensity this offseason must be a priority.
Run Defense
The manner to forestall the Ravens became pretty easy getting into this one, forestall the run and also you win. Despite some lengthy byskip plays, thats precisely what John Harbaughs group did.
The run protection became now no longer splendid tonight, and could without a doubt need to shore up as they tour to Buffalo subsequent week.
Shoutout to the men stepping up while it mattered most.
