ExtremeRavens

Episode 14 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman discuss the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night, which included five turnovers by Baltimore in an ugly defeat. You can watch it weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Easton Tucker grew up around Joe Flacco. The 18-year-old watched the quarterback as he first grasped the sport, with a Super Bowl victory in 2013. He didn’t even understand the magnitude of the win at the time. His mother, Beth, certainly did, and still does. While Easton is now drawn by the allure of two-time NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson, Beth remembers the signal caller who offered the Ravens a decade of stability. “He’s the original ‘Joe Cool,’” Beth, 46, said. “He never lost his composure, ever, no matter what.” Thursday’s Thanksgiving game in Baltimore might have been the last time Flacco suited up at M&T Bank Stadium. The 40-year-old Bengals backup said that retirement rarely crosses his mind and figures that he won’t realize what is his final game there until long after it’s over. Still, returning to the place he called home for 11 seasons hits just the same. “It’s always great to be back to this place,” Flacco said after the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Cincinnati. “It’s my favorite place to play in the league. It always has been.” Flacco said Thursday’s game felt extra special because it was a night kickoff and the crowd was fully engaged. When the jumbotron showed flashbacks, the quarterback found himself reliving the moments that have defined his career at M&T Bank Stadium: the heated rivalry games against Pittsburgh, the 31-30 thriller over New England in 2012 and the 2011 Thanksgiving win against the 49ers. “Whenever you see those pictures of those guys, a memory instantly pops up,” Flacco said. Baltimore fans remember many of those moments — both good and bad. Easton Tucker remembers that Super Bowl win against the 49ers, but also when Flacco suffered a concussion on a late hit from Kiko Alonso in 2017. Jesse Balasus, 28, pointed out Flacco’s 43-yard catch during his rookie season as a defining moment. And of course, there were the playoff runs. The quarterback led Baltimore to the playoffs six times in a seven-year span — generating a 10-5 record and a win in Super Bowl XLVII. It’s the reason many became Ravens fans, including Tony Pospischil — a Ravens fan from Germany. Related Articles Ravens, Todd Monken waste Derrick Henry in Thanksgiving loss | COMMENTARY 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to the Bengals Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson can’t explain why offense is struggling Pundits react to Ravens’ surprising 32-14 home loss to Bengals: ‘Sloppy’ The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals “He’s like a gentleman, an old school quarterback,” said Pospischil, 36. “That’s what I first think of him.” Flacco leaves behind an interesting legacy. The quarterback was on an all-time heater in the 2012 playoffs — throwing 11 touchdowns with no interceptions en route to the title. There was the double-overtime “Mile High Miracle” against Denver in the divisional round, in which a 70-yard touchdown pass to Jacoby Jones tied the game with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. Flacco then achieved the nearly impossible: winning a playoff game against Tom Brady and the Patriots in Foxborough. The 2008 first-round draft pick also carried mid-Atlantic roots. He grew up in New Jersey and played at Pittsburgh and Delaware before landing in Baltimore. “He’s Baltimore as much as Lamar Jackson is Baltimore,” Balasus said. “He was the golden years of the 2010s growing up watching him as quarterback.” Compared with his peers, though, Flacco never stood at the top. His 48,085 passing yards rank 14th all-time — behind Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton and Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Matt Ryan and others from his generation. He sits 21st in career passing touchdowns and 12th in completions. A very good quarterback, just not elite. He also helped usher in the Ravens’ next era. His 2018 benching for Jackson ended a three-game losing streak and sparked a turnaround from 4-5 to 10-6 and a division title. Flacco was traded to Denver after the season and played only one of the three years on his contract with the Broncos. Jackson, meanwhile, won the first of his two MVP awards in his first season as the full-time starter in 2018. Jackson is 75-28 as the Ravens’ starter. “Lamar is the savior,” Easton Tucker said. “You have to respect that.” Flacco has evolved into a journeyman cult hero in recent years, making stops in New York, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Cleveland again and now Cincinnati after a trade. He pushed the Browns into the playoffs in 2023, going 4-1 over the final five weeks after Deshaun Watson’s season-ending injury. That run earned coach Kevin Stefanski’s trust and the Week 1 starting job this season. And when Joe Burrow went down, divisional rival Cincinnati trusted him enough to trade for him. Flacco has talked this season about the challenges of living in Cincinnati while his wife and five children remain in New Jersey. He’s also said he’s learned to make peace with, and even enjoy, the pockets of loneliness that come with the distance. “’I’m just trying to enjoy being in the moment,” Flacco said. “I’ll keep attacking my craft the best I can and become the best I can and see what the interest is, and engage it from there.” There’s no set timeline for his retirement. But whenever it does happen, he wants to leave the game as a Raven. “Of course,” Flacco said in response to retiring a Raven. “I have so many great memories.” Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day of comfort, filled with tradition, familiar flavors and second (maybe even third) helpings of what always works. But on Thursday evening at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens sat down at their own dinner table, found the one dish everyone loves, and inexplicably stopped serving the goods in front of a national audience. Derrick Henry’s 28-yard touchdown rush on just his third carry of the game jump-started the Ravens to a 7-3 lead over the Bengals. It marked not only much-needed confidence for a struggling unit, but also the team’s first opening-drive touchdown since Sept. 28. Henry looked every bit powerful and explosive as his oft-criticized offensive line paved a hole for him to scamper through and turn on the jets. And then the Ravens — and coordinator Todd Monken — stopped using their star player who had just proven he was the most effective playmaker on the field. Over the following 21 minutes, 33 seconds, Henry received just two more carries. By halftime, he had been shelved in an offense that seemed determined to throw despite Lamar Jackson’s continued struggles. Why stop serving the goods, Mr. Monken? It was an especially puzzling approach against a Cincinnati defense that entered the Week 13 matchup ranked last in the NFL in yards allowed and 31st in run defense. If there was ever a get-right spot for the Ravens’ offense, this was it. If you were confused by Henry’s usage while eating Thanksgiving leftovers from the living room couch, you weren’t the only one. “I thought the run game, especially early on, got Derrick going,” veteran offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley said. “I think we’ve got to just keep the momentum going and make sure that’s our identity and make it work.” Baltimore wasn’t forced to veer away from the run game because of the game script, either. While the Ravens committed a season-high five turnovers, they never trailed by two possessions until the third quarter. Henry finished with 60 rushing yards across just 10 carries. His 10 rushes were his second fewest this season (he had eight against Kansas City in Week 4). Before this season, Henry hadn’t finished a game with 10 or less carries since Nov. 19, 2023 as a member of the Tennessee Titans. “Naturally, I want take advantage of the opportunities I get,” Henry said. “I’m not one to cry in the media or complain. Whatever I get, try to take advantage of it. … We have to be better. We were not the team we needed to be today to win.” Said Stanley: “Not enough production. We weren’t finishing drives. Too many mistakes. A lot of the things we’ve been battling.” Related Articles 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to the Bengals Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson can’t explain why offense is struggling Pundits react to Ravens’ surprising 32-14 home loss to Bengals: ‘Sloppy’ The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Meanwhile, Jackson’s slump continued. His 65.4 passer rating reflected another uncharacteristic night of multiple misfires and mistakes. The two-time NFL Most Valuable Player struggled versus the blitz again, too, completing just three of eight passes against five-man pressures, according to TruMedia. Jackson closes November with five turnovers and just one passing touchdown with zero rushing touchdowns. The 28-year-old quarterback’s recent struggles and health issues place even more emphasis on Monken’s questionable play calling. Monken’s decision to abandon the run game was reminiscent of the team’s loss to the Chiefs in the AFC championship in January 2024, when tailbacks Justice Hill and Gus Edward combined for just six carries. While the stakes weren’t as high in the Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals that ended the team’s five-game winning streak, the effect and total level of frustration felt eerily similar. Asked if he was pleased how frequently the Ravens ran the ball against the Bengals, coach John Harbaugh replied: “You try to do what you can do to win the game. If they’re going to put a bunch of people up there — we had a lot of open guys, and you saw opportunities to score. I think we had two of them called back that were the result of throwing the ball against the looks they were giving us. So, it’s a matter of finishing those plays and putting them in the end zone.” Fair enough. But like everyone else watching, Monken should’ve noticed that Jackson wasn’t on point, a familiar tune to his performances in recent weeks. Ravens running back Derrick Henry scores on a 22-yard run in the first quarter. Henry only received 10 carries in Baltimore's 32-14 loss to the Bengals. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Why not aid his struggling superstar quarterback with more touches for his not-so struggling superstar running back, especially after Henry erased a two-month long bugaboo with his opening drive score? It’s not like Henry’s slowing down, either. Since Jackson returned to the starting lineup in Week 9, Henry had averaged 90.3 yards per game. Baltimore’s change-of-pace tailback, Keaton Mitchell, scored the team’s other touchdown, but only had two carries for 19 yards. Between Henry and Mitchell, the Ravens rushed just 12 times against one of the league’s worst run defenses. Sometimes, you’ve just got to keep on serving the goods. “It’s very frustrating,” Stanley said. “I’ve been around football a bit, played a while, and just understanding the type of personnel we have, that’s just not our standard.” Moving forward, all focus remains on winning the AFC North title. The Ravens have three division contests remaining over their final five regular-season games, including next Sunday’s home matchup against the Steelers. How much will that automatic playoff berth truly matter, though, if the offense can’t stop getting in its own way? On Thanksgiving night, with Baltimore-Cincinnati featured as the NFL’s grand finale, the Ravens had the proper ingredients for a straightforward win, but Monken left Henry cooling far too long on the table. Have a news tip? Contact Josh Tolentino at jtolentino@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200, x.com/JCTSports and instagram.com/JCTSports. View the full article

Five turnovers sent the Ravens spiraling toward a 32-14 Thanksgiving loss to the Bengals. Now 6-6 entering the home stretch of a playoff push, they’ve left themselves little room for error. Here are five things we learned from the game: Lamar Jackson’s ‘off nights’ are piling up The problem? He says he’s merely not consistent enough. The solution? “Just be me; be Lamar [Jackson]. That’s all.” It seems Lamar Jackson hasn’t been Lamar Jackson in weeks. Thursday night, the two-time Most Valuable Player and turnover-averse quarterback coughed up the ball three times. He fumbled twice and was intercepted once on a batted pass. Jackson is riding a four-game run failing to complete 60% of his passes. That’s the longest streak since his rookie year in 2018. The obvious explanation would be his health. Jackson missed three games for a hamstring injury earlier this year, then three separate lower-body ailments shortened his practice schedule in consecutive weeks. But coach John Harbaugh and Jackson both swatted yet another round of health-related inquiries, insisting he’s OK. “I don’t miss [those throws] in practice,” Jackson argued, “so I shouldn’t be missing them in the game. … I’m ticked off. It’s not even frustrating, I’m just mad.” Countless throws appeared off time and fell to the turf off target. One over someone’s head, another out of reach. Jackson finished 17 of 32 for 246 yards. For a third straight game, he failed to throw a touchdown, the longest drought since he became Baltimore’s starter. He’s the centerpiece of an offense that isn’t working. One of the NFL’s most masterful quarterbacks, who we have come to expect the most ridiculous of performances from, looks awfully human. “Even LeBron [James] has an off night,” safety Kyle Hamilton said. Mishaps weren’t always solely falling on Jackson’s shoulders. He found Isaiah Likely on an extended play that ended in a fumble at the goal line. There was a long ball to Zay Flowers called back for offensive pass interference. But the body of work, Thursday and as of late, hasn’t been up to his standard. This recent stretch has piled into more than one off night. It’s become a troubling trend, leaving Baltimore’s offense bereft of forward progress. Even Jackson, himself, couldn’t quite put a finger on. “I don’t know, I can’t call it,” he said. “I really can’t. I don’t want to make anything up. I felt like we were doing things pretty well on the field. We got first downs, we drove the ball down the field sometimes, and then a turnover would happen — a mishap — here and there. We just have to be on the same page [and] be consistent. Like I just said, that’s the biggest key right now; being consistent throughout the game, [from the] first quarter to fourth quarter, and not putting our defense on the field as much as we did.” Even a terrible defense couldn’t save this sinking offense Thursday night: a prime opportunity wasted, a full Thanksgiving plate served on a glistening titanium platter flipped on its head. Cincinnati owns, statistically, the worst defense of the last half-century. NFL statistician Aaron Schatz rounded up data from the first 12 weeks of every season going back to 1978 and determined no team had a worse defense-adjusted value over average (DVOA). Last week’s Jets were a porous defense, too. The Dolphins were worse. The Vikings were meh, barely better than the Bears of a month ago. Baltimore beat them all. Related Articles Ravens, Todd Monken waste Derrick Henry in Thanksgiving loss | COMMENTARY Ravens and QB Lamar Jackson can’t explain why offense is struggling Pundits react to Ravens’ surprising 32-14 home loss to Bengals: ‘Sloppy’ The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show But Cincinnati? A team who let opponents score on half their drives (49.6%, highest in the NFL) and a league-most 415.8 yards per game while missing All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson? What a blessing for this Ravens offense, littered with talent struggling to keep its fanbase from forgetting that fact. Cincinnati offered an opportunity to figure out why that might be and get right. The Ravens squandered such opportunity, instead amplifying their ills against a defense they should have mowed down. Not only did Jackson turn the ball over thrice, but Likely and Flowers added insult to injury. As Harbaugh put it, “You can’t do that if you want to win football games.” The Ravens haven’t turned the ball over five times in a single game since 2013. It was among the worst collective offensive showings in recent Ravens memory. After Jackson misfired on a fourth-down throw to Flowers in the fourth quarter, the team’s top receiver trudged off the field and cast aside his helmet. He ripped his gloves off. For a moment there, Flowers looked inconsolable. He paced behind the bench to cool off. Then he went back in on the next possession and fumbled the ball away. “We have to figure it out,” he said, matter of factly. Clock’s ticking. Ravens couldn’t stop the first playoff-caliber quarterback they’ve seen in weeks Joe Burrow rolled into M&T Bank Stadium wrapped in a furry white Alo coat, tuning out the world with wired headphones and a facial expression like he was solely interested in ruining Thanksgiving. Not by stirring political debate or with a dig about how the food stinks, but with his cannon of an arm and barely healed big toe. Thursday night was Burrow’s first game back since a turf toe injury set him out in Week 2. “Everybody’s making it seem like it’s this big ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ return,” Bengals running back Chase Brown told reporters earlier this week. “It could be.” For half the night, it wasn’t. The Bengals’ Tanner Hudson, center, makes a one-handed catch in front of the Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton, left, for a touchdown in the third quarter. The Bengals defeated the Ravens 32-14 on Thanksgiving. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) The Ravens defense bent but wouldn’t break. They were left to survive impossible circumstances – like a Jackson fumble inside their own 5-yard line — and bowed up, holding Cincinnati to a field goal. Twice more the Bengals charged inside the red zone and managed three points, not seven. But Burrow is the best quarterback the Ravens have faced since Los Angeles’ Matthew Stafford in Week 6, the last time they lost. By night’s end, Burrow threw for 261 yards and two scores, breaking Baltimore’s winning streak and its run of holding six consecutive teams below 20 points. He orchestrated a time of possession beatdown, too, keeping Baltimore’s defense on the field an extra 17 minutes. “Obviously, I had to knock the rust off in the first half,” Burrow said. “I thought the second half, I started to put it more where I wanted. I settled in a little bit.” Cincinnati has four wins and a 4% chance to make the postseason, according to The New York Times’ playoff simulator. Even Burrow can’t rescue that train wreck. He is, however, the kind of quarterback the Ravens need to fight past to get where they want to be. “He is one of the elite quarterbacks in this league,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. “So he’s always going to present a lot of challenges, but at the end of the day, it is more about us, and it’s about us just doing our job to the best of our ability, and we didn’t do that play in and play out.” Ravens are ready to give Emery Jones Jr. a shot This is sort of like the backup quarterback theory. When the starter isn’t playing up to snuff, the backup, occupying some unknown cosmic reality, presents a potential upgrade. Like Schrödinger’s cat. No one is certain, but the prospect of the a guy who hasn’t played potentially being the much-needed savior is intriguing. In Baltimore, it’s not the quarterback. It’s the offensive linemen fans are calling for. On the Ravens’ second drive, rookie third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. checked in for his first big league snap. The Louisiana State product underwent successful shoulder surgery shortly after the NFL scouting combine sidelining him for the entirety of training camp. Jones ramped up in early October, was promoted to the 53-man roster later that month and made active last weekend against the Jets. Emery Jones Jr., shown at LSU in 2024, is being trusted with meaningful snaps for the Ravens as a rookie. (Michael Woods/AP) He was part of a rotating plan at left guard with Andrew Vorhees, swapping out every couple drives. Both were penalized once, Jones for a holding call that negated a 6-yard run and Vorhees jumped offsides. “I think I had a good night,” Jones said. “I had the one holding call that I wish I could get back but other than that I feel like I played pretty decent.” Added All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley: “I thought he played great besides the one penalty. But the effort he gave, he showed that he can play this league.” The reason some have been clamoring to see Jones is because the offensive line as a whole seems to have regressed. Jackson already passed his sack total from all of last season, while his pressure-to-sack ratio plummeted from near the top of the league to the basement. He recently acknowledged, somewhat in jest, that he’d have to have a talk with his O-Line. And Henry hasn’t repeated the gaudy success of a nearly 2,000-yard season. Much of that falls on the big guys up front not controlling the trenches. Harbaugh has both defended the offensive line, calling them “pretty darn good,” and acknowledged he’s open to making changes. Calling on Jones proves the latter and shows faith that the rookie, over any other backup on the roster, can challenge to be the upgrade they desperately need. Be thankful for a messy AFC North Harbaugh gave about as simple an explanation as he could of after watching his team unfurl in total calamity. “They played a winning football game and deserved the victory,” he said. “We did not play a winning football game, and that’s what happens when you don’t play winning football.” Ravens fans head for the exits during the fourth quarter of Thursday's loss to the Bengals. Even at 6-6, Baltimore is in good position to win the AFC North. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Thursday night felt like a culmination of all that has been a rough watch finally catching up to them. The Ravens have played plenty of losing football as of late, still winning games despite the offense’s shortcomings or because the opposing team is too inept to capitalize (looking at you, Jets and Browns). Still, this holiday season, the Ravens should be thankful the AFC North is such a mess. The Steelers are trending in the wrong direction. The Bengals don’t have enough time to make up all that ground. And the Browns are the Browns. That means this loss won’t end their season. But math says they can only afford maybe one more on a five-game schedule that includes three divisional bouts. “Objectively, a lot rides on this game coming up and pretty much every game, including this one, from here on out,” Hamilton said. “They remember what you do in December, so December’s coming up. We have a big December. “And yes, I think we have the guys to do it. We have the mentality to do it. It’s just a matter of doing it.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. View the full article

It was the defense that was the concern to start the year for the Ravens. It’s flipped to the offense. And, uncharacteristically, Lamar Jackson. The star quarterback turned the ball over three times in Thursday night’s 32-14 Thanksgiving loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It marked his fourth straight game completing less than 60% of his passes. He’s fumbled four times in his past four games and has thrown an interception in three straight. Jackson’s solution? “I just got to be consistent,” he said. That’s easy to say. In fact, he repeated it 10 times in his five-minute postgame news conference. The concerning part is that the struggles have come against mediocre opponents. Jackson has completed just 59.8% of his passes since returning from injury Oct. 30. He’s had five total touchdowns with five turnovers and hasn’t accounted for a score in three games. The only consistency is his lack of efficiency. “I can’t describe the level of frustration,” Jackson said. “I’m ticked off.” Thursday followed a 153-yard showing against the New York Jets four days earlier, when Jackson didn’t score and recovered his own fumble. Against Cleveland on Nov. 16, he threw two interceptions with no touchdowns. He did score against Minnesota in Week 10 but also fumbled and finished with a 58.6% completion rate. His lone game above 60% since returning was the Oct. 30 win over Miami — a four-touchdown performance that came a day before Dolphins general manager Chris Grier was fired. None of the teams that Jackson has faced recently are in the current playoff picture. Cincinnati’s win Thursday was its fourth of the season. After ranking third in the NFL last season with 30.1 points a game, Baltimore’s offense ranks 13th at 24.1 — essentially a touchdown fewer per game. “When you turn the ball over as much as you did tonight, that’s the story of the game,” coach John Harbaugh said. Harbaugh avoided directly addressing Jackson’s accuracy issues, repeatedly saying that the team simply needs to execute better. Asked what gives him confidence that the offense can improve, he pointed to the NFL’s week-to-week nature. But the Ravens (6-6) have only five games left. Their division lead over the Steelers (6-5) is gone, though Pittsburgh faces the Buffalo Bills on Sunday before heading to Baltimore on Dec. 7. “I don’t know,” Jackson said as to why the offense is struggling. “I can’t call it. I really can’t. I don’t want to make nothing up. “I got to make these throws. I don’t miss them in practice, I shouldn’t be missing them in games.” It hasn’t just been through the air. Jackson hasn’t rushed for more than 50 yards since the Sept. 7 opener against Buffalo, in which he rushed for 70. His high since returning has been 36 yards against Minnesota, and he’s averaged just 19.6 rushing yards over his past five outings. Related Articles Ravens, Todd Monken waste Derrick Henry in Thanksgiving loss | COMMENTARY 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to the Bengals Pundits react to Ravens’ surprising 32-14 home loss to Bengals: ‘Sloppy’ The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Jackson said that he’s fully healthy, but his tightly taped ankles Thursday suggested otherwise. First it was a hamstring strain sidelining him for three games. Then knee soreness kept him out of practice just after his return. Then an ankle issue last week. He even missed Monday’s walk-through with a toe injury. Bengals defensive lineman Kris Jenkins said that Jackson didn’t look limited, and safety Dax Hill agreed. “He looked good and was still running around nearly every play,” Jenkins said. “It was the most conditioning I did in a while.” Hill credited Cincinnati’s defensive front for creating the pressure that led to Jackson’s first- and second-quarter fumbles and the tipped fourth-quarter interception. If injuries aren’t holding back Baltimore’s offense, then what is? Nobody seems to know. “I can’t speak to one thing in particular,” left tackle Ronnie Stanley said. “We’re going to figure it out. I know we are.” The Ravens are left searching. The turnovers keep piling up, the answers remain thin and Jackson’s consistency — the one thing that he keeps asking for — feels farther away with each passing week. The margin for error is only getting slimmer. Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. View the full article

The Ravens and Lamar Jackson usually thrive in prime-time situations, but Thursday against the Bengals they stumbled in the spotlight. Baltimore committed five turnovers in a 32-14 loss to a division rival, with Jackson turning the ball over three of the five times. He failed to throw a touchdown pass for a third consecutive week, leading to speculation about his health as he plays through a series of lower-body injuries. Jackson brushed aside his ailments, which have affected his hamstring, ankle, knee and toe, as an excuse for his poor play. “I just got to play consistent,” Jackson said. Others, however, are wondering what’s wrong with the Ravens’ offense. Here’s what pundits had to say about Baltimore’s 18-point defeat on a national stage: Matthew Berry, NBC Sports “Listen. Football is a weird game,” he posted on X. “Any given Sunday and all that. But Lamar Jackson being THIS brutal. Against THIS defense. After weeks of being incredibly subpar is nothing short of shocking.” Dan Orlovsky, ESPN “Ravens offense has been sloppy ever since LJ has come back….There’s been zero crisp to it,” he posted on X. “Most of the same players with the same coach who did historic stuff last year just haven’t been even close to what they were last season. Sloppy. Sloppy.” Damien Woody, ESPN “You’re not going to win any games turning the ball over five times,” Woody said on an episode of “SportsCenter.” “Anyone who’s been watching the Ravens of late, there’s some concerning signs, especially on the offensive side. You don’t see Lamar Jackson running as well as he used to in the past. He looks like he’s injured out there, playing with an injury. This offense is just not able to run the ball as we’ve once seen with the Baltimore Ravens. They’re 6-6. They fall into second place behind the Pittsburgh Steelers. They got to figure this out or Baltimore could be in a position where they’re on the outside looking in come the end of the season.” Shannon Sharpe, former Ravens tight end “When your offense turns the ball over five times, it makes the defense look even worse than what they played,” he said on his YouTube show “Nightcap.” “Because I don’t think they played bad tonight, given the position that the offense put them in. The offense put them in some terrible positions. Really, really bad positions, and they held them to field goals for the most part.” Related Articles The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Ravens commit 5 turnovers in ugly 32-14 loss to Bengals, ending winning streak Instant analysis from Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Bengals on Thanksgiving Ravens CB Nate Wiggins injures foot, ruled out vs. Bengals Tim Micallef, Sportsnet “Cincy’s run D is legendarily bad and you have Derrick Henry! Run the Ball!” he posted on X. “They did it 12 times over 2+ quarters and struggle … Then 5 of 7 times on the TD drive. Run the Ball!” Albert Breer, Sports Illustrated “Alright so if we gotta do this now … If the Bengals sweep the Ravens, then Baltimore would have 7 losses,” he said on X. “Meanwhile the Steelers have the Bills, Lions and Ravens twice left on their schedule. Could the Bengals win the North if they run the table? (Probably not but …)” Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens graded out at every position in their 32-14 loss to the Bengals: Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed a lot of wide-open receivers. There were misses on short passes as well as long ones, including a deep throw to Rashod Bateman late in the second quarter. There were times when Jackson couldn’t even complete a screen pass in the left flat because the ball sailed into the ground. Jackson’s scrambling was better, and he had several successful runs. But overall, not a strong game for the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, who has struggled for the past four games. His fumble in the second quarter also cost the Ravens a field goal. Baltimore’s star quarterback completed 17 of 32 passes for 246 yards and finished with a passer rating of 65.4. His one interception in the fourth quarter stalled a Ravens drive at the Bengals’ 15. He misfired on several passes to Zay Flowers, too. Grade: D Running backs Derrick Henry had a 28-yard touchdown run in the first quarter but had only five carries in the first half for 33 yards. That’s embarrassing. The Ravens appeared to go away from Henry, even though the Bengals have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, allowing 156 per game. Henry and backup Keaton Mitchell combined for some big plays in the second half. Henry had a short reception that he turned into a 44-yard play, and Mitchell had an 18-yard touchdown run in the third period. But Baltimore needs to mix and match Henry and Mitchell more. Until then, they are wasting time. Grade: C- Offensive line After weeks of saying there would be no changes, the Ravens did insert rookie Emery Jones Jr. at left guard on occasion. Jones, though, struggled as much as starter Andrew Vorhees at times, but both got better in the second half when the Ravens had a deeper sense of urgency. Jackson, though, was sacked three times and hurried on five other occasions. There were times when the Bengals blitzed cornerbacks and safeties, and that seemed to catch Baltimore off guard. Either Jackson missed some hot reads, or the offensive tackles missed some assignments. Either way, it wasn’t a good outcome. Grade: D Receivers Jackson keeps leaving points on the field. Besides the overthrown pass to Bateman, he overthrew Walker in the first quarter. He also missed tight end Mark Andrews on a crossing pattern early in the game. The Ravens played better in the second half and got a crushing block from Flowers on Mitchell’s touchdown run. Flowers, though, still needs to be involved on jet sweeps and quick screens, and Baltimore is missing an opportunity on the outside with DeAndre Hopkins, who can’t always get separation but still makes the catch. Likely’s fumble after an apparent 44-yard touchdown in the quarter was unforgivable. Grade: C Defensive line The Ravens played well enough to win, and in most cases would have, but that happens to any interior line when the teams had virtually no running game except in the second half. Overall, the group did a nice job and had an excellent goal-line stand with four successful stops from their own 2-yard line in the first quarter. But one of the worst running teams in the NFL, ranked 30th and averaging only 84.9 yards a game, had 128 yards rushing, and the Bengals beat up on Baltimore in the second half. The big guys in the trenches held up well for a while, but they had a meltdown. Tackles John Jenkins (three tackles), Travis Jones (five tackles) and even Brent Urban ran out of energy in the fourth period. Grade: C Linebackers Not even the Ravens’ linebackers could save them Thursday night. The Bengals did a nice job of isolating Baltimore’s outside linebackers one-on-one in the flats. It had been a weakness at the beginning of the season and appears to be a problem now. The Ravens got ample pressure from rookie outside linebacker Mike Green as well as recently acquired Dre’Mont Jones, but Cincinnati did a good job of moving Joe Burrow in the pocket. If he had turf toe, he doesn’t have it now. The Bengals were good at throwing over the middle and challenging middle linebacker Roquan Smith, who finished with 11 tackles. Rookie weakside linebacker Teddye Buchanan had six tackles, but Cincinnati went after him as well. Grade: C- Secondary It’s been a problem all year, and it was glaring again Thursday night. The Bengals drew nickel cornerback Marlon Humphrey to the outside and exposed his weaknesses in coverage. Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase had seven catches for 110 yards. The Ravens lost second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins to a foot injury, and he couldn’t return. He could at least match up with Chase when he was out there. Cincinnati, though, had no fear of going after rookie safety Malaki Starks, who struggled in covering tight ends in the deep third of the field. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie played well in coverage, but Baltimore still has problems tackling in the open field. Grade: D Special teams Punter Jordan Stout had three punts for 149 yards and hit one 61 yards, which saved the Ravens in the first half. He did shank one later in the game, but that was the least of their problems. Rookie place kicker Tyler Loop didn’t have a field goal attempt, and the Ravens were fortunate the Bengals couldn’t score touchdowns in the first half. They need to get more out of their kickoff return game, especially with this faltering offense. Grade C Coaching The Ravens shouldn’t lose to a team that can’t run or stop the run. That is mind-boggling. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken apparently forgot the Ravens are a running team with only nine carries in the first half. Also, the Ravens’ offensive line couldn’t pick up blitzes from the Bengals’ secondary. Defensively, Baltimore was challenged by Burrow. All those great things we kept hearing about its defense weren’t true. The unit has improved, but not to the point where the defense can be counted on consistently, not against good teams and good quarterbacks. Grade: D Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. Related Articles Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Ravens commit 5 turnovers in ugly 32-14 loss to Bengals, ending winning streak Instant analysis from Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Bengals on Thanksgiving Ravens CB Nate Wiggins injures foot, ruled out vs. Bengals Ravens vs. Bengals, November 27, 2025 | PHOTOS View the full article

To the victors go the spoils. When in Baltimore, that apparently includes crabs. The Cincinnati Bengals celebrated their stunning 32-14 win over the Ravens on Thanksgiving night with the traditional postgame feast of “turducken” — a turkey stuffed with chicken and duck in a nod to legendary coach and broadcaster John Madden. Only it had a unique Maryland flavor inside M&T Bank Stadium. When Joe Burrow and a large crowd of Bengals players gathered next to NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark after the game, they were presented with a spread that also included steamed crabs with Old Bay. After answering a question from Stark about the importance of the Bengals winning the rest of their games following a 3-8 start (in which the star quarterback was sidelined for nine games with a turf toe injury), Burrow held up one of the crabs and inspected it before asking Stark what it was. “That’s a Maryland crab,” Stark said. “I’m from Maryland, so no, it’s hard shell, you do not bite it. You have to pull the legs off.” Apparently planning for the possibility of both teams winning (despite Baltimore entering as solid favorites), NBC also included a plate of Cincinnati chili, which is a Mediterranean-spiced meat sauce used as a topping for spaghetti or hot dogs. While several forkfuls of food were enjoyed, there didn’t seem to be many takers of it. Stark, who graduated from Roland Park and began her journalism career at WMAR-TV in Baltimore, later found out that one player attempted to eat a crab after discovering a shell on the ground. Long snapper William Wagner revealed that he dug into the regional delicacy, but the Georgia native who played at Michigan said that it was “a little cold,” presumably after being out on the field with temperatures hovering in the low-to-mid 30s in Baltimore. During the game, NBC cameras showed the crabs and turkey being prepared by a Ravens team chef at the stadium. Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai was perhaps the most thrilled by the postgame spread. During an interview with Stark, he could barely speak in between bites of a turkey leg. “Dang, I’m spitting, I’m sorry,” said Ossai, who delivered one of the best performances of his career with two sacks and four quarterback hits. The Bengals’ social media account also got in on the food-themed fun, posting a photo of a wishbone being pulled apart by a raven and the tail of a tiger with the caption, “The bird was perfectly cooked.” It might not be the last word between these AFC North rivals, as the Ravens and Bengals meet again in a few weeks when Baltimore travels to Cincinnati on Dec. 14. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. Related Articles The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Ravens commit 5 turnovers in ugly 32-14 loss to Bengals, ending winning streak Instant analysis from Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Bengals on Thanksgiving Ravens CB Nate Wiggins injures foot, ruled out vs. Bengals Ravens vs. Bengals, November 27, 2025 | PHOTOS View the full article

Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium on Thanksgiving night. It had all the pageantry and drama of a heavyweight fight. Instead, it turned out to be another bumbling affair for a Ravens offense that can’t seem to find a rhythm or get out of its own way this season. Jackson fumbled twice, threw a costly interception in the fourth quarter and finished with just 246 yards on 17 of 32 passing against what was the NFL’s worst defense coming into the night. Burrow, making his first start since Week 2 after undergoing toe surgery, threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns and kicker Evan McPherson added six field goals to carry the Cincinnati Bengals to the 32-14 victory. The loss brings an end to the Ravens’ five-game winning streak. It also knocks them out of first place in the AFC North and, for now, a half-game behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, who will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Most concerning, though, was how badly Jackson, who has had hamstring, knee, ankle and toe injuries this season, looked against a defense that came in allowing 418 yards and 32.7 points per game this season and was without injured All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. It was a tragic comedy of errors for the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, though he was hardly alone. Trailing 26-14 early in the fourth quarter and facing third-and-9 from the Bengals’ 15, Jackson’s pass attempt to Mark Andrews was tipped by defensive end Myles Murphy and plucked out of the air linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. The turnover led to a 52-yard field goal by McPherson and all the cushion the Bengals needed in what was a common refrain throughout the evening. Wild things often happen when these two teams meet, and this was no exception. Midway through the second quarter, Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely on a short pass over the middle, and the tight end broke free and raced into the end zone for what appeared to be a 45-yard touchdown. Except safety Jordan Battle dislodged the ball just before Likely crossed the goal line and it went out of the back of the end zone for a touchback to give Cincinnati possession on its own 20. Instead of a 14-6 Ravens lead, Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase (seven catches, 110 yards) made the Ravens pay. The two hooked up twice on the ensuing drive, including on a 43-yard bomb down the right sideline that dropped right in the receiver’s lap and over Marlon Humphrey. Cincinnati was held to a 24-yard field goal to take a 9-7 lead, but the defense could only bend and not break for so long. Those were also hardly the only self-inflicted mistakes by Baltimore. An offensive pass interference call on Zay Flowers wiped out a 36-yard second-quarter touchdown, and Baltimore later punted after defensive end Joseph Ossai raced in untouched for a sack on third down. Midway through the third quarter, it was an unnecessary pass interference on cornerback T.J. Tampa on an overthrown pass on third-and-3 that extended a drive for Cincinnati and eventually led to a sprawling one-handed 14-yard touchdown grab on third-and-9 by tight end Tanner Hudson over Kyle Hamilton to extend the lead to 19-7. Keaton Mitchell helped trim it to 19-14 with an 18-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter, but that wasn’t nearly enough to overcome all the mistakes. Related Articles The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Instant analysis from Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Bengals on Thanksgiving Ravens CB Nate Wiggins injures foot, ruled out vs. Bengals Ravens vs. Bengals, November 27, 2025 | PHOTOS In the first half, Jackson completed just 8 of 15 passes for 127 yards, was sacked three times and fumbled twice. Worse yet, both turnovers came inside Baltimore’s own 20. With the Ravens leading 7-3 after a 28-yard touchdown run by Derrick Henry (10 carries, 60 yards) in the opening quarter to surpass Jim Brown on the all-time rushing list and facing a third-and-9 from his own 15, Jackson was strip-sacked by Ossai with Cincinnati recovering at the 2. Then with just 36 seconds remaining in the half and on his own 20, he coughed it up again, inexplicably losing the ball as he pulled his arm down from an aborted pass attempt. The Bengals settled for a pair of field goals, but those, along with two other field goals from McPherson, were enough to stake a 12-7 lead through two quarters. While Cincinnati’s offense managed 45 plays — including 32 of them through the air — for 206 yards in the first half, Baltimore had just 27 for 154 yards. For the game, the Bengals held the ball nearly twice as long as Baltimore (38:46 to 21:14), which at one point went six straight drives without scoring. Last year, also on a Thursday night in Baltimore, Jackson and Burrow combined for 718 yards and eight touchdowns in a frenetic, down-to-the-wire one-point win for Baltimore, but this one never came close to matching that. The stadium started to empty out long before the two-minute warning. It also won’t be the last time the Ravens see Burrow and the Bengals. The two teams will meet again in just over two weeks in Cincinnati. Baltimore will need a much better performance than it had on Thursday. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, is sacked by Bengals defensive end Joseph Ossai in the second quarter. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 32-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night in Week 13 of the NFL season at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Brian Wacker, reporter The Ravens’ offense has been in a funk all year, but Thursday it made the kind of self-inflicted mistakes it couldn’t afford to. Not against a licking-his-chops Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, both of whom shredded Baltimore’s secondary on a Thursday night in Baltimore last season. Most troubling is that Cincinnati came in with the NFL’s worst defense in yards and points allowed and without injured All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and this was all the Ravens could muster? At one point, they went six straight drives without scoring. At the center of it all is Lamar Jackson, who has looked like anything but a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player all year. He wasn’t alone, though. Isaiah Likely’s fumble and Zay Flowers’ offensive pass interference were contributors and the Ravens’ defense, though valiant in effort, could only bend so long before breaking. Mike Preston, columnist The Ravens have no reason losing to the Bengals. Absolutely none. Does this hurt their playoff chances? No, because the Pittsburgh Steelers are just as inept as Baltimore and they will continue to falter Sunday in a matchup with the Buffalo Bills. The AFC North has become a travesty, a division once built on strong running games and defense. Now, no team in the division plays strong defense. Worse yet for the Ravens, quarterback Lamar Jackson is having an off season and was way off the mark against the Bengals. It was glaring, and the Ravens don’t have an alternative plan. Right now, it all comes down to the Steelers and how much they lose over the rest of the regular season. Josh Tolentino, columnist The Ravens revived their season by rattling off five straight wins ahead of their Week 13 showdown with the Bengals, but all along, Baltimore’s offense looked mighty suspect. The team’s many issues, between another underwhelming outing from Lamar Jackson, multiple turnovers and penalties, and a negligent performance from coordinator Todd Monken, all were on display in the Thanksgiving night loss at M&T Bank Stadium. In addition to seeing its win streak come to a halt in embarrassing fashion, Cincinnati also handed Baltimore its first division loss. The Ravens’ playoff hopes are still alive, but do those hopes and dreams really matter if Jackson and the offense look like this? Jackson concludes four November games with five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles lost) and just one passing touchdown with zero rushing touchdowns, marking one of the worst multi-game stretches of Jackson’s decorated career. Michael Howes, reporter Baltimore won’t win a Super Bowl if the offense doesn’t improve. That’s the words of both Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley ahead of the Ravens’ Thanksgiving game against Cincinnati. And still, with the added urgency, recognition of its recent struggles and need to stay in the lead of the AFC North, the offense looked … un-championship-like. Lamar Jackson turned in one of the worst efforts of the season — three total turnovers while overthrowing and missing multiple receivers. Touchdowns were left on the board: Isaiah Likely fumbled a would-be 44-yard touchdown, Zay Flowers was called for pass interference on a 36-yard score. Flowers then added a fourth-quarter fumble to seal the loss in front of an already emptied crowd. It’s hard to fault the defense in the Thanksgiving disappointment. Baltimore surrendered only three field goals off five turnovers. More damage could have been done. For the offense, improvements are still desperately needed. Quickly. Sam Cohn, reporter Early in the fourth quarter, the M&T Bank Stadium big screen called for fans to cause of a bit of third-down commotion out a timeout. The place was dead silent. Ravens fans looked stunned. Their turnover-averse quarterback fumbled twice and threw an interception — part of a five turnover evening. After not letting an opposing offense score 20 points in any of their last six games, the Bengals moseyed in and hung 29. There were signs along the five-game win streak that something was amiss. The Ravens, particularly on offense, weren’t quite their dominant selves. It was bound to come crashing down. Their playoff hopes aren’t out of reach (the Steelers play the Bills this weekend) but it’s fair to be concerned if this team, playing this way, has what it takes. Related Articles The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Ravens commit 5 turnovers in ugly 32-14 loss to Bengals, ending winning streak Ravens CB Nate Wiggins injures foot, ruled out vs. Bengals Ravens vs. Bengals, November 27, 2025 | PHOTOS C.J. Doon, editor This might be the night the Ravens’ Super Bowl dreams died. Yes, the AFC North title is still within reach. Baltimore can sweep Pittsburgh and host a playoff game in January. Just getting into the postseason means a team has a chance. Remember 2012? But how can the team we saw tonight win a playoff game? It feels impossible given how dreadful Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ defense looked. Committing four turnovers is extremely unlucky, especially when one of them erases a sure touchdown, but it’s not as if Baltimore was marching the ball down the field all night. Seeing Jackson miss open receivers and hesitate in the pocket gets stranger every week. This is somebody we’re used to seeing have total command on the field, making defenders look foolish. Now, it’s more of a surprise when a pass lands in his receiver’s hands or he takes off and picks up a first down. His vintage moments are far too rare for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. That’s just the cold reality right now. And did the Ravens forget that Derrick Henry exists? He’s only been climbing the all-time rushing list each week as he builds his Hall of Fame resume. Maybe give that guy the ball a little bit more often against one of the worst defenses in league history? Just a thought. Tim Schwartz, editor I picked the Bengals to win this one in a close battle. Turned out I was way wrong. The Ravens could hardly do anything right on Thanksgiving. At least they gave the fans a good reason to leave early and digest their turkey because that was about as bad a performance these Ravens have had during Lamar Jackson’s tenure. They need to spend the long week figuring out what their offensive identity should be with Jackson playing far below his standard. It won’t be easy. Bennett Conlin, editor Sloppy, sloppy, sloppy. It sure feels like when the Ravens take a loss in the past few years, it’s because they do a bunch of inexplicably stupid things. Add Isaiah Likely fumbling at the goal line to your running list of Baltimore’s bone-headed mistakes. That didn’t help, and neither did any of the other turnovers. The Ravens faced the NFL’s worst defense and could barely score? It was a disastrous night for Todd Monken’s unit. If the group can’t return to respectable form, it’s hard to view this team’s ceiling as anything other than winning a subpar AFC North. This was a jarring performance from an offense with at least three future Hall of Famers. Lamar Jackson looks like a shell of himself, as he deals with a series of injuries. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins has been ruled out for the second half of Baltimore’s Thanksgiving night game against the Cincinnati Bengals with a foot injury. The NBC broadcast showed Wiggins limping to the locker room just before halftime, but it’s not clear when the second-year defensive back suffered the injury. The 2024 first-round draft pick had two solo tackles and two pass deflections in the first half. The Bengals held a 12-7 lead at the break. Fellow defensive back Chidobe Awuzie entered concussion protocol but was cleared to return for the second half. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Michael Howes at mhowes@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/Mikephowes. Related Articles The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens report card: Grades for 32-14 loss to Bengals Bengals celebrate win vs. Ravens with crab and turkey in chaotic postgame show Ravens commit 5 turnovers in ugly 32-14 loss to Bengals, ending winning streak Instant analysis from Ravens’ 32-14 loss to Bengals on Thanksgiving Ravens vs. Bengals, November 27, 2025 | PHOTOS View the full article

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews tosses a football during pregame for an AFC North division showdown of NFL football against the Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson warms up during pregame for an AFC North division showdown of NFL football against the Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Chad Ochocinco Johnson looks toward the stands during pregame for an AFC North division showdown of NFL football between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) D.J. Garrett of Bel Air watches Jim Lilly of Severna Park carve one of two deep fried turkeys outside the stadium, at the tailgate for the Rosskopf family. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Pausing from carving one of two deep fried turkeys, Jim Lilly of Severna Park, greets his granddaughter, Olivia Kelley, 15 of Pasadena, while tailgating with the Rosskopf family. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Ravens fan Jim Lilly, right, curves the second turkey he cooked for his tailgate group as friend D J Garrett looks on before game against the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Ravens fans Brian Hance, from left, Floyd Jones, Osborne Robinson and Mike Crosby enjoy their Thanksgiving tailgate meal before game against the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. The group of Baltimore friends have season tickets to Ravens hone games. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Ravens fan Amanda Rosskopf, left, of Glen Burnie, samples a piece of turkey before uncle Jim Lilly, right, curves it up for the rest of the tailgate group. Lilly cooked two 14 pound turkey for this year’s Thanksgiving tailgate before game against the Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) View the full article

The Ravens and Bengals square off in prime time on Thanksgiving. Baltimore leads 7-3 in the first quarter. Follow along here for live coverage and analysis. View the full article

We asked readers how worried they are about Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and the team’s inconsistent offense. Baltimore is on a five-game winning streak, but the Ravens have only scored 30 points once in their past eight games as Jackson has battled injuries. Here are the results from our online poll: Very worried — 63.8% (266 votes) Somewhat worried — 30.7% (128 votes) Not worried — 5.5% (23 votes) Here’s what some fans said about Jackson and the Ravens’ offense (answers have been edited for clarity and grammar): Not worried. We always play down to poor opponents. I think Thursday night we break the door down and have a great game offensively, leading us to a charging victory over Joe Burrow and the Bengals. — Mac Concerned because of the offensive line struggles. — Don Hector The Ravens successfully beat teams that beat themselves like the Jets. The Ravens will lose at least two more regular-season games. — Steve It’s time to give Keaton Mitchell more snaps. Let Derrick Henry get some rest because defenses are starting to predict every run play, which is killing the passing game. — Mack Always good to have room for improvement. Get everything dialed in right before the playoffs. — Jim Brady I’m not worried at all. What y’all fail to understand is as long as we are winning, I don’t care how it looks. We won five in a row and that should be celebrated, plus we are in first place in the AFC North. Lamar should have sat out against the Jets for rest, but he didn’t and we won the game. — Kenneth Hodge Sit Lamar. Give him a Turkey and let him have Thanksgiving off. Why have a backup QB if you are afraid to use him when No. 1 is playing at 60%? Rest Lamar, let him mend. The Ravens still have big games ahead. Lamar at 100% is great, but at 60% he’s not so great. It’s a no-brainer. — Robert Pretty worried, but let’s get a win Thursday and then they get, what, 10 days off? Let my man heal. — Edward Cain One thing you can definitely tell now, which most of us already did, is how much Lamar’s mobility made up for the offensive line. Even last year, I never thought they were as good as they looked, and most of that is because of him. You had to account for his legs and mobility, and he covered up a lot of deficiencies, which he can’t do now. — Donald Hall Jr. He’s clearly working through injuries. But even at that, he’s still in the upper tier of the league. The bigger issue is the offensive line and if they can get themselves sorted out to run Todd Monken’s offense. With his schemes, everything starts with the line. — Brian Hill The Ravens have beaten four bottom feeders unimpressively. Given Lamar’s current health, they’ll be lucky to finish 2-4 in the final six games. — Alan Peck The Baltimore Sun reader poll is an unscientific survey in which website users volunteer their opinions on the subject of the poll. To see results from previous sports polls, go to baltimoresun.com/sportspoll View the full article

In early October, Dan Orlovsky, the ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback, made headlines for a blunt assessment of the Ravens. They were nearing the worst start in organization history, still weeks out from the corner they’d eventually turn. Orlovsky tried to make sense of what was happening in Baltimore. “The Ravens lost their identity,” he said, calling out both sides of the ball. Later, on a video posted to X, a disconcerted Orlovsky deemed Baltimore’s play calling — particularly the lack of touches for running back Derrick Henry through four games — “shocking” and “unacceptable.” Orlovsky picked the Ravens to win the Super Bowl in September. That was a “swing and a miss,” he told The Baltimore Sun on a recent phone interview. Like much of the football world, Orlovksy couldn’t believe how far Baltimore had unraveled. Needless to say, with the Ravens now at 6-5, his opinion has shifted – slightly, but not all the way to picking an outfit for a parade in February. Orlovksy spoke with The Sun last week, before Baltimore’s win over the Jets, again trying to make sense of this seesaw season. He showered All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton with praise. Lamar Jackson, by Orlovsky’s estimation, has left much to be desired, partly because of injuries. And the longtime NFL quarterback turned pundit explained why “there’s hope” for the Ravens. (Editor’s note: Some questions and answers have been lightly edited for clarity.) Last month, you said, ‘The Ravens have lost their identity, and they’ve lost their way as an organization, and as a football team.’ Has this win streak changed your opinion on that front? I would say, defensively, yes. I was referencing a style of play. A personality. This is a defense that was getting pushed around. It wasn’t physical. It didn’t intimidate people when they walked into that building or on the road. The violence is back on defense. The way they run to the football is back on defense. I credit a lot of them. But I have to be candid that it’s been spearheaded by Kyle [Hamilton]. Kyle runs through offensive linemen right now. At least defensively, it looks, just when you put their film on, you feel them on defense more so than at the beginning of the year. So, I’d say yes. I’m not there offensively. I don’t want to lie to you. I’m just not there offensively. They’ve had some explosive runs, yes. I don’t see them mauling the line of scrimmage. I don’t see them changing and denting the line of scrimmage like they did in the past. There was a point last year they did whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. They’re not there right now. Will that happen? As Lamar gets healthier and back into the flow of things, we’re going to find out. But defensively, yes. Offensively, no. What was your read on these Ravens and what they could be at the start of the season? And then at the bye week when they’re 1-5? And how do you make sense of where they are now? I picked them to win the Super Bowl. So, swing and a miss on that. Obviously, early on, the defense was a complete disaster, and the offense had some highs and lows. Derrick didn’t get touches and then had some uncharacteristic moments. Then the [Jackson] injury happens. They’re sitting at 1-5. The defense starts to play better. Kyle [Hamilton] goes down closer to the football. [Alohi] Gilman gets added. And you start to see, OK, the defense is improving. The offense, without Lamar, was a mess. They find a way to squeak one out [when] Snoop Huntley won a game. And then Lamar has come back, and they’ve been good — I don’t believe they’ve been great. So a team that looked to be dead five weeks ago, sitting here now, I’d tell you, I’d be surprised if they don’t get in just because the way the conference is shaking out and the style of defense that they’re playing. Do I think they’re scary? Not right now. The offense isn’t good enough to be scary. Not right now. Could they get there? I think they can get there because it’s the same people as last year, essentially. But there’s life. There’s light. There’s hope. And it wasn’t the case five weeks ago. Obviously, it has been a weird year for Lamar Jackson, missing a couple of games, and the offense is still getting its footing. The highs are really high and the lows are low. How would you evaluate Jackson’s season to this point? The words that come to mind: disappointing, uneven, much to be desired. A lot of that is around the injury, though. I think he’s warranted the grace period of let’s let him get multiple games back underneath him and back fully healthy, hopefully. Obviously, when he’s fully healthy, he’s one of, if not the best player in football. It’s disappointing because coming off the season last year and what this roster looked like, very similar to the one that was so good, it was a Super Bowl expectation. It obviously started off very slow. It seems like a long shot now. But with good coaching, good roster and a great quarterback, there’s obviously still a chance. But right now, obviously just disappointing. The Ravens haven’t had much success in short-yardage situations and red-zone scoring. They were nearly unstoppable in both those categories last year. Why do you think they’ve struggled so much this year? Obviously, no Lamar was a pretty significant loss. So that certainly hurts it. It’s never just one thing. Like, I would tell you it certainly feels, even since Lamar’s been back, it’s not just red zone for me, but it did show [in Cleveland] again. He hasn’t looked to be unstoppable one-on-one in space. I think it was one of the first plays of the game, [Carson] Schwesinger tackles him out on the perimeter in space. I never, ever, ever see that. Related Articles Ravens injury report: Key starters cleared to play vs. Bengals, Joe Burrow Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Thursday night in Baltimore? Staff picks for Week 13 of 2025 NFL season: Bears vs. Eagles, Bills vs. Steelers and more Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 13: Who has the edge? Ravens see improvement from defensive front: ‘How about the pass rush!?’ I don’t know how healthy he is. He hasn’t made any really dynamic plays down in the red zone. And they’ve been just off in the pass game in the red zone a couple times, like a step off or a ball and a half too far in some of their passing game. They haven’t been as dominant. I don’t think Lamar has been as sharp and I don’t think he’s been as dynamic. So I’ll speak to it through the lens of having Lamar on the field. They’re just not very crisp right now, I think, in all areas. I saw someone smart on the internet say that Kyle Hamilton should be in Defensive Player of the Year contention. At this point in the year, is that a stretch, or do you feel like that’s a reasonable thought? I said that like two weeks ago. [Seahawks defensive lineman] Leonard Williams has been playing at a remarkable level. [Rams linebacker] Jared Verse is coming on. But, obviously, Ravens fans are very aware of my viewpoint on some of those awards. For a defense that was putrid, and then the one move, I don’t want to take anything away from Gilman, but the move was to take that person and put him down near the football. That turnaround can be centrally pointed to that. Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, center, unofficially moved positions a few weeks ago to play closer to the line of scrimmage. The result is an improved defense and a growing case that Hamilton is the best defender in the NFL. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) If the Ravens go on this run and get in, or win the division, it’s going to be hard not to have his name at the very top of the list, or obviously very near it. The impact, the versatility, the identity that I was referencing. It’s been pretty remarkable. He is flying through the football. So his name’s gotta be near the very top of the list. Just from a person who likes watching football, he’s fun to watch. The Dolphins game blew my mind. He was running through offensive linemen. That’s very rare. They were putting him at the SAM linebacker, WILL linebacker, nickel, on the line of scrimmage, off the line of scrimmage, pressuring. Watch when the football gets thrown to the other team and see what number and what color jersey is flying. It’s a very impressive thing to watch. The defense as a whole has turned a corner since the bye week, similar to how they patched things up last year. Other than Kyle Hamilton, who deserves the most credit for that? Gilman’s been really impressive. I think Gilman, in both facets, in coverage, it’s been impressive to see the communication still be pretty seamless. I think he’s been really good at the run and filling in the run the past couple weeks. I think Mike Green has had some bright spots. [Kyle] Van Noy coming back has been really good. Marlon [Humphrey]’s turned it around. Marlon had a rough start to the year. I think Marlon can even admit that. And then Marlon’s really improved. Roquan’s back to looking like Roquan, who, again, just did not look like himself at the beginning of the year. Urban’s been really good with some TFLs and whatnot. I think some of their youth has started to come on, and some of the vets have started to look like their traditional selves. As weird as this year has been, how does it end? We get asked that on TV. ‘Who’s gonna win the AFC North?’ The Steelers had such a big lead, it was hard to see them losing it. With the Rodgers injury, that’s a little bit in flux. My guess is Week 18 [in Pittsburgh] is going to be for the division. I don’t think that’s an outrageous thought. That would obviously be very cool. I just think the defense is playing at a pretty respectable level right now where you’re saying, ‘The offense will come together. They may not be what they were, historically great last year, but they will become so much more resembling what they were last year.’ I would assume that they get in, and once you get in, the AFC is wide open right now. It’s ridiculously wide open. More so than it’s ever been. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

First it was a ding to the shoulder. Then it was an ankle injury. Even on a short week, the Ravens’ do-it-all defender Kyle Hamilton won’t be kept from playing. Despite missing Monday’s walk-through and being limited in practice a day later, Baltimore’s All-Pro safety does not have an injury designation for the Thanksgiving night tilt against the AFC North foe Cincinnati Bengals after being a full participant in practice for the first time all week during Wednesday’s walk-through. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed a day with a toe injury, and wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who has missed the past two games with an ankle injury, also do do not have injury designations, clearing them to play as well. Hamilton being on the field for a defense that has been on the upswing over the past six games figures to be particularly important with quarterback Joe Burrow and All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returning for the Bengals. Burrow is playing his first game since Week 2 when he suffered a turf toe injury that required surgery and has kept him sidelined since, while Chase is coming off a one-game suspension for spitting on Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. “Joe has been one of the best for a while, so it doesn’t matter that he didn’t play a lot,” Ravens outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones said earlier this week. “It matters how can we find ways to stop him. When he’s back there, he’s lethal, so we have to do our part.” Burrow and Chase have had some enormous performances against Baltimore, including the last time they visited the Charm City last November, also on a Thursday night. In that contest, the Ravens rallied from a 21-7 third-quarter deficit to win a wild 35-34 affair in the final minute, but Burrow passed for 428 yards and four touchdowns. Three of those scores went to Chase, who had 11 catches for 264 yards. Chase’s 457 receiving yards in two games against Baltimore in 2024 also set an NFL record for most receiving yards against one team in a single season. Two players the Ravens won’t have, however, are running back Justice Hill (neck) and defensive tackle Taven Bryan (knee). It marks the second game that Hill will miss this year after a toe injury sidelined him against the Cleveland Browns two weeks ago. The Bengals, meanwhile, will be without a handful of players. Most notable among them are All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson (hip/pelvis) as well as receiver Tee Higgins (concussion). Related Articles Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Thursday night in Baltimore? Staff picks for Week 13 of 2025 NFL season: Bears vs. Eagles, Bills vs. Steelers and more Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 13: Who has the edge? Ravens see improvement from defensive front: ‘How about the pass rush!?’ Watch Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law They are also without rookie backup running back Tahj Brooks (concussion), wide receiver Jermaine Burton (ankle), who suffered an ankle injury on Wednesday, and depth cornerback Marco Wilson (hamstring), who was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Defensive end Cam Sample (oblique) is questionable after being limited in practice all week, but being without Hendrickson is a blow for an already struggling defense. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, he led the NFL with 17 1/2 sacks last season to go with 46 tackles, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles and hasn’t played since suffering a hip injury in late October. Entering Thursday, Cincinnati ranks worst in the league in yards (415.8) and points (32.7) allowed per game. For Higgins, it oddly marks his fourth straight year missing the Bengals’ game in Baltimore, where he hasn’t played since 2021. When he has been on the field against the Ravens, he has played well. In his two most recent outings, in 2024 and 2023 in Cincinnati, he had a combined 17 catches for 172 yards and four touchdowns. The Bengals (3-8) have also lost in each of their past three trips to Baltimore and come in on a four-game losing streak. The Ravens (6-5), on the other hand, have won five straight to move into first place in the AFC North alongside the Steelers. Pittsburgh, which will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, will play at Baltimore on Dec. 7. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Thursday’s Week 13 game between the Ravens and Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 24, Bengals 21: While Baltimore’s once-terrible defense has turned a corner and taken some big steps forward, the Bengals’ has not. Cincinnati ranks last in yards and points allowed per game, which should be a welcome tonic for the Ravens’ struggling offense. Add the Bengals being without their best pass rusher, Trey Hendrickson, along with one of the worst pressure rates in the league and things become that much easier for quarterback Lamar Jackson, no matter how banged up and inconsistent he is. Expect Baltimore to be able to move the ball well and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (who have combined for some epic performances) to keep Cincinnati in it, but the Ravens hang on for a sixth straight win. Sam Cohn, reporter Bengals 24, Ravens 23: Six weeks ago, this game had no juice. Few thought Burrow would be back this early, and Jackson’s hamstring injury raised questions about whether the clash of superstar quarterbacks might settle for a battle of the backups. Welp, here we are. Both are healthy (enough). It should be close. It should be exciting. I’m going with Cincinnati by a hair. Baltimore’s offense could flip a switch at any point and be the unstoppable force it was last year, but until that happens, I’m not convinced they can win anything resembling a shootout. If the Browns and Jets had respectable teams, the Ravens’ winning streak might’ve ended weeks ago. Burrow is the best quarterback the Ravens will have faced since — checks notes — their last loss. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 31, Bengals 27: The Bengals are ranked No. 30 in the league in rushing offense, averaging only 84.9 yards per game, and they are ranked No. 31 in run defense, allowing 156 yards per game. If you can’t run or stop the run, you probably won’t win many games in the NFL, and that’s why the Bengals are 3-8. Regardless if Joe Burrow returns at QB, the Bengals have no defense. This isn’t a great QB matchup because Burrow hasn’t played in a while and Lamar Jackson hasn’t been sharp the past three games. The team with the least amount of weaknesses usually prevails in these games, and the Ravens don’t have nearly as many as Cincinnati. Josh Tolentino, columnist Ravens 34, Bengals 21: Joe Burrow is attempting to play hero ball in his return from injury, but he’s walking into a Ravens pass rush that has leveled up in recent weeks. Trade deadline acquisition Dre’Mont Jones leads the team in pressures and recorded two sacks in Sunday’s win over the Jets. I’d expect rising cornerback Nate Wiggins to shadow top wideout Ja’Marr Chase, set to return from his one-game suspension, for a majority of the matchup. While the Bengals are expected to regain Burrow and Chase in the starting lineup, No. 2 WR Tee Higgins will be sidelined with a concussion. Slow starts have served as the offense’s bugaboo, but Cincinnati’s 32nd-ranked defense should represent a much-needed get-right spot for coordinator Todd Monken and quarterback Lamar Jackson. The two-time NFL MVP is dealing with up to four lower-body issues, and the injuries have clearly affected his burst and elusiveness. Regardless, the Ravens should have more than enough to maintain their spot atop the AFC North title as they inch closer toward next week’s highly anticipated matchup with the Steelers. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 33, Bengals 31: If Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense look pedestrian in this one, it’s officially time to worry. Even a less-than-100% Jackson should be able to carve up this porous Bengals defense, which ranks as the worst ever tracked by DVOA and will be without its top player in defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will be a great test for this Ravens defense, which has feasted against bad quarterbacks during its midseason turnaround. It’s worth keeping a close eye on Kyle Hamilton, who has been banged up lately playing his do-it-all role. How he holds up down the stretch and into January will be almost as important as Jackson’s health when it comes to the Ravens’ postseason dreams. Related Articles Staff picks for Week 13 of 2025 NFL season: Bears vs. Eagles, Bills vs. Steelers and more Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 13: Who has the edge? Ravens see improvement from defensive front: ‘How about the pass rush!?’ Watch Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens injury report: Kyle Hamilton, 3 other starters return to practice Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 27, Bengals 23: The Ravens looked sluggish offensively in recent weeks, but some of that falls on playing quality defenses. The Browns and Vikings can really get after it on that side of the ball, with both teams ranking in the top 12 in yards allowed per game. As others have mentioned, Cincinnati stinks defensively. Even with Burrow back for the Bengals, it’s hard to go against Jackson in prime time. He’ll lead the Ravens to a win on Thanksgiving, and I’ll call my shot by saying that he breaks out a “head, shoulders, knees and toes” touchdown celebration to poke fun at his recent injury woes. Tim Schwartz, editor Bengals 27, Ravens 24: The Bengals have not been a very good team of late, especially on defense, but I am at a tipping point with the Ravens’ offense. Lamar Jackson has not been sharp the past two weeks as he deals with a litany of leg injuries that have clearly hampered the NFL’s most dynamic player. On the other side, Joe Burrow makes his long-awaited return after undergoing toe surgery in mid-September. And he gets Ja’Marr Chase back after he served a one-game suspension for spitting (and lying about it) on Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey. Baltimore has been flirting with disaster and skating past two of the league’s worst teams. Facing another one in Cincinnati, I just think these offensive issues are going to catch up with them (a hard sell with how poor this Cincinnati defense is). The Burrow-Chase connection has had some of its best performances against the Ravens, and I expect Burrow to pick up where he left off. Patrice Sanders, FOX45 Morning News anchor Ravens 34, Bengals 24: The Bengals have a high-powered offense. Joe Burrow is expected to be back, but defense wins championships, and the Bengals are at the bottom of the league. The Ravens’ defense, on the other hand, has been playing great. This is a good week for Baltimore’s offense to catch up. I think the Ravens pull it off on Thanksgiving in prime time. Have a news tip? Contact sports editor Tim Schwartz at timschwartz@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/timschwartz13. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers and FOX45’s Patrice Sanders pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 13: Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (Thursday, 1 p.m.) Brian Wacker (11-3 last week, 123-53-1 overall): Lions Sam Cohn (9-5 last week, 121-55-1 overall): Lions Mike Preston (11-3 last week, 119-57-1 overall): Lions Josh Tolentino (11-3 last week, 122-54-1 overall): Lions C.J. Doon (11-3 last week, 113-63-1 overall): Lions Bennett Conlin (12-2 last week, 118-58-1 overall): Packers Tim Schwartz (10-4 last week, 108-68-1 overall): Lions Patrice Sanders (11-3 last week, 112-62-1 overall): Lions Kansas City Chiefs vs. Dallas Cowboys (Thursday, 4:30 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Cohn: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Tolentino: Chiefs Doon: Cowboys Conlin: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs Sanders: Chiefs Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Friday, 3 p.m.) Wacker: Eagles Cohn: Eagles Preston: Eagles Tolentino: Eagles Doon: Bears Conlin: Eagles Schwartz: Eagles Sanders: Eagles Los Angeles Rams vs. Carolina Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Rams Cohn: Rams Preston: Rams Tolentino: Rams Doon: Rams Conlin: Rams Schwartz: Rams Sanders: Rams San Francisco 49ers vs. Cleveland Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Cohn: 49ers Preston: 49ers Tolentino: 49ers Doon: 49ers Conlin: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Sanders: 49ers Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Colts Cohn: Colts Preston: Colts Tolentino: Colts Doon: Colts Conlin: Texans Schwartz: Colts Sanders: Colts New Orleans Saints vs. Miami Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Dolphins Cohn: Dolphins Preston: Dolphins Tolentino: Dolphins Doon: Saints Conlin: Dolphins Schwartz: Dolphins Sanders: Dolphins Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Falcons Cohn: Falcons Preston: Falcons Tolentino: Jets Doon: Falcons Conlin: Falcons Schwartz: Falcons Sanders: Falcons Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Buccaneers Cohn: Cardinals Preston: Buccaneers Tolentino: Buccaneers Doon: Buccaneers Conlin: Buccaneers Schwartz: Buccaneers Sanders: Buccaneers Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Cohn: Jaguars Preston: Jaguars Tolentino: Jaguars Doon: Jaguars Conlin: Jaguars Schwartz: Jaguars Sanders: Jaguars Minnesota Vikings vs. Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Cohn: Seahawks Preston: Seahawks Tolentino: Seahawks Doon: Seahawks Conlin: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Sanders: Seahawks Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Chargers Cohn: Chargers Preston: Chargers Tolentino: Chargers Doon: Chargers Conlin: Chargers Schwartz: Chargers Sanders: Chargers Buffalo Bills vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Bills Cohn: Bills Preston: Bills Tolentino: Bills Doon: Bills Conlin: Bills Schwartz: Bills Sanders: Bills Denver Broncos vs. Washington Commanders (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Broncos Cohn: Broncos Preston: Broncos Tolentino: Broncos Doon: Broncos Conlin: Broncos Schwartz: Broncos Sanders: Broncos New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Patriots Cohn: Patriots Preston: Patriots Tolentino: Patriots Doon: Patriots Conlin: Patriots Schwartz: Patriots Sanders: Patriots View the full article

Take a seat. Pull the lever that reclines your chair. Bury your hand into a bowl of popcorn — err, plate of turkey and mashed potatoes — because the Ravens surged to a first-place tie in the AFC North before Thanksgiving. They’re 6-5, stepping into three straight divisional games. First up is a rejuvenated Bengals (3-8) in prime time. Who will have the advantage Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium? Ravens passing game vs. Bengals pass defense Lamar Jackson is an enigma. He’s a two-time Most Valuable Player with a propensity to do the unthinkable on a football field. As such, we grade him on a ridiculous curve. Anything shy of presumed greatness feels dubious. That’s the world we live in, exacerbated by a third injury in as many weeks — listed with a hurt toe after missing previous practices for an ankle and knee. Jackson’s rushing figures are down, he’s looked uncomfortable at times in the pocket and taken more sacks than all of last year. There are warranted concerns about Jackson’s health and whether he’ll be ready to carry the Ravens down the stretch. He hasn’t needed to for a decent chunk of this win streak. The Bengals defense might buy him another week of imperfection. They own the worst defense-adjusted value over average — an advanced football metric measuring team efficiency — in NFL history. That’s according to Aaron Schatz from FTN. Two of the bottom-five teams on that list started 1-10. EDGE: Ravens Bengals passing game vs. Ravens pass defense It’s been almost three months since we’ve seen one of the most dynamic quarterback-receiver duos in the NFL. Joe Burrow will make his much-anticipated return Thursday night, in time for the NFL to lift Ja’Marr Chase’s one-game suspension for spitting on a Steeler. Burrow made it back in time for a chance at spoiling Baltimore’s playoff push — surely something he’d relish. The last time those two played in Baltimore, Chase was responsible for 264 yards and three touchdowns of Burrow’s 428 and four-score evening. This year’s Ravens defense is head and shoulders above that group, currently riding a six game streak tempering offenses to 20 points or fewer. Burrow and Chase will be their toughest task yet. EDGE: Bengals Ravens running game vs. Bengals run defense When Derrick Henry has even a sliver of space, he can make defenses pay. More often than not with that lethal jab we’ve categorized as a stiff arm. The issue is the Ravens haven’t generated much push up front. According to NextGenStats, Henry has been contacted behind the line of scrimmage on 50.8% of his carries this season, the fifth highest rate in the NFL on a minimum of 75 carries. Hall of Fame talent can mask what would otherwise be a death knell for an average running back. He’s been stuffed for no gain or a loss on only 18.7% of his carries (a tick above league average), sixth best in the NFL at yards after contact (665). Meanwhile, the Bengals rank dead last in contacting opposing running backs behind the line of scrimmage (34.6%). Their run-stuff rate is the second lowest (11.8%). And when they do get hands on a running back behind the line of scrimmage, they aren’t bringing him down efficiently, allowing the NFL’s second most yards after contact to running backs. Expect a heavy workload for Henry. EDGE: Ravens Bengals running game vs. Ravens run defense Chase Brown is on the precipice of Bengals history. A productive outing Thursday night could make him the first player in organization history to record at least 100 yards from scrimmage in six consecutive games. Thirty NFL teams have had a player record such feat. Cincinnati and Cleveland are in the minority here. Where Brown has struggled in the run game, he’s made up for as a pass catcher, logging at least 25 receiving yards in three of the five along this streak with a single-game high of 75 versus Chicago. Another dual-threat running back burnt Baltimore recently. New York’s Breece Hall, practically the only viable option on one of the NFL’s least efficient offenses, torched the Ravens for 75 through the air and 44 on the ground. Four other lead backs have logged at least 30 yards through the air against the Ravens this season. Burrow to Chase is the offense’s headliner. Burrow to Brown could be an influential undercard. EDGE: Bengals Ravens special teams vs. Bengals special teams Ravens punter Jordan Stout said Sunday night he wanted to prove that Baltimore owned the best special teams unit in the NFL. They just outplayed the Jets’ third unit, so they’re certainly in the conversation. The Ravens have a no-issues kicker, a punter riding a career year and have enjoyed pleasant contributions from a few youngsters wrapping up returners. Cincinnati hasn’t been particularly sharp in that department. EDGE: Ravens Ravens intangibles vs. Bengals intangibles This is a crucial week for the AFC North standings. By beating the Jets, the Ravens climbed into a tie with the Steelers for first place. Three wins separate the division’s top-two and bottom-two teams. In the same way eyeballs watched closely as the Steelers crumbled against Chicago late, there will be plenty of eyes on Pittsburgh’s Sunday afternoon game versus Buffalo. The Bengals don’t have much to fight for at this point, beyond spoiling the Ravens’ season. Conspiracy theorists are hypothesizing whether Burrow’s fast recovery was sped up by a motivation to crash the party. They don’t have much else to lose. Baltimore, meanwhile, is fighting to keep its season above water. When these two teams played on a Thursday night last year, Baltimore won but Orr didn’t sleep much after Burrow mowed down his defense. Only one of these teams is at any risk of losing sleep over the result. EDGE: Bengals Prediction Six weeks ago this game had no juice. Few thought Burrow would be back this early and Jackson’s hamstring injury raised questions about whether the clash of two superstar quarterbacks might settle for a battle of the backups. Welp, here we are. Both are healthy (enough). It should be close. It should be exciting. I’m going with Cincinnati by a hair. Baltimore’s offense could flip a switch at any point and be the unstoppable force it was last year but until that happens I’m not convinced they can win anything resembling a shootout. If the Browns and Jets had respectable teams, the Ravens win streak might’ve ended weeks ago. Burrow is the best quarterback the Ravens will have faced since — checks notes — their last loss. Bengals 24, Ravens 23 Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Related Articles Ravens see improvement from defensive front: ‘How about the pass rush!?’ Watch Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens injury report: Kyle Hamilton, 3 other starters return to practice Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice, ready for Thanksgiving game 5 things to know for Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving game View the full article

Six weeks ago, the notion of Baltimore’s defensive front issues being a “quick fix,” as players and coaches insisted it was, sounded like a farce. The Ravens’ sack rate ranked 31st in the NFL seven weeks into the season. Their pressure rate was 30th. Six total sacks were tied for 29th. Their nearly four-year streak of at least one sack in 57 consecutive games, once the league’s longest active run, ended in Week 3. By Baltimore’s fifth loss, veteran Kyle Van Noy urgently pounded his fist into the lectern, “We have to get our [stuff] together.” The same team that finished top five in sacks the past three seasons plummeted — not only in sacks, but in the better part of its pass rush operation. “It has to be better,” coach John Harbaugh said in mid-October. “It has to be better on all three downs.” Oh, how the discourse has shifted. Here was a spirited Harbaugh on Sunday: “And then the pass rush; how about the pass rush!?” That came in response to a question about cornerback Marlon Humphrey’s goal-line punch in a 23-10 win over the Jets, insinuating the coach wanted to make sure he snuck in a well-deserved compliment — no matter how off course — for a group that sacked Tyrod Taylor three times, twice on third-down. This isn’t a worst-to-first turnaround like some facets of Baltimore’s defensive metrics these past two seasons. But what is clear is that the Ravens of earlier this season had trouble ever getting into the backfield. And now, they’re causing enough disruption to feed a greater defensive turnaround. They’ve turned a corner. The confidence in the pass rush room is “through the roof,” according to trade deadline acquisition Dre’Mont Jones. Jones said, “When I got here, it seemed weird that they lost or had any slip-ups, because they were just so good.” He was a significant part of the schematic rewiring. Jones is to the pass rush what Alohi Gilman was to the secondary: a quicker fixer-upper. He’s registered 1 1/2 sacks, batted a pass out of the air and logged two quarterback hits in each of his three games as a Raven. According to NextGenStats, the Ravens’ pressure rate has jumped from 26.1% to 38.6% since adding Jones. Still, Kyle Hamilton is perhaps the most glaring bonus. Gilman’s addition allowed the do-it-all safety to play in the box and give offensive lines another athlete to plan for (go back and watch Hamilton’s highlight-reel sack on Shedeur Sanders). Since Week 8, Baltimore sits second in the NFL in quarterback hits (35). Twenty-two combined at Minnesota and Cleveland marked the most by a Ravens defense in a two-game span since 2020. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr credited schematic adjustments made at the bye week, presenting offenses with new challenges. That and “guys were just relentless with their rushes.” Give plenty of kudos to the duo informally known as “Draymond Green.” Mike Green prefers they go by “Mike Jones.” Jones would rather keep it simple: “Dre’ and Mike.” Whether they’re the early 2000s rapper or a four-time NBA champ from the Golden State Warriors, the rookie and vet have become some of Baltimore’s most productive disruptors on the defensive line. “Any wisdom that I have, I give to him,” Jones said. “We can be lethal if we do it the right way.” Green brought down an NFL quarterback for the first time in Week 8. He’s done it 1 1/2 more times since, a byproduct of the game slowing down, allowing his savviness to win the “in-game ‘Tom and Jerry’ fight,” as he called it. Injuries early in the year forced major responsibility onto his plate. He’s since overcome the “beginner stage.” Now, Green has five quarterback hits in the past three games, more than his total over the first eight of his career. Harbaugh called him “one of the more advanced young all-around players, probably, that we’ve had in a while.” Related Articles Watch Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens injury report: Kyle Hamilton, 3 other starters return to practice Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice, ready for Thanksgiving game 5 things to know for Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving game This Indiana high schooler flirted with Derrick Henry’s rushing record The Ravens aren’t fielding a menacing pass rush that has risen to the elite of the league. They’re still a bottom-third squad in pass rush win rate (34%), according to ESPN metrics. Injured Tavius Robinson should provide reinforcement when he returns, either getting his hands on the quarterback or by standing out in the way he has the past two seasons by opening rush lanes for his teammates. Harbaugh expects to have Robinson, who broke his foot against the Rams, back off injured reserve soon. Whether this corner turned is enough to be a difference-maker in a playoff game remains to be seen. Yet, for a team on a five-game winning streak with holes that justify reasons for pessimism, there have been tangible steps forward from Baltimore’s pass rush. Orr called it a “building block.” “Definitely was good to affect the quarterback,” he said, “and you see what that does for the defense when you’re able to actually get pressure and hit him.” Quick fix might’ve been a stretch. But they’re starting to click just in time. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders is sacked by Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. The Ravens have generated more pressure on quarterbacks in recent weeks. (David Richard/AP) View the full article

Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law is here. Preston and Coleman discuss the Ravens’ 23-10 win over the Jets and their upcoming Thanksgiving game against the Cincinnati Bengals and quarterback Joe Burrow. You can watch it weekly, posting every Tuesday during the NFL season on YouTube and The Baltimore Sun, and listen on Spotify, Apple, Amazon and iHeart. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Kyle Hamilton has superhuman tendencies, as evidenced by his speedy return to practice Tuesday. Baltimore’s All-Pro safety limped off the field Sunday afternoon, chucking his helmet in frustration after injuring his ankle with about three minutes left in the fourth quarter. That ankle held him out of Monday’s walk-through practice. Earlier in Sunday’s win, Jets running back Breece Hall trucked Hamilton’s previously hurt shoulder — the one that dangled in pain for the final plays of a win in Cleveland. Hamilton made no more than a pit stop in the blue medical tent. He jogged right back onto the field, showing no visible shoulder pain before logging 10 total tackles versus New York. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Hamilton’s ankle injury was “not serious” and he would have a chance to play Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a limited participant on Tuesday, but Harbaugh said he had a “good practice.” Hamilton’s status will become clearer when the team’s final injury report of the week drops on Wednesday. Based on what we’ve seen lately, it seems nearly impossible to keep the guy off the field. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (toe) and nose tackle Travis Jones (ankle) returned to practice as well after both missed Monday’s walk-through. Jackson was a full participant, while Jones was limited. Wide receiver Rashod Bateman, who has been sidelined for two games with an ankle injury, was listed as limited Monday afternoon and rejoined his teammates for a normal practice Tuesday as a full participant. Harbaugh said Bateman “looks good.” Cornerback Keyon Martin was also a full participant, ramping back up from a rib injury he suffered in Cleveland. Running back Justice Hill and defensive tackle Taven Bryan were the team’s only two absences. Hill did not practice because of a neck injury. Bryan suffered a right knee injury in Sunday’s win over New York. He was seen wearing a brace in the locker room after the game. Harbaugh said testing revealed a “three-to-four-week type of injury” that could land him on injured reserve. As for Cincinnati, quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to make his highly anticipated return from a Week 2 turf toe injury that required surgery. He’ll have wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase back from a one-game suspension. His other top wideout, Tee Higgins, entered concussion protocol this week and won’t play Thursday. Meanwhile, starting defensive end Trey Hendrickson hasn’t played for Cincinnati since a hip injury in late October. Neither he nor Higgins practiced this week. Extra points • The New Orleans Saints invited embattled former Ravens kicker Justin Tucker for a tryout, along with former Bengals kicker Cade York. The Saints reportedly signed York to their practice squad Tuesday morning, leaving Tucker still searching for a team since his 10-game suspension by the NFL over sexual misconduct allegations ended. • Harbaugh said former third-round draft pick Adisa Isaac suffered a setback from his elbow injury. Baltimore previously had hopes of bringing the edge rusher back this season, but he’s “not closer” to returning. • Rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr. was active on Sunday for the first time in his career. Harbaugh was ready to play him “if needed” and “not opposed” to rotating him in for reps. • Ravens legends Terrell Suggs and Marshal Yanda are semifinalists to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame for a second consecutive year. Both players were finalists a year ago but fell short of induction. Finalists for this year will be announced Dec. 3, and the Hall of Fame Class will be announced in February. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. Related Articles Watch Episode 13 of the BMore Football Podcast with The Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston and Jerry Coleman presented by Rice Law Ravens QB Lamar Jackson returns to practice, ready for Thanksgiving game 5 things to know for Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving game This Indiana high schooler flirted with Derrick Henry’s rushing record Bengals’ Joe Burrow nears his return with Ravens up next on Thanksgiving View the full article

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was back at practice Tuesday. It marked the third straight week he missed a day of practice early in the week only to return a day later. This week, it was a toe injury that kept him out of Monday’s walk-through session after ankle and knee injuries each of the past two weeks. He also missed three games earlier this season because of a hamstring injury. His appearance is a good sign for his availability for Thursday night’s showdown against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals, who will have their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow, back under center after toe surgery had kept him out since Week 2. The Ravens (6-5) are looking for their sixth straight win and to maintain the top spot in the AFC North. Jackson has struggled of late, though. Over his past three games, he is averaging just 174 yards passing and 19 yards rushing with only one passing touchdown and two interceptions during that span. Jackson, along with coach John Harbaugh, is scheduled to speak with reporters following practice. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Related Articles 5 things to know for Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving game This Indiana high schooler flirted with Derrick Henry’s rushing record Bengals’ Joe Burrow nears his return with Ravens up next on Thanksgiving Ravens QB Lamar Jackson dealing with toe injury before Thanksgiving game READER POLL: How worried are you about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense? View the full article

The Ravens’ Thanksgiving night game against the Cincinnati Bengals brings an unusual rhythm to the week for players, coaches and fans. From adjusted holiday plans to a full slate of local football, the prime-time matchup adds a distinctive backdrop to one of the season’s most important AFC North contests. Baltimore has played on Thanksgiving twice and won both games — a 16-6 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in 2011 and a 22-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013. “[There is] much to be grateful for, and the opportunity to play on Thanksgiving is something to be grateful for,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said at his Monday press conference. “It’s really an honor to be able to play on Thanksgiving and just to know that everybody’s going to be watching. It is a night game. Most of everybody doesn’t have to get up in the morning, I guess, unless you go shopping. Do people still do Black Friday shopping? … So, we’re looking forward to [playing on Thanksgiving], and obviously, it’s a very respected opponent. What questions do you have?” Here are 5 Things to Know: 1. Ravens’ holiday plans on hold Harbaugh calls Thanksgiving his “favorite holiday,” but the Ravens will postpone celebrations until after Thursday’s divisional matchup. “We’ll probably do it on Friday,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll be a happy Thanksgiving.” For several players, this will be their first time competing on the holiday. Wide receiver Zay Flowers said he is embracing the novelty and a special award for the game’s most valuable player. “I think this will be my first time playing on Thanksgiving,” Flowers said. “You can get the [NBC] Turkey leg, so that’d be exciting. Hopefully somebody gets the Turkey leg; I’m going to go over there with them.” Some players plan to mark the weekend with teammates. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley said he intends to host a Friendsgiving for the offensive line sometime over the long weekend. “We’ll host something like that during the break after the game,” he said. Bengals coach Zac Taylor has not announced his team’s holiday plans. 2. A full day of football The Ravens will not be the only team drawing local attention on Thanksgiving. Calvert Hall and Loyola Blakefield will meet for the 105th time at 10 a.m. at Towson University, continuing one of the region’s oldest football traditions. For some fans, the high school rivalry and the Ravens-Bengals game will create an all-day slate. Calvert Hall graduate Mark Maloney plans to watch the Turkey Bowl at home with his two sons — one a recent CHC graduate — before heading to M&T Bank Stadium. “My whole family is tailgating,” Maloney said. “Our Thanksgiving will be at H1.” Loyola alum Mike Dieter, whose two sons also attend the school, will be going to the Turkey Bowl at Towson, and then the family will make a 30-minute drive for dinner at a relative’s residence. “We decided we are going to enjoy the Ravens game from home with family,” he said. “It worked out well because we have friends who wanted our Ravens tickets.” 3. Adjusted routines for fans and the city The Thanksgiving night kickoff will alter the usual game-day traffic flow. Tailgates are expected to start later in the afternoon, and officials are urging fans to prepare for heavier congestion around the stadium due to holiday travel. Traffic modifications and road closures will begin at 5:20 p.m., including the temporary closure of the Ostend Street Bridge between Sharp and Warner streets. To assist with game day traffic, a special traffic pattern will be implemented along Warner Street for fans entering and leaving the stadium. Public transit will run on modified holiday schedules, and bus and light rail riders are encouraged to check updated times before traveling downtown. 4. Alternate uniforms and light show The Ravens will wear their Purple Rising alternate helmets, which debuted in 2024, paired with their all-purple Color Rush uniforms. Fans are encouraged to wear purple for the prime-time AFC North matchup. The first 30,000 fans in attendance will receive a ceramic Purple Rising gravy boat to mark the Thanksgiving holiday. For the second time this season — the first came during the Week 3 Monday Night Football game against Detroit — the stadium’s wristband system will produce coordinated in-seat light animations, including ravens flying through the crowd and other patterns designed to elevate the game-day atmosphere. 5. Lil Jon to perform Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon will perform from the Bud Light Touchdown Club at halftime. The rapper, producer and DJ rose to prominence as frontman of Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, helping bring Atlanta’s crunk sound to national and international audiences. He has produced hits for Usher, Ciara and Ludacris and collaborated with artists ranging from Pitbull and LMFAO to Ice Cube and DJ Snake. His 2010s anthem “Turn Down for What” cemented his reputation as a cross-genre hitmaker known for high-energy performances. Have a news tip? Contact Todd Karpovich at tkarpovich@baltsun.com or on X as @ToddKarpovich. View the full article

Derrick Henry knows who he is. He’s seen the highlight tapes. He called Myles McLaughlin a beast and encouraged him to break the otherworldly high school rushing record Baltimore’s running back set in 2012. That all came to light in early November. Kay Adams, host of “Up and Adams,” earned a smile from the normally stoic Henry when explaining how McLaughlin was closing in on his 12,124 career rushing yards. The high school senior from Knox, Indiana, watched the viral clip while walking to English class. He was taking an interview — one of many media requests he’s filled this season — when his phone started buzzing uncontrollably. McLaughlin opened X to hear one of the greatest running backs in NFL history tell him, “Go break that record, man. Go get it.” McLaughlin hurried to show Neill Minix, Knox High School’s athletic director. Then the school’s assistant principal. Some of McLaughlin’s friends accused the video of being artificial intelligence, which to them made more sense than a future Hall of Famer getting excited over this kid from a small town in Indiana with four stop lights, a couple of restaurants and a graduating class of 120. Henry cheered him on. The lieutenant governor of Indiana shouted out McLaughlin on X. Rob Gronkowski, one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, called his film “absolutely absurd.” “None of it really feels real,” said McLaughlin, who holds national records in rushing touchdowns (71) and single-season rushing yards (4,846). For reference, Henry ran for 4,261 yards with 55 touchdowns during his senior campaign. A loss in Friday’s 3A state semifinal closed the curtain on Knox’s undefeated season, one win away from the school’s first state championship appearance. McLaughlin’s fairytale season ended at 11,839 yards, according to Minix (high school stats are often imperfect, leaving some outlets reporting within a reasonable standard deviation of that figure). That’s 331 yards shy of Henry, which sounds like a lot until a quick scan of McLaughlin’s game logs shows an average of over 350 yards per game. When Henry did it for Yulee High School in Florida, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound not-so-gentle giant in hulking pads and a yellow helmet, claimed the throne on a night he rushed for 480 yards in a 42-25 playoff beatdown. “I wasn’t really chasing the record,” he told The Baltimore Sun, “I was just playing football with the guys I grew up with, playing in front of my hometown.” The Ravens running back severely downplayed the accomplishment. That record stood for 59 years before it became Henry’s. Most — if not all — high school players don’t sniff the kind of workload it took to get there. Former NFL safety Ryan Clark famously joked on the “Pivot” podcast that Henry’s coach “should be in jail” for the onus he put on the Alabama commit. Henry once carried the ball 57 times in a game. He played a bit of defense, too. Everyone in the stadium knew where the ball was going. The same went for McLaughlin, who is admirably humble considering the position he’s in. Knox’s offensive playbook unsurprisingly revolved around its superstar. He played defense, too: McLaughlin sealed a recent playoff win on a game-ending interception. Oh, and he’s the team’s kicker. There’s been more than one instance this season in which he forced a turnover, took a solo mission driving the ball to the end zone, then footed it through the uprights all by himself. “I knew that I was gonna take a lot of carries this year,” McLaughlin said, of the preparation it takes to manage an unrelenting responsibility. “It was a lot of endurance training, too, because it’s a lot to run the ball 50 times and play every snap of defense and kick the ball.” McLaughlin started playing football in preschool, taking after his father, Josh, who was a legendary Knox running back in his own right. Dad’s school record was left in the dust during his son’s sophomore season. “I like to tease him sometimes about me breaking his record,” McLaughlin said, “but he was in a different style offense. He gets a little [upset] about it, but it’s OK.” Running back was always McLaughlin’s primary position. Josh loved to show his son Walter Payton highlights. “Sweetness,” who Henry recently passed for fifth place on the NFL’s all-time rushing touchdowns leaderboard, is the running back McLaughlin models himself after. “I feel like I run with the mindset that he had,” McLaughlin said, “just the way I never go out of bounds. And I have very good balance like he had.” McLaughlin dabbled at quarterback earlier in his high school career and split time between running back and quarterback at the beginning of this season. He has since transitioned to full-time quarterback for Knox. Russ Radtke, Indiana’s second all-time coaching wins leader (426), reshaped his offense from the triple option into a heavier shotgun run game. It produced historic success for McLaughlin — still etched into the national leaderboard. Related Articles Bengals’ Joe Burrow nears his return with Ravens up next on Thanksgiving Ravens QB Lamar Jackson dealing with toe injury before Thanksgiving game READER POLL: How worried are you about Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense? Ex-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker working out for Saints on Tuesday 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 23-10 win over the Jets Growing recognition hasn’t translated directly to college interest. McLaughlin didn’t receive any FCS offers until this fall, and an FBS school didn’t come knocking until this postseason run when his mom’s alma mater, Ball State, offered. Wherever McLaughlin ends up, he’ll forever hold close the memory of Henry’s support. Henry received the same treatment when he was a high school senior. Thirteen years ago, the Ravens running back usurped a Texas legend named Ken Hall. Hall played at Sugar Land High School, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Houston, from 1950 to 1953. He rushed for 11,232 yards, earning the nickname “The Sugar Land Express.” Days before Henry broke the record, Hall called. “I told Derrick on the phone the other day that there are some rules with holding the record,” he told MaxPreps in 2012. “You didn’t do it alone. There are 10 guys helping. Look up the word humility. Don’t bring it up. Let others bring it up first, and then talk about it. Have a lot of respect.” That’s how Henry carried himself as a high school senior. It’s how he talks about the record now, only when others bring it up first. And it’s how McLaughlin sounds over the phone, acknowledging the offensive linemen he’s invited over for steak dinners or Saturday breakfasts as a show of gratitude. Henry said he’d “cherish” Hall’s words of wisdom for a long time. The torch still belongs to Henry — he won’t have to pass it down just yet — but that viral clip on “Up and Adams” swelled the kid from Indiana with a pride the Ravens running back knows all about. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.x.com. View the full article