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Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard has three inches and 60 pounds on Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Down the stretch Sunday in Cincinnati, it didn’t matter. “There’s nobody in the world that moves like him,” Hubbard said. “I chased him down. He’s stiff-arming me in the face. [Linebacker] Germaine [Pratt] is coming to hit him. He launches the ball across the field to somebody. How do you make that up?” It was more than just another dazzling if not unbelievable play in a six-plus year career full of them for the NFL’s two-time and reigning Most Valuable Player. Jackson’s stiff-arm of Hubbard — bookended by a dropped shotgun snap and a touchdown pass across his body to tight end Isaiah Likely — helped lift Baltimore to its improbable and spectacular 41-38 come-from-behind overtime victory over the Bengals. The win was the Ravens’ third in a row, propelled them into a tie atop the AFC North with the Pittsburgh Steelers and has them once again part of the Super Bowl conversation after an 0-2 start had temporarily squashed that talk. A day later, the superlatives were still flowing. “It’s an amazing play,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Monday. “I just thought it was an incredible, fabulous play that will go down in history.” But how did he pull it off, what was actually supposed to happen and what does it mean? Trailing by 10 for the second time in the fourth quarter and facing second-and-goal from the Bengals’ 6-yard line, Baltimore was in familiar 12 personnel (two tight ends, one running back) with Jackson in the shotgun and back Justice Hill to his left. Receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman were split left and right, respectively, while Likely lined up next to Mark Andrews tight to the left then motioned across the formation before the snap. Had Jackson caught center Tyler Linderbaum’s snap cleanly, he had options. Andrews ran an in-route with cornerback Jalen Davis trailing him, Bateman crossed underneath to further clog the middle, Likely continued into the right flat, Flowers ran an inside curl on cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt and Hill flared out to the left flat. Both Flowers and Andrews had good position if an accurate pass was made, while Likely and Hill were both open as check-downs, too. But as Jackson fumbled with the ball, everything started to break down. Hubbard pushed right tackle Roger Rosengarten back, then beat him inside and closed in on Jackson. That meant throwing to Flowers or Hill was out. Jackson, who began to scramble right, incredibly stiff-armed Hubbard. Then he did it again, this time sending the defensive end to the Paycor Stadium turf. “He doesn’t look as strong as he is,” Hubbard said of Jackson. “He’s one of the strongest.” With Hubbard down, Jackson, who dropped 15 pounds in the offseason to be faster, kept rolling and at one point pulled the ball down as if to run, but then slowed as Pratt closed in and he neared the sideline. Andrews had worked back to the front right corner of the end zone but was blanketed. That left only Likely, who had thrown his right hand up as he drifted behind the defense, first in the back right corner then back toward the middle, where he leaped and hauled in the pass. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Jackson ran 33.4 yards before making the throw, the most of any touchdown pass in the league so far in 2024. The completion probability? Just 31.4%. “It really was incredible,” Andrews said. “I went to him and I said, ‘I’ve never seen anybody throw anything like that in my entire life.’ That’s just the type of player he is. The play’s never dead. He’s so special, and that was a really cool one.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | New details emerge from Ravens rookie Nate Wiggins’ crash involving Lamborghini Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 5: Ravens’ Lamar Jackson is the ‘best player in the league’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco reflects on 2018 season: ‘I did not want to let Lamar get out there’ Baltimore Ravens | A day later, Ravens coach John Harbaugh raves about the heroics vs. Bengals Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 41-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals In many ways, it was not all that dissimilar to the play Jackson made at the end of the game in Week 1 in Kansas City, where he twice eluded Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones to throw what he thought was a potential game-tying touchdown pass to Likely in the back of the end zone. Only this time, his perhaps new go-to target when things hit the proverbial fan easily got both feet down in bounds. “That boy different, man,” Flowers said of Jackson. “We talk about it every game. He just proves it every game, so I’m just wondering when we’re going to stop talking about it.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson threw four touchdown passes Sunday against the Bengals. One stood out above the rest. (Jeff Dean/AP) View the full article

New details have emerged from the rollover car crash that Ravens rookie cornerback Nate Wiggins was in last month. According to an accident report from the Maryland Transportation Authority that was obtained by The Baltimore Sun, the incident took place on Interstate 95 northbound in Baltimore at 5:50 p.m. on Sept. 11 near Exit 52. Practice squad cornerback and fellow rookie Ryan “Bump” Cooper Jr. was riding in the passenger seat of Wiggins’ Lamborghini Urus. Wiggins’ car clipped the right rear corner of an Acura RDX after being cut off by another vehicle, according to the report, rolled over and came to rest on the passenger side. Both Wiggins, 21, and Cooper, 23, were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash and did not report having any injuries. The driver of the Acura, along with its three passengers, were also all wearing seat belts and did not report any injuries. Wiggins, whom the Ravens drafted 30th overall in April, was listed with a neck injury on the team’s injury report and checked for a concussion before missing Baltimore’s home opener that week, a 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Wiggins returned to practice the following week and spoke with reporters about the crash. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | NFL winners and losers, Week 5: Ravens’ Lamar Jackson is the ‘best player in the league’ Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco reflects on 2018 season: ‘I did not want to let Lamar get out there’ Baltimore Ravens | A day later, Ravens coach John Harbaugh raves about the heroics vs. Bengals Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 41-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has only one thing left to prove | COMMENTARY “It was scary,” he said. “It’s always scary to get in a car accident.” Wiggins is at least the third Ravens player to have gotten into an accident this season. Tight end Mark Andrews and linebacker Josh Ross were also involved in crashes. On Friday, the NFL Players Association named Wiggins its Week 5 community MVP for his volunteer work, which included his foundation donating wigs and setting up stylings for 35 breast cancer patients and survivors during an event at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens (3-2) host the 4-1 Commanders on Sunday. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Each week of the NFL season, The Baltimore Sun will recap the best and worst from around the league. Here are our winners and losers from Week 5: Winner: Lamar Jackson Just when we think we’ve seen it all, Jackson does that. That, of course, is accounting for 403 total yards and four touchdowns in the Ravens’ 41-38 overtime win over the Bengals on Sunday. It featured perhaps the best play of the star quarterback’s career, turning a would-be sack into a touchdown pass after dropping the snap, stiff-arming defensive end Sam Hubbard twice and throwing across his body just before going out of bounds to hit Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. “Lamar Jackson is the best to ever do it,” Pro Football Network analyst and TikTok personality Theo Ash posted on X just after the play. That was one of just many comments on social media Sunday expressing a mix of admiration and awe for Jackson, who keeps surprising viewers with his rare talent. Have we reached a turning point in terms of where Jackson ranks among his peers? He’s a former Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player, and yet because of his underwhelming postseason record, untimely injuries and the misfortune of playing at the same time as Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, he’s rarely been considered the league’s best player. In the annual NFL Top 100 list chosen by players, Jackson has ranked No. 1 (2020), No. 24 (2021), No. 36 (2022), No. 72 (2023) and No. 2 (2024). Most quarterback and player rankings from the media have put Mahomes at the top since his breakout 2018 season, and that has only calcified with the Chiefs star winning three Super Bowl titles over the past five years. But if we’re just considering pure talent, the imperfect science of recognizing the best player on the field in any given game, Jackson might stand alone. “[He’s] the best player in the league; [he’s] the G.O.A.T for a reason,” said Ravens running back Derrick Henry, himself a transcendent player who surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards and 100 career touchdowns Sunday. He might know a thing or two about greatness. Of course, in our championship-obsessed sports culture, Jackson will never get G.O.A.T. status until he wins a Super Bowl ring. And to pass Mahomes and Brady, he’ll need to win more than one. But at 27 years old, he’s far from the finish line. And right now, nobody in the league is playing better than him. Loser: San Francisco 49ers It’s worth stating the obvious: The 49ers miss Christian McCaffrey. In the NFL, there are few running backs who are true difference-makers. Because of what he can do as both a runner and a receiver, McCaffrey is one of them. Without him in the lineup, San Francisco’s offense simply isn’t as effective. That’s not to disparage backup Jordan Mason, who ranks second in the league in rushing yards (536) through five games. But he’s not nearly as dynamic as a pass catcher, and defenses don’t respect that part of his game. That’s making it harder for coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy to get their playmakers the ball in space. That was evident in Sunday’s 24-23 loss to the Cardinals in which San Francisco was shut out in the second half. The Niners scored just one touchdown in six trips to the red zone, and while an injury to kicker Jake Moody robbed them of a chance to extend their lead late in the third quarter, Purdy also threw two interceptions and Mason fumbled inside the 10-yard line. Even the 49ers’ defense struggled Sunday, allowing Kyler Murray and company to march down the field on back-to-back scoring drives of 73 and 75 yards late in the game. James Conner bullied his way to 86 yards on 19 carries, while Murray picked up 83 yards on just seven attempts. “In the second half, we kind of melted down,” 49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner said. “Too much leaky yardage, missed tackles, not fitting it right.” At 0-2 in the NFC West and 0-3 in the NFC, this is far from the juggernaut that has dominated in recent seasons. The Niners have to hope that McCaffrey can find an answer to his Achilles tendonitis before it’s too late. Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has led Washington to an improbable 4-1 start. (Patrick Smith/Getty) Winner: Rookie quarterbacks In Week 1, things looked bleak for the rookie quarterbacks. Now, the sun is starting to peek through. Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix all have a winning record through five weeks, going a combined 10-5. According to ESPN, those 10 wins are the second-most by rookie quarterbacks in the first five weeks of a season since 1970, trailing only the 13 wins in 1987. It’s a small sample, but it speaks to how pro-ready each young player is. Daniels has been the biggest revelation, putting himself in the MVP conversation by leading Washington to an improbable 4-1 start. Williams is coming off his best game as a pro, completing 20 of 29 passes for 304 yards and two touchdowns in the Bears’ win over the Panthers. Nix threw for 206 yards and accounted for three touchdowns in the Broncos’ blowout of the Raiders. It hasn’t all been easy, of course. Daniels was not at his best Sunday, completing just 56% of his passes and throwing an interception, but Washington still scored 34 points and amassed 298 of its 434 total yards on just eight plays. Williams and Nix have largely benefitted from playing behind two of the league’s best defenses, with their offenses ranking 26th and 25th, respectively, in efficiency as measured by DVOA. Nix even got into a spat with Sean Payton on the sideline Sunday, with the coach bemoaning how much “Ferris Bueller” there is in his rebellious young starter. No. 3 overall pick Drake Maye could also be making his pro debut soon, assuming Patriots coach Jerod Mayo has seen enough of Jacoby Brissett after a dreary 15-10 loss to the lowly Dolphins on Sunday. This was considered a potentially transformative quarterback class, and so far the rookies are exceeding expectations. Loser: New York Jets In a surprise move, the Jets fired coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday, ending his tenure in the middle of his fourth season. Davante Adams to the rescue? Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Joe Flacco reflects on 2018 season: ‘I did not want to let Lamar get out there’ Baltimore Ravens | A day later, Ravens coach John Harbaugh raves about the heroics vs. Bengals Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 41-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has only one thing left to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 41-38 win over Bengals | COMMENTARY The Jets certainly need a spark after a 23-17 loss to the Vikings in London in which they fell behind 17-0. Aaron Rodgers showed flashes of his old self, but he mostly looked old as he threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, and hobbled around after being sacked three times and hit 11. The 40-year-old was no match for coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive defense. Perhaps most concerning is the lack of contributions from anyone other than Garrett Wilson, who had 13 catches on a whopping 22 targets for 101 yards and a touchdown. Wilson, Allen Lazard and tight end Tyler Conklin seemed to be the only receivers Rodgers trusted Sunday as running back Breece Hall once again disappeared from the game plan. That brings us back to Adams. The price for the three-time All-Pro wide receiver might be steep in terms of draft picks and salary, but do the Jets have any other choice? They’re all-in on Rodgers this season, and Adams was his favorite target during their time together in Green Bay. For this offense to function as intended under coordinator Nate Hackett, who was hand-picked for the job because of his relationship with Rodgers, the Jets need a receiver who operates on the same wavelength as their mercurial quarterback. Given everything that’s at stake in this make-or-break season, acquiring Adams from the Raiders might be the only button left to push after changing coaches. Clearly owner Woody Johnson wants to do everything he can to appease Rodgers, whose relationship with Saleh was the subject of much scrutiny after some awkward interactions on the sideline and an apparent disagreement in the use of Rodgers’ presnap cadence. For all that’s gone wrong during this 2-3 start, a win over the Bills on Sunday would put the Jets in first place in the AFC East. It’s now or never. Have a news tip? Contact C.J. Doon at cdoon@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/CJDoon. View the full article

When Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson injured his oblique, his backup, former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, felt a bit of deja vu to his time in Baltimore. The Colts drafted Richardson fourth overall in 2023, pegging the former Florida star as the next franchise cornerstone. He suffered a concussion in his second career game. Shortly after he returned to the field last October, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery. Fast forward to Sunday, and the 22-year-old was again ruled out, missing his 14th out of 22 possible games. “I was kind of just the guy that was like, ‘I’m here. I’ll be ready if need be,'” Flacco, the 39-year-old backup, said after the Colts’ 37-34 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. He was in a similar position in 2018 — his last with the Ravens and Lamar Jackson’s rookie year — when Flacco’s hip injury gave Jackson his first career start. “Man, I did not want to let Lamar get out there, that’s for sure,” Flacco said. “That was my team. And that was very hard mentally for me. I pushed it as far as I could in terms of trying to let them convince me to go out there and play. But at the same time, you don’t want to put your future career in danger.” Baltimore’s changing of the guard came in Flacco’s 11th season. He was traded to the Denver Broncos that offseason. He’s now in Year 17, hoping he can share the wisdom of virtuous patience with Richardson, even knowing how much that “may hurt in the moment.” Flacco has reshaped his career since ceding control of the Ravens to Jackson, who has blossomed into a two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and is now working on his case for a third. Flacco threw for 359 yards and three touchdown passes against Jacksonville. Combined with his four starts last year with the Cleveland Browns, he’s the oldest player in league history with at least 300 yards and two touchdown passes in five consecutive starts. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | A day later, Ravens coach John Harbaugh raves about the heroics vs. Bengals Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 41-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has only one thing left to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 41-38 win over Bengals | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Jaguars hold off Colts, 37-34, after Joe Flacco leads late comeback bid When he scrambled out of the pocket in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s loss, Flacco notched a top speed of 18.76 mph, per Next Gen Stats, which is his fastest speed as a ball carrier since tracking began in 2016. Pro Football Focus gave him the highest grade (90.0) of any Colt with a minimum of 25 snaps in Week 5. “I’m trying to stay in that routine of being the guy,” Flacco said. “Obviously you can’t quite get to that spot. Like I wish there was something that you could take and turn the blinders on and you just thought you were starting all week and then all of a sudden you showed up right before the game and they told you you weren’t, because there is a little bit of a difference. “Getting back in the role where you’re getting practice reps and you’re probably going to play, that’s the easy part, to be honest with you.” Colts coach Shane Steichen said Monday that when Richardson is healthy, he will return to his starting role with Flacco as his backup. Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

During the broadcast of the Ravens’ roller coaster overtime win on Sunday, cameras zoomed in to a relatively mellow Justin Tucker, who had just nailed a game-tying 56-yard field goal in the final two minutes of regulation. He appeared to merely hug his teammates and gracefully point toward the sky before the cameras left him. Ravens coach John Harbaugh met with reporters in Owings Mills on Monday and helped fill in the details that followed one of several clutch moments from the 41-38 win over the Bengals in Cincinnati. Tucker entered the game 5-for-8 on field goals this season. His long through four weeks was 48 yards. He was unsuccessful on two previous tries from beyond 50 yards, which many deemed a slump for the NFL’s most accurate kicker. Harbaugh said he ironing out a “technique issue.” After his farthest and most consequential kick of the year on Sunday, Tucker let all the pent-up emotion pour out. He ran right up to Harbaugh, meeting his coach nose-to-nose on the sideline. “A little uncomfortably close,” Harbaugh laughed, before switching to a hushed scream for his Tucker impression. “And he said, ‘Let’s go win the game! Let’s win the game!’” “I’m for that!” Harbaugh added. “I am for winning the game. I am on board with that, and I think for him to get the opportunity to finish it with a game-winner, that means a lot.” After Lamar Jackson fumbled and a poor hold sent Bengals kicker Evan McPherson’s potential game-winner wide left, Tucker got another chance. That one, a 24-yard chip shot that closed one of the NFL’s most exhilarating games of the year, was set up by running back Derrick Henry. The man often described as Baltimore’s closer took a handoff on the first play of the game’s final drive and bulldozed 51 yards down the left sideline. “It was a point in time of the game where fatigue was a big part of everything that was going on,” Harbaugh said. Still, the 30-year-old Henry clocked in at 21.46 mph, the second fastest of any Week 5 ball-carrier, according to Next Gen Stats, and his fastest play since Week 6 in 2021 (his career high is 21.80). Sunday’s mark came, as Harbaugh pointed out, “in overtime, a hot day like that, toward the end of the game, after he’d been tackled a number of times. That kind of speaks for itself.” Ravens kicker Justin Tucker, left, made two clutch field goals Sunday against the Bengals. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) Earlier in the AFC showdown, Henry became the fifth player in NFL history with at least 10,000 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns from scrimmage in his first 125 career games. He’s been everything the Ravens could have hoped in signing him over the offseason and is now helping define their bullish identity. Henry deflected much of the praise afterward, instead lauding Tucker as the greatest of all time and crowning quarterback Lamar Jackson the best in the league. Even Harbaugh had a hard time ranking Jackson’s lengthy resume of scrambles that have led to mystifying plays. “Like my dad always says, ‘You’ve never had a better win. There’s probably never been a better play today.’” Harbaugh said. “It’s an amazing play. And the thing about Lamar is he’s not even happy about it. He’s mad about it. Because it’s definitely not in the playbook that way. But a lot of times you gotta find ways to win.” No play from Sunday — in which the Ravens scored in all six trips to the red zone in the red zone with four touchdowns – better exemplifies the two-time MVP’s ability to resuscitate a blown play with some improvisation. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | 5 things we learned from the Ravens’ 41-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has only one thing left to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 41-38 win over Bengals | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Jaguars hold off Colts, 37-34, after Joe Flacco leads late comeback bid Baltimore Ravens | Ravens win OT thriller over Bengals, 41-38, behind Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker Baltimore trailed by 10 with 5:34 left in the fourth. Jackson bobbled the snap at the 7-yard line but vacuumed it up and retreated to his right. That’s where he stiff-armed 265-pound Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard. Twice. Or as play-by-play broadcaster Kevin Harlan put it, he threw Hubbard away “like a rag doll.” Jackson wound up 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage fleeing toward the boundary. He leaped up before taking a hit and fired the ball across his body to a streaking tight end Isaiah Likely in the back of the end zone. It was certainly not how the play was drawn up. But that’s how Jackson will be remembered. “I just thought it was an incredible, fabulous play that will go down in history,” Harbaugh said. “We’ll watch that play for years to come on NFL Films.” Have a news tip? Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn. View the full article

The Ravens outlasted the Cincinnati Bengals, 41-38, in an absurd, miraculous overtime fireworks show that seized pole position for NFL game of the year. Here are five things we learned from the game: The greatest games transcend analysis We’ll get to the defensive shenanigans, the misbegotten clock management, the gut-twisting turnover that probably should have sent the Ravens home defeated. That stuff matters when we assess where the Ravens stand as an aspiring championship contender. It matters a whole lot less when we try to capture the ridiculous wonder of what we watched Sunday afternoon as two bitter rivals trafficked in the sublime and the preposterous for more than 60 minutes of football. Be honest; how many times did you think the Ravens were cooked? Certainly after Ja’Marr Chase caught a simple pass on the sideline and eluded four defenders to sprint 70 yards and make it 38-28 with 8:54 to play. Probably as Joe Burrow drove his offense into Baltimore territory with a chance to build his lead and the two-minute warning fast approaching. Certainly, again, after the Ravens had to settle for a game-tying field goal, leaving Burrow more than enough time to answer back with a game-winning score. For sure after Lamar Jackson looked away for a fraction of a second and dropped a shotgun snap to hand Cincinnati the ball in reasonable field goal position in overtime. Somehow, the Ravens — with a healthy assist from those impish football gods overseeing this battle — spit in the eye of each doomed scenario. Burrow torched the Baltimore defense for most of the second half, but Jackson kept answering, keeping the Ravens within shouting distance. When he dropped a snap, picked it up, scrambled urgently away from two defenders and winged a touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely, he might as well have left the stadium to walk on the surface of the nearby Ohio River. Even so, Jackson would have run out of chances had his defense not finally answered the bell. With the Bengals up three and driving, Marlon Humphrey stepped in front of Chase for an interception. The Ravens could not answer with a go-ahead touchdown. Justin Tucker, with his legion of fans fearing a faith-shattering miss, steered a 56-yard attempt left to right and perfectly through the uprights: 38-38. Justin Tucker’s 56-yard field goal in the fourth quarter was his longest made kick of the season. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) Burrow had more than 90 seconds of game time to answer, but another Ravens defensive star, Nnamdi Madubuike, stepped up with a sack, and the Bengals had to accept overtime as their reward for an afternoon of brilliant offense. It seemed the fates rode with them when Jackson could not handle Tyler Linderbaum’s on-target snap (he was still furious with himself amid the postgame celebration). The Bengals didn’t have to move an inch to put their generally clutch kicker, Evan McPherson, in range for a game-winner. But a bad snap and hold undid him. Given a seemingly impossible reprieve, Ravens running colossus Derrick Henry, bottled up most of the day, busted through Cincinnati’s tired front for 51 yards. Tucker finally closed out the insanity with a 24-yard field goal, the equivalent of a tap-in to win the Masters. We don’t normally spend a lot of words on play-by-play in this space, but when the Ravens wiggle off the hook that many times, in increasingly heart-stopping fashion, how can we not take a few extra paragraphs to relive the details? This was an important win for AFC North positioning and for putting their 0-2 start further in the rearview and for proving they could play from behind. More than all that, however, it was a spectacularly entertaining game. Sometimes, that is the main thing. The Ravens’ offense can win a game without dictating its flow This seemed like a matchup in which nosing ahead would be everything. In their previous two victories over the Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills, the Ravens had stampeded from the gate, outrushing their opponents by a combined 413 yards as they built insurmountable leads. On paper, it seemed they might do the same against a porous Bengals defense that ranked 25th against the run coming in. The Bengals had other ideas, frequently loading the box with eight defenders and daring Jackson to beat them over the top. The Ravens averaged just 3.1 yards per carry in the first half and fell behind. The game would be played on Cincinnati’s pass-happier terms. Jackson, who had attempted all of 33 passes against Dallas and Buffalo, was up to the task, completing 16 of 23 for 242 yards and three touchdowns when the Ravens were trailing, per Pro Football Focus. So were his receivers, who often face more questions about why they’re not getting the ball than about what they do when they have it. Zay Flowers led the team with seven catches for 111 yards. Rashod Bateman made an eye-popping full-extension catch to set up his own touchdown in the second quarter. All three tight ends popped off the screen. Charlie Kolar presented an effective downfield target on early downs. Likely scored twice. And Mark Andrews emerged from his game-plan cocoon to make vital catches when the Ravens needed to keep moving in the fourth quarter. Charlie Kolar, middle, caught three passes for 64 yards against the Bengals despite usually being the team’s third receiving option at the tight end position. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) Jackson had expressed great confidence in his targets all summer and through the recent lean-target weeks. When he needed them, they posted. This had to be a sobering watch for defensive coordinators who were already popping antacids at the thought of having to deal with Henry’s ageless power-speed combination and Jackson’s once-in-a-generation elusiveness. The Ravens arrived in Cincinnati with a league-best offense built on ground force. The Bengals sought to counter their greatest strength and gained an upper hand. The Ravens turned to the air out of necessity and matched their (elite) season average of 6.8 yards per play, scoring 41 points in the process. We saw the Ravens thrive on coordinator Todd Monken’s script on their opening touchdown drive — 32 rushing yards from four ball carriers, a chunk gain off play-action, a sharp, quick throw to Justice Hill to neutralize pressure. They had to adjust from there and kept rolling. In other words, we might be watching a legit great offense. The Ravens lost control of the game with a series of forehead-slapping mistakes A special teams miscue put the Ravens in a bad spot in the second quarter when Tylan Wallace, filling in for injured returner Deonte Harty, failed to field a punt and let it trickle down to the Baltimore 2-yard line. A mysteriously unblocked Sam Hubbard dropped Henry for a safety on the very next play. Next up in the parade of follies: clock mismanagement. Harbaugh called timeout when they faced third-and-10 with less than a minute to go in the first half. Jackson threw incomplete on the ensuing play, leaving the Bengals time to drive for a touchdown, knowing they would also get the ball back to start the second half. Why didn’t the Ravens, facing low-upside field position, simply let the clock run down (or at least force Cincinnati to blow a timeout to stop it)? “At that point in time, I just felt like l, ‘Let’s go for it here and see if we can get it done,’” Harbaugh said of his reasoning. “Was it a little over-aggressive? You could probably already argue that — looking back I probably would argue it. I felt like we needed it, and I thought we’d have a chance to get it.” Ravens coach John Harbaugh questioned his own clock management at the end of Sunday’s first half. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) The Bengals led 17-14 at the break, and when they got the ball back, Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith could not pull in a deflected pass for an interception that would have immediately swung the momentum back to Baltimore. Instead, Burrow hit Tee Higgins to convert on third-and-14 and made it count with two more third-down completions to set up another touchdown. In less than six minutes of game time, the Ravens went from in control to down 10. None of it needed to happen. These errors did not lead to defeat but did force them to play from behind the entire second half. If they had lost, that stretch of ragged playing and coaching in the second and third quarters would have been the reason the game slipped from their grasp. Potent as they are, the Ravens still need plenty of refinement. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr could not find the right formula to flummox Joe Burrow After Burrow torched them twice in 2021, the Ravens became his antidote the past two seasons. Former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald kept him continuously off-balance with shifting coverages and simulated pressure. He seemed disinclined to look downfield, even with Chase and Higgins as big-time targets. That wasn’t the case Sunday. Orr got him early when he blitzed safety Kyle Hamilton on third-and-long. But from early in the second quarter to late in the fourth, Burrow settled into an impeccable rhythm. The Ravens sent extra pass rushers but rarely got home. They flooded his field of vision with extra defensive backs, but again and again, Burrow picked on the right matchups or found gaps in the Baltimore zone. Befuddled Joe was gone. This was the wonderfully decisive passer who won the Heisman Trophy at LSU and led the Bengals to the Super Bowl three years ago. Burrow is a great player, and great players make any defense look bad when they’re on. But the Ravens, after playing four quarters of splendid defense against Buffalo, are back to facing harsh questions about their coverage. How could they let Chase, the most dangerous Bengal on the field, streak by them for a touchdown in the waning seconds of the second quarter? How could multiple Ravens — with safety Marcus Williams the chief culprit — take such dreadful tackling angles on Chase’s 70-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter? The Ravens’ defense had no answer Sunday for Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase, who had 193 receiving yards. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) “He was just putting the [ball] up and giving his guys a chance, and they were winning their one-on-one matchups,” Smith said. “There was definitely a call or so that maybe he got us in, but that’s part of it. He gets paid a lot of money, just like their offensive coordinator as well as our coaches. So, they’re going to make plays; this is the NFL at the end of the day. But also, at the end of the day, we have to be better at our jobs, and that goes back to each and every person doing their one-[of]-11 [matchup].” As mentioned, the Ravens averaged 6.8 yards per play on offense. They also gave up 6.8 yards per play on defense, with Burrow completing 30 of 39 passes and leading five touchdown drives. That’s the formula for a thrilling watch in October but not a sustainable one if the Ravens hope to play deep into January. Only Humphrey’s terrific read and catch on his interception and Madubuike’s sizzling charge toward Burrow on the last drive of regulation redeemed a defensive performance that would have gone down as disastrous. “It says everything you need to know about character and their ability to get the job done,” Harbaugh said of his defense. “It also says that we have a lot of work to do, and we have to continue to improve. … They made a lot of tight throws. I mean, all those stop throws were well covered in the first half. Then there were times where guys were a little more open than we needed them to be, and that’s something we have to work on. We’re not there with our pass defense yet, but they made the stops when they needed to, to get the win.” Most of the other craziness couldn’t have happened if Justin Tucker had missed The Ravens gave their all-time-great kicker a pleasant respite from his troubles in their 35-10 thrashing of the Bills and through most of the afternoon in Cincinnati. Score touchdowns every time you reach the red zone and you don’t need history’s most reliable leg. But we knew they’d need No. 9 eventually, and his moment came with the game’s tension approaching its peak. Would the “technique issue” Harbaugh described after Tucker missed from 46 yards in Dallas resurface on this most important of tries? Would he hook it left, like he had his previous three misfires? His 56-yard attempt fluttered in the Cincinnati breeze, appearing to start outside the left upright but working its way relentlessly right until it reached dead center, soaring over the crossbar with at least 5 yards to spare. Tucker did not win the game at that moment, but he kept the possibility of a win alive. He was Rembrandt, back in command of his brush. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson has only one thing left to prove | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 41-38 win over Bengals | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Jaguars hold off Colts, 37-34, after Joe Flacco leads late comeback bid Baltimore Ravens | Ravens win OT thriller over Bengals, 41-38, behind Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 41-38 OT win over Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 “I would have 5, 10, 20 good kicks in a row, and then one of them, I would let just get away from me,” Tucker explained of his struggles. “I wouldn’t be as technically sound, and it’s not necessarily a discipline thing. It’s not necessarily a physical thing. It just sometimes a feel thing, and while you’re working through it, you hope that you’re continuing to make kicks.” Whether the team’s brain trust would ever put it this way or not, Tucker’s make had to produce immense relief. The last thing they wanted to worry about was fixing (or contemplating the uncertain future of) one of the greatest and most popular players in team history. “Just so proud of Justin,” Harbaugh said. “That’s not an easy kick by any stretch, and he drilled it. You saw later [it was] not an easy kick — there was a lot of wind up there.” Have a news tip? Contact Childs Walker at daviwalker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6893 and x.com/ChildsWalker. View the full article

CINCINNATI — The only thing left for Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson to do is to win a Super Bowl title. Anything less is all about cosmetics. If he wins another NFL Most Valuable Player Award, his third since 2019, it will cement his place as the best running quarterback in league history. If he wins a Lombardi Trophy, there will be some who say he is the best, surpassing New England’s Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, as the greatest of all time. Who cares? It’s now all about winning the title. In the past two weeks, Jackson, in his seventh season, has beaten two of the league’s most glamorous signal-callers in Buffalo’s Josh Allen and Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow. Burrow was exceptional Sunday, completing 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards and five touchdowns. Let’s repeat that. Burrow had five touchdown passes, but Jackson was better. After a subpar effort in the first half, according to Jackson’s standards, he finished the game completing 26 of 42 passes for 348 yards with four touchdowns and a passer rating of 119.9. It’s not the statistics that are so mind-numbing but the way Jackson took over the game. The Ravens’ defense, especially the secondary, couldn’t cover an ant with a quilt in the second half. Burrow and receivers Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase were slicing up cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens and Nate Wiggins. At one point, the Bengals had scored on four straight drives and twice went ahead by 10 points, the last time on a 70-yard touchdown pass to Chase with 8:54 left. But Jackson wouldn’t let the Ravens surrender. As Burrow heated up, so did Jackson. He was lukewarm in the first half, completing 9 of 17 passes for 113 yards and a touchdown, but simply willed his team to win in the second. He was elusive and improvised and did his best imitations of teammate and running back Derrick Henry with some great stiff-arms. With the score tied at 7, Jackson rolled to his right and outran a defender around the corner to throw a 16-yard touchdown pass to receiver Rashod Bateman. On his touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely with 6:38 left in the third quarter, Jackson rolled right, ran through two defenders, used a Henry-like stiff-arm and threw to Likely in the back of the end zone. “It really was incredible. I went to [him], and I said, ‘I’ve never seen anybody throw anything like that in my entire life,” Ravens tight end Mark Andrews said. “That’s just the type of player he is. The play’s never dead. He’s so special, and that was a really cool one.” CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball as Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs to tackle during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks on before running a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tripped off by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, left, runs a route as quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle B.J. Hill (92) is blocked by Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten, center, while rushing in on quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) avoids the tackle by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (92) in the first half during an NFL football game on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Emilee Chinn) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, center, runs with the ball against Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, left, and safety Jordan Battle during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Show Caption1 of 7CINCINNATI, OHIO - OCTOBER 06: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball as Sam Hubbard #94 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs to tackle during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium on October 06, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) Expand There were countless times Sunday when Jackson made plays from nothing. It was clear that if he wasn’t in a Ravens uniform, they don’t win. “That was like [a] third MVP level,” Henry said. “It was a one-of-a-kind game, especially the [play] where he was getting sacked, got out of the pocket, kept running down, almost went out of bounds and threw that ball back to [Isaiah Likely], that’s why Lamar is … ”]the best player in the league; [he’s] the GOAT for a reason.” There have been several stories the past few weeks about how Jackson has adapted to the offense and is calling his own plays. No one knows that unless you’re an offensive assistant coach or you’re one of several quarterbacks in the meeting room. He’s not just a special talent and great athlete but a player driven to win a Super Bowl title. Sometimes, that might be getting in his way. He is 2-4 in the postseason, and that self-imposed pressure might be causing him to short-circuit in big games. It was on display in the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to Kansas City in the AFC championship game, and there was the fumble Sunday. He mishandled a snap that would have won the game for the Bengals if Evan McPherson had not missed a 53-yard field goal attempt midway through the overtime period. At least in the Kansas City game, it appeared the Ravens got caught up in trying to keep pace with the Chiefs and Jackson tried to outduel quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Few players take losing harder than Jackson, but that’s also what motivates him. He has made steps to advance in the postseason every year, but there’s always something that gets in the way. Some years, it was the Bills or the Titans. Last year, it was Mahomes and the Chiefs. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s report card: Position-by-position grades for Ravens’ 41-38 win over Bengals | COMMENTARY Baltimore Ravens | Jaguars hold off Colts, 37-34, after Joe Flacco leads late comeback bid Baltimore Ravens | Ravens win OT thriller over Bengals, 41-38, behind Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 41-38 OT win over Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals October 6, 2024 | PHOTOS Some thought Jackson could have run more against Kansas City instead of trying to win the game with his arm. Others have noticed that opposing teams take away the Ravens’ running game and force Jackson to beat them with his arm. It doesn’t really matter. Jackson is aware of the albatross he carries around. Former Miami Dolphins great Dan Marino had the same burden and never won a Super Bowl title despite playing in the NFL for 17 seasons. It’s great to win the awards and all the honors that come with them. One day, Jackson will be enshrined at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, but it’s all about winning the Lombardi Trophy. That’s all that’s left for Jackson. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Here’s how the Ravens (3-2) graded out at every position after beating the Cincinnati Bengals, 41-38, in overtime in Week 5 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium. Quarterback It was a tale of two halves for Lamar Jackson. In the first two periods, he fluttered some passes and never gained a rhythm with the offense. By the third quarter, Jackson knew he had to carry the team and delivered, completing 17 of 25 passes for 235 yards in the final two quarters and finishing 26 of 42 for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Jackson had a couple sensational scrambles and at times his stiff arm was as good as running back Derrick Henry’s. Jackson carried the Ravens on Sunday. He was the best player on the field. Grade: A Running backs On the Ravens’ opening possession of the game, they came out strong in power formations but still ran wide. But somewhere in the second quarter, the team got away from its strength of running the ball and mixing it with the play-action passes. Henry took over the game in overtime, as his 51-yard run with 3:36 left in the 10-minute extra period secured the win for the Ravens. He finished with 92 yards on 15 carries. The Ravens got little rushing production from backup Justice Hill, who had only 17 yards on five attempts, but he pass protects extremely well. Grade: C+ Offensive line The Ravens were strong running the ball inside, but they struggled in pass protection, especially tackles Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten. There were times when the Ravens stepped out flat instead of back and gave up too much ground off the snap. Overall, it was a decent effort by a group playing without injured left guard Andrew Vorhees and then temporarily losing Rosengarten early in the game with an ankle injury. Jackson made this group better. He was sacked only once but hit seven other times. Grade: C Receivers Zay Flowers does a great job of finding holes in the defense, and he can turn short receptions into big plays. He can play inside or outside and almost came close to turning short screens into long receptions. He was targeted 12 times and had seven catches for 111 yards. The Ravens, though, tried to establish the running game early, and when that doesn’t happen they aren’t a good comeback team. Fellow wideout Rashod Bateman had four catches for 58 yards, and he got more involved in the game plan as it went on. Jackson found both his top tight ends in the final quarter and they were essential to pulling over the victory. Isaiah Likely had three catches for 13 yards, including two touchdown receptions. Mark Andrews had four catches for 54 yards. Both played key roles in the fourth quarter. Grade: B+ Defensive line The Ravens held Cincinnati’s running game in check with 71 yards on 23 carries, but the Bengals had some success in the second and third quarters mixing the run with the play-action pass. End Nnamdi Madubuike led the linemen with four tackles but needs to cut down on those roughing the passer penalties. They might be questionable, but still carry a heavy price. Madubuike stepped up with a sack late in the fourth quarter. He also had two hurries on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Grade: C Linebackers As well as the Ravens played a week ago against Buffalo, they were in total disarray vs. Cincinnati. The linebackers were lost in coverage, especially over the middle, and at times didn’t get deep enough drops when it came to defending the Bengals’ running slants. The outside linebackers didn’t get much pressure on Burrow, especially starters Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh. When a team throws five touchdown passes, that team is supposed to win. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith, though, might have played his best game of the season leading the Ravens in tackles with 15. Grade: C- Secondary It was tough to determine which team, the Bengals or the Ravens, had a tougher time covering on the back end. Cornerbacks Brandon Stephens and rookie Nate Wiggins had trouble stopping receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins on those stop routes, and nickel corner Marlon Humphrey couldn’t slow Higgins down on slants inside the red zone. Humphrey, though, might have had the play of the game, intercepting Burrow on a slant to Higgins late in the fourth quarter to set up Justin Tucker’s game-tying 56-yard field goal with 1:40 left in regulation. Strong safety Kyle Hamilton had four tackles, but the Ravens didn’t get many big plays from free safety Marcus Williams, who several times failed on the last line of defense. Grade: D- Special teams Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Jaguars hold off Colts, 37-34, after Joe Flacco leads late comeback bid Baltimore Ravens | Ravens win OT thriller over Bengals, 41-38, behind Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 41-38 OT win over Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals October 6, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Derrick Henry joins elite company with career milestones Jordan Stout averaged 56 yards on three punts, but Chris Collier fumbled a kickoff out of bounds and the Raven also allowed one kickoff return of 27 yards. Overall, there is still something missing from these units. The Ravens need to occasionally get a big play from this group, but so far it hasn’t contributed much. Tucker did hit a clutch 56-yard field goal and also had a 24-yarder to win the game. That will ease some concerns about his leg strength. Grade: C Coaching It’s hard to believe the Ravens won a game allowing 442 yards of total offense. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken used Henry well to wear down the Bengals in overtime, and it was good to see Bateman involved in the offense. Defensively, the Ravens made plays late in the game, and that’s critical for this team going forward. But coach John Harbaugh’s clock management was poor, especially late in the first half, and it’s been that way for years. The Ravens might need to consider getting some type of game manager to help influence Harbaugh when critical decisions need to be made. It might eventually cost this team. Grade: C- Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence threw for 371 yards and two touchdowns on his 25th birthday and put Jacksonville in position for a 49-yard field goal with 17 seconds left that gave the Jaguars their first win of the season, 37-34, over the short-handed Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. Tank Bigsby ran for 101 yards and two scores for Jacksonville (1-4), which won for the first time since December and extended its home streak against division rival Indianapolis (2-3) to double digits. The Jaguars did so while wearing throwback uniforms on a day the franchise inducted retired coach Tom Coughlin into its ring of honor. It was a much-needed victory for a team that was seemingly on the verge of unraveling. Lawrence and receiver Gabe Davis got into a sideline argument in the first quarter and had to be separated. That frustration followed a mid-week report that said coach Doug Pederson had lost the locker room. Pederson and his players denied any discord and certainly will point to beating Indy as a potential turning point. But the Colts played without several starters, including quarterback Anthony Richardson (oblique), running back Jonathan Taylor (ankle), center Ryan Kelly (neck), cornerback Kenny Moore (hip) and defensive end Kwity Paye (quadricep). Joe Flacco, a 39-year-old veteran who beat Jacksonville in Cleveland last season, made it interesting. Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 359 yards, with three touchdowns. He directed 42- and 45-second scoring drives to rally the Colts from a 14-point deficit. But Lawrence ended up with the victory, ending a nine-game skid as a starter. He completed 28 of 34 passes, although he did throw his first interception of the season. Lawrence connected with rookie Brian Thomas for an 85-yard touchdown in the second quarter and with Christian Kirk for 61 yards that set up another TD pass. Thomas finished with five receptions for 122 yards. Rookie Cam Little nailed the field goal that sealed it. Coughlin gets a teal jacket The first coach in Jaguars history who was twice fired by the franchise, Coughlin was inducted into the Pride of the Jaguars at halftime. He donned a teal jacket as his name was unveiled inside the stadium. Coughlin helped build the Jaguars from the ground up between 1995 and 2002. He led the expansion team to the AFC title game in 1996 and 1999. He was fired at the end of his eighth season and went on to win two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. He returned to Jacksonville as a football czar in 2017 but was fired in his third season. Coughlin was joined on stage by three fellow Pride members: Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle Tony Boselli, running back Fred Taylor and receiver Jimmy Smith. Quarterback Mark Brunell and original team owners Wayne and Delores Weaver were not in attendance. “I’m humbled. I’m very proud,” Coughlin said. “For me, it’s never about the individual. It’s always about the team. And I really regret the fact that I could never just stand there for lack of time and read the first staff and the supporters and so on and so forth. I think you’d get a kick out of it.” Key injuries Colts: Right guard Will Fries injured his right leg in the third quarter and was carted off the field with his leg in an air cast. Jaguars: Returner Devin Duvernay left with a hamstring injury. Safety Antonio Johnson dealt with cramping issues. Up next The Colts play at Tennessee next Sunday. The Jaguars travel to London for the first of back-to-back overseas games against Chicago and New England. View the full article

CINCINNATI — Kicker Justin Tucker made a 24-yard field goal late in overtime and the Ravens beat the Bengals, 41-38, in a thriller for their third straight win. It didn’t come without plenty of late drama. Baltimore needed Tucker’s heroics in regulation, as the veteran nailed a 56-yard attempt with 1:35 left to tie the game at 38. In the extra session, with the Ravens in Bengals territory, quarterback Lamar Jackson bobbled and then fumbled a shotgun snap that Cincinnati recovered at Baltimore’s 38-yard line. But three plays later, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson’s attempt to win the game sailed wide left from 53 yards. The Ravens took advantage of their new life. On their next play, running back Derrick Henry (15 carries, 92 yards, TD) raced 51 yards down the left sideline before being dragged down at Cincinnati’s 6-yard line. Tucker won it one play later, giving the Ravens (3-2) their third straight victory over the Bengals and dropping their AFC North rival to 1-4. It was the Ravens’ most unlikely victory over the season after they twice rallied from 10-point deficits. In a wild and entertaining back-and-forth shootout between Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and Jackson, the former shredded Baltimore’s leaky secondary with a career-high five touchdown passes (and one ill-timed interception) and completed 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards in both team’s first divisional game. Wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase (10 catches, 193 yards) and Tee Higgins (9 catches, 83 yards) each caught a pair of touchdown passes. But Jackson, the two-time and reigning NFL Most Valuable Player, kept leading the Ravens back. He completed 26 of 42 passes for 348 yards with four touchdowns while running 12 times for 55 yards. He put together several key drives in crunch time, including one that went 34 yards in eight plays to set up Tucker’s long game-tying kick inside the final two minutes. Still, it looked like the Ravens would never get the chance. Baltimore’s defense couldn’t stop Cincinnati, which racked up 442 total yards and time and again connected on big plays and consistently converted on third downs when needed. After staking Cincinnati to a 17-14 halftime lead, the former No. 1 overall pick annihilated Baltimore’s defense over the final 30 minutes, throwing for 235 second-half yards and three touchdowns on the Bengals’ first three possessions of the second half. It started when they converted three third downs on the opening possession of the third quarter, highlighted by a 39-yard bomb to Andrei Iosivas from the Ravens’ 41-yard line as the receiver beat cornerback Nate Wiggins and safety Marcus Williams to the corner. Four plays later, Burrow found Higgins wide-open in the end zone for an easy 5-yard score. The Ravens answered right back, with Jackson hitting Zay Flowers on a short pass that went for 15 yards, then connected with tight end Charlie Kolar for a 55-yard gain before former Ravens safety Geno Stone eventually dragged him down at the 4. Two plays later, Jackson lofted the ball to tight end Isaiah Likely in the back corner of the end zone to again cut it to a three-point game. But there was no stopping the Bengals, who drove 70 yards on 12 plays with Burrow hitting running back Chase Brown on a short pass to the left for a 4-yard touchdown. Again, Jackson and the Ravens responded. Baltimore went 92 yards in 10 plays with Jackson leading the Ravens to another touchdown as he hit Kolar again, this time from 2 yards out. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Instant analysis from Ravens’ 41-38 OT win over Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals October 6, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Derrick Henry joins elite company with career milestones Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals live updates: Score tied 38-38 in overtime Baltimore Ravens | Ravens mostly healthy ahead of key AFC showdown against Bengals Cincinnati wasted little time answering, however. On its next possession, Burrow threw a short pass to Burrow, who raced 70 yards down the right side for another score that made it 38-28 with 8:54 to go. Jackson’s heroics were on full display on their next drive. After dropping the snap, he scooped up the ball, stiff-armed Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard twice while running to his right, and before reaching the sideline threw across his body and found Likely in the end zone for a 6-yard touchdown pass. The Ravens’ defense finally stiffened, however, with cornerback Marlon Humphrey intercepting Burrow’s attempted pass to Chase on second-and-15 at the Ravens’ 27 to give Baltimore the ball back with 3:02 left, setting the stage for the wild ending. This article will be updated. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Week 6 Commanders at Ravens Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 7 View the full article

Here’s what The Baltimore Sun sports staff had to say immediately after the Ravens’ 41-38 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Sunday’s Week 5 game at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Childs Walker, reporter: Good lord. That was a wildly entertaining game featuring miraculous stuff from Lamar Jackson and his playmakers, but the Bengals dictated the flow until Marlon Humphrey stepped up with an interception and Nnamdi Madubuike with a sack on Cincinnati’s last two drives of regulation. Those two massive plays sent the game to overtime. And then, unimaginable disaster: Jackson dropped a shotgun snap in Baltimore territory, seemingly handing Cincinnati a game-winning field goal. But the Bengals handed it back with a bad hold on the kick, and Derrick Henry took it home with a 51-yard romp against a tired defense. What can you say to do justice to a game like that? This is why we watch this maddening sport. The Ravens had specialized in making Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow uncomfortable the previous two seasons, but coordinator Zach Orr could not find the formula this time around. When he sent extra rushers, they rarely got home, and Burrow persistently attacked the right coverage matchups. The Ravens are built to dictate tempo, but they simply did not see the ball much in the second and third quarters. That was in part because they made a string of disastrous mistakes. Tylan Wallace, filling in for an injured Deonte Harty, failed to field a punt and let it trickle down to the Baltimore 2-yard line. A mysteriously unblocked Sam Hubbard dropped Henry for a safety on the very next play. Then, the Ravens called timeout facing third-and-10 with less than a minute to go before halftime. Why didn’t they either let the clock run or force Cincinnati to call a timeout? Instead, Jackson threw incomplete, and the Bengals had time to drive for a touchdown that put them up 17-14, with the ball coming their way to start the second half. Roquan Smith could have swung the game back toward the Ravens but could not haul in a deflection deep in Bengals territory. Burrow made the Ravens pay with a series of third-down completions on a touchdown drive that put Cincinnati up 10. The Ravens were back within three in the fourth quarter, in desperate need of a stop, when Ja’Marr Chase took a short completion 70 yards for a touchdown. How did safety Marcus Williams take that poor a tackling angle against the most dynamic playmaker on the field? But Jackson and the offense did their job, attacking loaded boxes designed to stifle the league’s best running game until, finally, the Bengals broke. Mike Preston, columnist: Cincinnati came into the game desperate for a win, and the Bengals almost pulled it out on the strength of their quarterback, Joe Burrow, and receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. When those three get in a rhythm, they are hard to stop, as Burrow threw five touchdown passes Sunday. The Ravens’ secondary, like in the first two games of the season, appeared confused and gave up short passes to the outside, and the Bengals protected Burrow well after the first quarter. But Lamar Jackson answered Burrow in the second half, matching him big play for big play, and the contest lived up to the hype. Jackson carried the Ravens in the second half, especially when the defense faltered, but he came up short in the magic department with his fumble in overtime. Regardless, the NFL has promoted this type of offensive production for several years. The game met those expectations. C.J. Doon, editor: Holy cow. Game of the year? Game of the year. The overtime alone had more emotional swings than a typical senior year of high school. Lamar Jackson, brilliant all game, lost concentration for a spilt-second and fumbled the snap, giving Cincinnati a chance to win. But Evan McPherson missed a 53-yard field goal attempt after the holder bobbled the snap, and Derrick Henry charged ahead for 51 yards on the next play to set up Justin Tucker for an easy chip shot to win the game. It feels like a lifetime ago now, but the Ravens were down 38-28 with 8:54 to go in the fourth quarter and looked done for. They couldn’t get a stop all game, but Jackson kept them in it long enough for the defense to make two game-changing plays: a interception from Marlon Humphrey and a sack by Nnamdi Madubuike. This might have been Jackson’s best performance of his NFL career given how much was on his shoulders with the Ravens trailing for nearly the entire day. We haven’t seen much of that throughout his career, with Baltimore usually the team protecting the lead. Don’t forget Jackson’s touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely after stiff-arming Sam Hubbard and falling out of bounds, which will live forever on the superstar’s career highlight reel. It was that good. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals October 6, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens RB Derrick Henry joins elite company with career milestones Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals live updates: Score tied 38-38 in overtime Baltimore Ravens | Ravens mostly healthy ahead of key AFC showdown against Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Davante Adams to Ravens? WR makes cryptic Edgar Allan Poe posts on social media Tim Schwartz, editor: What the heck just happened?! It’s at least fitting that both teams missed an opportunity to win the game late. Both quarterbacks were magical Sunday. Burrow cut through the Ravens’ defense like a hot knife through butter. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins put on a show, each catching a pair of touchdown passes, and Baltimore’s defense had no answer until it desperately needed one. Marlon Humphrey’s interception changed the game, and Justin Tucker put away any doubts that he might be washed by nailing a 56-yard game-tying field goal to cap an absolute wild fourth quarter that included four touchdowns. The Ravens surely got some luck by having Evan McPherson miss a field goal attempt in overtime after a stunning fumbled snap by Jackson, but they were probably due for some. It’s hard to overstate how big a win that is — burying the Bengals (1-4) in Cincinnati in a key AFC North showdown despite allowing 442 total yards. Jackson and Ravens were just better when they needed to be. Bennett Conlin, editor: Lamar Jackson is unbelievable, and Derrick Henry serves as the perfect backfield complement. Jackson carried the Ravens to a fourth-quarter comeback, showcasing why he’s one of the most competitive players in the league. As cliche as it sounds, Jackson refused to lose — with a fumbled snap his lone blemish. He made accurate throws, dazzled as a runner and put his team over .500 by playing like the league’s Most Valuable Player. The best teams in the NFL can win in a variety of ways, and the Ravens won a shootout Sunday, leaning on Jackson’s eye-popping skills and seemingly magical ability to avoid being sacked. While fans — and the coaching staff — would prefer both offensive and defensive consistency, Baltimore isn’t the last team this season that will be burned by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Baltimore’s defense gave up way too many points and yards, but Jackson and the offense kept pace in the road affair. Zay Flowers looked fantastic, especially after the catch — Ravens fans can take a break from analyzing Davante Adams’ social media posts — and three tight ends contributed in the passing game. The running game produced just enough to keep Cincinnati’s defense on its heels, with Derrick Henry finding the end zone for the 100th time in his career and effectively icing the game with an overtime scamper. Justin Tucker also stepped up, hitting from 56 yards to tie the game late in the fourth quarter and ending it with a short kick in overtime. Sunday’s win was far from perfect, but the best teams can win despite miscues. The Ravens have rapidly flushed the 0-2 start from their system, winning three in a row. There’s plenty to improve on defense with Washington and Jayden Daniels up next, but a win is a win and Marlon Humphrey’s fourth-quarter interception — plus some field goal luck — proved to be just enough defensive help for Jackson. View the full article

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tavius Robinson, right, sacks Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, center, avoids a hit by Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, front, throws a pass as Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9), with Jordan Stout (11) holding, kicks an extra point against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, top, applies a hit on Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) while breaking up a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. Bengals’ Jalen Davis (35) looks on. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, attempts a pass as Cincinnati Bengals safety Geno Stone (22) applies pressure during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman, right, celebrates his first half touchdown with teammates Mark Andrews (89) and Justice Hill (43) during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman runs with the ball while scoring on a touchdown catch against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens, back, breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, left, reacts after collecting a sack on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, bottom, during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman scores on a touchdown pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens (21) breaks up a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, left, runs a route as quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) runs with the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki (88) makes a catch in front of Baltimore Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington (29) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, center left, scores on a touchdown catch during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, right, breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks on before running a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, is hit by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reacts during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard (94) tries to stop him during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) is tripped off by Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Sam Hubbard during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry, bottom, pushes in for a touchdown run against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looks on before running a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) View the full article

CINCINNATI — Ravens running back Derrick Henry’s resume includes a long list of notable accomplishments during his eight-plus seasons in the NFL. He added two more big ones Sunday against the Bengals that speak as much to his ability as it does his longevity. Henry became just the 32nd running back to top 10,000 career rushing yards during the second quarter of the AFC North showdown. With a 1-yard touchdown plunge in the first quarter, Henry also became only the fifth player in NFL history with at least 10,000 rushing yards and 100 touchdowns from scrimmage in his first 125 career games, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith and LaDainian Tomlinson as well as Adrian Peterson. Henry is the 27th player all-time to reach 100 career touchdowns. “[I’m] always grateful for the journey and everyone that’s been a part of it,” Henry said Friday when asked about the 10,000-yard milestone. “I’ve been blessed tremendously, and I’m very thankful to be able to be able to play this long and be able to reach a milestone that big. “All the great ones before me that I idolized — they achieved that accomplishment, so for me to be doing something that the ones that I’ve idolized have done is so cool.” He came into the game needing just 18 rushing yards to reach the increasingly rare mark. The last player to top five figures in career rushing yards was Marshawn Lynch in 2017. “It’s very cool,” Henry said last week. “As a kid I always wanted to play running back and make it to the NFL. “It’s like a kid at a candy store where you can’t believe what’s in front of you achieving that milestone. I’m grateful — grateful for every coach [and] every teammate that helped me get to this part. I’m just very thankful for it all.” Henry, 30, entered the game leading the NFL in rushing with 480 yards on 80 carries for a career-high 6 yards per carry along with five rushing touchdowns and one receiving. His biggest impact has come over the past two weeks. In last week’s blowout win over the Buffalo Bills, Henry had 199 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first offensive play. The week before, he ran for a 151 yards in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals October 6, 2024 | PHOTOS Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals live updates: Cincinnati surges to 17-14 lead at halftime Baltimore Ravens | Ravens mostly healthy ahead of key AFC showdown against Bengals Baltimore Ravens | Davante Adams to Ravens? WR makes cryptic Edgar Allan Poe posts on social media Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals betting guide: Week 5 odds, picks and predictions Henry has twice led the NFL in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. That included in 2020, when was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after he ran for 2,027 yards to become just the eighth player to top 2,000 rushing yards in a season. He hasn’t slowed down much, if at all, since. Over the previous five seasons, Henry leads the league in rushing yards (6,115), runs over 10 yards (139) and touches reaching at least 20 mph (22). Last week against the Bills, he hit 21.29 mph on his franchise record 87-yard run for the second-fastest speed by any ball carrier in Week 4. “Derrick’s kind of a unicorn, to be honest, [with] his combination of speed, power [and] durability,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said earlier this year. “He’s thrived in different systems and done different things. He’s won wherever he’s been, and those kinds of guys are rare.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

The Ravens (2-2) and Bengals (1-3) face off Sunday afternoon in a key AFC North matchup at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Baltimore has won two straight over the Cowboys and Bills, while Cincinnati is coming off its first win of the season over the Panthers. Follow along here for live coverage. View the full article

The Ravens will enter their first AFC North game of the season remarkably healthy. All 52 players on the active roster practiced Friday in Owings Mills, two days ahead of Sunday’s showdown against the rival Bengals (1-3) at Paycor Stadium. Only cornerback Arthur Maulet (knee/hamstring), who began his 21-day window to return Wednesday, was ruled out on the final injury report of the week after being absent for a second straight day. He suffered a “soft-tissue” setback, according to coach John Harbaugh, who said that Maulet’s return to practice next week will be “day-to-day.” Wide receiver and kick returner Deonte Harty (knee), meanwhile, was listed as questionable despite being a full participant in practice. Left guard Andrew Vorhees (ankle) and running back Rasheen Ali (neck) were also full participants and listed as questionable. Elsewhere in practice, running back Keaton Mitchell, who has been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of the season after tearing his ACL in mid-December, was jogging on a side field. While he is still not close to being activated, two weeks ago Mitchell wrote on X that he was “blessed to see 20+ mph again,” adding that his return would be in due time. Asked Thursday about a timeline on Mitchell’s return, Harbaugh said only that he’s “right on schedule.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Davante Adams to Ravens? WR makes cryptic Edgar Allan Poe posts on social media Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals betting guide: Week 5 odds, picks and predictions Baltimore Ravens | 5 Sunday specials at Baltimore-area restaurants to try during Ravens season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher “The schedule was to be back this season,” he said. “He’s not close enough yet to really talk about it, but he’s doing really well.” As for the Bengals, they are largely healthy with coach Zac Taylor telling reporters Friday that edge rushers Trey Hendrickson (neck/back) and Myles Murphy (knee) along with defensive tackles B.J. Hill (hamstring) and McKinnley Jackson (knee) will all play Sunday. Only Murphy was listed as questionable. Cincinnati could however be without cornerback Mike Hilton, who didn’t practice all week after suffering a knee injury during Sunday’s win over the Carolina Panthers. He is listed as questionable. It is likely, however, that the Bengals will be without defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring), who did not practice this week and is listed as doubtful. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

Could Davante Adams be headed to the Ravens? The disgruntled three-time All Pro wide receiver who has asked the Las Vegas Raiders to trade him posted a picture of Edgar Allan Poe on his Instagram Live on Friday afternoon. He then posted a more cryptic Poe quote: “Believe nothing you hear and half of what you see.” Poe, of course, lived on and off in Baltimore and died in the city in 1847. His poem, “The Raven,” also inspired the name of Baltimore’s professional football team. Whether the Ravens can or even would be interested in acquiring the six-time Pro Bowl selection, however, remains to be seen. The Raiders have reportedly asked for a second-round draft pick plus compensation. Baltimore does have a second-rounder among its cache of seven picks in next year’s draft, along with four compensatory mid- and late-round picks. However, acquiring Adams would immediately count $13.5 million against the cap, a number that will decline with each passing week down to $8.6 million at the Nov. 5 trade deadline. The Ravens currently have just $4.3 million in cap space, though they could clear more room by unloading a player as part of the deal and restructuring the contract of quarterback Lamar Jackson or others. The Raiders could also be willing to pay some of Adams’ salary, thus further reducing his salary cap hit. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals betting guide: Week 5 odds, picks and predictions Baltimore Ravens | 5 Sunday specials at Baltimore-area restaurants to try during Ravens season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ According to BetCalifornia.com, Baltimore has the fourth-best odds at +1000, or a 9.1% chance, to acquire him. Only the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints have better odds. NFL Network reported Friday morning that Adams would prefer to go to the Jets to reunite with with his friend and four-time NFL Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers. The Ravens are certainly familiar with Adams, who lit up Baltimore for nine catches for 110 yards and a touchdown in the Raiders’ Week 2 upset of Baltimore. “You know how we feel about our guys,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said when asked about Adams on Wednesday. “I really can’t comment on anybody else’s players. We talked about Davante Adams a couple of weeks ago and I didn’t want to talk anything about him after the game – we had seen enough at that point. We love our guys.” Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

After an 0-2 start, the Ravens (2-2) are one win and a Steelers loss from pulling into a tie atop the AFC North through five games. How’s that for a potential bounce back? A Baltimore victory coupled with a Pittsburgh defeat is a plausible result, with a Ravens road win at the Bengals (1-3) and a Steelers home loss to the Cowboys yielding +268 odds on FanDuel, one of the sportsbooks legally available in Maryland. A moneyline parlay with +268 odds is hardly a long shot. As for Baltimore winning its game against Cincinnati, the Ravens hold -142 odds to win the game on FanDuel, meaning bettors would need to wager $142 on a Ravens win to profit $100. Baltimore is a 2 1/2-point betting favorite against Joe Burrow and the Bengals on Sunday afternoon, and the total is hovering around 49 points across most sportsbooks. Bettors are bullish on the Ravens winning, according to data from bet-tracking company Pikkit. Just over 75% of Pikkit bettors have wagered on the Ravens to win the game. Points, points and more points Lamar Jackson shared frustration this week with bettors sliding into his DMs and complaining about how his recent statistical performances caused them to lose wagers. Don’t do that, folks. Sports betting is meant to be a form of entertainment, and it’s important to gamble responsibly. Part of responsible gambling means wagering amounts of money you can afford to lose and to stop betting if it’s harming your emotional wellbeing. If you’re messaging Jackson to complain about your bet, it’s time to put your phone down or call 1-800-GAMBLER. We’ll stay away from looking at prop bets this week, perhaps helping keep Jackson’s DMs free of angry betting messages for at least one week. My favorite bet of the Ravens’ Week 5 contest with Cincinnati is over 48 1/2 points. I’m expecting gobs of points Sunday in Cincinnati, as Jackson and Burrow are among the two best quarterbacks in the NFL, and they’re playing well this year. Jackson is the sixth-highest graded quarterback on Pro Football Focus this year, and Burrow checks in at No. 11. The quarterbacks have combined for 12 touchdown passes and just two interceptions this season. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | 5 Sunday specials at Baltimore-area restaurants to try during Ravens season Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali returns to practice Both teams rank in the top 10 in scoring, with the Bengals averaging 30.7 points per game over their past three contests after a sluggish 10-point showing in Week 1. Baltimore, which leads the NFL in yards per game with 429.5, puts up 26.5 points per game and scored 35 against Buffalo in its most recent outing. Defensively, Cincinnati allows 26 points per game, the fifth-worst mark in the NFL. The Bengals’ defense is struggling and banged up, and recent Bengals-Ravens games have a history of being higher scoring. Both of last year’s contests saw more than 50 combined points, even with Baltimore leading the NFL in scoring defense in 2023. Each team’s offense looks to be performing ahead of their respective defense, and Sunday’s weather in Cincinnati — the high temperature is 86 degrees — looks ideal. There’s some wind (approximately 10-15 mph), but the weather shouldn’t negatively affect the chance of an over bet hitting. Best bet: Over 48.5 points (-115 odds on FanDuel) Have a news tip? Contact Bennett Conlin at bconlin@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/BennettConlin. View the full article

As football season ramps up, the specials begin appearing on menus and chalkboards en masse: beer buckets, BOGO burgers, bottomless pitchers, 99-cent wings. Baltimore has Ravens fans to feed, and its bars and restaurants clamor to lead them to barstools with the juiciest bargains. To make the most of the season, here are five Baltimore-area establishments with Sunday specials, some branded for game day and some just a good deal: A sampling of specials for football fans offered at Atlantic Food & Spirits in Catonsville include, clockwise from left, mushroom flatbread, honey and Old Bay wings, Buffalo chicken flatbread, and traditional Buffalo wings. On Sunday game day and Monday Night Football, specials include $5 off all flatbreads, $10 chicken wings, and $1 Maryland Bay oysters. (Amy Davis/Staff) Atlantic Food & Spirits The large amount of space at Catonsville’s Atlantic Food & Spirits allows for multiple kinds of experiences: lively dinner with friends on the deck, date night in the dining room, a quick trip to the adjoining liquor store or Sunday football in the bar. At the latter, game day drink specials include $5 Natural Lights, $5 National Bohemians, $10 bucket specials and $6 crushes, according to a promotional menu provided by management. The Aperol crush was particularly refreshing, less bitter than the traditional spritz but not as sweet as a typical crush. Also in the bar for game days, Maryland bay oysters are buck-a-shuck — this applies on Thursdays, too — and chicken wings go for $10 with eight sauce choices. I went with fried with honey Old Bay, and the thick crunch was a toothsome delight with the subtle sauce, leaving a small pool of honey on the plate. Thin-crusted flatbreads are $5 off the normal range of $14 to $22 in variants like buffalo chicken and gruyère-rich mushroom. In addition, crab nachos are a fan favorite, my server said. Thin wontons serve as chips, loaded with jumbo lump crab, roasted tomatoes and corn, cheese sauce, everything bagel seasoning and scallions. For dessert, doughnut holes cooked with duck fat are balanced by a deep red wine maple sauce. 2205 Frederick Road, Catonsville, 410-441-3954, atlanticfoodandspirits.com The Strongman pizza at HomeSlyce HomeSlyce Somehow, HomeSlyce — boasting six locations in the region — feels like both a sports bar and a classy pizza joint. A league of televisions at the downtown location inspired a rambunctious crowd during the US Open when I visited, but the red, lightly stylish interiors set the scene for intentional and refined pizzas. Every day has a special, and on Sundays, it’s a 12-inch premium pizza and six wings for $25 (or upgrade the pizza to 16 inches for $35), as well as 20% off with a student ID. “Premium” here does not mean the lackluster discount pizzas but actually 15 strong options. Take the Falafelicious pizza, which features hummus, roasted red peppers, red onions, mozzarella, slightly spicy sauce and falafel. HomeSlyce smartly just used bits of the falafel to get touches of crispiness instead of weighing the whole pie down. Likewise, the Salmon Catch has fat chunks of fish complemented by lemony mozzarella and ricotta, banana peppers, roasted tomatoes and garlic butter. Crusts are thin but not at all floppy, sturdy enough to hold the unusual toppings. The wings also exceeded expectations for cheap eats: extra large and in flavors like the heat-plus-sweet mango habanero and bayou Cajun. 336 N. Charles St., 443-501-4000; 3333 N. Charles St., 443-315-4046; 900 S. Kenwood Ave., 443-501-4000; 1711 York Road, Timonium, 410-616-4360; 12186 Clarksville Pike Ste.17-18, Clarksville, 443-552-0200; 9400 Snowden River Parkway Ste. 127,128, Columbia, 443-491-4000; homeslyce.com Johnny’s in Roland Park. (Baltimore Sun file) Johnny’s The upscale Foreman Wolf outpost in Roland Park is far from a sports bar, but fans can nab seats in sight of a television and enjoy half-priced bottles of wine after 4:30 p.m. during dinner service on Sundays. The wine list is helpfully divided into sections like “Salty & Crispy Snacks” and “Burgers & Red Meat,” and my server seemed thrilled to be asked for pairings. She went for bold ones like a red (the ripe Mas de Boislauzon Vin de France “La Chaussynette”) with fish (perfectly pan-seared Atlantic salmon with green beans and charred-onion agrodolce). Zardetto brut prosecco cut through the fry on moist fish and chips, and grüner veltliner harmonized with shellfish. Go for the fried oysters — which remained luscious inside their cornmeal dredge and are served with “Old Bayoli” — over the steamed PEI mussels, which were blander than their bright-orange tomato-pepper broth would imply. 4800 Roland Ave., 410-773-0777, johnnysdownstairs.com Little Havana in South Baltimore. (Baltimore Sun file) Little Havana Although there are TVs for football indoors, brunch at South Baltimore’s Little Havana is best enjoyed outside in view of the Patapsco River and Baltimore skyline, sipping one of the unlimited bloody marys or mimosas. Bottomless brunch drinks run $20 per person from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays, and in my experience, the staff is generally pretty relaxed about procuring outdoor seats and not rushing you out of them on a nice day. The menu combines American breakfast foods with Latin influences, with dishes like the Papas Bowl, made up of roasted potatoes with sofrito, fried eggs and jalapeño crema, or the Santiago Wrap with scrambled eggs, chorizo, pico de gallo and cheese, plus sweet potato fries and mojo sauce. 1325 Key Highway, 410-837-9903, littlehavanas.com Crucchy Chorizo Tacos from Papi's Tacos located at 3820 Falls Road.Kenneth Lam / Baltimore SunChorizo tacos from Papi’s Tacos. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Papi’s Tacos The rules are strict for the Sunday special at Papi’s Tacos, located in Fells Point, Hamden, Waltherson, Towson and Ocean City, but the value is worth it for hungry guests. At the bar only, get all-you-can-eat tacos for $20 from 5 p.m. until close. They come in chicken tinga, “gringo” beef, chorizo or veggie, and the first four must be the same base, though diners can mix it up with two of the same kind at a time after that, according to staff. To-go boxes are forbidden, but these tacos are piled high and will leave you full into the next meal or two. Navigating hers, my dining partner said, “It’s so full I can’t even tell where the [tortilla] is.” Should you need more food than this, the yuca frita has a great fried crust, though soft inside, with a pico salad, or the mole poblano enchiladas will warm the soul as it gets colder. But the esquites could have had more seasoning, and some of the fruity margaritas lean toward the overly saccharine. 1703 Aliceanna St., 443-438-9144; 3820 Falls Road, 443-449-5796; 4801 Harford Road, 443-835-2071; 826 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, 443-275-2546; 1500 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 443-664-8611; papistacojoint.com Have a news tip? Contact Kendyl Kearly at kkearly@baltsun.com. View the full article

Here’s how The Baltimore Sun sports staff views the outcome of Sunday’s Week 5 game between the Ravens (2-2) and Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati: Brian Wacker, reporter Ravens 27, Bengals 20: Baltimore has rediscovered its identity by turning back the clock and leaning on its running attack. Don’t be surprised if they do the same against the Bengals, who are 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (145.5) and 18th in yards per carry allowed (4.4). Cincinnati is also 27th in points allowed per game (26). But with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they also have enough firepower to put up points on the Ravens. Running back Zack Moss also tormented Baltimore’s defense when he was with the Colts last season. But it won’t be enough to keep up with a Ravens team that is hitting its stride offensively. Childs Walker, reporter Ravens 30, Bengals 24: As long as the Bengals have Joe Burrow throwing to Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, they’ll be a threat. They’re better than their 0-3 start, especially on offense. The Ravens don’t want to spot Cincinnati a lead and have the game turn into a throwing contest. The good news for the Ravens is they have the right playmakers to punish a Cincinnati defense that has lost a lot of talent over the last few years. Led by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, they’ll try to follow the same script that worked against the Cowboys and Bills. The Bengals won’t be the team to stop them. Mike Preston, columnist Ravens 33, Bengals 28: For the third straight week, the Ravens will play a defense that can’t stop the run. The Bengals are tied for 25th in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing 145.5 yards per game, and that bodes well for running back Derrick Henry (480 yards, averaging 6 yards per carry) and quarterback Lamar Jackson (380, 7.5). Cincinnati is ranked 11th in pass defense, but the Bengals have given up big plays over the top in previous years. That should work in the Ravens’ favor because this game has the potential to be a shootout. Cincinnati has Joe Burrow at quarterback and his receivers, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, can make big plays against a Ravens secondary that has struggled in coverage. The Ravens, though, finally have a speedy cornerback in rookie Nate Wiggins, even though he still struggles in man coverage and uses his hands too much at the line of scrimmage. Regardless, the Ravens have a more complete team and should win. C.J. Doon, editor Ravens 31, Bengals 20: The Bengals’ offense sure looks scary when Ja’Marr Chase is playing at full speed, but their defense might be one of the worst in the league, especially against the run. Here comes Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, who bulldozed the Bills last week to push Baltimore’s league-best average to a staggering 220.3 rushing yards per game. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken should lean on that punishing ground game to sustain long drives and keep Joe Burrow and Cincinnati’s offense off the field. If the Ravens stick to that script, this should be a comfortable division win on the road, a rarity in the AFC North. Don’t rule out another head-scratching Baltimore turnover or a defensive mistake making it closer than it should be, though. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali returns to practice Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sack leader Kyle Van Noy named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams and more | COMMENTARY Tim Schwartz, editor Ravens 28, Bengals 21: The Ravens have found their stride on offense and defense, looking much like the team that finished with the best record in the NFL during Sunday night’s thrashing of the Bills at M&T Bank Stadium. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have proved to be as dynamic together as we thought they might on paper, and the Bengals’ defense has allowed 16, 26, 38 and 24 points in their four games this season (and that 16 came against the Patriots, who have one of the NFL’s worst offenses). Baltimore should have no problem moving the ball in Cincinnati. Slowing down Joe Burrow, who looked much better in Week 3 (albeit against the lowly Panthers), is a taller task. Ja’Marr Chase looks as explosive as ever, and Tee Higgins should look better as he puts a hamstring injury behind him. We’ve seen the Bengals’ offense put up some big numbers against Baltimore, but consider me a believer in the Ravens’ defense being able to match up well against those star wide receivers this time. Bennett Conlin, editor Ravens 35, Bengals 24: The Bengals have struggled defensively this season, but they’ve also faced high-powered offenses led by star quarterbacks (Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels) in two of their three losses. Unfortunately for Cincinnati, Lamar Jackson doesn’t offer a reprieve. It’s hard to see how a defense ranking last in the NFL in pass rush grade and ninth-worst in tackling (Pro Football Focus) will stop Jackson and a Ravens offense seemingly hitting its stride. Look for Baltimore to find success in both the running and passing game Sunday against Cincinnati. The Bengals will need to keep up on the scoreboard, but I’m not sure they can. View the full article

Through four weeks, the Ravens own the NFL’s top rushing attack. Baltimore has gashed opposing defenses on the ground, averaging 220.3 rushing yards per game, including consecutive 270-plus yard performances. While Derrick Henry has the lion’s share of those yards, fifth-year running back Justice Hill is also doing his part. Hill, who recently signed a two-year, $6 million contract extension, brings a different dimension to the Ravens’ backfield. At 5 feet 10 and 195 pounds, Hill isn’t the physical bruiser that his 6-2, 247-pound counterpart is. However, Hill is a dynamic receiving threat who challenges opposing defenses with his shiftiness and explosiveness. “He has improved as a player. He was a good player coming in, kind of a speed back,” coach John Harbaugh said. “You saw him as a third-down back. Nothing gets this guy down. There’s nothing that can break him. He just keeps coming in and he’s got a smile on his face. He works hard. A really smart person. Understands the game, understands the entire offense. You could probably line him up at every position and he’d know what to do for sure, every skill position at least. He probably knows the blocking schemes too.” The former Oklahoma State standout showed off his smarts and speed Sunday night in prime-time with a team-high six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown in a commanding 35-10 win over the Buffalo Bills. Sixty-six of those yards came after the catch, particularly effective on screens and swing passes. “He’s explosive,” quarterback Lamar Jackson said of Hill. “I believe he showed it last year. He was showing glimpses of it last year, but this year, he’s just taking it to whole another level. I don’t know if it’s because he got paid or something, but he’s doing his thing right now. I’m loving it.” With the Ravens ahead 14-3 in the second quarter, Hill showcased that dynamism. Lined up on Jackson’s right, he sprinted out of the backfield on a wheel route. Hill faked with a step inside and then quickly shifted outside, leaving Bills linebacker Dorian Williams in the dust for a 19-yard score. “It was fun,” Hill said. “It was a good play. My teammates have seen me do that in practice, so it was nothing new to the guys. It was fun that it finally happened in a game.” The veteran running back delivered in another critical situation later in the game with the Ravens ahead 21-10 in the third quarter. Facing a third-and-7 at the Bills’ 26-yard line, Hill caught a pass in the flat from Jackson and broke multiple tackles to keep the drive alive, setting up first-and-goal. One play later, Jackson sprinted in from 9 yards out. Hill’s presence has been particularly valuable with running back Keaton Mitchell, who burst onto the scene last year with similar explosiveness, on injured reserve. Mitchell suffered a torn ACL in Week 15 last season and has not yet been activated from injured reserve. While he moves closer to returning, Hill has bolstered the Ravens’ big-play ability in the backfield with 14 carries for 76 yards and 18 catches for 161 yards. But he’s not satisfied. “I want to grow in every aspect, not just one or two areas,” Hill said. “So, overall, I’ve just gotten better at running the ball, processing a little faster, slowing things down in my mind. Also, pass blocking and catching. So, I’ve improved at pretty much everything.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali returns to practice Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sack leader Kyle Van Noy named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams and more | COMMENTARY Jackson’s talent as a runner further compounds the challenge opposing defenses face in slowing down the Ravens’ run game. Henry and Hill’s complementary skill sets make his life easier as a quarterback. Defenses are forced to respect the versatile elements of the Ravens’ backfield. It’s a challenge that cornerback Marlon Humphrey and the Ravens’ defense face in practice every day. It pushes them to get better, but as Humphrey said, “I see the nightmares that other teams face.” Heading into their first divisional matchup in Cincinnati on Sunday afternoon, that versatility will be a key element against a banged-up Bengals defense. “I can just put the ball in those guys hands and let those guys work,” Jackson said. “And then, when I have to throw the ball, I’ll work. Those guys help out with blocking as well, not just running the ball. Justice just had a touchdown catch. Derrick Henry just had a touchdown catch as well. So, they’re doing it all right now.” View the full article

Fifteen minutes after Thursday’s two-hour practice in Owings Mills, Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley and rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten, were still at it, drenched in the sweat and stains of another day’s labor and engaged with one another, hands on shoulder pads, pushing and pulling. Rosengarten, fresh off his first start in Baltimore’s dominating 35-10 win Sunday over the Buffalo Bills, was looking to glean some insight on balance and hand placement from the ninth-year veteran and one-time All-Pro. “Ron’s done it all,” Rosengarten told The Sun. “He’s been at the highest level for a really long time, so every piece of information I can get from him, I’ll take it.” Through the first month of the season, the Ravens’ young offensive line with three new starters has taken it, too. The criticism has at times been fierce, particularly after losing to the Chiefs in Kansas City in the season opener and following a mistake-filled defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium. From a string of mind-numbing penalties to lackluster performances, their struggles permeated through the team’s. But over the past two weeks, the group has seemed to find its footing. It started with a 28-25 road win over the Dallas Cowboys in which the Ravens gashed them for 274 rushing yards, including 151 from running back Derrick Henry. Against the Bills, another 271, including 199 from Henry, who ripped off an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first offensive play to set the tone. While it has been a group effort, no one has perhaps stood out more than Stanley, both in his play and his leadership. “Ronnie Stanley deserves so much credit,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said earlier this week. “He’s really having a good year, and he’s got a lot of football left in him. I expect him to keep improving. I think he’s going to keep on the rise. “A lot of times, he was singled up out there in pass protection and just did a really good job. In the run game, reach blocks, down blocks, had some good cutoff blocks, screen blocks; he had a couple really good screen blocks that sprung some screens. So, yes, it was good.” And much improved from last season. Last year, Stanley missed four games because of a knee injury, including both against the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals, who the Ravens play Sunday at Paycor Stadium. But even when he was on the field, he didn’t perform to the level he expected, which is why the Ravens went so far as to rotate him down the stretch of the regular season. In June, Stanley acknowledged that his play last season was “killing him.” It was hurting the Ravens, too, which is why in March they restructured the five-year, $98.75 million contract he’d signed in 2020. Doing so cleared salary cap space but also sent a message after Stanley missed 36 games during that span because of injuries. Ronnie Stanley, right, has helped mentor younger offensive linemen like right tackle Roger Rosengarten. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) And that message apparently sunk in. “I thought it was very motivating to get back to what I expect myself to be,” Stanley said Thursday. “The performance I had in the past were always something that gave me something to work harder and make sure I never go back to that place I was.” Instead, he’s returned to the form that made him one of the best at his position. Stanley ranks first in pass-block win rate, according to ESPN analytics, and his PFF grade of 88.3 ranks second among all offensive tackles in the league, trailing only Jordan Mailata of the Philadelphia Eagles. In all, he has allowed just four pressures and no sacks and his 3.2% pressure rate allowed ranks sixth in the NFL going into Week 5. Unsurprisingly, the rest of the offense has flourished alongside him. The Ravens lead the NFL yards per game (429.5), rushing yards (881) and Henry leads all rushers with 480 yards and a career-high of 6 yards per carry. He is also fourth in yards before first contact (3.84), while Baltimore ranks fifth in points per game (26.5). And perhaps no single play has crystallized the unit’s improvement more than Henry’s 87-yard touchdown for what was the longest run in franchise history. “I don’t think it’s any magic pill,” Stanley said. “I just think it’s hard work. It’s just a cumulation of consistency and guys coming in every day and working hard. When you do that, a lot is going to get better.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali returns to practice Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sack leader Kyle Van Noy named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams and more | COMMENTARY That includes Stanley, who has been a constant presence at practice since the voluntary workouts in the summer and into the first month of the season. He’s also fitter and healthier and been a leader among the group — if not by voice, then by example. “Ronnie just kind of goes about his business,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “He’s more cerebral than he is vocal. [He] just really understands what we’re trying to do, [and] what he’s trying to do, and what he’s trying to accomplish. “So, those things he really gets it.” So, too, it seems do the Ravens, who four games into the season seem to have found their offensive identity and have succeeded because of their offensive line rather than in spite of it. Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. View the full article

For the second straight day, the Ravens designated a player to return from the injured reserve list. Rookie running back Rasheen Ali was limited in practice Thursday, his first action since being placed on the injured reserve in September following a neck injury. Ali, a fifth-round pick out of Marshall, will add depth to a Ravens backfield leading the NFL in rushing with 220.3 yards per game. Special teams coordinator Chris Horton also has a role in mind for the rookie after Ali’s extensive work with the unit during the preseason. Ali’s speed and elusiveness make him a potential asset in the return game. In college, he returned five kickoffs for 173 yards and a 97-yard touchdown. ”He was trending in the right direction,” Horton said. “When his time comes, it’s going to be our job to have him ready to play Ravens special teams football.” Baltimore is also waiting for the return of second-year running back Keaton Mitchell, who averaged 8.4 yards per carry last season. Mitchell, who is recovering from knee surgery, is expected to return at some point this season, although an official return timeline is to be determined. Cornerback Arthur Maulet, who was designated to return Wednesday, was the only missing player from practice Thursday as he battles knee and hamstring injuries. Both Ali and Maulet are in their respective 21-day windows to be added to the active roster or placed on the season-ending injured reserve list. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens sack leader Kyle Van Noy named AFC Defensive Player of the Month Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams and more | COMMENTARY Elsewhere on the injury report, offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees was limited in practice for the second straight day with an ankle injury. Defensive lineman Michael Pierce (shoulder), Brent Urban (neck) and linebacker Chris Board (ankle) were all full participants in practice Thursday. As for the Bengals (1-3), the team’s injury statuses remained the same as Wednesday’s update. Quarterback Joe Burrow (right wrist), tight end Tanner Hudson (knee), defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. (thumb) and guard Cordell Volson (ankle) were all full participants in Thursday’s practice. Cincinnati’s defense continues to deal with injuries, as cornerback Mike Hilton (knee) and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (hamstring) both missed Thursday’s practice. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson (neck/back), defensive tackle B.J. Hill (hamstring) and linebacker Germaine Pratt (ankle) were all limited participants. View the full article

While the Ravens are looking ahead to Sunday’s divisional showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, the stellar September play of one Raven was still a focus across the NFL on Thursday. Linebacker Kyle Van Noy was named AFC Defensive Player of the Month after recording nine quarterback hits, eight tackles, seven tackles for loss and six sacks in September. Van Noy won the monthly honor despite suffering a fractured orbital bone in the team’s season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. Van Noy, the first Raven to win the award since linebacker Roquan Smith in 2022, put an exclamation point on his award-winning month with a strip sack of Bills quarterback Josh Allen to blow up a trick play in the second half of the Ravens’ 35-10 win. “It’s awesome to play with the group of guys we have in that room,” Van Noy said of his fellow pass rushers. “We all hold each other accountable and [coordinator] Zack [Orr] has been putting together some great plans together. It’s been fun.” Van Noy’s award is just a snippet of the success seen from Baltimore’s pass rushers. The group is playing well in what is becoming a complete unit for the Ravens under Orr, the team’s first-year defensive coordinator. “I’ve been benefitting from everybody,” Van Noy said. “Travis [Jones] is having an outstanding year and with him and [Nnamdi] Madubuike taking on double teams and creating havoc, it allows me to be able to do my job.” Van Noy, who leads the Ravens with six sacks and was the only NFL player to record multiple sacks in three or more games in September, is being supported on the outside by fellow pass rusher Odafe Oweh, who has registered 3 1/2 sacks of his own early in the season, showing the explosiveness and ability expected of him after being selected 31st overall in 2021. “We’ve always known about his talent and work ethic,” Orr said. “Now to see him healthy and making plays for us is great. He’s been good for us this entire season.” On the interior, Jones has been productive, clogging up holes and providing opportunities for his teammates to focus on playing downhill and being disruptive in their roles. “Travis Jones has been getting better every single year,” Orr said. “I think this year is going to continue to be a breakout year for him — he pops on the film and he’s a rock in there on the interior. Edge guys know that that helps those guys out.” Kyle Van Noy has led a Ravens pass rush that has 13 sacks through four games. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Van Noy specifically has been able to focus on simply rushing the passer, even adding in suggestions to help out the young coordinator. “All he does is come here and work every single day in the classroom and on the field,” Orr said. “He’s one of the smartest players I’ve personally been around — he knows a lot of football. And he understands situations and understands offenses. It’s a credit all to him that we can do different things with him, because he can handle it and execute it at a high level.” Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals staff picks: Who will win Sunday’s game in Cincinnati? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Justice Hill ‘doing his thing’ alongside NFL’s leading rusher Baltimore Ravens | Ronnie Stanley’s resurgence key to Ravens’ NFL-leading ground attack: ‘Ron’s done it all’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens rookie running back Rasheen Ali returns to practice Baltimore Ravens | Mike Preston’s Ravens mailbag: Answering questions about Derrick Henry, Marcus Williams and more | COMMENTARY Now, Orr’s unit looks to the battle against a familiar face as quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals host the Ravens on Sunday. Flanked again with his two receiving weapons on the outside in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, the Bengals rank ninth in the NFL in scoring at 25.5 points per game. Their passing attack, which averages 236 yards per game, ranks sixth in the NFL. “I think the biggest challenge is not letting [Burrow] know where to go with the football, and then really trying to switch stuff up on him,” Orr said. “He’s a really good football player; he’s really smart.” Despite the challenges the Bengals pose, Orr and Van Noy are confident the defense can show up and compete fresh off a big win and award-winning September performance. The Ravens held Buffalo’s high-powered offense to just 10 points last weekend. Van Noy believes the defense’s best is yet to come. “It’s only a matter of time, it’s going to come alive,” Van Noy said. “We’re going to have a game where it’s going to pop and everyone’s going to eat.” View the full article

Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions in the middle of each week throughout the Ravens season. A week after the Ravens (2-2) held off the Dallas Cowboys, they crushed the Buffalo Bills, 35-10, on “Sunday Night Football” for their first signature victory. Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers: (Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.) How surprising was it to see the Ravens easily dispose of Buffalo on Sunday night? — Ed Helinski I thought the Ravens would win, but not totally dismantle Buffalo. The Bills have been a soft team for years, but they also seemed ill-prepared to play the Ravens. They have had some injuries on defense, especially at linebacker, but they weren’t ready for a physical team like the Ravens. Days before the game, I thought it might come down to Josh Allen versus Lamar Jackson, but once the Ravens defense took running back Cook out of the game, the Bills had no other playmakers. Their receivers ran pretty vanilla routs and the Ravens manhandled Buffalo’s defensive line. The Ravens also hammered Buffalo’s offensive line, and the trick play to Allen showed the desperation of the Bills to manufacture points. I thought the Ravens might win by four to seven points, but the 35-10 final was impressive. But the season is still young. I never thought Buffalo was the best team in the NFL or even in the AFC. It’s way too early to make that claim, just as it is to say Baltimore is the best team in the conference. We will see at the end of the 2024 season. I like Todd Monken, and his first 20 scripted plays to start the game are usually spot-on. However, it feels like his play-calling becomes questionable when we have a lead. For example, we opened the second half Sunday night with two consecutive three-and-outs, with the first drive consisting of three straight pass plays — even though we had been dominating with the run. I understand that the defense has also struggled in the second half, but I believe they wear down because the offense can’t sustain drives. What are your thoughts on the Ravens’ second-half struggles? — Orlando from Hanover Orlando, the Ravens opened the third quarter with three straight passing plays and maybe that’s because they learned that starting Buffalo safety Taylor Rapp was out of the game after he tried to tackle running back Derrick Henry earlier. If a team faces second-and-10 and third-and-10, they really have no other choice but to throw. They ran Henry twice in the next series, but 5 of his yards on first down were nullified because of a false start penalty, and then Jackson was sacked on third-and-10. Maybe Monken was trying to send a message to his team that the Ravens were going to come out and be aggressive instead of trying to run down the clock with the running game. Overall, I thought Monken called a great game and the Ravens finished with more than 400 yards of total offense. Offensively, the Ravens have to be more opportunistic and run some time off in the fourth. As for the fourth-quarter collapses by the defense, most of the starters didn’t play in the preseason. A team can do all the conditioning it wants, but nothing replaces 60 minutes of game time on Sunday. I saw the Ravens, especially their secondary and especially in the first three games in the fourth quarter, get tired. They were also replacing three defensive assistant coaches, and it has probably caused some confusion in the secondary. Plus, few of the playmakers stepped up. Jackson and Zay Flowers did in the Dallas game to secure the victory, but that wasn’t the case in the first two games. Against Buffalo, the Bills weren’t much of a threat after early in the third. Mike, you have stated that wide receivers in the NFL are divas. (I find it ironic that Marquise “Hollywood” Brown’s greatest success was under a Greg Roman offense, yet he still demanded a trade). Assuming that the Ravens continue their run-first mentality on offense, how does the coaching staff balance team success with the diva whispers from the receivers? — Dan H. from Elkton I’m sure some of the receivers aren’t happy about their lack of production, but that will change week to week just like it did for Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce. Right now, who can complain? The Ravens have won two straight games with a strong running attack. Only tight end Mark Andrews, because of previous standout years, has earned the right to complain. Veteran receiver Nelson Agholor knows his role is limited and fellow wideout Rashod Bateman should just play and be quiet. Tight end Isaiah Likely might be a star someday, but he has only been productive for one season when Andrews got hurt last year. Related Articles Baltimore Ravens | Staff picks for Week 5 of 2024 NFL season: Cowboys vs. Steelers, Bills vs. Texans and more Baltimore Ravens | Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 5: Who has the edge? Baltimore Ravens | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson responds to social media criticism: ‘Trying to win games … not to help people’s parlay’ Baltimore Ravens | Ravens have perfect practice attendance, Bengals battling key injuries ahead of divisional clash Baltimore Ravens | Can (and should) the Ravens trade for Davante Adams? Here’s what to know. Fortunately for the Ravens, they don’t have any divas at receiver. Flowers touched the ball a lot in the first two games, maybe too much, but he is only in his second year. Before a receiver can become a diva, at least make a Pro Bowl team once or twice. If not, just be quiet and play. If that doesn’t happen, there are always other options for coach John Harbaugh to fill positions. This Ravens team is not star-studded, and the best athlete on the team, Jackson, prefers to win more than anything else. So far, he hasn’t complained about his statistics. The receivers should follow his lead. Because of his past workload and age, I thought that the Ravens stated that Derrick Henry was going to run the ball 10 to 20 times a game. Obviously, he is now assuming a larger workload. Do you think Henry can last a full season carrying that large workload, even though Justice Hill has performed well in his limited snaps? Keaton Mitchell can’t return soon enough. — Bob in North Carolina Bob, it’s all about balance. Again, I’m not talking about the run-pass ratio being even, but a team has to be versatile in its attack. Against Kansas City and Las Vegas, the Ravens had to throw more because both teams had strong defensive lines. Against Buffalo and Dallas, the Ravens attacked with the running game because they could physically handle both teams, and that will probably happen Sunday versus Cincinnati. The running game sets up the play-action passes as well as the run-pass options for Jackson, and that’s when the Ravens are at their best. It makes no difference if you run or throw the ball, just win — whatever it takes. Jackson has already proven that he can win a lot of games in the NFL with both his legs and arm, and that makes the Ravens offense diversified. A team needs that type of confidence headed into every game, and the Ravens have enough tools to be successful. Ravens safety Marcus Williams celebrates after recovering a fumble against the Cowboys in Week 3. (Ron Jenkins/Getty) Through four games now, I’ve RARELY seen safety Marcus Williams make a play, let alone an impact play. Is that a product of how Zach Orr has him positioned on the back end? Or he just isn’t the impactful player anymore that Eric DeCosta paid a lot of money for? — Paul in Orlando Williams has battled injuries the last couple of seasons, but every player can’t be a star. The Ravens have several on defense in middle linebacker Roquan Smith, outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy, end Madubuike and safety Kyle Hamilton, and Williams fits nicely into the mix as a role player. Has he been overpaid during his time in Baltimore? Yes, but he played well during his five years in New Orleans which earned him the five-year, $70 million contract to bring him here to Baltimore in March of 2022. Williams plays a decent center field and really is a free safety. Hamilton plays more near the line of scrimmage as a strong safety and this secondary needs to get better. Hamilton needs to improve in coverage on the back end, especially in open-field tackling, and yes, Williams can have more impact. Cornerback Brandon Stephens always had great position, but never turns to look for the ball. Even Smith struggled early in the season, so there is time for a turnaround. There were a lot of people who wrote cornerback Marlon Humphrey off last year and he has played surprisingly well at times on both the inside and outside. Maybe Williams can play at a high level again. Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article

Baltimore Sun staff writers pick every game of the NFL season. Here’s who they have winning in Week 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (Thursday, 8:15 p.m.) Brian Wacker (10-6 last week; 38-26 overall): Buccaneers Childs Walker (8-8 last week; 32-32 overall): Falcons Mike Preston (9-7 last week; 34-30 overall): Buccaneers C.J. Doon (9-7 last week; 34-30 overall): Falcons Tim Schwartz (12-4 last week; 40-24 overall): Buccaneers Bennett Conlin (9-7 last week; 33-31 overall): Buccaneers New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, 9: 30 a.m.) Wacker: Vikings Walker: Vikings Preston: Vikings Doon: Vikings Schwartz: Vikings Conlin: Jets Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Bears Walker: Bears Preston: Bears Doon: Bears Schwartz: Bears Conlin: Bears Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Texans Walker: Bills Preston: Texans Doon: Bills Schwartz: Bills Conlin: Texans Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Jaguars Walker: Jaguars Preston: Colts Doon: Colts Schwartz: Colts Conlin: Colts Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Patriots Walker: Patriots Preston: Patriots Doon: Patriots Schwartz: Patriots Conlin: Patriots Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m.) Wacker: Commanders Walker: Commanders Preston: Commanders Doon: Commanders Schwartz: Commanders Conlin: Commanders Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: Broncos Walker: Broncos Preston: Broncos Doon: Broncos Schwartz: Broncos Conlin: Broncos Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m.) Wacker: 49ers Walker: 49ers Preston: 49ers Doon: 49ers Schwartz: 49ers Conlin: 49ers Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Packers Walker: Packers Preston: Rams Doon: Packers Schwartz: Packers Conlin: Packers New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m.) Wacker: Seahawks Walker: Seahawks Preston: Seahawks Doon: Seahawks Schwartz: Seahawks Conlin: Seahawks Related Articles NFL | Ravens vs. Bengals scouting report for Week 5: Who has the edge? NFL | Ravens’ Lamar Jackson responds to social media criticism: ‘Trying to win games … not to help people’s parlay’ NFL | Ravens have perfect practice attendance, Bengals battling key injuries ahead of divisional clash NFL | Can (and should) the Ravens trade for Davante Adams? Here’s what to know. NFL | Ravens film study: How Derrick Henry leads NFL in rushing with Pat Ricard’s help Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m.) Wacker: Steelers Walker: Steelers Preston: Steelers Doon: Cowboys Schwartz: Cowboys Conlin: Cowboys New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (Monday, 8:15 p.m.) Wacker: Chiefs Walker: Chiefs Preston: Chiefs Doon: Chiefs Schwartz: Chiefs Conlin: Saints View the full article