Joe Burrow threw four second-half touchdown passes as the Cincinnati Bengals erased a 13-point deficit to rout the Baltimore Ravens 35-13 on Sunday, handing Baltimore its second consecutive divisional loss with Lamar Jackson sidelined by an ankle injury.
The game at Baltimore turned on a sharp divide between halves. The Ravens controlled the opening 30 minutes, holding the ball for over 22 minutes and building a 13-0 lead. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley threw for 215 yards in the first half alone, connecting with Zay Flowers for a 48-yard catch-and-run that opened the scoring. Yet the momentum vanished entirely after intermission.
Cincinnati Bengals Surge in the Second Half
The Bengals engineered a complete reversal after the break, scoring touchdowns on their first five possessions. Burrow connected with Mike Gesicki for a 6-yard score on the opening drive of the third quarter, followed by a 13-yard scoring pass to Tee Higgins that put Cincinnati ahead to stay. Burrow finished the surge with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase and a 16-yard strike to Drew Sample, while Samaje Perine added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Cincinnati’s offense changed gears dramatically after a scoreless first half. Higgins recorded all six of his catches for 148 yards after halftime, while Chase finished with five receptions for 62 yards. Burrow explained the offensive adjustment after the win.
We just started calling some of our base stuff, O-line protected great. Really, we just got the ball in Ja’Marr and Tee’s hands as many times as we could.
Baltimore Ravens Drop Another Double-Digit Lead
For the Ravens, the collapse marked their third defeat of the season after holding a double-digit lead, all occurring while Jackson missed a third straight game due to an ankle injury. Baltimore sits at 4-3 overall, dropping to last place in the division.
The team’s first-half versus second-half splits show a severe vulnerability. The Ravens hold a plus-65 scoring differential in the first half of games this season, contrasted with a minus-62 differential after the break.
Right now, we’re too much of a momentum team. We’re riding the wave when it’s good, and we’re riding the wave when it’s bad. I think that’s a main focus for us to be able to stay a little bit more even-keeled and continue to make plays and do things.
Historic Numbers Paint the Scale of the Collapse
The 35 unanswered points allowed by Baltimore tied the franchise record for the most points ever surrendered in a single half. According to data provided by the Associated Press, the Ravens became the first team in 76 years to lead by at least 13 points at halftime and lose by a margin of 20 or more. The only comparable historical precedent occurred on Nov. 19, 1950, when the Baltimore Colts led the New York Giants 20-7 before losing 55-20.
Huntley managed 215 passing yards in the first half—including 120 yards to Flowers—but was restricted to 83 yards and an interception after the break. Former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco eventually relieved Burrow late in the contest to close out Cincinnati’s victory.
Both teams face tests next Sunday, with the Bengals returning home to host Tennessee and the Ravens traveling to face Buffalo after opening the season at 4-3.