What a game this was. Every time these two teams meet, and both Burrow and Jackson are healthy, we see fireworks. I didn’t think it was possible for them to top the excitement of their first game this season, but that’s exactly what they ended up doing! Derrick Henry is a TD machine, and the Bengals star players showed up when it mattered most. Here are some of the biggest takeaways from this TNF thriller.
Joe Burrow
The Bengals moved to 4-6 on the season. Three of their losses have been incredibly close (by five points or less) to the Chiefs, Ravens twice, and Commanders. The NFL is a game of inches, and the Bengals are inches away from being a playoff team. Thursday night was a horrible way for the Bengals to lose. Joe Burrow was obviously hit on the head during the two-point conversion attempt, and tight end Mike Gesicki was clearly held by a defender. If I am Burrow, I’m completely frustrated that I’m not getting the same calls as some of the other top quarterbacks in the league. On a positive note, Burrow threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns and looked phenomenal.
Chase Brown
Running back Chase Brown has become a star in his own right. Brown rushed for 42 yards and a touchdown and had nine receptions for 52 yards. He has become the RB1 now that Zach Moss is likely out for the season. Brown is explosive as a runner and has a real feel in the passing attack, giving Burrow the outlet he needs in case Chase and/or Tee Higgins are covered downfield. Look for Cincinnati to keep peppering Brown with targets over the coming weeks.
Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase was absolutely outstanding, with 11 receptions for 264 yards and three touchdowns. The Ravens secondary had no answer for him, as Chase was targeted 17 times during the game. It seemed like he could get open at will and averaged 24 yards per reception. Much of Chase’s success has come with Tee Higgins out with a quad injury, but this is also a precursor for what is to come in 2025, as Higgins is hoping to find a new contract in the offseason. Look for the Bengals to keep giving rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton snaps to get him up to speed.
Lamar Jackson
The Ravens are now 7-3 on the season and have arguably the best offense in the league. They were led by Lamar Jackson, who had 290 passing yards and four touchdowns. Little-known receiver Tylan Wallace had three receptions for 115 yards and a touchdown, and tight end Mark Andrews also had six receptions for 68 yards and a touchdown. Getting receivers like Wallace and Nelson Agholor involved in the offense will be an excellent thing for the Ravens as it will hopefully prevent other teams from double-covering star receiver Zay Flowers.