The Cincinnati Bengals stunned the Baltimore Ravens with a 32-14 win in quarterback Joe Burrow’s return.
Here are four takeaways from the final game of a thrilling NFL Thanksgiving Day tripleheader.
Joe Burrow helps Cincinnati keep slim playoff hopes alive
For the first time since suffering a turf toe injury in Week 2, Burrow made his return and made some spectacular throws in the process.
This dime to tight end Tanner Hudson, who came down with the one-handed grab, was Burrow’s first of the night.
Overall, Burrow went 24-of-46 for 261 yards and two TDs and did not look like he missed a beat while he was sidelined. Not only that, at 4-8, the Bengals should not be counted out of the playoff race after the win.
Although NFL.com only gives them a 2% chance of making the postseason, the Bengals face the Ravens (6-6) again in Week 15, while the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5) deal with injury concerns to QB Aaron Rodgers. While unlikely, there is a path to Cincinnati winning the AFC North depending on how everything plays out over the final month of the regular season.
Miscues doom Baltimore in sloppy performance
Turnovers were a theme for the Ravens following the opening-drive TD run from Derrick Henry. Three of their next five drives in the first half ended with a fumble, two of which were from quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Two of the more costly giveaways came with the end zone in sight. Tight end Isaiah Likely was inches from extending Baltimore’s lead when Bengals safety Jordan Battle punched the ball loose prior to him crossing the goal line.
Baltimore had five turnovers total and Jackson, who was only 17-of-32 for 246 yards and one interception, had three of them. The Ravens had won all four of their games since Jackson made his return from a hamstring injury in Week 9, but the turnovers must be cleaned up if they are going to put together another run with a challenging schedule ahead.
Bengals defense has another encouraging showing
It is no secret that Cincinnati’s defense has been horrendous all season, allowing the most points (32.7 PPG) and yards (415.8 YPG) entering Week 13. However, the last two weeks offer some optimism.
The Bengals got a pick-six off New England Patriots QB Drake Maye before forcing the five turnovers against the Ravens. Thursday night also marked the first time the Bengals have allowed fewer than 20 points since a Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Derrick Henry joins exclusive company with latest TD
Henry capped Baltimore’s opening drive with a 28-yard rushing TD, giving him 116 TDs in his career. He joins Pro Football Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson as the only players in league history with 10 or more rushing scores in at least eight consecutive seasons.