Ravens vs. Bengals: 4 Game Ball Candidates

The Baltimore Ravens secured a 27-24 victory over the Bengals, with Lamar Jackson leading the team to victory with an impressive performance.

The Baltimore Ravens kicked off their season with a bang, securing a 27-24 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals to move to a 2-0 record. The Ravens dominated the game from start to finish, never trailing at any point. They showcased their superiority in total yardage, first downs gained, and time of possession.

One standout player in this winning effort was quarterback Lamar Jackson. After a lackluster performance in the season opener, where he had two turnovers and no touchdowns, Jackson bounced back in a remarkable way. He found his rhythm early on and maintained control of the offense throughout the game. Jackson completed 24-of-33 passes for 237 yards and two touchdowns, earning a passer rating of 112.8. He also contributed 54 rushing yards on 12 carries, picking up crucial first downs on the ground.

Jackson's performance was particularly impressive in the second half. Following an interception by Geno Stone, Jackson unleashed a 52-yard deep pass to Zay Flowers. This set up a three-yard touchdown pass to Mark Andrews. In the fourth quarter, Jackson delivered a perfectly-placed 17-yard touchdown pass to Nelson Agholor on third down, giving the Ravens a comfortable 10-point lead.

On the final drive of the game, Jackson showcased his mobility by scrambling for a 12-yard gain on a crucial third down. This play allowed the Ravens to run out the clock and secure their victory.

Another player who made a significant impact was running back Gus Edwards. Despite Justice Hill starting the game and receiving more snaps in the first half, Edwards proved to be the more effective runner. He had 10 carries for 62 yards, including a 17-yard gain on the Ravens' opening possession that contributed to a touchdown. Edwards played a vital role in the second half, helping the Ravens maintain their lead by converting key third-and-short situations and churning the clock. His five-yard rush on 3rd & 1 on the final drive effectively sealed the victory for the Ravens.

Wide receiver Nelson Agholor also stepped up in the absence of Odell Beckham Jr., who left the game early due to an ankle injury. Agholor had a slow start in the season opener but came alive in Week 2. He tied for the team lead in receptions with five and led the team in receiving yards with 63. Agholor made crucial catches throughout the game, including an eight-yard reception that set up a short-yardage third down conversion by Edwards. He also caught a 17-yard touchdown pass from Jackson in the fourth quarter, extending the Ravens' lead.

Defensively, safety Geno Stone made a memorable play with a red zone interception on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. The interception, combined with a 36-yard return, swung the momentum in favor of the Ravens. Stone also led the defense in tackles, making nine total tackles, seven of which were solo. He played a crucial role in limiting big plays and containing the Bengals' passing attack.

Other notable performances included edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney, who had two quarterback hits, one sack, and a tackle-for-loss, and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, who made a crucial pass breakup in the end zone to prevent a touchdown.

In conclusion, the Baltimore Ravens showcased their dominance in their Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamar Jackson bounced back from a shaky season opener, leading the offense with precision and versatility. Gus Edwards provided a strong presence in the running game, while Nelson Agholor stepped up in the absence of Odell Beckham Jr. Defensively, Geno Stone made a game-changing interception and led the team in tackles. The Ravens' depth and resilience were on full display, setting them up for continued success in the season.