Return of the King: Burrow Leads Bengals to Dominant Win Over Ravens, 32-14

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BALTIMORE, MD — Joe Burrow made a triumphant return to the field on Thanksgiving night, leading the Cincinnati Bengals to a decisive 32-14 victory over the rival Baltimore Ravens (6-6) at M&T Bank Stadium. The win, the Bengals’ first in over a month, snapped the Ravens’ five-game winning streak and injected a much-needed shot of life into Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations.

Burrow, playing in his first game in 75 days after suffering a Grade 3 turf toe injury in Week 2, showed impressive resilience and command despite some early rust. Wearing a metal plate in his cleat for stabilization, the star quarterback completed 24 of 46 passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing fluidity in the pocket and connecting with teammates on several key downfield throws. The victory improved Cincinnati’s record to 4-8, moving them to 3-0 in games Burrow has started this season.

The Defense Steals the Show

While Burrow’s return provided the emotional lift, the Bengals’ defense delivered the performance of the year. Defensive Coordinator Lou Anarumo’s unit completely dismantled the Ravens’ offense, forcing an astounding five turnovers, including an interception and two fumbles from two-time MVP Lamar Jackson.

Turnover Tide: The defense forced three turnovers in the first half alone, most notably a forced fumble by safety Jordan Battle at the goal line on a would-be touchdown reception by Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. The ball rolled out of the end zone for a touchback, costing the Ravens a likely go-ahead score and allowing the Bengals to maintain the lead.
Dominance: The Bengals were disruptive all night, generating three sacks and keeping the Ravens offense off balance, contributing to Cincinnati holding a massive edge in time of possession.

Burrow’s Clutch TD Throws

After an early struggle in the red zone that forced the Bengals to settle for four field goals from kicker Evan McPherson (who tied a career-high with six field goals on the night), Burrow found his rhythm in the second half.

First TD Back: Burrow threw his first touchdown pass since Week 2—a remarkable strike caught one-handed in the end zone by tight end Tanner Hudson, extending the Bengals’ lead to 19-7 early in the third quarter.
Icing the Game: Later in the third, after the Ravens cut the lead to five, Burrow calmly led an eight-play, 68-yard drive that culminated in a perfectly placed 29-yard touchdown pass to receiver Andrei Iosivas on a third-and-nine, restoring the double-digit lead and effectively sealing the 32-14 win.

The outcome not only ended Baltimore’s five-game streak but also marked the first time the John Harbaugh-led Ravens had ever lost a game at home on a Thursday night. With Burrow back and the defense playing at an elite level, the Bengals have renewed—if slim—hope heading into the final stretch of the season.