NBA: Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Clippers
Stephen A. Smith (Stephen Smith) on the ESPN NBA Countdown live. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The Baltimore Ravens suffered their second straight divisional loss Sunday, falling 35-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore built a 13-0 halftime lead before Joe Burrow and the Bengals erupted for 35 unanswered points, dropping the Ravens to 4-3 and into last place in the AFC North.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson missed his third straight game with an ankle injury, leaving Tyler Huntley to start for the third week in a row. The collapse drew sharp reaction across the NFL world, including from one of television’s most outspoken voices.
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Stephen A. Smith calls Lamar Jackson’s absence Ravens’ biggest problem
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8). Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images.
Appearing on First Take, Stephen A. Smith was asked about Baltimore’s biggest problem following the loss. “That’s the biggest problem, not the only problem,” Smith said, pointing to Jackson’s availability. “The Bengals scored on their first five possessions of the second half. They scored 35 points in the second half.”
Smith pushed back against the idea that Lamar Jackson’s absence was the sole reason for the Ravens’ loss to the Bengals, pointing out that Baltimore’s defense was a massive liability: “He ain’t a defensive lineman. He ain’t a linebacker, he ain’t a free safety, ain’t a strong safety, he ain’t one of the corners,” Smith said.
He added that Baltimore’s defense has long been the team’s identity, regardless of circumstances. “No matter what was going on with Baltimore, you knew what you were going to have to deal with,” Smith said, “even when they were giving up double-digit leads.”
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Stephen A. Smith questions Jesse Minter’s defense after collapse
Smith then turned to head coach Jesse Minter, a defensive-minded coach in his first season running Baltimore’s program. “I understand that Lamar’s out, but what that got to do with you getting ramrodded in the second half?” Smith said. “That can’t happen.”
“This man’s background is on the defensive side of the ball,” Smith said. “You cannot be giving up 35 second half points and a perfect pass rating, even if it is to somebody as great as Joe Burrow. You’ve got to pose some form of resistance.”
Burrow threw four touchdown passes without an interception in the second half as Cincinnati scored on five straight drives. The Ravens next visit the Buffalo Bills, where Jackson’s return remains uncertain.