“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times……”
“It was the worst of times, then it was the best of times.”
I have zero understanding of how the Cincinnati Bengals went into the locker room down 13-0 to the Ravens in Baltimore, looking about as bad as I’ve ever seen them, and definitely worse than they’ve ever looked in the Joe-Burrow era, only to turn around and outscore the Ravens 35-0 in the second half.
They looked like pod people in the first half—like they were all still on their bye week and sleepwalking through the game. The offense gained a pitiful 59 yards in the first half. They only had three first downs.
Then, in the second half, they gained 298 yards, picked up 19 first downs, and scored five touchdowns on five possessions.
I know the Ravens have struggled in the second half of games, but this was so far beyond that.
**They made me think of the movie _Seabiscuit_.**
To make a long story short, it’s a true story about a racehorse that could only win once it got behind and made eye contact with another, less-talented horse (it came out in 2003, and I saw it only once, so forgive me if I’m leaving a lot out). Basically, Seabiscuit had to have his back against the wall to tap into some deep reserve of potential.
It’s a neat little story about the competitive spirit and how it can transcend species.
**It’s _NOT_ a neat story for my football team!**
Could the Bengals have pulled off a 35-0 run in the second half if Lamar Jackson had been in the game? Can they afford to play only one half of football against the Steelers or Browns (I can’t believe I’m writing this)?
They have a winning record, but teams can’t play only two quarters of winning football and expect to win very often.
**Here are some random thoughts on Sunday’s game:**
* The Bengals, once again, really tried to force the under-center offense in the first half. They really, really want to get that run game established. They just couldn’t do it. They have the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL so far this season (487) and are on pace for just over 80 rushing yards per game. It’s not easy to win in the postseason when you can’t run the ball.
* Having said that, the offense flowing through Joe Burrow to his star wide receivers is a sight to behold. When the engine is running clean, it’s a beautiful thing. When it’s not, though, it’s incredibly frustrating.
* Ja’Marr Chase reportedly gave a fiery halftime speech that got everyone pumped up for the second half. They shouldn’t _need_ a Tony D’Amato speech at halftime to get ready to play. They’re way too talented for that.
* Once again, Dexter Lawrence has been worth every single bit of the No. 10 overall pick. He has completely reshaped the defensive front. Al Golden’s defense is not perfect—not even close—but Lawrence makes up for so much.
* Tee Higgins is proving, once again, that he’s a WR1 who just happens to play on the same team as the best wide receiver in the NFL. Double Chase and leave Higgins in single coverage at your own peril.
* Mike Gesicki is the Bengals’ WR3. He’s a tight end in name only.
* It was hard seeing Erick All leave the field looking as upset as he was. He’s had a long history of injuries to his right knee dating back to college, and it’s the same knee he injured in November of the 2024 season, which kept him out for the entirety of the 2025 season.
* Drew Sample is the next man up. While he’s not capable of stretching the field the way All can when he’s healthy, he’s a capable blocker, and I love seeing a Sample touchdown because it’s as close as we’re going to get to a big-man TD, which is one of the greatest moments the sport has to offer fans—like the NFL’s version of a no-hitter.
* Shemar Stewart was a healthy scratch, and if that’s not a damning indictment of the Bengals’ scouting department, I don’t know what is. The No. 17 overall selection in the 2025 draft is fully healthy, and the Bengals decided they had a better chance to win with him _not_ on the field. He’s been passed on the depth chart by rookie second-round pick Cashius Howell (who recorded his first sack on Sunday) and 2024 sixth-round pick Cedric Johnson. Teams are reportedly interested in a potential trade for Stewart in hopes they can develop him in a way the Bengals haven’t or can’t. I doubt he goes anywhere other than the bench, though.
**The Bengals return home** in Week 8 to host the 1-6 Tennessee Titans, who are dealing with a ton of issues. The best way to beat them is for the Bengals to play a complete four quarters of football the way they played in the second half in Baltimore. More specifically, if they can get out to an early lead, force the ball into Cam Ward’s hands, and make the Titans one-dimensional, they will win.
They’re the much better team—on paper and on the field—but they have to play like it. The best thing that could come out of Week 8 (I hate that we’re already at Week 8) is a blowout win over an outmatched and struggling team.
Would I be surprised if they won 35-0?
Would I be surprised if they won 17-14?
Also no, but I’ll be mad.
An angels smile is what you sellYou promised me heaven, then put me through hellChains of love got a hold on me
When passion’s a prison, you can’t break free