By Harshit
CINCINNATI, NOV. 28 —
The Cincinnati Bengals hold a narrow 12–7 halftime lead over the Baltimore Ravens, but both teams walk into the locker room knowing they’ve squandered major chances. The AFC North rivals have traded turnovers, stalled red-zone possessions, and missed scoring opportunities in a first half defined by defensive stands and offensive misfires.
Cincinnati dominated field position for much of the first two quarters, repeatedly setting up inside Baltimore territory after takeaways and short punts. But the Bengals failed to capitalize with touchdowns, settling for four Evan McPherson field goals despite multiple possessions inside the 10-yard line.
Baltimore, meanwhile, delivered explosive plays but undermined itself with turnovers and penalties. Lamar Jackson lost two fumbles, including one inside the red zone, and the Ravens had a potential 36-yard touchdown erased by an offensive pass-interference call against receiver Zay Flowers.
Both teams enter the second half needing sharper execution in the red zone and ball security after an opening half filled with momentum swings.
Bengals Cash In on Turnovers — But Only for Three Points at a Time
Cincinnati’s defense sparked the momentum early when Trey Hendrickson strip-sacked Lamar Jackson inside Ravens territory. Defensive end Cedric Johnson scooped up the fumble and barreled to the Baltimore 2-yard line, setting up a golden opportunity for Joe Burrow and the offense.
But the Bengals failed to convert. Three consecutive Burrow incompletions — each targeting tightly covered receivers — forced a fourth down, and Samaje Perine’s run up the middle was stuffed at the goal line. Cincinnati had to settle for a short field goal instead of a touchdown.
The scenario repeated itself throughout the half:
• A short-field possession in the first quarter resulted in a 42-yard McPherson field goal after the drive stalled at the Baltimore 24.
• Later, with third-and-goal at the Ravens’ 6-yard line, Cincinnati again couldn’t finish, opting for a 24-yard field goal to take a 9–7 lead.
• Jackson’s second fumble — this time while pulling the ball back on a pump fake — set up the Bengals in scoring range. But Cincinnati again stalled, settling for a 33-yard field goal just before halftime.
Despite outplaying Baltimore in field position, Cincinnati repeatedly left points on the table.
Ravens Undercut Themselves With Costly Mistakes
Baltimore could easily be leading at halftime — but instead trails because of a series of self-inflicted setbacks.
Likely loses a touchdown chance
Tight end Isaiah Likely appeared to be on his way to a scoring play in the first quarter, extending toward the goal line after breaking a tackle. But just before crossing the plane, he lost control of the ball and fumbled it out of the end zone. The play resulted in a touchback, erasing what might have been a game-changing touchdown.
Flowers’ penalty wipes out 36-yard TD
Later in the second quarter, Zay Flowers created separation and hauled in a long Lamar Jackson pass for what initially stood as a 36-yard touchdown. But officials ruled Flowers had pushed off the defender, wiping out the score and backing the Ravens up.
Jackson’s ball-security issues
Jackson completed only 8 of 15 passes for 127 yards in the first half and lost two fumbles — both inside Cincinnati territory. His second fumble, coming with under a minute to play, led directly to Cincinnati’s fourth field goal.
The Ravens’ mistakes limited their scoring to just one first-quarter touchdown — a drive that featured sharp passing, a rhythm run game, and strong tempo before the miscues began.
Burrow Returns, Shows Rust in First Game Back
Making his return from torn toe ligaments, Joe Burrow showed flashes of rhythm but struggled with accuracy and pressure. He completed only 15 of 32 passes for 165 yards in the first half.
Key observations:
• Burrow’s timing appeared inconsistent, particularly in the red zone.
• Several passes sailed high or arrived late on short routes.
• His chemistry with receivers — especially Tee Higgins — looked out of sync on timing patterns.
Still, he showed command in hurry-up situations, completing multiple intermediate throws to set up field-goal tries.
Historic Moment for DeAndre Hopkins
Late in the second quarter, Ravens receiver DeAndre Hopkins reached a major career milestone. His 10-yard reception brought him to 10,000 career receiving yards, adding another highlight to his Hall-of-Fame résumé.
Defense Dominating, Injuries Influencing
Cincinnati has generated consistent pressure on Jackson, recording multiple sacks and hurries. The coverage unit tightened considerably after the opening touchdown drive, forcing Baltimore into low-percentage throws and turnovers.
The Bengals’ defense suffered a setback late in the half when linebacker Brian Asamoah exited with a left knee injury. He is questionable to return.
Baltimore’s defense has been more bend-than-break, holding Cincinnati to field goals despite unfavorable field position.
Halftime Outlook: Ravens Receive the Ball Next
Both teams move into the second half knowing the game should not be this close:
• Cincinnati could realistically be leading by double digits but kept the door open with failed red-zone possessions.
• Baltimore has produced explosive plays but must eliminate turnovers and penalties.
The Ravens will receive the second-half kickoff with a chance to regain momentum in a tightly contested AFC North battle.