The Baltimore Ravens squandered a prime opportunity to solidify their position atop the AFC North against the Cleveland Browns. Despite enjoying a 14-point lead twice, the Ravens faltered in the fourth quarter, allowing the Browns to snatch a victory with a last-second field goal. As they face the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens find themselves under pressure to maintain their divisional lead. Still reeling from the loss to the Browns, Lamar Jackson expresses the team’s hunger to correct their mistakes against the Bengals on Thursday night, emphasizing the importance of every game as a must-win.
While the Ravens initially appeared in control against the Browns, holding a 14-point lead on two occasions, their struggle to secure double-digit leads has been a persistent weakness. Despite leading the division with a 7-3 record, the Ravens face competition from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Browns, both at 6-3, as well as the Bengals at 5-4, all within striking distance.
Thursday night’s game holds significant importance for the Ravens, given the narrowing gap in the division. Lamar Jackson identifies the need for improvement in finishing games, maintaining control of time and possession, and consistently gaining first downs. Motivated by the recent loss to the Browns, the Ravens aim to use this setback as fuel for success. Whether this motivation will prove effective remains uncertain, but in the spotlight of M&T Bank Stadium, Jackson and the Ravens have another opportunity to extend their lead in the race for the division.