Joe Burrow’s Heroics Lead Bengals Past Ravens as Ohio State-Michigan Rivalry Heats Up

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Thanksgiving week delivered a feast of football drama, headlined by Joe Burrow’s triumphant return for the Cincinnati Bengals and a brutal loss for the Baltimore Ravens. The game’s fallout reverberated far beyond the AFC North, sparking debates about quarterback grit, playoff chances, and the looming showdown between Ohio State and Michigan.

Bengals Stun Ravens: Joe Burrow’s “DAWG” Mentality

What started as a routine divisional clash quickly turned chaotic in Cincinnati. The Bengals, written off by many due to injuries and a rough season, stunned the Ravens with a dominant defensive display and a resurgent performance from Joe Burrow. The star quarterback, returning after injury doubts, outplayed former MVP Lamar Jackson and reignited hope for Bengals fans.

The game escalated quickly, with Cincinnati’s defense forcing five turnovers—including an interception and multiple fumbles by Lamar Jackson. The Ravens, usually a model of efficiency, looked lost. “I didn’t think Joe Burrow should play in this game,” admitted analyst Willie Colon, echoing the skepticism that had surrounded Burrow’s health. “And then he outplays Lamar. What say you now?”

Burrow, showing no signs of rust, grew more confident as the game progressed. His poise under pressure contrasted sharply with Jackson, who struggled to settle in. The Bengals quarterback took control, slowing the game down and executing with precision. “He’s got that dog in him,” a commentator said, capturing the sentiment that Burrow’s leadership and toughness set the tone for Cincinnati’s upset.

Lamar Jackson’s Struggles: Injuries and Uncertainty

On the flip side, Lamar Jackson’s performance raised eyebrows. The usually electric playmaker appeared hampered by lingering injuries—a toe, an ankle, and a knee—leaving him a shadow of his former self. Jackson’s indecision and erratic throws contributed to the Ravens’ woes, as did his three turnovers, the most he’s had in four years.

“He looks like a guy who may have to sit out just to finish the back end of the season,” Colon observed. The Ravens’ offense sputtered, and Jackson’s mobility was limited; he rarely ran, and when he did, he lacked his trademark burst. The frustration was evident as the Ravens failed to capitalize, making the Bengals defense look like the legendary ’85 Bears at times.

Despite Derrick Henry’s early score for Baltimore, the team couldn’t sustain momentum. The defense was battered, the offense disjointed, and the injuries mounting. The loss cast doubt on the Ravens’ ability to finish strong, with questions swirling about Jackson’s health and the team’s playoff prospects.

Bengals’ Playoff Hopes Rekindled

The Bengals, meanwhile, looked revitalized. Burrow attempted 42 passes—his highest since last season—demonstrating the coaching staff’s confidence in his arm and leadership. “He said before the game, ‘We get a lot of money to play a kid’s game, and I want to be out there,’” a commentator recalled, highlighting Burrow’s passion and commitment.

The win transformed Cincinnati’s outlook. Once facing less than a 1% chance of making the playoffs, the Bengals now seemed capable of a late-season run. Their offense clicked after halftime, and the defense capitalized on every Ravens mistake. “They look like a totally different team after yesterday,” one analyst noted.

The Ravens’ Path Forward

Baltimore’s path to the playoffs remains open, but the road is treacherous. The division race is fierce, with Pittsburgh lurking and the Bengals gaining ground. The Ravens must be better than the Steelers to secure a home playoff game, but their remaining schedule includes another matchup against Cincinnati—a rematch that could decide their fate.

Coach and analysts agree: If Lamar Jackson can’t regain his form, Baltimore’s season could unravel. “He made the Bengals look like the ’85 Bears,” one commentator quipped, underscoring the urgency for Jackson to recover and lead his team.

Ohio State vs. Michigan: Rivalry Week Fever

As NFL drama unfolded, college football fans turned their attention to one of the sport’s greatest rivalries: Ohio State vs. Michigan. With playoff implications and decades of history fueling the matchup, anticipation reached a fever pitch.

Matt Leinart, part of Fox’s Big Noon crew, weighed in from Ann Arbor. “It’s been 2,191 days since Ohio State won one of these things,” he said, referencing the Buckeyes’ recent struggles against the Wolverines. But for Ohio State fans, the stakes go beyond bragging rights. “I think the Ohio State fans are delusional,” Leinart joked. “They care more about beating Michigan than winning a national championship.”

Leinart argued that, in the current playoff structure, Ohio State could lose to Michigan and still win the national title—just as they did last year. “I’d take a national championship every year, even if it meant losing to Michigan,” he admitted. “That’s the goal.”

Quarterback Duel: Styles and Stakes

The game features two contrasting quarterbacks: Julian Saint for Ohio State and Bryce Underwood for Michigan. Saint has been steady all year, a legitimate Heisman candidate who rarely makes mistakes. Underwood, meanwhile, has struggled at times but showed flashes of brilliance in recent games.

Leinart broke down the matchup: “I trust Saint more going into this game. He’s smart, decisive, and doesn’t move around a ton, but he hasn’t played in this rivalry before. Michigan’s defense will test him.” For Underwood, his legs could be the X-factor. “He has to make plays, can’t turn the ball over, and has to run 10 or 15 times. His legs have to be a factor.”

Michigan’s Upset Path

Despite being underdogs, Michigan has a blueprint for victory. “They have to score first,” Leinart emphasized. “When they score first this year, they’re 7-0. If they get behind early, it’s over—they’re not built to come back.” Starting fast, energizing the crowd, and putting doubt in Ohio State’s mind are critical.

Leinart recalled past upsets and the intensity of the rivalry, noting, “It doesn’t matter the rankings, the numbers, the stats. This game is just different when these two teams play.”

Rivalry, Passion, and Perspective

The Ohio State-Michigan game is more than a contest—it’s a cultural event, a clash of fanatics, traditions, and dreams. “F is short for fanatic for a reason,” Leinart said. “They’re not always going to be rational.”

The game’s outcome will shape playoff scenarios, define legacies, and fuel debates for another year. As Leinart wrapped up his segment, he gave a shoutout to his son’s high school championship, reminding viewers of the personal connections and generational passion that make football special.

The Road Ahead

As Thanksgiving fades and December approaches, football fans are left with more questions than answers. Can Joe Burrow’s Bengals ride their momentum to a playoff berth? Will Lamar Jackson recover and lead the Ravens back to form? And in Ann Arbor, will Michigan finally topple Ohio State, or will the Buckeyes reclaim their dominance?

One thing is certain: in the NFL and college football alike, grit, resilience, and leadership matter more than ever. Joe Burrow’s performance, the Ravens’ struggles, and the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry all remind us why we watch—because in football, anything can happen, and legends are made when the stakes are highest.