Ravens vs. Bengals final: MVP, stock-up and stock-down

The Ravens and Bengals both needed a victory to salvage their season. After a tight contest, Baltimore left the field victorious after their rookie quarterback in his first NFL start led the offense to score 13 unanswered points with the defense holding tough on the Bengals final drive, ending the game 24-21.

MVP: Lamar Jackson

The first drive featured 11 plays, all on the ground. It ended with Alex Collins completing the 75-yard drive with a seven-yard rushing touchdown. On that drive, Lamar produced 46 rushing yards. He continued to sprint all over the field as the Bengals couldn’t contain him. He finished with over 100 yards rushing and broke the Ravens single-game rushing record by a quarterback. He also ends the game with a comeback victory over their AFC North opponent.

Stock-up:

Gus Edwards Jr. — After trading for Ty Montgomery, the Ravens opted for Edwards to help steamroll the Bengals rushing defense with the pairing of Jackson.

Willie Snead IV — He’s not just another quick slot receiver who catches. He’s a powerful receiver who is moving the chains with force.

Justin Tucker — A booming 56-yard field goal to put the Ravens up at halftime and two more kicks to keep points on the board. Tucker’s a machine.

Terrell Suggs — He was a shut down defender today, pressuring Andy Dalton and containing Joe Mixon all game. The eventual Hall of Famer continues to perform, game after game, season after season.

Tyus Bowser — The young linebacker notched a half-sack today. Maybe this can spur him into more snaps and more pressures.

Patrick Onwuasor — Peanut flashed a few times this game. He notched four solo tackles and kept the plays contained around him.

Marlon Humphrey — He got in the wrong position and John Ross adjusted in mid-air to score a tough, 21-yard touchdown. Later on, he broke up the fourth down pass to negate the Bengals comeback. Great play by the sophomore cornerback out of Alabama.

Offensive line — You don’t rush for 265 yards without the offensive line dominating the trenches. They did so today and produce more yards on the ground than the Bengals entire offense!

Stock down:

Marty Mornhinweg — Two weeks to prepare for the Bengals and the playcalling appeared to be, “Lamar and Gus, go run.” Yes, the run game produced over 250 yards, but there needed to be far better big plays or passing attacks to score more points. I’m not satisfied with the play calls here. Maybe I’m nitpicking, but Lamar won’t last if he’s forced to carry this offense with his rushing attack.

Eric Weddle — A couple bad angles allowed the Bengals to convert third-down conversions. It appears he’s slowing down and can’t quite keep up compared to seasons’ ago.