All Talk Sports

The Bengals played fairly well against the Ravens, and their defense made some great plays on Monday night.  The Raven’s defense was once again forced to carry the entire team.  The game came down to the wire as the Bengals went on to win it 27-20.  Here is a full recap of the game.

Baltimore

McNair: 20-34, 203 yds, 1 Int, 3 Fum

McGahee: 19 rush, 77 yds, 0 TD

Mason: 7 rec, 77 yds, 0 TD

Smith: 5 rush, 30yds, 1 TD

Cincinnati

Palmer: 20-32, 194 yds, 2 TD

Johnson: 18 rush, 50 yds, 0 TD

Houshmandzadeh: 9 rec, 50 yds, 1 TD

Johnson: 5 rec, 95 yds, 1 TD

• The Raven’s defense were their usual selves.  They were able to contain Rudy Johnson and didn’t let Chad Johnson go off for an incredible game. Ray Lewis stayed in the game and continued to make plays after suffering a torn tricep muscle early in the game.  Ed Reed delivered hard hits and came up big on special teams, returning a punt for a 63 yard touchdown.

• The Ravens continue to put all the pressure on their defense.  Willis McGahee was playing well, but the Ravens opted not to go to him in the closing minutes of the game.   McGahee saw the ball less and less as the game went on.  Willis McGahee was supposed to add offensive power to the Ravens, yet the Ravens refused to go to their newly acquired star running back.

• Steve McNair was bothered by a groin injury the entire game, and was eventually sidelined by the injury in the closing minutes.  McNair struggled against the Bengal’s defense, throwing 1 interception and fumbling 3 times.  Boller stepped in for McNair and led the Ravens on an impressive drive only to come up short.

• Although the Bengal’s running game struggled against an extraordinary Raven’s defense, the Bengals were able to move it through the air.  Palmer only had 194 yards, but threw 2 touchdowns to Johnson and Houshmandzadeh. 

• The questionable call of the night came on the Ravens drive in an effort to tie the game or possibly win it. Todd Heap was called for offensive pass interference as he made a touchdown catch in the back of the end zone.  I don’t think this should have been called, but the refs made it up by calling holding on the Bengals the next play. The Ravens however, were unable to get in the endzone as Boller attempted to once again hit Heap for a touchdown with an uncatchable bullet pass that Heap had no chance of grabbing.  The pass hit Heap on the shoulder  and was intercepted by Michael Myers.

• “Ocho Cinco” delivered on his promise to give the fans a show.  I was hoping for a better touchdown celebration but maybe next week he’ll step it up.