Justin Tucker kicked a 43-yard field goal on the final play to lead the Baltimore Ravens to a 19-17 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday and take possession at loner of the leadership of the North Division of the American Conference.
Tucker also hit a 58-yarder in the third quarter, and even when the Ravens (3-2) trailed 17-16 on Joe Burrow’s 1-yard run into the end zone with 1:58 left, they could feel confident because they just needed a field goal. Tucker’s kick extended his streak to 61 successful field goal attempts in the fourth quarter or overtime.
Lamar Jackson left behind a difficult evening in the passing game and commanded the Ravens with his arms and legs in the winning offensive series. Baltimore blew leads of 21 and 17 points in its last two home games, losing to Miami and Buffalo. On Sunday they let go of a 10-point lead, but managed to bounce back.
It was a remarkable turnaround for Baltimore’s defense, which allowed 41 points in each of its two losses last year to the defending AFC champion Bengals. This time the Ravens held Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase in check and put together an impressive defense in the third quarter after Cincinnati (2-3) had first-and-goal from the 2-yard line.