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Now, let’s get into it — we’ve just witnessed one of the best Thursday Night Football games of the year as the Baltimore Ravens took down the Cincinnati Bengals 35-34 in a thrilling showdown. Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow both put on an absolute clinic, and it was one of those games that had you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
Let me start by saying this: if you didn’t love this game, football might not be your sport. Both teams played their hearts out, but in the end, it was Lamar Jackson and the Ravens who came out on top. Baltimore’s win wasn’t just about the score — it was about the fight, the grit, and the clutch play of one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks.
Lamar Jackson Shines in a Thrilling Victory
Lamar Jackson was sensational. He threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, leading the Ravens to a hard-fought victory. What I love about Lamar is that he never gets rattled, whether he’s ahead or behind. Even when the Ravens were trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, Lamar stayed calm, composed, and confident. You couldn’t tell the difference between him playing with a lead or fighting back from behind. That’s the difference between elite quarterbacks like Lamar and others in the league.
He doesn’t press when the pressure’s on. When most quarterbacks would start to force plays or get out of rhythm, Lamar just does what he does — he trusts his instincts and his game. That level of confidence and poise in a game like this is exactly why he’s one of the best in the league. He had Cincinnati’s defense on skates, and you could see they had no answer for him as the game went on. Lamar’s ability to make plays with his legs, his arm, and his mind is what makes him so special.
Joe Burrow’s Masterclass in a Losing Effort
On the other side, Joe Burrow was phenomenal as well. Despite playing behind a porous defense, Burrow kept the Bengals in the game with his pinpoint passing and incredible connection with Ja’Marr Chase. Chase put up 250 yards and 3 touchdowns, proving once again that he’s one of the most dynamic receivers in the NFL. Burrow threw for over 300 yards and showed why he’s considered one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
However, the problem for Cincinnati was the defense. They simply couldn’t stop Lamar Jackson or the Ravens’ offense when it mattered most. As good as Burrow was, he couldn’t do it all on his own, and that’s the story of this game. No matter how great your quarterback is, if your defense can’t get stops, you’re going to be in trouble — and that’s exactly what happened to the Bengals. They fought back, but at the end of the day, they couldn’t contain Jackson, and they couldn’t make enough stops.
The Aggressive Call: Should Baltimore Have Gone for Two?
Let’s talk about the decision-making in this game. At one point, the Ravens were on fire, having scored four straight times. I was personally surprised that John Harbaugh didn’t go for two after one of those touchdowns. I’m always in favor of being aggressive — go for the win, don’t just play for overtime. In my opinion, the Ravens’ offense was rolling, and going for two would have been the right move to seal the game earlier. But Harbaugh made the safe call, and we ended up with a game that was still up for grabs until the final moments.
If you’re on the fence about these types of decisions, just know that statistically, teams that go to overtime don’t tend to do well the next week — the extra snaps add up. But that’s a conversation for another time. What matters is that the Ravens got the job done and Lamar Jackson’s leadership was key.
The Media’s Overreaction Problem
One thing that always gets under my skin when talking about games like this is the overreaction from the media. I’m not just talking about this game, but in general. Media outlets often hype up things like injuries, fatigue, and other factors without considering how society and the NFL adapt. Take Thursday Night Football, for example. A few years ago, everyone was up in arms, saying it was unfair for players to have to play a game on Thursday after a Sunday matchup. But the truth is, players actually like Thursday night games — it’s a lighter week of practice, and after the game, they get a mini-vacation. Many players on the west coast head to Hawaii or Mexico, while east coast players might fly to the Bahamas. It’s not the nightmare that some in the media make it out to be.
And don’t get me started on the whole COVID-era myocarditis panic with college athletes. It was overblown. Yes, it was a serious issue, but the media made it sound like every player was at risk of dying. The reality is, it’s treatable, and the people who typically suffer from myocarditis are older individuals, not 19-year-old, world-class athletes. It’s another example of the media overhyping things without really understanding the facts.
Thursday Night Football: A Great Showcase of NFL Talent
Back to Thursday night’s game — it was a fantastic matchup that showcased why Thursday Night Football has come a long way. Sure, there was a time when these games felt like a drag, but now? You’ve got Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow, two of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL, battling it out in a high-stakes, high-energy game. It’s everything NFL fans could ask for. These games have become a marquee event, and I think we’re seeing the best Thursday night matchups ever.
Yes, you miss some of the stars playing on Sunday, but when you get matchups like this — divisional games with two star quarterbacks — it’s hard to complain. And let’s not forget, it’s a great way for fans to get some midweek action. When the NFL gets it right, like they did tonight, Thursday Night Football is a can’t-miss spectacle.
Final Thoughts: A Classic TNF Showdown
In the end, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens edged out Joe Burrow and the Bengals in a game that will be remembered as one of the best of the season. Both quarterbacks played at an elite level, but the difference was the defense — or lack thereof. While Burrow put up huge numbers and showed why he’s a future MVP candidate, it was Jackson who showed he’s still the most electrifying quarterback in the league.
As always, thanks for joining me on the Colin Cowherd Podcast. Make sure to like and subscribe so you don’t miss any future episodes, and let me know your thoughts on tonight’s game in the comments below. Who’s your pick for MVP this season — Lamar
