Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow played one of the best games of his career, throwing for five touchdowns for the first time ever. Despite his nearly flawless performance, the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t hold off the Baltimore Ravens, who pulled off a 41-38 overtime victory in Week 5.
Burrow, who completed 30 of 39 passes for 392 yards, put on a clinic, showcasing why he’s one of the league’s top quarterbacks. However, his incredible game wasn’t enough to overcome Baltimore’s late surge, leaving Cincinnati to suffer a crushing loss.
The Ravens showed resilience throughout, leaning heavily on quarterback Lamar Jackson’s heroics. Jackson, who threw for 348 yards and four touchdowns, kept pace with Burrow in the shootout. One of the game’s defining moments came in the fourth quarter when Jackson threw an impossible touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely. The play was so astounding that CBS commentator Kevin Harlan nearly lost his voice in excitement, calling the play a “rag doll” moment as Jackson defied all odds to make it happen.
Even perfection isn't good enough to beat the Ravens
Even after Burrow's late-game heroics, which included a 70-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals couldn’t close the door on Baltimore. Burrow’s lone interception, a critical turnover picked off by Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, set the stage for Justin Tucker to tie the game with a 56-yard field goal, sending the contest into overtime.
Joe Burrow earlier this week:
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) October 6, 2024
"I'm going to have to play damn-near perfect."
Joe Burrow today:
◽️ 30/39
◽️ 392 yards
◽️ 5 TDs
Despite the performance, the Ravens secured a 41-38 overtime victory against the Bengals. pic.twitter.com/VHcjF2VBqH
In the extra period, the Bengals had a chance to win after recovering a fumbled snap by Jackson, but Evan McPherson missed a 53-yard field goal. That gave Baltimore the opening they needed, and Derrick Henry, who surpassed 10,000 career rushing yards in the game, delivered with a 51-yard run to set up Tucker’s game-winning 24-yard field goal.
Burrow’s five-touchdown game, while historic, was overshadowed by Baltimore’s relentless will to win. Jackson and Henry carried the Ravens to their third straight victory, improving to 3-2 and inching closer to the top of the AFC North. Meanwhile, Cincinnati fell to 1-4, despite their quarterback’s best efforts. Burrow may have been nearly perfect, but on this day, the Ravens’ resilience proved stronger.
Baltimore will aim to maintain its momentum when it faces the Washington Commanders at home on Oct. 13, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET at M&T Bank Stadium.