The Cincinnati Bengals narrowly lost to the Baltimore Ravens in a game that had fans buzzing – but not just for the action on the field. Joe Burrow was in top form, throwing over 400 yards and connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for multiple touchdowns. Chase was electric, racking up more than 250 yards against the Ravens’ secondary and nearly clinching a victory. But just as the Bengals aimed to seal the deal, the game took a turn, leaving fans outraged.
With less than a minute on the clock, Chase scored a touchdown, bringing the Bengals within striking distance. In a bold move, the Bengals went for a two-point conversion, with Burrow targeting Tanner Hudson in the end zone. However, they fell short, and the Ravens held on to win 35-34. What sparked frustration among fans was the missed facemask penalty on Burrow by Ravens nose tackle Travis Jones during that critical play – a call that could have altered the game’s outcome.
For Bengals fans, this wasn’t just a missed call; it felt like a slight. Social media lit up with comments suggesting that if Patrick Mahomes had been in Burrow’s place, the referees wouldn’t have missed the penalty. Many saw it as a double standard, with one fan venting, “If that were Mahomes, you can bet they’d throw a flag.” Another chimed in, “Feels like the refs have it out for Cincinnati.”
Head Coach Zac Taylor shared the sentiment after the game, expressing his disappointment in the officiating. “It’s sickening that this has happened to us again,” Taylor told reporters, alluding to past missed calls. He emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “We had our opportunity; it just didn’t work out. But we’ll keep pushing, and there will be a time this season when things turn our way.”
Burrow, meanwhile, offered a cooler take, refusing to let the missed calls define the game. He described the two-point attempt in technical detail, noting that pressure from the Ravens defense affected his throw. While he acknowledged the missed facemask call, he downplayed its significance, saying, “You’re not getting those calls in that situation for the most part.”
The Bengals will take on the Los Angeles Chargers next week on Sunday Night Football, hoping to bounce back and put these missed opportunities behind them.
