Ravens' baffling decision to go for it on fourth down backfires in loss to Bengals

The Ravens were always going to find it hard to hold their nerve against the Bengals.

Lamar Jackson's latest injury left Baltimore without QB1. Cincinnati's attacking flair — and improving defensive structure — figured to flash at M&T Bank Stadium.

In the end, the experts were proven correct. The Bengals waltzed to a 35-13 win over the Ravens on Sunday afternoon. Baltimore didn't help itself in the third quarter, though, with head coach Jesse Minter drawing ire for his decision to surrender points at a pivotal moment in Sunday's game.

Here's what you need to know.

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Ravens' baffling decision to go for it on fourth down backfires in loss vs. Bengals

Baltimore found success in the first half of Sunday's game, climbing out to a 13-0 lead while dominating the time of possession.

Minter's squad always looked on the precipice of collapse, however. The Ravens were forced to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns on two lengthy drives. And while Baltimore's defense held Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins quiet in the first half, it seemed only a matter of time before they would find life.

The second half proved far less effective for those in purple. Cincinnati swiftly found the end zone on each of its opening two drives.

The Ravens responded by surging down the field to bring themselves on the cusp of the end zone. A third-down stop left Baltimore facing fourth-and-two just outside of its 10-yard line. In most circumstances, the proximity to the first-down marker would necessitate going for it on fourth.

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These were not normal circumstances, though. The Ravens were down one. A field goal will give them the lead, even if it was only for a fleeting moment.

Minter spurned conventional wisdom in that moment, sending his offense back onto the field. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley tried to find an open target. But his throw was errant, impacted no doubt by a pair of receivers crashing into one another on the mesh concept.

A total disaster from Jesse Minter and then Declan Doyle. A total disaster that was, to not kick the field goal and take the lead on the Bengals again, and have that 4th & 2 go like that. Josh Cuevas contacted there, no call 🎥 @sluggahjells https://t.co/A26Pmic2Vd

The Bengals made Baltimore pay on the subsequent drive, finding the end zone once more. They would add another two scores in the frame, turning the once disappointing scoreline on its head.

Perhaps Minter was exonerated for his baffling decision with his defense's lackluster showing in the final two frames. He can hardly be blamed for thinking the Ravens' backline was incapable of keeping Cincinnati bottled up for long; they've shown a propensity to concede in droves over the years.

Nevertheless, the failed conversion was the beginning of the end for Baltimore, which limped to a blowout defeat in a game that started so brightly for it. With Josh Allen and the Bills on the horizon and Jackson's health in question, thing could get worse before they get better for Minter and Co. in 2026.

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