Ravens 'Hungrier!' For Cincinnati Bengals After Browns Loss, Says Lamar Jackson
The Baltimore Ravens missed a golden opportunity to consolidate their lead at the top of the AFC North against the Cleveland Browns. After twice being up 14 points, the Ravens unraveled in the fourth quarter as the Browns stole a win on a last-second field goal.
As the Cincinnati Bengals come to M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens suddenly have some pressure to stay top of the division.
With the loss to the Browns still burning, Lamar Jackson says the team is hungry to right the wrongs against the Bengals on Thursday night.
“Every game is a must-win for us,” Jackson said. “Not just because it's in a division game, but we definitely, I believe our team is definitely a lot hungrier just from what happened Sunday in a division loss in the close game. We definitely hungry.”
The Ravens seemed to have the game under control against Cleveland as they twice led by 14 points, but being up double digits has been Baltimore's Achilles heel, as they just can't seem to put teams away.
With the Ravens (7-3) leading the division, the chasing pack has made up ground as the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Browns (both 6-3), and now the Bengals (5-4) are all within striking distance.
Lamar Jackson says the Ravens are ready to put the Cleveland loss behind them.
Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
That is what makes Thursday night's game crucial for the Ravens. As for where Baltimore can improve? Jackson gave a simple yet effective answer.
“Finishing the game when we got the ball, have control of the time, have control of the ball, keep getting first downs, improve at that," Jackson said.
The Bengals game has a lot riding on it, and after the loss to Cleveland, the Ravens appear to be using that as motivation.
Whether that works is unknown, but under the bright lights of M&T Bank Stadium, Jackson and the Ravens again have a chance to pull further away in the race for the division.
