Baltimore, MD – According to the Baltimore Sun, the Baltimore Ravens delivered a commanding performance in their 24-0 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 8, 2025, earning high grades across most position groups in a detailed report card analysis. The win, which took place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, solidified the Ravens’ position in the AFC North standings and highlighted their defensive prowess while addressing ongoing offensive challenges.
The Ravens’ defense received an A+ grade for its stellar showing, completely shutting down the Bengals’ offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow. Baltimore’s unit held Cincinnati to just 205 total yards, including a mere 67 rushing yards, and forced two turnovers. Linebacker Roquan Smith anchored the front seven with 10 tackles and a crucial interception in the red zone, preventing any scoring opportunities. The secondary, featuring strong play from cornerback Marlon Humphrey, limited Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase to four catches for 41 yards. This shutout marked the first time since 2020 that the Ravens held an opponent scoreless, underscoring their ability to dominate in high-stakes divisional matchups.
On the offensive side, the Ravens earned a B+ for their balanced attack that accumulated 312 yards, though they struggled with consistency in the passing game. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 23 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns, including a 25-yard strike to tight end Mark Andrews in the third quarter. Running back Derrick Henry powered the ground game with 88 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown, providing a reliable option against a Bengals defense that entered the game ranked 20th against the run. However, the offensive line faced criticism for allowing three sacks, particularly in protecting Jackson during crucial third-down situations.
Special teams garnered an A- grade, with kicker Justin Tucker converting all three field goal attempts, including a 48-yarder that extended the lead to 17-0 late in the third quarter. Punter Jordan Stout also contributed with a 52-yard punt that pinned the Bengals deep in their territory, setting up favorable field position for the defense.
Coaching staff received a solid A for strategic decisions, including aggressive play-calling on fourth down and effective adjustments at halftime that neutralized Cincinnati’s momentum. Head coach John Harbaugh praised the team’s preparation, noting that the victory was a testament to their resilience following a tough stretch of games.
This performance boosted the Ravens’ record to 10-4, keeping them in contention for the AFC’s top seed. The shutout not only eliminated the Bengals from playoff contention but also avenged an earlier loss to Cincinnati on Thanksgiving. As the Ravens prepare for their next matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 21, this win serves as a momentum builder heading into the critical final weeks of the season.
Ravens players and coaches emphasized the importance of the defensive effort, with defensive coordinator Zach Orr stating post-game that the unit’s communication and physicality were key factors. One statistical highlight was the Ravens’ time of possession advantage of 32:14, which wore down the Bengals’ defense over the course of the game. An example of their dominance came in the fourth quarter when edge rusher Kyle Van Noy stripped sack forced a fumble, sealing the shutout.
The analysis, penned by veteran columnist Mike Preston, provides insight into the team’s strengths and areas for improvement as they chase a deep playoff run.