The Cincinnati Bengals led for most of the game against the Baltimore Ravens, but needed a late touchdown to from wide receiver A.J. Green to win. Green got behind the cornerback and caught a juggling ball on a 77-yard touchdown pass from his quarterback Andy Dalton. The Bengals ended up beating the Ravens 23-16 on Sunday.
"It's big for the team, man," Green said. "Just taking that next step to being a great team. I think these games right here prepare us for going into the postseason. When we're not scoring every play, when it comes down to making that play, I think that game will help us."
Prior to Green's touchdown, Steve Smith had a long touchdown of his own. He got by the secondary and caught the pass at Cincinnati's 34 yard line. He used a stiff arm on a Cincinnati tackler and did the rest for an 80 yard touchdown pass.
Andy Dalton produced after signing a huge contract in the offseason. He went 25 for 38 which was good for 301 yards. Green tallied 131 yards on six receptions, while running back Giovani Bernard was held to 48 yards on 14 carries.
"We did exactly what we set out to do there today," Dalton said. "There are a lot of tough places to play in this league and this is certainly one of the toughest. It was the only place I had not won since joining the Bengals."
Ravens quarter back Joe Flacco finished 35 for 62 which was good for 345 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Since Ray Rice has been suspended, Justin Forsett ran the ball today and was successful. He tallied 70 yards and a touchdown on 11 rushes. Wide receiver Steve Smith led all Ravens receivers by pilling up 118 yards and a touchdown on seven grabs.
The featured little offensive fireworks until the final quarter. Mike Nugent went five for five on field goals in the first half. He made field goals from 22, 28, 38, 46, and 49 yards. He missed his only attempt of the second half from 45 yards when his kick was blocked. That blocked field goal set up Justin Forsett's 13 yard touchdown run.
The Bengals (1-0) take on the Atlanta Falcons (1-0) in next weekend's game. The Falcons defeated the Saints on Sunday in a 37-34 overtime thriller.
The Ravens (0-1) take on the Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) on Thursday night. The Steelers held off the Browns on Sunday after they made a 24 point comeback.