Mandy
A controversial moment flipped momentum in the matchup as the fumble-through-the-end-zone rule once again became a deciding factor. Bengals Get Field Goal For 9-7 Lead.
What looked like a sure touchdown for Isaiah Likely turned into a scoring opportunity for the Cincinnati Bengals, who capitalized to take the lead late in the second quarter.
Likely’s Lost Touchdown Turns Into A Touchback
Midway through the second quarter, the Ravens appeared ready to extend their lead. Tight end Isaiah Likely was inches away from scoring a touchdown that could have put Baltimore ahead 14-6 with the extra point.
However, just before crossing the goal line, Likely lost possession of the ball. It rolled out of bounds in the end zone, triggering an automatic touchback under NFL rules.
The play was originally ruled a touchdown but was reversed after review, giving the Bengals possession instead.
Bengals Take Advantage After Turnover
Starting the drive backed up by a holding penalty, Joe Burrow and the Bengals quickly recovered. Burrow launched a 43-yard deep pass to Ja’Marr Chase along the right sideline, flipping the field instantly.
A few plays later, on third-and-10, Burrow found Chase again for a 15-yard completion, putting Cincinnati inside the 10-yard line.
Although the Ravens stood strong on third-and-goal from the 6, forcing an incompletion intended for Chase, the Bengals still secured points with a 24-yard field goal, giving them a 9-7 lead.
A potential Ravens touchdown turned into a costly mistake, and the Bengals didn’t waste the opportunity.
The overturned score and resulting touchback shifted momentum sharply, allowing Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to move Cincinnati into scoring position.
While Baltimore’s defense held inside the red zone, the Bengals’ field goal was enough to grab a late-second-quarter advantage.
This sequence highlights how quickly games can change when key mistakes collide with explosive playmaking.