Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis speaks with Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh after the game at M&T Bank Stadium. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Baltimore Ravens 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens opened the 2014 NFL season with a 23-16 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was a game in which they performed terribly in the first half, and spectacularly in the second half.
Baltimore couldn’t quite get anything going early on, as the Ravens’ receivers dropped five passes in the first half. Running backBernard Pierce, who was slotted as the starter for the first two games duringRay Rice‘s two-game suspension, carried the ball six times for 14 yards in the first half. A Pierce fumble led to him receiving no carries in the second half.
Instead, it wasJustin Forsettwho came in at running back and led the charge. The Ravens erased a 15-0 Bengals’ lead to take a 16-15 advantage in the fourth quarter whenSteve Smithcaught an 80-yard touchdown strike fromJoe Flacco.
However, on the second play of the Bengals next drive,Andy DaltonandA.J. Greenperformed a similar play, connecting for a 77-yard touchdown and leading the Bengals to a 23-16 opening day victory.
Who stood out in this game and who performed sub-par? Let’s take a look with these position by position grades.
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