Baltimore Ravens vs Cincinnati Bengals: Position by Position Grades

Quarterback

Sep 7, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) throws as Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) applies pressure during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Although Joe Flacco’s struggles in the first half weren’t all his fault, they were still struggles nonetheless. The Ravens’ offense failed to move the ball down the field at all in the first half, leading them to putting up a big donut in the first two quarters. In fact, the only time the Ravens got inside the Bengals’ 30 was on the last drive of the half, yet they still failed to score.

However, Flacco came out of the locker room after the second half break and looked like an entirely different player. After throwing for just 78 yards in the first half, Flacco led the Ravens down the field on multiple occasions.

He started the scoring with a beautifully executed 10-play, 82-yard drive in the third quarter that was capped off by a 13-yard touchdown run by Justin Forsett. After tacking on a field goal, Flacco hooked up with Steve Smith Sr. on an 80-yard touchdown to give the veteran his first touchdown as a Raven. It wasn’t enough to give the Ravens a victory, but it was enough to make Flacco’s performance look good on paper, as he ended the day completing 35-of-62 passes (the 35 completions is a career-high) for 345 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.

Flacco gets an F for the first half, and an A+ for the second half, leading to this grade.

Grade – C