Baltimore Ravens running back Javorius Allen (37) runs the ball against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict, center left, in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Gary Landers)
Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback AJ McCarron scored two touchdown passes and running back Jeremy Hill ran for 96 yards and a touchdown to help lift the Bengals to a 24-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens in the 2015 season finale on Jan. 3 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Baltimore ends its season with a 5-11 overall record while the Bengals finish 12-4 and will take a No. 3 seed in to the AFC playoffs.
With virtually nothing to play for, having already been eliminated from playoff contention, the Ravens still gave their AFC North division rivals a battle Sunday, fighting the Bengals down to the wire before facing defeat. Baltimore even led, 9-7, at halftime after three field goals made by kicker Justin Tucker.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett (7) throws in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016, in Cincinnati. Cincinnati won 24-16. (AP Photo/Frank Victores)
But the Bengals scored 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, including a touchdown pass caught by all-pro receiver A.J. Green, who has a reputation for owning the Ravens every time he plays them. Cincinnati led, 21-9, at the end of the third quarter and extended the lead to 24-9 in the fourth.
Baltimore kept scrapping away, though, and scored a touchdown with just less than two minutes remaining. After a quick three-and-out by the Bengals’ offense, the Ravens had one last chance on offense with 50 seconds remaining to attempt a comeback. But quarterback Ryan Mallett’s pass was intercepted, ending the game.
Mallett, just one week removed from his stellar performance in Baltimore’s upset win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, had less thrilling production today, completing 30 of 56 pass attempts for 292 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
Baltimore’s 5-11 record is the worst since 2007, the year before Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was hired.