Bengals look awful against Ravens in 24-0 loss, to miss playoffs for third straight season

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals will officially miss the playoffs for the third straight season after a dreadful 24-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Paycor Stadium.

The Bengals (4-10) and Ravens (7-7) battled it out in sub-zero temperatures in Cincinnati, as the high for the day only reached the teens. Alongside the bitter cold, Cincinnati's offense looked stiff and frigid.

Joe Burrow wasn't able to find anyone in the end zone, despite a few solid attempts that were dropped or missed.

Cincinnati's biggest highlight of the game was on defense when Jordan Battle picked off a pass from Lamar Jackson meant for Zay Flowers. Flowers bobbled the pass before Battle swept it up.

Burrow threw two of his own interceptions, including one that was run back for a pick-six. On the first one, Ja'Marr Chase bobbled a pass from Burrow that Marlon Humphrey hauled in.

With the second interception, Burrow was about to be sacked and threw the ball straight into the arms of Baltimore's Kyle Van Noy. Van Noy then handed the ball off to Alohi Gilman, who ran the ball 95 yards into the end zone.

Otherwise, the Bengals failed to produce any offensive positives. Four of their drives ended in punts, while multiple others ended on downs instead of Cincinnati going for field goals.

While Cincinnati's loss mathematically eliminates them from the playoffs, it gives the Ravens some life in the AFC North, which is currently topped by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

After the loss, head coach Zac Taylor said he never saw the shutout coming going into the game. He also said it's disappointing because he thought this was a talented team that would "do big things this year."

When asked why complimentary football was hard to find for Cincinnati this year, Taylor said that was a hard one for him to answer.

When Burrow was asked the same question, he said it was because "We haven't been a good football team."

Burrow also took ownership of Sunday's loss, saying it was one of the worst performances in his career.

"When your quarterback plays like that, you're not going to win," he said.

Despite Cincinnati's lackluster season and missing the playoffs again, Burrow also said he still has the utmost confidence in the Bengals' front office and coaching staff.

The Bengals face the Miami Dolphins on the road next Sunday at 1 p.m.