Full Breakdown
Ja’Marr Chase’s Halftime Speech Sparks Bengals’ 35-Point Second-Half Surge
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 25, 2026, the Cincinnati Bengals trailed the Baltimore Ravens 13-0 at halftime in Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium. The Bengals responded with five consecutive touchdowns, outscoring the Ravens 35-0 in the second half to win 35-13.
Background & Context
The Ravens entered the game without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, sidelined with a high-ankle sprain. Backup Tyler Huntley had guided Baltimore to a 13-0 lead, exploiting a Bengals defense that allowed 258 yards and 22:20 of possession in the first two quarters. Cincinnati, coming off a bye week, had struggled early all season, posting its fewest first-half yards since 2018.
Timeline
- Halftime (13-0) – Chase’s speech; he later recalled being “pretty angry.”
- Early 3rd quarter – Burrow’s 6-yard TD pass to Mike Gesicki (13-7).
- Mid-3rd quarter – Burrow to Tee Higgins for a 13-yard TD (14-13).
- Late 3rd quarter – Samaje Perine 1-yard TD run (21-13).
- 4th quarter – Chase’s 2-yard TD reception (28-13) and Drew Sample 16-yard TD (35-13).
Data & Statistics
- Joe Burrow: 22-of-30, 292 yds, 4 TDs; 16-of-18, 249 yds, 4 TDs in the second half.
- Ja’Marr Chase: 5 receptions, 62 yds, 1 TD.
- Tee Higgins: 6 receptions, 148 yds, 1 TD.
- Ravens first half: 258 yds, 12 first downs, 22:20 possession.
- Bengals first half: 59 yds, 3 first downs, 7:40 possession.
- Historical note: the Bengals became the 10th NFL team ever to be shut out in the first half and then score 35+ points in the second half, the first such occurrence since 2022 (CBS Sports research).
Official Statements & Responses
- Demetrius Knight Jr., linebacker, said hearing Chase speak “encourages” the whole squad.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Ja'Marr went in there and got after everybody a little bit,” — Joe Burrow
- “I came in here screaming, saying, 'Somebody's got to make a play for us,'" — Ja’Marr Chase
- “I believe once you hear a guy like that, who's a leader on this team, speak up on the offense side of the ball, that just encourages you.” — Demetrius Knight
Why It Matters
The turnaround shows how a locker-room intervention can alter a game’s trajectory when paired with strategic adjustments. Cincinnati’s shift from a historically poor first half to a dominant second half validates the halftime game plan and highlights Chase’s emerging role as a vocal leader.
What’s Next
The Bengals return home to host the Tennessee Titans on November 8, 2026. Maintaining the momentum will be crucial as Cincinnati seeks its first AFC North road win of the season.
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*All figures and quotations are drawn from contemporaneous game reports and player interviews.*