The Cincinnati Bengals hit a new low on Sunday, suffering a crushing 24-0 home shutout at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, extinguishing any lingering playoff hopes and casting an even darker shadow over what’s already been a disappointing season.

Joe Burrow, visibly frustrated and under siege for much of the game, was shut out for the first time in his career. His earlier comments about football no longer being fun now ring louder than ever. The Bengals’ franchise quarterback completed 25 of 39 passes for 225 yards but tossed two costly interceptions, including a brutal red zone pick that led to a Ravens pick-6 in the fourth quarter. He’s now thrown four interceptions in his last five quarters, a stat that mirrors the team’s collapse.

Baltimore’s Kyle Van Noy intercepted Burrow at the 5-yard line, then handed the ball to Alohi Gilman, who took it 84 yards to the house – a dagger for Cincinnati, and a moment of joy for a surging Ravens squad now back in the thick of the AFC North race.

“I think this is one of the worst games I’ve played,” said Burrow flatly after the game. “When your quarterback plays like that, your team is not going to have a chance to win.”

The Bengals (4-10) had opportunities. They crossed into Ravens territory four times — and scored zero points. Nothing went right, and even DJ Turner had a chance at a game-changing interception late in the first half, only to have the ball bounce off his facemask. On the very next play, Lamar Jackson hit Zay Flowers for a 28-yard touchdown to make it 14-0 before the break.

Head coach Zac Taylor didn’t hold back. “It starts with our offense getting shut out. Never saw that coming,” he said. “That’s unacceptable.”

Ja’Marr Chase was the lone bright spot, catching 10 passes for 132 yards — a stat line wasted in another demoralizing effort.

With this loss, Cincinnati has now dropped out of the postseason race. The defense was porous, the offense toothless, and the team — despite moments of talent — looked broken.

Next week doesn’t get easier: a trip to face Miami under the primetime lights. But after Sunday’s gut punch, the Bengals look like a team searching for more than just a win — they’re searching for themselves.