Ravens’ 21-14 Loss to the Bengals Is Ohio’s Gain

Art Modell’s team returned to Ohio and found apathy, antagonism and a lot more heartache.

A controversial play call helped the Cincinnati Bengals complete a goal-line stand in the closing seconds Sunday, clinching a 21-14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Jeff Blake threw a one-yard touchdown pass to Tony McGee for a late lead, and the Ravens (4-10) blew a chance to tie or win at the end. After three runs by Bam Morris put the ball at the one-yard line, the Ravens decided to throw.

The Bengals (6-8) weren’t fooled. Sam Shade tackled fullback Carwell Gardner after he caught a pass at the one, sending the Ravens to their 11th consecutive road loss.

The second-guessing began almost as soon as Gardner hit the ground.

“I think we should have just tried to power it in,” said Morris, who had 117 yards in 21 carries. “We’d been killing them all day.”

The franchise has not won a road game since Oct. 29 last season, when it came to Cincinnati as the Cleveland Browns and won in overtime. Word of the franchise’s move to Baltimore leaked four days later.

Modell did not accompany the Ravens on their first trip to Ohio, but there were numerous reminders of the team’s previous incarnation.

A handful of Brown banners flew from the stands. There were a couple of profane anti-Modell signs. And hawkers sold $1 “Go To Hell Modell” buttons outside the stadium.

The anti-Modell and pro-Bengal contingents reveled in the finish, which left Cincinnati 5-2 under Coach Bruce Coslet.

Blake’s touchdown pass to McGee put Cincinnati ahead with 3:09 to play, and Garrison Hearst ran in the two-point conversion for a 21-14 lead.

Testaverde then drove the Ravens to the Bengals’ five with 1:02 to play.

Morris got to the one on first down, then was stopped twice for no gain. On the third-down run, he spun off at the line and his knee hit the ground as he dove for the goal line. He was ruled down.

Then came the ill-fated pass play to Gardner.