HEADLINE NEWS - News

0 - 11/5/2000

QB Trent Dilfer threw three touchdown passes in a 12-minute span in the second quarter to flush out Baltimore�s touchdown-less streak, and the Ravens� defense held Cincinnati to only one TD in a 27-7 thrashing in Paul Brown Stadium. The win snapped a three-game losing streak and ended a 21-quarter touchdown drought, tied for second longest in the NFL since 1970.

Dilfer, making his second start for the Ravens, broke the ice with a 14-yard pass to WR Brandon Stokley early in the second quarter for a 10-0 lead. He then directed two scoring drives and capped both by completing 18 and 19-yard scoring strikes to TE Shannon Sharpe for a 24-0 halftime lead. The 24 first-half points tied a Ravens record for most points scored in the first two periods, and 21 second-quarter points set a franchise record.

A 27-yard punt return by Craig Yeast in the third quarter set-up a six-play, 15-yard TD drive, a four-yard rush by Peter Warrick, who had lined up under center on a thrid-and-goa from the four. Matt Stover kicked a 32-yard field goal midway through the fourth quarter, his second three-pointer of the game, to complete the scoring. Cincinnati�s touchdown in the third quarter was their first in 10 quarter against the Ravens� number one ranked defense. Baltimore has outscored Cincinnati 86-7 in the last three games.

Ravens� rookie RB Jamal Lewis gained 109 yards on 22 carries, plus had 70 yards on three receptions. The Ravens have won their last 12 games when a running back rushes for 100 yards. His 179 yards from scrimmage topped last week�s effort when he totaled 146 yards rushing and receiving. Dilfer enjoyed his seventh career three touchdown game, while Sharpe recorded his se3venth multiple TD game and surpassed Ozzie Newsome and tied Raymond Chester for fifth place on the all-time tight ends� TD list.

Defensively, the Ravens held the Bengals� top-ranked rushing attack (entering the game) to 44 yards on 27 carries (1.6-yard avg.), including 23 yards on 16 carries by Corey Dillon. The Bengals gained only 174 total yards and 11 first downs. Other than Yeast�s punt return to the 15-yard line in the third quarter, the Bengals never penetrated the Ravens� 40-yard line in 11 possessions. The win moved the 6-4 Ravens into second place in the AFC Central, 2-1/2 games behind the 8-1 Tennessee Titans.