Doomed by 98-yard fumble return for TD, Ravens suffer agonizing 24-17 playoff loss to Bengals

CINCINNATI — The Ravens were knocking on the door of the improbable. Quarterback Tyler Huntley was in the midst of his best performance of the year. The Ravens had

scored two touchdowns in one game for the first time since star Lamar Jackson’s knee injury on Dec. 4. Baltimore — which was without its best player and playing on the road

against the AFC’s hottest team — was about to take a fourth-quarter lead in enemy territory. But as Huntley, on a third-and-goal from the 2-yard line, sought to leap the

pile and reach the football past the plane of the end zone for a touchdown, the ball was knocked loose. As it slipped away from him, so too did the Ravens’ chances.

Cincinnati defensive end Sam Hubbard caught the ball out of the air and scooted 98 yards for a touchdown, the longest fumble return touchdown in NFL playoff history. Tight end

Mark Andrews stalked Hubbard down the field, ultimately getting blocked and collapsing at the 20-yard line. He kneeled there for several lingering seconds as Bengals fans rejoiced

and Ravens fans shook their heads in bewilderment. During the play, which lasted about 12 seconds, Baltimore’s chances of winning fell from 54% to 13%, per NFL’s Next Gen

Stats. The Ravens had three more possessions, but ultimately lost, 24-17, to end their season after a last-second hail mary bounced around the end zone and off the hands of wide

receiver James Proche II.