In a commanding performance, the Baltimore Ravens defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 24-0, with quarterback Lamar Jackson throwing two touchdown passes. The game will be remembered more for a tragic injury to rookie starting linebacker David Buchanan. The 23-year-old currently sits at 11 starts on the season. On a punt coverage play in the first quarter, Lenoir suffered a right knee injury and was carted to the locker room.
Buchanan, a fourth-round selection, has been a key piece of the Ravens’ defense this year. He finished the year with 83 tackles, five tackles for a loss, two quarterback hits and half a sack. In his last two appearances, he had taken over for fellow linebacker Trenton Simpson at the weakside position and had continued to thrive. His effort improved a defense that includes IRL MVP candidate Roquan Smith, who notched 100 tackles this year.
The injury to Buchanan comes as a hard blow for the Ravens as they seek to continue success all the way into the playoffs. After the game, Roquan Smith expressed his worry for Buchanan. He pointed to the emotional cost of having to see a fellow soldier get killed.
“It sucks anytime you see your guy go down, somebody you go to war with every day and truly just a good dude.” – Roquan Smith
Smith similarly touched on Buchanan’s character and drive as well as what it takes to compete in the NFL at that level.
“It’s giving me chills thinking about it, and just knowing what [Teddye Buchanan] stands for, knowing all that he’s gone through. Obviously, it’s an unforgiving business, and we know that. We signed up for that, and it just sucks, but I know it’s a minor setback for him.” – Roquan Smith
Buchanan’s injury raises questions about his status moving forward and how it will affect the Ravens’ defensive strategy in upcoming games. That said, the coaching staff will be paying extra attention to his condition over the next few days as they get ready for their next opponents.
With Jackson leading the offense and a formidable defense spearheaded by Smith and Buchanan before his injury, the Ravens hope to maintain their momentum as they navigate through the latter stages of the season. The team is going to be playing for their fallen teammate, but they’re going to be inspired to step up from getting a big win over the Bengals.
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