Huntley Ignites Ravens’ Season-Saving Victory And Ends Brutal Losing Streak With 30-16 Win Over Bears
Can you say “season-saving win” too often? If you are a Baltimore Ravens fan, you don’t care; you will be singing the tune all night long. As a Chicago Bears fan, you will wonder if the game was a one-time regression or if the now-busted four-game win streak was the best it will get all year.
That is the summary from the Ravens’ much-needed 30-16 victory over the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.
Huntly Steps Up for Baltimore
Tyler Huntley stepped up spectacularly on Sunday. The backup quarterback completed his first nine passes and threw for 186 yards while adding 53 rushing yards, helping Baltimore snap a brutal four-game losing streak. Derrick Henry powered the ground attack with two touchdowns, moving into fifth place all-time for rushing touchdowns with 111 career scores.
The Ravens (2-5) finally found their rhythm without star quarterback Lamar Jackson, who missed his third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury. Chicago (4-3) entered the contest riding a four-game winning streak but couldn’t maintain their early momentum after dominating the opening quarter. The Bears outgained Baltimore 125-8 in the first quarter but managed just two field goals, a missed opportunity that would prove costly.
Baltimore’s defense delivered when it mattered most, with cornerback Nate Wiggins intercepting Caleb Williams in the fourth quarter to set up the game-sealing touchdown. The turnover came with Chicago backed up near their own goal line, giving the Ravens possession at the Bears’ 9-yard line. Two plays later, Huntley found Charlie Kolar for a 10-yard touchdown pass that extended Baltimore’s lead to 23-13.
Key Takeaways in the Baltimore Win
Huntley’s Perfect Timing: The veteran backup quarterback couldn’t have picked a better moment to deliver his finest performance in two years. Huntley’s 14-yard completion to DeAndre Hopkins on third-and-7 late in the fourth quarter showcased his ability to make crucial throws under pressure.
Derrick Henry’s Historic Achievement: The bruising running back’s two-touchdown performance pushed him past NFL legends into fifth place on the all-time rushing touchdowns list. Henry’s 2-yard scoring runs in the second and fourth quarters demonstrated why Baltimore invested heavily in the former Titan. At 30 years old, Henry continues defying Father Time while providing the Ravens with a physical presence they’ve desperately needed.
Defense Finds Its Identity: Baltimore’s much-maligned defense showed significant improvement for the second consecutive week. The addition of safety Alohi Gilman allowed Kyle Hamilton to move closer to the line of scrimmage, creating more dynamic defensive looks. Linebacker Roquan Smith’s return from a hamstring injury provided immediate dividends, as the defense forced crucial stops throughout the afternoon.
Chicago’s Early Dominance Wasted: The Bears controlled the first quarter completely, outgaining Baltimore by a staggering 117-yard margin. However, settling for two Cairo Santos field goals instead of touchdowns proved devastating to their championship aspirations. Chicago managed just 6 points despite controlling field position and winning the time of possession battle early.
Williams Shows Growing Pains: The second-year quarterback threw for 285 yards but made several costly mistakes that undermined Chicago’s efforts. Williams took an intentional grounding penalty late in the second quarter that forced Santos to attempt a 58-yard field goal on the final play of the half. The kick fell short, representing another missed scoring opportunity for the Bears.
Baltimore’s Season Gets New Life: The Ravens entered Sunday in desperate must-win mode after a shocking 1-5 start that had fans questioning everything. This victory provides Baltimore with momentum heading into a winnable stretch before December’s challenging schedule.
Ravens Look To Continue Winning Ways in Miami
The Ravens’ comprehensive victory represents more than just ending a losing streak – it potentially saves their entire season. Baltimore controlled the final three quarters after Chicago’s hot start, demonstrating the championship-caliber talent that many expected before the season began. The defense’s improvement over recent weeks provides optimism that this team can still compete in the AFC playoff race.
Baltimore travels to Miami for a Thursday night showdown against the Dolphins, where Jackson is expected to return after being limited in practice this week. The Ravens face a quick turnaround but carry significant momentum from Sunday’s dominant performance. Chicago hosts Cincinnati next Sunday, looking to bounce back from their first loss in five games and maintain their grip on a potential NFC playoff position.
