Bengals Take Hilarious Jab at Ravens in Schedule Release Video: A Perfectly Timed Dig at Baltimore’s Maxx Crosby Fumble

The NFL schedule release has evolved into a cultural phenomenon. What was once a simple list of dates and times is now a battleground for social media teams, a canvas for creativity, and, most importantly, a stage for some of the most entertaining trash talk of the offseason. For the Cincinnati Bengals, their 2024 schedule release video was a masterclass in tone—starting with a serious, motivational edge before landing a perfectly timed, hilarious jab at their biggest divisional foe.

While the Bengals’ social media squad opted for a largely inspiring, hype-driven narrative to get the fanbase ready for the upcoming campaign, they couldn’t resist the opportunity to needle the Baltimore Ravens. And honestly, who could blame them? The resulting clip is a must-watch for any NFL fan who appreciates a good dose of intra-division pettiness.

This article breaks down the genius of the dig, the backstory behind it, and what it tells us about the simmering rivalry between these two AFC North powerhouses heading into a pivotal 2024 season.

The Setup: A Serious Video with a Sneaky Punchline

The Bengals’ schedule release video is a well-produced, high-energy affair. It’s designed to get the blood pumping, featuring highlights of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and the defense. The tone is largely one of redemption and focus—a team looking to reclaim the AFC North crown after a 2023 season derailed by Burrow’s wrist injury.

But then, the video shifts to the Week 7 matchup. The scene opens with a clip of Joe Burrow alongside Las Vegas Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The audio is unmistakable. Burrow, with a grin, delivers the line: “We’re division rivals. You can’t back out of this one.”

It’s a direct, unmistakable shot at the Baltimore Ravens. The context is everything. The line is a reference to the bizarre, high-profile trade saga that unfolded in March 2024, when the Ravens were widely reported to be on the verge of acquiring Crosby from the Raiders. The deal, which would have sent a massive pass-rushing talent to Baltimore, fell apart at the last minute.

The Bengals didn’t just poke fun—they used Burrow’s own voice to twist the knife. In the video, Burrow is essentially telling the Ravens: “You were too scared to pull the trigger on a major trade. You backed out. And now you have to face us, with no Maxx Crosby.” It’s the kind of playful, inside-baseball trash talk that makes the NFL schedule release so much fun.

Why the Jab Hits So Hard: The Maxx Crosby Trade Fiasco

To understand why this is such a hilarious and effective dig, we need to revisit the Maxx Crosby trade rumors from early March. The buzz was deafening. Reports swirled that the Ravens and Raiders had agreed in principle on a deal that would send the All-Pro defensive end to Baltimore. Ravens fans were ecstatic. The idea of pairing Crosby with Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton was a defensive coordinator’s dream.

Then, silence. Then, the deal fell apart.

The official story from the Ravens was that Crosby had failed his physical. They cited concerns about his long-term health, specifically regarding his knee and shoulder, which have been through the wringer after four seasons of relentless play. The Ravens claimed they had to protect their assets.

But the NFL rumor mill didn’t buy it. Other sources suggested the Ravens got cold feet for a different reason: the price tag. The Raiders were reportedly asking for a massive haul—likely including a first-round pick and more. The Ravens, who already had two first-round picks in the 2024 draft, decided they would rather keep those picks and use the cap space to sign Trey Hendrickson (wait, that’s Bengals’ pass rusher—the Ravens tried to sign a different free agent, but the point stands that they prioritized draft capital over immediate splash).

The speculation was that Baltimore realized they could get a similar, younger, and cheaper pass-rush boost by keeping their picks and drafting a player like Laiatu Latu or Dallas Turner. They chose the long-term plan over the short-term star.

Regardless of the real reason—failed physical or buyer’s remorse—the Ravens backed out. And in the hyper-competitive AFC North, that is a gift that keeps on giving. The Bengals, who have been on the receiving end of Crosby’s wrath (he sacked Burrow twice in their 2023 meeting), are now openly mocking Baltimore for missing out on a game-wrecker.

What the Jab Reveals About the Bengals’ Mindset

This isn’t just a harmless joke. It’s a strategic psychological move from the Bengals’ organization. By highlighting the Ravens’ hesitation, Cincinnati is subtly reinforcing a narrative: Baltimore is afraid to make the big move. They are risk-averse. They are content to play it safe while the Bengals go all-in.

Think about it. The Bengals, under Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor, have been aggressive. They traded for Orlando Brown Jr. They paid Burrow. They signed Hendrickson. They are not afraid to trade picks for proven talent. The Ravens, by contrast, have a reputation for being shrewd, but also for letting big names walk (see: the entire wide receiver room for a decade).

By using Burrow’s voice to mock the trade collapse, the Bengals are essentially saying: “We don’t back down. We don’t back out. We face our rivals head-on. You, on the other hand, got cold feet.”

It’s a small thing, but in the mental chess match of the NFL season, these jabs matter. They get under the skin. They fuel bulletin board material. And they make the Week 7 matchup in Baltimore—already a critical game—that much more spicy.

Expert Analysis: The Impact on the AFC North Race

Let’s get into the football implications. The Bengals and Ravens are the two clear favorites to win the AFC North in 2024 (sorry, Steelers and Browns fans). The schedule release video jab is fun, but the real story is how these teams stack up against each other.

The Bengals’ Edge: Health. If Joe Burrow is healthy, Cincinnati has the best quarterback in the division. Period. They also have the best wide receiver room (Chase, Higgins, Boyd—if Boyd stays). The Bengals’ offense, when clicking, is virtually unstoppable. The jab at the Ravens about Crosby is also a reminder that their own pass rush—led by Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard—is formidable.

The Ravens’ Retort: Baltimore will point to their 2023 MVP, Lamar Jackson. They have a new offensive coordinator (Todd Monken) who actually uses the passing game. They also have a defense that, even without Crosby, is loaded. Kyle Hamilton is a superstar. Roquan Smith is a tackling machine. And they used those two first-round picks to add cornerback Nate Wiggins and offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten.

But the Bengals’ video highlights a potential weakness for Baltimore: aggressiveness. The Ravens have been criticized for not surrounding Lamar with enough elite weapons. They failed to trade for a star receiver. They failed to trade for Crosby. They rely on development and scheme. The Bengals, by contrast, go get their guys.

Here is a quick comparison of the two teams’ offseason moves:

• Cincinnati Bengals: Re-signed Tee Higgins (franchise tag), added offensive tackle Trent Brown, signed safety Geno Stone (from the Ravens, no less), and drafted an explosive receiver in Jermaine Burton.
• Baltimore Ravens: Lost safety Geno Stone, lost linebacker Patrick Queen, lost offensive guard John Simpson. Added running back Derrick Henry (massive upgrade). Drafted cornerback Nate Wiggins and offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten.

The Bengals’ video essentially says: “We kept our core. You lost yours. And you couldn’t even land the big fish you wanted.” It’s a fair point. The Ravens are counting on rookies and a 30-year-old running back to push them over the top. The Bengals are counting on their star quarterback and their proven playmakers.

Prediction: How the Week 7 Game Will Be Affected

Let’s be clear: the schedule release video will have zero impact on the actual outcome of the game. But the narrative that the Bengals have planted is real. When the two teams meet in Baltimore in Week 7, the Ravens will be reminded of this joke. It will be in the back of their minds.

Expect a chippy game. Expect Lamar Jackson to play with a little extra fire. Expect the Ravens’ defense to try and hit Burrow early and often, maybe even a little late, to prove they don’t need Crosby to get pressure.

But the Bengals have the psychological advantage. They are the team that made the joke. They are the team that is comfortable in their own skin. The Ravens are the ones who have to prove they didn’t “back out” of anything—that they made the right decision.

My prediction: The Bengals win a tight, physical game in Week 7, 27-24. Burrow throws for 300 yards and two touchdowns. The Ravens’ pass rush, without Crosby, gets home just once. And after the game, someone on the Bengals’ sideline will be heard saying, “You can’t back out of this one.”

Strong Conclusion: A New Chapter in a Great Rivalry

The NFL schedule release video has officially become a sport within a sport. The Cincinnati Bengals’ social media team deserves an award for this one. They managed to produce a video that was both inspiring and hilarious, serious and petty. The jab at the Baltimore Ravens over the Maxx Crosby trade was not just a cheap shot—it was a perfectly crafted piece of content that summarizes the current state of the rivalry.

The Ravens are the defending division champions. They have the MVP. They have a Hall of Fame coach. But the Bengals are the team with the swagger. They are the team that isn’t afraid to call you out. They are the team that backs up the talk on the field.

As fans, we win. We get a great rivalry game in Week 7 with an extra layer of drama. We get to see if the Ravens can silence the laughter. We get to see if the Bengals can back up their bold video.

One thing is for sure: when Burrow steps onto the field in Baltimore in October, the first thing every Ravens fan will think of is that video. And that is a win for the Bengals, regardless of the final score. The Cincinnati Bengals have officially set the tone for the 2024 AFC North race—with a joke, a smirk, and a perfectly timed punchline.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.