Mike Preston
Publication: The Baltimore Sun
Date: September 28, 1998
The Ravens survived a strong second-half comeback and may have found their running back and quarterback of the future in a 31-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals last night in an AFC Central game at Ravens stadium. Running back Priest Holmes ran 10 yards for a first down with 1:16 left in the game to seal the win for Ravens (2-2).
The Bengals (1-3) had driven as far as the Raven’s 32-yard line but cornerback Rod Woodson knocked down a short pass intended for Darnay Scott on a fourth-and-one with 1:46 left.
“This was a big win for us,” said coach Ted Marchibroda. “We finally got our offense going and we had a balanced attack. The way we ran the football tonight, I think we’ve found our halfback.”
Holmes, a second-year player making his first NFL start, rushed for 173 yards on 27 carries. He was just as effective picking up the Bengals’ blitz on pass protection as he was running the ball. Errict Rhett and Jay Graham, who shared the starting job in the preseason and first three games, may now be relegated to the bench.
“The effort tonight was definitely from God,” said Holmes, whose two touchdowns were matched by Jermaine Lewis’ scores on a 73-yard reception and 87-yard punt return. “I just wanted to come out and make a strong showing. Someone upstairs was definitely looking down on me.”
Quarterback Eric Zeier, also starting for the first time, turned in a solid performance, completing 15 of 20 passes for 254 yards. It was the first time this season a Ravens quarterback had started and completed the game. Former starter Jim Harbaugh had to leave in the first half of each of the first three games because of a hyperextended ring finger and tendinitis in his right elbow.
