The Cincinnati Bengals’ Thanksgiving-Day Game Delayed Due to Flight Delays
The Cincinnati Bengals faced an unexpected challenge as their team flight to face the Baltimore Ravens on Thanksgiving night was delayed over five hours, arriving in Baltimore after midnight. The flight, originally scheduled for 3:45 p.m. ET, departed at around 10:32 p.m. ET, according to FlightAware. This led to the Bengals not reaching their hotel until after midnight, which marked a less-than-ideal start to their holiday game.
While the delay didn’t impact the timing of the game itself, as the team was still able to play on Thanksgiving, the circumstances raised concerns about the logistics of travel and the potential strain on the players’ schedules. The Bengals were supposed to land in Baltimore at 6:19 p.m. ET, but technically arrived on Thanksgiving, landing at Baltimore/Washington International Airport at 12:03 a.m. The team had to rebook their flight due to the delay, although the reasons for the change in schedule were not made public.
The game against the Ravens remains a significant one for the Bengals. Despite their 3-8 record on the season, the match is a crucial opportunity for the franchise to regain some momentum. Starting quarterback Joe Burrow, who returned to the field from injuries, will be pivotal for the team. Burrow, who has maintained an impressive 7-0 record in his last seven starts, is expected to provide the offensive strength needed to overcome their recent struggles.
On the other hand, the Ravens are in a strong position in the AFC North, having won their last five games after starting the season 1-5. With the Pittsburgh Steelers also vying for the division title, this matchup is critical for both teams as they both look to secure a playoff spot.
In a statement to the media, Burrow expressed some concerns about playing the Ravens for the fourth consecutive year on the road in prime time. However, with playoff aspirations on the line, teams are expected to focus on the game rather than the circumstances surrounding it.
The situation highlights the importance of scheduling and logistical planning for sports teams, especially during major holidays like Thanksgiving. The Bengals’ management may review their travel protocols to ensure such disruptions don’t occur again, particularly when facing key divisional matchups that could impact their season’s trajectory.