John Harbaugh explains the cost-benefit of his challenge vs. Bengals

On the first drive of the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals , tight end Mike Gesicki caught a three-yard reception against safety Kyle Hamilton near the sideline on the two-yard line. The reception had a bit of a bobble and popped out after the play ended and to the chagrin of those watching, Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh decided to throw the challenge flag.

It didn't look likely to be overturned — but more importantly didn't seem worth it from a value standpoint to challenge a three-yard catch when the Bengals were already on the five-yard line. After the game, Harbaugh explained why he challenged the reception.

"We thought it was incomplete," Harbaugh said on why he challenged. "We'll have to look into this but you got to survive the ground without the ball moving. You have to maintain control through the ground if you don't take that third football act. That third-step football act."

He also clarified the why challenging the play in the low red zone made it worth the risk.

"In the low red zone, the difference between defending the 2-yard line and the 4-yard line is massive. And we would have got that stopped if we don't get the holding call in the end zone on that fourth down — and even at the 2-yard line. I just feel like there's a big difference in the two and the four and we're trying to force them to a field goal there. It felt like it was worth the cost if you win it. If you don't win it, then it becomes loss. It becomes lost money. So, disappointed we didn't win it but I think the cost-benefit in that situation, defending the four [yard line] is different because they're not going to run it in there. They can run, they can run-pass option, you got to play man, you got to pack the box at the 2-yard line. You get picked and all those things — it's a little bit tougher down there."