Big game by A.J. Green paces Bengals past Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green had the type of afternoon that warrants whatever designation meant for superstar wide receivers. This is Green -- the player who could secure an even more significant contract than quarterback Andy Dalton.

At the end of the day, Green posted 131 yards receiving on six receptions against the Baltimore Ravens, including a 77-yard touchdown reception that gave the Bengals their eventual 23-16 win. When you sign players to long-term deals, you want them performing at their best against division rivals.

It's the second-best performance by Green against the Ravens, following a 151-yard effort on Nov. 10, 2013 -- the game that included a game-tying hail mary reception as time expired. It's also the sixth-most yardage in Green's career, behind the 183 yards receiving against the Washington Redskins in '12.

Green had one of the more notable postgame pressers after the win.

"I told the guys if we want to be great, we have to take that next step," said Green via tweets from Fox 19's Joe Danneman. "The whole past of the Bengals, we would get here and crap in big games. Biggest thing for us was to set the mindset that every game we can win."

"Him playing with a lot of passion is a lot of trouble for a lot of people," Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth said after the game.

Green caught the first completion thrown by Andy Dalton on the season, adding a 23-yard reception midway through the third quarter. The 77-yard touchdown and 23-yard reception were the only catches that led to a first down or touchdown for Green.