Ravens bench Fabian Washington

BALTIMORE – Fabian Washington didn’t have to use a fire extinguisher to put out the flames after being scorched by speedy Buffalo Bills wide receiver Lee Evans.

It only felt that way for the Baltimore Ravens’ cornerback.

Evans beat Washington for two of his three touchdown catches during the Ravens’ 37-34 overtime victory Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.

It got so bad that Washington was benched in the fourth quarter and replaced by Josh Wilson.

“It wasn’t my day,” said Washington, who answered every question following a substandard performance. “The Bills had my number. The coaches decided to pull me and go with Josh.”

The Ravens allowed four touchdown passes to Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Besides the two scores surrendered by Washington, cornerback Lardarius Webb was beaten for a touchdown by wide receiver Steve Johnson.

When Washington allowed a 33-yard touchdown to Evans in the first quarter where he missed a jam attempt in press coverage and the veteran wideout got wide open, he knew what was coming next.

He was going to be used for target practice until he proved he could stop Evans deep.

He never shut him down, though, as Evans finished with six receptions for 105 yards.

“Once they start going after somebody, you’ve got to get them off you then,” said Washington, who wears No. 31. “[Sunday] was, ‘check, check 31.’ That’s what it was. This week, they got me, but please believe I will be back.”

Even with Pro Bowl free safety Ed Reed intercepting two passes and forcing a fumble in his season debut, the NFL’s third-ranked pass defense was off.

Fitzpatrick passed for 374 yards.

In the past three games, the Ravens’ secondary has allowed 980 yards.

Webb said he had his groin wrapped as a precaution, but took it off after Johnson beat him for a 33-yard score in the second quarter.

“That’s not an excuse,” Webb said. “I’m still supposed to make that play. I took it off then, and didn’t have any problems. I’m thinking I never should have put it on in the first place. It’s the NFL. Everybody makes plays.

“I guess me and Fabian had a rough day. These things do happen in the NFL. We’re going to go to work. I know when Fabian comes back next week, he’ll be on top of his game. I need to make sure my side is on top of my game."

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