After the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC playoffs, quarterback Lamar Jackson was visibly frustrated. He repeatedly slapped his hands together, almost as if trying to snap himself out of a bad dream. Jackson talked about the mistakes that led to the loss, especially the turnovers. “I tried to squeeze the ball, it slipped out of my hand,” he said.
“Tonight, the turnovers, we can’t have that s***… hold on to the f**ing ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is annoying. I’m tired of this s***.”
Jackson’s emotional reaction was understandable given the number of missed opportunities during the game. The Ravens’ performance was marred by mistakes like a dropped pass by Derrick Henry, a bad snap to Jackson that turned into a fumble, a misread safety that resulted in an interception, and a fumble by tight end Mark Andrews, who also dropped a crucial 2-point conversion that would have tied the game late in the fourth quarter.
Despite these errors, Jackson’s leadership stood out. Late in the game, he led a stellar 88-yard, eight-play drive, capped by a 24-yard touchdown pass that brought the Ravens within striking distance. But then came Andrews’ fumble. The Ravens were left with a loss, not solely due to Jackson’s mistakes, but due to the overall team’s inability to secure the ball when it mattered most.
After the game, Jackson took responsibility, saying, “We didn’t do what we’re supposed to. Protecting the ball, that’s the number one priority. We didn’t do it. Especially me. I’m the leader. I gotta protect that ball. So I’m hot.” He also defended his teammate Andrews, stating that it was a team effort and not just one individual mistake.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh echoed Jackson’s sentiments, saying the loss was a team issue. He acknowledged that the Ravens had done well all season in protecting the ball, but that the turnovers were simply too costly in this game. “It’s football. This is how football works,” Harbaugh said. “It’s tough to win. It’s a big challenge.”
Despite this loss, the Ravens’ season is filled with questions about Jackson’s future in the playoffs. He’s now 3-5 in postseason games, and this loss adds to the ongoing narrative of his inability to break through to the Super Bowl.
Critics are quick to point out Jackson’s postseason struggles, but it’s important to remember that even legends like Peyton Manning had similar difficulties early in their careers. Manning, who is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, had a 3-6 playoff record in his first nine postseason appearances.
But Jackson is still trying to find his way. The Ravens had a strong season, but in the end, it came down to costly mistakes in critical moments. Last year’s loss to the Chiefs, which featured a critical fumble by wideout Zay Flowers, also highlighted Baltimore’s inability to get past the playoff barrier. Despite getting close, the Ravens were once again left out of the Super Bowl race.
The Ravens entered the offseason with high hopes and expectations, having added star running back Derrick Henry to help shoulder some of the load for Jackson. But as this season showed, the team still faces challenges in the postseason.
Jackson’s leadership and emotional frustration are clear, but the team’s ability to make it past the playoff hurdle remains uncertain. Jackson expressed his frustration after the game: “I’m tired of being right there. We need to punch it in. We need to punch in that ticket.”
Now, the Ravens must look at what went wrong and figure out how to improve. They must address the turnovers and find a way to execute when it matters most. Jackson’s determination is evident, but it will take more than just a few great plays to get the Ravens over the playoff hump.
The future of the team, and Jackson’s place in it, will be determined in the coming months, as the Ravens reflect on yet another early exit from the playoffs.
