The Ravens were mighty in 2024, but they were sometimes their own worst enemy, and that’s ultimately what knocked them out of the playoffs.
Three turnovers and a dropped two-point conversion doomed Baltimore in its 27-25 loss at snow-covered Highmark Stadium to the Buffalo Bills.
Tight end Mark Andrews, a highly respected and reliable team captain, had a fourth quarter fumble and dropped a two-point conversion that would have tied the game in the final minutes.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson, in the midst of his best season yet, had two turnovers in the first half as Baltimore fell behind.
The Ravens outgained the Bills, 416-273. Baltimore didn’t punt once. The defense held Josh Allen to just 127 passing yards. Yet it was the Bills who are moving on to the AFC Championship in Kansas City because they played a cleaner game with zero turnovers.
“Protecting the ball – that’s the number one priority, and we didn’t do it,” Jackson said. “Especially me, I’m the leader. I have to protect the ball, so I’m hot.”
Another fantastic Ravens season, featuring a comeback run to claim the AFC North crown and playoff win against the rival Steelers, fell short of what could have been.
“Like I’ve been saying all season, whenever we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a factor. Penalties play a factor,” Jackson said. “Tonight, the turnovers, you can’t have that [stuff]. That’s why we lost the game.”
Jackson couldn’t keep his postgame frustrating from bubbling over.
“As you can see, we’re moving the ball wonderfully,” Jackson said. “Hold onto the [freaking] ball. I’m tired of that [stuff]
The Ravens’ miscues started early. After throwing a 16-yard touchdown to Rashod Bateman on Baltimore’s opening drive, Jackson was intercepted on the next when targeting Bateman on a deep shot.
Jackson took full responsibility for the interception, saying he should have held the…
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