Lamar Jackson and Ravens regret missed chances in devastating loss to Bills—Mark Andrews’ defense sparks debate!
The Baltimore Ravens came heartbreakingly close to pulling off a comeback victory against the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s Divisional Round playoff. After a thrilling 88-yard touchdown drive led by Lamar Jackson, the Ravens narrowed the Bills’ lead to just two points in the closing minutes. A potential game-winning two-point conversion from Jackson to tight end Mark Andrews appeared to seal the deal, but Andrews shockingly dropped the ball, and the Bills held on for a 27-25 victory.
While Andrews’ drop will dominate conversations following the game, both Jackson and Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh emphasized that it wasn’t the sole reason for the loss. Jackson made it clear that the entire team had a hand in the defeat, with turnovers and penalties playing a significant role in the Ravens’ downfall.
Missed Opportunities and Costly Turnovers
Despite Jackson’s best efforts, the Ravens were undone by costly turnovers that proved impossible to overcome. Jackson himself was responsible for two of those turnovers. The first came in the first quarter, when Jackson overthrew Rashod Bateman under pressure, resulting in an interception. Later, Jackson fumbled the ball after trying to escape additional pressure from the Bills’ defense. Von Miller scooped up the fumble and ran it back 39 yards, setting up a touchdown that gave the Bills a 14-7 lead in the second quarter.
After the game, Jackson didn’t shy away from taking responsibility for his mistakes, pointing to his own missteps as key factors in the Ravens’ loss. “We’re a team,” Jackson said. “I had two costly turnovers in the first half. I didn’t hold the safety and threw a bad interception. The fumble… just trying to make something happen.”
The Crucial Two-Point Conversion and More Mistakes
The Ravens were not only hurt by Jackson’s turnovers. In the fourth quarter, Mark Andrews, who had been a key player all game long, also faltered at a crucial moment. After a 16-yard catch, Andrews had the ball knocked out of his hands by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard. The fumble was recovered by Buffalo at the Ravens’ 44-yard line, with the Ravens trailing 24-19. Instead of having a chance to take the lead, the Ravens saw the Bills extend their advantage to 32-19.
Interestingly, Andrews’ fumble was his first lost fumble since 2019. And while the Ravens had a chance to recover, it was another significant mistake at a critical moment. According to Next Gen Stats, Andrews’ dropped two-point conversion pass contributed to a -22.8% win probability loss for the Ravens. When you factor in the total impact of all three turnovers, the Ravens saw a combined -36.7% in net win probability, with Jackson’s fumble being the most damaging at -19.3%.
Mark Andrews’ Redemption and Leadership
While the turnovers ultimately decided the game, it is worth noting that Mark Andrews had a significant role in keeping the Ravens alive. After a slow start to the season, Andrews rediscovered his form and ended up catching a team-high 11 touchdowns. In this playoff game, Andrews contributed five catches for 61 yards in the second half, including two crucial first-down conversions and a key fourth-and-1 run.
Despite his errors, Andrews has been an integral part of the Ravens’ offense, and coach John Harbaugh defended him following the loss. “Mark has more heart than anyone,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a high-character person, tough, and a good person. We wouldn’t be here without him. So, it’s like anything else, destiny is a decision. He’ll handle this, like he always does, fantastically.”
The Ravens’ Resilience Moving Forward
Despite the crushing loss, the Ravens remain resilient. Star safety Kyle Hamilton also came to Andrews’ defense, pointing out that “one play doesn’t define anyone.” He reminded the media of Andrews’ incredible consistency and past successes, stating, “Mark is the all-time leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anybody to say anything negative about him, you need to take a good look at your own thought process. What he’s done and will continue to do for this franchise is undeniable.”
As the Ravens look back on their missed opportunities, they understand that turnovers, penalties, and errors will always hurt them in high-stakes games like this. But with the leadership of players like Jackson and Andrews, and the coaching of Harbaugh, the Ravens know they are on the right path for future success.
A Long Road Ahead for the Ravens
In the end, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will look back at this game with frustration but also with a sense of growth. While the playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills was a tough one, the Ravens have a talented core to build on moving forward. The leadership shown by Jackson and Andrews, combined with the resilience of the team, ensures that they are far from finished in their pursuit of an NFL championship.
As they look ahead to the next season, the Ravens know that their mistakes will serve as a reminder to stay disciplined, focused, and ready for the challenges that come with the postseason. The road may be tough, but with a strong team and leadership, the Ravens will continue to strive for success.
