For Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday night’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills brought another chapter to their recent postseason struggles. Despite being one of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks and a near-lock for his third MVP award, Jackson once again finds himself under scrutiny after an early playoff exit.
The Ravens fell short in a close 27-25 loss to Buffalo, marking another season where high expectations were dashed in January. Fair or not, the blame often circles back to Jackson, the face of the franchise. While his regular-season heroics consistently put the Ravens in playoff contention, his postseason record now sits at 3-5, raising questions about his ability to deliver when it matters most.
But Jackson doesn’t see a pattern in the team’s playoff struggles. When asked to reflect on the loss, he pointed to individual mistakes rather than overarching issues.
Jackson Owns Up to Mistakes
“I mean, that’s just how things roll,” Jackson said when asked about the loss. “Like I said, I saw it was man coverage, but I just didn’t get my eyes on the safety. That interception wouldn’t have happened if I had. And then, going back to the fumble—I still gotta hold onto the ball. Bad snap, bad decision. Just go down. It’s a playoff game. You can’t afford those mistakes in games like this. But in the moment, I’m just trying to make something happen.”
Jackson’s performance was a tale of two halves. Despite turnovers in the first half, he bounced back with a stellar second-half effort, helping the Ravens claw back into the game. Still, the narrative is hard to shake—two costly turnovers, including a late-game interception, played a significant role in the loss.
Turnovers have been a recurring issue for Jackson, particularly fumbles. While his passing numbers this season were outstanding—41 touchdowns to just four interceptions—his ball security as a runner remains a concern. Jackson lost 10 fumbles during the 2024 season, marking his second straight year with double-digit fumbles. In fact, he has lost at least five fumbles every season of his career.
A Frustrated Jackson Addresses Critics
After the game, Jackson didn’t shy away from expressing his frustration. “Like I’ve been saying all season, turnovers kill us in these moments,” Jackson said. “Penalties, too. But tonight, it was turnovers. We can’t have that sh**. That’s why we lost the game. As you saw, we were moving the ball wonderfully. But hold onto the fing ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this sh is annoying. I’m tired of this sh*.”
Jackson’s candid comments highlight the weight of expectations on his shoulders. While his MVP-caliber regular season showcased his immense talent, his playoff struggles fuel ongoing debates about his ability to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl.
A Strong Regular Season, but What’s Next?
Despite the disappointing end to their season, Jackson’s individual performance in 2024 deserves recognition. He was in the MVP conversation all year, thanks to his elite efficiency as a passer and his dynamic playmaking ability. His 41-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio is a testament to his growth as a quarterback.
However, the fumbles overshadow his progress in other areas. Ball security has become a glaring issue, and it’s one that opposing defenses exploit. For a player as talented as Jackson, these small mistakes have outsized consequences in the high-stakes environment of the playoffs.
Sunday’s loss also raises broader questions for the Ravens as a team. After catching fire late in the regular season, expectations were high heading into the playoffs. But another early exit has fans and analysts wondering what changes might be needed to push Baltimore over the hump.
Still the Heart of the Team
While critics point to Jackson’s playoff record and turnover issues, there’s no denying his value to the Ravens. Few quarterbacks can match his dual-threat abilities or his knack for creating explosive plays. As long as Jackson is under center, the Ravens will remain a contender.
Safety Kyle Hamilton, speaking after the game, echoed this sentiment. “Lamar is our guy. We ride with him. Tonight wasn’t the outcome we wanted, but it’s not just on him. As a team, we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to clean up the mistakes, all of us.”
Moving Forward
For Baltimore, the offseason will bring reflection and, likely, adjustments. The team has the talent to compete for a championship, but the lingering question remains: can they put it all together when it matters most?
As for Jackson, he’ll undoubtedly use this loss as fuel for the future. His fiery postgame remarks show a player determined to improve and overcome the narrative surrounding his playoff performances.
One thing is clear: the Ravens’ success hinges on Jackson. Despite the frustrations, he’s a generational talent capable of carrying the team on his back. The challenge now is to turn that potential into postseason glory.
For the Ravens and their fans, the dream of a Super Bowl remains alive as long as No. 8 is leading the charge. But to get there, Jackson and the team will need to find a way to eliminate the costly mistakes that have haunted them in recent years. Until then, the questions and criticisms will linger, but so will the hope that next year could be the year they finally break through.
