The Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills’ Divisional Round matchup came down to the wire. In the end, the Bills came out on top and will be headed to Kansas City for an AFC title matchup against the Chiefs.
For the Ravens — it’s on to the offseason to try and improve and come away with better postseason results.
Baltimore had a chance to square the game up late, too. Trailing 27-19 with the fourth quarter winding down, Lamar Jackson led his squad down the field and into the end zone.
It was nothing new for Jackson, who had a remarkable campaign and could be en route to a third MVP trophy victory, though Bills quarterback Josh Allen is also in the running.
Trailing 27-25, the Ravens had a chance to tie the game late with a two-point conversion. Jackson had star tight end Mark Andrews open on the right side of the end zone and delivered a beautiful ball, though the Oklahoma product couldn’t come home with the catch.
While many will scrutinize Andrews and come at him for his key error late in the game. Jackson isn’t going to have any of that, though, as he sounded off after the game.
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
“We’re a team. In the first half, I had two costly turnovers,” Jackson claimed. “Me not holding the safety, me knowing the coverage and that it was man, threw a BS interception. We battle back and then a fumble. Snap, trying to make something happen, it was an RPO so I couldn’t really throw the ball. I tried to make something happen, tried to squeeze the ball and it slipped out my hand. …That led to points for them.
“So, it’s a team effort out there. He’s been busting his behind. He’s been making plays out there for us. Like I’ve been saying all season, every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a factor. Penalties play a factor.
“Tonight, it was turnovers. We can’t have that [expletive]. And that’s why we lost the game. As you can see, we’re moving the ball wonderfully. Hold onto the [expletive]. I’m sorry for my language, but this [expletive] is annoying. I’m tired of this [expletive]”
It was quite a lengthy but strong statement from Jackson, who is clearly frustrated with the result and how the game was determined.
The loss will certainly leave a nasty taste in the Ravens’ mouth as they head into a decisive offseason to course-correct and build around Jackson and Derrick Henry.
