Ah, the pain of Lamar Jackson—Purple Pain, as they say. Here’s a guy with an MVP trophy, oops two, yet somehow, he’s still never sniffed a Super Bowl. Feels like one of those pro football storylines that you can’t help but root for… Only to see, it keeps falling short. Lamar’s closest shot came in the 2023 season when the Ravens made it to the AFC Championship. But the Chiefs, as always, played spoiler.

This year? It looked like maybe Lamar’s time had come. A dominant 28-14 victory over the Steelers in the Wild Card round, and suddenly, the Ravens were the team to beat. But then—boom—Josh Allen and the Bills happened.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Lamar threw for 254 yards, tossed two touchdowns, and only threw one interception. Pretty solid, right? But Bills defense? They had Derrick Henry on lockdown, or at least that’s what we were led to believe. But at the end of the day, it’s not just about how you play—it’s about how you finish.

The Ravens couldn’t close the deal, and Buffalo walked away with a 27-25 win. Now the Bills are gearing up to take on the Chiefs for the AFC crown, and the Ravens are left wondering, “What if?” But they can’t complain. It’s almost like karma’s working overtime here. Sure, Lamar’s having his personal beef with fate, for yet another incomplete end. But the team cannot complain. They just were asking for it. Playing a risky game. Don’t you remember the drama that was brewing between Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen?

After the Ravens knocked out the Steelers, Smith threw some light-hearted shade at Queen. “All that is, is talk, and the game is played for a reason,” Roquan said, taking a jab at Queen’s earlier comments. “I think I remember my guy ‘PQ’ saying … I think the last time we played them, it was a hat and T-shirt [game], but I guess he’s got the T-shirt he has on. He’ll be in Cabo or somewhere, but he’s still my guy – much love.” Ouch. But this wasn’t all. You see, Baltimore really took the p-ss out of Pittsburgh and George Pickens ahead of the game.

A video was making the rounds on X where Ravens players are giving their thoughts on Lamar Jackson’s new cologne. One player tried to figure out how to describe the scent, asking himself, “What’s it smell like?” And just as he’s pondering, a teammate in the background throws some shade at Pickens. “Smells like George Pickens. Soft? Yeah, smells just like that!”

Well, Pickens has had some moments, but that was the peak of trash talks if we had seen one. And fair dues to Pickens for not hitting back with any reply as such, so far. Give his run with the tantrums, yeah, it’s a mature moment for him.

But wait, of course Queen had to respond. The 2020 first-round Ravens pick turned Steelers linebacker has been taking shots at his old squad all season. From claiming the grass was greener on Pittsburgh’s side to more general trash talk, Queen’s quickly gone from beloved teammate to full-fledged villain in Baltimore. So, obviously when the Bills completed his dirty job, he clapped back.

Lamar Jackson cannot outrun the reality amidst all the skirmish

Here we are again. Lamar Jackson, so close, yet so far. After their 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills, Lamar was right back at the podium, facing those all-too-familiar questions about coming up short in the postseason. “I’m tired of being right there,” he said, frustration in his voice. “We need to punch it in. We have to get right in the offseason.”

It’s like clockwork. Each year, Lamar’s the MVP-caliber quarterback, but the Ravens can’t seem to land that final blow. Jackson went 3-5 in the playoffs after that tough loss, and you know fans are asking: when will it finally happen? Hmm…

However, his former teammate, Patrick Queen, just doesn’t give to fudges about Jackson getting the SB. Oh, no! He wants to get back at Baltimore, no matter at what expense. And just like that, Queen, now with the Steelers, did not wait for his ex-teammates to process the loss as he threw a jab straight at Roquan Smith.

“Aww yeah Ro, I saved the jet for ya,” he posted. Well, it seems he doesn’t wanna go to Cabo without Smith, after all. It’s all fun and games, right? But does it rub salt in the wound for Ravens fans? Maybe just a little. The tension between Queen and the Ravens still lingers. When asked about his departure, Queen admitted, “I wasn’t wanted back.” Ouch.

It’s cool for Queen to hit like that, but Baltimore is soaking in its own pain right now. You can call Queen’s comments: a pinch to a numb heart. It just doesn’t sting. For bantering, yes, Queen got the last laugh (even if it involved the Steelers’ early exit, too). Now, Smith might reply, dragging this drama.

But Lamar? Well, he just wants to get done with this drought. Here we are saying the same thing: ‘Hopefully, he can do it next season.’ Hopefully…