The Baltimore Ravens dropped to below .500 with a crushing defeat on Sunday night, losing 28-24 at the hands of the New England Patriots on home turf. Despite losing Lamar Jackson to a back injury before
halftime, the Ravens were still in position to win in the fourth quarter but saw a double-digit lead evaporate. Here are the Baltimore Beatdown staff’s instant reactions to the game. Add yours in the comments and join the discussion.
After a fantastic start against the Patriots following the Bengals game, it felt like the Ravens might have finally turned the corner. But instead, we got the entire season boiled down into a couple of quarters. A primetime Derrick Henry fumble, a Lamar Jackson injury, a defensive collapse in the fourth quarter, and a final Zay Flowers fumble doing too much to try and propel the team forward. Ravens lose.
Maybe it’s different if Lamar Jackson stays in the game, but frankly, it shouldn’t matter. The Ravens had their chances and couldn’t figure it out. It’s time. The identity of this team has to change after seeing this play out the same way so many times over the years. Clear house, reset the brain, and move forward. — Zach Canter
It’s a fitting end to a disastrous season for the Ravens. In Week 1, the Ravens lost because of a Derrick Henry fumble, and in Week 16, their season ends because of a Zay Flowers fumble (a familiar sight). Tyler Huntley performed admirably in Lamar Jackson’s absence, but the defense couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain in the second half. As usual, a combination of strange coaching decisions, like pulling Derrick Henry on the penultimate offensive drive, and sloppy play pushed the pre-season Super Bowl favorites to this spot. Lamar Jackson has been banged up this season, but it shouldn’t influence management from making changes that should’ve been made years ago. This is a sloppy, undisciplined team that folds in big moments, and more importantly, one that isn’t worthy of being in the NFL Playoffs. — Stephen Bopst
I did not expect eight losses (and counting) going into this season. In a year full of brutal losses, this one might sting the worst. Another blown fourth quarter lead. Another game where Derrick Henry is inexplicably ignored late. Another game where Lamar Jackson gets injured and the following week will be filled with excruciating questions that will never be answered. Zay Flowers silenced his doubters for 58 minutes and then succumbed to his biggest flaw yet again.
The coaching staff needs to go. The culture is broken. The “Baltimore” label cannot be given to this defense. Todd Monken cannot consistently call a game for the offense. It’s just painful. Lamar Jackson deserves better. Hopefully Eric DeCosta can rip off this band-aid. — Mark Myers
This game featured many of the main problems the Ravens have faced this season. From key players fumbling the ball, to abandoning Derrick Henry, failing to sack the opposing quarterback, and Lamar Jackson getting injured. This team does not deserve to make the playoffs after failing to learn from their mistakes time and time again. It is time to try something new this offseason. John Harbaugh has been a fantastic coach for this team for a very long time, but I’m afraid the train has run out of steam at this point. — Dustin Cox
The Ravens ran the ball effectively and forced multiple turnovers. They converted third downs with efficiency and were in prime position to put the game away late — even without Lamar Jackson under center. Unfortunately, many of their biggest blips came back to haunt them. They went away from Derrick Henry on the final two drives of the fourth quarter, surrendered explosive passing plays, couldn’t get pressure on the quarterback, and fumbled with the game on the line. This was the Ravens’ sixth home loss of the year and third in a primetime spot. With their backs against the wall and perhaps season on the line, the Ravens failed to meet the moment and instead squandered yet another double-digit fourth quarter lead. — Frank Platko
