The Baltimore Ravens changed coaches and coordinators during the offseason, but one damaging problem followed them into 2026. Baltimore still has not shown that it can consistently close out games it has controlled from start until a disappointing finish.
The Ravens led New Orleans 17-9 late in the third quarter and forced a three-and-out. They took possession at the Saints’ 49-yard line with an opportunity to build a two-score advantage.
Instead, Baltimore lost 16 yards and punted. New Orleans tied the game on its next possession. After another Ravens three-and-out, the Saints produced a methodical winning drive that included two third-down conversions and two fourth-down conversions. New Orleans finished the fourth quarter with 10 first downs.
Baltimore had two.
The most questionable offensive decision came on third-and-1, when Lamar Jackson threw deep toward Chris Moore instead of extending the drive with a higher-percentage option. The defense had opportunities to get off the field and failed to finish them. Baltimore’s trip to Brazil now carries additional urgency. Dallas scored 37 points in Week 2 and has a veteran quarterback capable of punishing late-game mistakes.
The Ravens do not need to forget the loss. They need to identify exactly why control disappeared and prevent the pattern from becoming part of another slow start.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens’ latest collapse raises familiar questions about finishing
