The Baltimore Ravens’ 23-21 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round was marked by a late two-point conversion miss that left fans heartbroken. However, the blame for the missed opportunity may not solely rest on Mark Andrews, who dropped the pass in the game’s final moments.
Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms, speaking on Up & Adams, suggested Lamar Jackson also played a role in the loss. Jackson had just led the Ravens on an 88-yard drive to make it a two-point game, and Andrews was wide open for the potential game-tying catch. But Simms questioned Jackson’s execution of the throw.
“Lamar Jackson is making $55 million a year. That ball needs to be on time, and it was not accurate,” Simms said. “Mark Andrews needs to catch it, don’t get me wrong. But Lamar Jackson is making $55 million a year, and he double-clutched it and threw it like a dart.”
While the pass was in the general vicinity of Andrews, Simms argued that Jackson’s throw lacked the usual precision, making it more difficult for his tight end to complete the catch. The drop ultimately ended the Ravens’ hopes of completing the comeback.
Simms praised Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for calling the right play but placed blame on both Jackson and Andrews.
“We can’t get mad at Todd Monken,” Simms said. “What I’m saying is Mark Andrews in his meeting in Baltimore is going to get a negative grade for the drop. But also in Lamar Jackson’s meeting with his quarterbacks coach and his offensive coordinator, he is going to get a negative grade for this throw.”
The remarks quickly sparked debate, with many Ravens fans defending Jackson and blaming Andrews for the missed opportunity. Some critics, however, pointed to Jackson’s struggles in clutch moments as a contributing factor to the team’s continued playoff shortcomings.
Simms, who played just one postseason game in his career, was met with criticism for his analysis. ESPN’s Marcus Spears dismissed the comments as “unserious,” while others questioned Simms’ qualifications to criticize Jackson, whose regular-season success is unquestioned.
However, Simms defended his point, emphasizing the importance of the throw’s execution. “It was late; he didn’t throw it with the same authority he usually throws it,” Simms said. “He made it as hard as it could possibly be for a wide-open touchdown.”
The criticism comes amid ongoing questions about Jackson’s ability to perform in the postseason. Despite being a three-time MVP, Jackson’s 1-5 playoff record has left doubts about his ability to deliver in clutch moments.
Andrews, a consistent target for Jackson, was notably absent from media sessions following the game. His missed catch will undoubtedly linger as the Ravens look to regroup after another early playoff exit.
The loss highlights the Ravens’ recurring issues in closing out games under pressure. With their playoff hopes dashed again, the team must address their shortcomings as they look toward the future. What’s clear is that both Jackson and Andrews will shoulder much of the blame for another disappointing playoff performance.
