After the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Sunday’s AFC divisional round, Lamar Jackson made it clear that turnovers were the main factor in his team’s defeat, not a dropped 2-point conversion by Mark Andrews.
“We can’t have that s—, and that’s why we lost the game,” Jackson said, visibly frustrated after throwing two turnovers. “We’re moving the ball fine, it’s just about holding on to the f—ing ball. I’m tired of this s—.”
Despite his two turnovers — a fumble and an interception — Jackson nearly led the Ravens to a comeback win, with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely cutting Buffalo’s lead to 27-25 with 1:33 remaining. But on the ensuing 2-point conversion attempt, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the stomach before it slipped through his grasp as he fell backward.
After the game, coach John Harbaugh defended Andrews, saying, “There’s no one who fights more than Mark, and we wouldn’t be here without him. That’s just one play in a game full of them.”
Andrews, who hadn’t dropped a pass since October, also struggled in the game with two drops and a fumble. But Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton emphasized that one mistake doesn’t define a player, especially someone as reliable as Andrews.
Jackson expressed solidarity with his tight end, saying, “I’m just as hurt as Mark. It’s not his fault. We all had a part in this game.”
Despite the mistakes, Jackson’s leadership was evident. He threw for 271 yards and had one touchdown pass, but the turnovers were too costly. “Protecting the ball is the No. 1 priority,” he said. “I didn’t do that, and that’s why I’m upset. I’m the leader, I have to take better care of the ball.”
With the loss, Jackson remains without a playoff win in consecutive seasons, further delaying his pursuit of a Super Bowl appearance. Reflecting on the season, Jackson said, “We were close, but that’s not good enough. We have to do better next season. I’m tired of being right there. We’ll get it right in the offseason.”
The Baltimore Ravens now turn their attention to regrouping after another early playoff exit, but Lamar Jackson’s resolve remains. “We need to punch that ticket,” he said. “We need to be better, and we will be.”
