-
Jamison Hensley, ESPN editor
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – After another frustrating end to the playoffs, a ticked-off Lamar Jackson refused to blame tight end Mark Andrews’ dropped pass on a late 2-point conversion attempt for the 27-25 loss. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo. Bills in the AFC divisional game on Sunday.
Instead, the NFL’s reigning most valuable player directed his anger at the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.
“Whenever we find ourselves in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping his right hand into his left. “We can’t have this shit— and that’s why we lost the game. As you can see, we’re moving the ball wonderfully… you gotta hang on to the damn ball. I’m sorry for my language. It’s boring, I’m sick of it.”
Despite the turnovers – including two by Jackson – the Ravens had a chance to tie the score in the fourth quarter. Jackson’s 24-yard touchdown pass to tight end Isaiah Likely cut Baltimore’s deficit to 27-25 with 1:33 remaining.
On the 2-point conversion attempt, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the stomach before the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backwards in the end zone.
“There’s no one who has more heart, who cares more and who fights more than Mark,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews. Destiny is a decision you make and how you handle what happens in your life. Mark will handle it fantastically.”
Andrews was unavailable to speak to reporters after a game in which he made some uncharacteristic errors.
Before Sunday’s game, Andrews hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6 against Washington in October. In the divisional game, Andrews dropped two passes, including the critical 2-point conversion attempt.
Andrews also fumbled near midfield midway through the fourth quarter when he had the ball stripped. It was the second fumble of his seven-year career.
“People don’t pick on each other,” Ravens guard Kyle Hamilton said. “One play doesn’t define anyone. He’s the all-time leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history, so for anyone to say anything about him, you have to look in the mirror. He’s been a model of consistent success throughout his career I’ve been here, and for anyone to take anything away from him and his work ethic, I think it’s just unfair.”
Jackson talked to Andrews on the sideline after the failed 2-point conversion in the fourth quarter.
“I’m as hurt as Mark,” Jackson said. “(It’s) not his fault. We all played a part in this game. It’s a team effort. We’re not going to blame it on Mark because he fought all season .He’s done all the great things he’s done all season. It doesn’t always go the way we want it to, but right now it’s not going the way we want it to.
Before rallying the Ravens in the second half, Jackson had an error-filled start. In a season where he threw a career-low four interceptions, Jackson had a pass intercepted on the second drive of the game. On the next possession, he fumbled while trying to escape pressure.
It was an erratic performance for Jackson, who had been without a game several times all season. But this was his fourth playoff game in which he threw an interception and lost a fumble.
“Protecting the ball, that’s the No. 1 priority, and we didn’t do that,” Jackson said. “Especially me, I’m the leader. I have to protect the ball, so I’m hot.”
The Ravens have yet to win consecutive playoff games in Jackson’s seven seasons as starting quarterback. Now he must wait another year before embarking on another quest for that elusive Super Bowl.
“I have to get over it because here we are,” said Jackson, the only winner of multiple NFL Most Valuable Player awards not to win the Super Bowl. “I’m tired of being here, we have to do this. We have to get that ticket. We have to get there in the offseason.”
