Lamar Jackson’s Struggles in AFC Championship Game Highlight Ongoing Issues for Ravens Quarterback

Baltimore, MD – January 29, 2024: The Baltimore Ravens’ hopes of reaching the Super Bowl were dashed on Sunday night, as they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC Championship Game. While the defense held Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense in check, the Ravens’ offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, struggled to find consistency and ultimately failed to put up enough points to secure the victory.

The game started promisingly for the Ravens, with Jackson leading a surgical touchdown drive on their opening possession. However, that would be their only touchdown of the game, as Jackson struggled to find his rhythm and make accurate throws throughout the rest of the contest. He finished the game completing just 20 of 37 passes for 272 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception.

Jackson’s struggles were particularly evident in the second half, as the Chiefs’ defense tightened up and began to apply more pressure. Jackson was sacked four times and held the ball for long stretches, leading to several missed opportunities and ultimately costing the Ravens valuable field position.

In the post-game press conference, Jackson acknowledged his struggles and took responsibility for the team’s loss. He stated that he needed to do a better job of protecting the ball and making plays when it mattered most.

“We’re trying to win,” Jackson said. “I don’t think you’re doing too much when you’re trying to win out there. You thought so?”

Jackson’s performance in the AFC Championship Game was a disappointing end to a season that had seen him take significant strides in his development as a passer. He had improved his completion percentage to 67.2%, the sixth-best mark among all quarterbacks with at least 400 attempts. He had also thrown for 3,127 yards and 27 touchdowns during the regular season, while adding another 1,206 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground.

However, Jackson’s struggles in big games have become a recurring theme throughout his career. In six career playoff games, he has completed just 57.4% of his passes for six touchdowns and six interceptions. He’s also been sacked a whopping 24 times. The Ravens have won just two of those games.

The Ravens’ loss to the Chiefs also raises questions about the team’s future. Jackson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he is expected to command a massive payday when he hits free agency in 2025. The Ravens will need to decide whether they are willing to commit to Jackson long-term, despite his struggles in big games.

The Ravens also have a number of other key players who are set to become free agents this offseason, including running back Gus Edwards, wide receiver Sammy Watkins, and cornerback Marcus Peters. The team will need to make some tough decisions in order to maintain its status as a contender in the AFC.

For now, the Ravens are left to rue what might have been. They had a chance to reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2013, but they were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. The loss to the Chiefs is a bitter pill to swallow, but it also serves as a reminder that the Ravens still have work to do if they want to be considered among the NFL’s elite teams.