Following their calamitous loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night, in which the Baltimore Ravens squandered a fifteen-point advantage during the final quarter, fingers are being pointed in multiple directions. Though accountability falls on several entities, including Baltimore’s defensive unit and running back Henry, there was a particular element that unexpectedly amplified the Ravens’ descent.
Had it not been for an inopportune muscular spasm, the Ravens might have elected to aggressively pursue a critical 4th down and 3 situation with merely 1 minute and 33 seconds left on the game clock. Rather, the Ravens opted to kick the ball back to Josh Allen, who then marched his team down the gridiron, positioning Matt Prater for the decisive field goal, securing a 41-40 victory for the Bills.
It seemed like an odd choice in that moment. Recognizing Allen’s proficiency at dismantling any defensive strategy in mere moments, one might question why the Ravens — who possess both Lamar Jackson and Henry on their roster — opted for a conservative approach during the most pivotal juncture of the game?
It became apparent that Jackson was experiencing muscle cramps. After the game concluded, he specified that his physical condition was the primary reason he didn’t endeavor to persuade head coach John Harbaugh to attempt the conversion on fourth down.
“I was cramping, hence my abbreviated departure from the field,” Jackson stated. “Were I not experiencing cramps, I am confident that everyone present knows I would have advocated to pursue the [on] 4th and 3.”
This explanation offered a disappointing justification for the Ravens’ cautious strategy during the game’s paramount play. While converting a 4th and 3 situation in the NFL is hardly a foregone conclusion, even statistical analysis suggested that an aggressive approach was the preferable course of action.
In the aftermath of this defeat, the Ravens must identify a means to rally after enduring yet another disheartening setback at the hands of the Bills.
While Baltimore should not fixate unduly on succumbing to another formidable team, it is crucial that they internalize a significant lesson from this meltdown. The next occasion the Ravens confront a critical short-yardage fourth down situation with the game hanging in the balance, they must aggressively pursue the conversion, even if their star player is experiencing muscular spasms.
