Mink: Since the Lamar Jackson period started in 2018, the Ravens have 16 turnovers in 9 playoff video games. Jackson performed in eight of these video games and threw seven interceptions and misplaced 4 fumbles. It’s fairly clear that turnovers have been a serious motive why the Ravens have not gotten over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
While he performed a superb recreation total, Jackson took duty for his first-half errors and mentioned, “Protecting the ball – that is the primary precedence – and we did not do it, particularly me. I’m the chief. I’ve to guard the ball, so I’m sizzling.”
Of course, Jackson is not alone. Zay Flowers had a fourth quarter goal-line fumble in opposition to the Chiefs in final yr’s AFC Championship recreation and Mark Andrews had a fourth quarter fumble in Buffalo this yr.
What’s so irritating is that that none of them have been turnover inclined in any other case. Jackson threw simply 4 interceptions this season. Andrews hadn’t misplaced a fumble since 2019. Flowers has by no means fumbled aside from that one play.
So how do you repair it? There’s not a straightforward reply. The Ravens all the time stress and observe ball safety. They preach defending the soccer in conferences. That will certainly be a spotlight once more this upcoming season, maybe much more.
I do not know that taking a extra conservative strategy in the playoffs is the resolution. Changing the approach you play seems like a recipe for extra issues and Jackson’s attack-mode type of play is a part of what makes him so nice.
The truth is, while you play good groups in the playoffs, they pressure you to make extra errors. The Ravens need to be adequate to withstand that or overcome it.
The different half, and it might not be what folks wish to hear, however I believe there is a honest quantity of luck concerned. The recreation may be merciless, and it has been particularly harsh to the Ravens lately. Perhaps meaning the Ravens are due for some good luck subsequent yr?
