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Ravens’ Playoff Heartbreak Sparks Debate Over Blame

Following the Baltimore Ravens’ disappointing end to their playoff journey, a cloud of criticism has settled over tight end Mark Andrews. His failure to secure a crucial short pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson during a pivotal two-point conversion attempt in the closing moments of the game has put him in the spotlight.

The missed catch occurred late in a hard-fought divisional round matchup against the Buffalo Bills, where a successful conversion would have tied the game at 27. Instead, the Ravens were forced to attempt an onside kick, which was promptly recovered by the Bills. This sequence allowed Buffalo to run out the clock and secure their place in the AFC Championship game.

However, the blame isn’t resting solely on Andrews’ shoulders. Former NFL quarterback and current analyst Chris Simms has pointed out that Jackson, the team’s star player, also deserves his share of responsibility for the culmination of the game. In a recent appearance on the “Up & Adams” show, Simms acknowledged the scrutiny Andrews would face but emphasized the quarterback’s role in the failed conversion.

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Simms stated, “A lot of people are going to be on Mark Andrews for the dropped two-point conversion.” He went on to say, “While he needed to catch the ball, Jackson’s throw was not delivered accurately.” He stressed the importance of timing, especially given Jackson’s hefty $55 million per year contract. “That ball needs to be on time, and it was not accurate,” Simms explained, adding that Jackson seemed to hesitate before releasing the pass.

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Simms praised Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for calling what he described as the “perfect play.” However, he contended that both players would face criticism in team meetings following the game. “Mark Andrews is going to get a negative grade for the drop, but Lamar Jackson will also receive criticism for the timing and accuracy of his throw,” he noted.

In terms of performance, Jackson ended the game with two touchdown passes but also threw one interception and contributed to a fumble. Additionally, Andrews had a crucial fumble in the fourth quarter, adding to the Ravens’ woes.

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Post-game, Jackson voiced his support for Andrews, firmly stating, “We’re a team. It’s not his fault. We’re not gonna put that on Mark.” His remarks highlighted the collective nature of their effort and the shared responsibility within the team.

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