The Chiefs won the game last Sunday; that’s what the scoreboard reads. But another interpretation is that the Ravens beat themselves.
LAMAR JACKSON CAN’T RUN! Perhaps that will stick in the mind of the 2x MVP winner who has been dazzling our eyes ever since a short video appeared of a young man throwing up his hands as a defender blows by while he casually walks into the endzone because clearly, the “not quarterback enough” comments did.
But the fact remains that Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens failed at their chance of making the Super Bowl this past Sunday. Coming off his sixth straight AFC Title game, Patrick Mahomes will now go to his 4th Super Bowl in 5 years.
Lamar dropped back the entire game, trying to disprove a narrative. No matter how much time he bought for his receivers to get open, they were not winning matchups. But Lamar just held the Queen piece and never used it. He had a Joker and lost his hand when playing it. Lamar never utilized his best ability–his true superhero talent, Running the football.
The Baltimore Ravens coaching game plan did nothing to deter Lamar either, calling a game plan like it was for Tom Brady. Lamar is a lot of things, but he ain’t no Tom Brady. And that’s what Lamar has to stop taking as an insult and realize it’s an advantageous truth. Lamar’s open-field ability gives defensive coordinators nightmares, and he eases their fears every time he waits in the pocket past a three count.
If the Ravens had a Jamar Chase, Stephon Diggs, or Tyreke Hill who constantly wins matchups, then, by all means, buy them time. But Baltimore doesn’t, and he’s not helping by treating them like they do. His receivers are helped when their defenders are peeking because they are worried about containing Lamar. Lamar’s greatest growth this season was his maturity, relying on subtle six-to-seven-yard runs while avoiding big hits. The ability to stagger the defense while running the ball, then kill them.
Harbaugh can’t skate free, either. The Ravens seemed uptight taking the field Sunday afternoon, and after a quick three-and-out and the Chiefs marching down to take a 7-0 lead, the Ravens continued to fragment. And as the defense tried their best, penalties, game planning, and costly turnovers finally defeated Baltimore.
Harbaugh never calmed his team down; he watched like the rest of us. Many speak of Harbaugh’s love for Jackson; of course, he loves the man who saved his job. But clearly, Harbaugh can’t help him, as Lamar needed more than a head cheerleader on his sideline Sunday.
The Ravens blew a tremendous opportunity that isn’t guaranteed to happen again. Harbaugh, now 2-5 in the postseason since Lamar Jackson’s arrival, goes home a second time as the #1 seed and with the MVP. After seventeen seasons, it’s time for Baltimore to find a new voice. As for Lamar, he needs to stop trying to disprove his critics and be Lamar Jackson.
