The Baltimore Ravens’ 2024 season ended in heartbreaking fashion, falling just short in a gut-wrenching playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. After a late-game rally led by Lamar Jackson, the Ravens had a golden opportunity to tie the game with a two-point conversion—only for Mark Andrews to drop the pass, sealing their fate.
Former NFL MVP Cam Newton has since weighed in on the Ravens’ final play call, questioning the offensive strategy and how it limited Jackson’s playmaking ability. Newton, known for his unfiltered football analysis, believes the play design set Jackson up for failure.
Newton on the Play Call: ‘Why Shrink the Field?’
💬 “For me in that situation, I know I got Lamar Jackson. I’m going to give him options to have a quick throw, a man-to-man answer, and then if all else fails, use that 53 and a third (width). That’s why I didn’t like it.” – Cam Newton, via 4th & 1 Show
Newton’s biggest critique? The Ravens condensed the field, rolling Jackson out to the right and essentially eliminating half the field as an option.
✔ Jackson thrives in open space – When given the full field, Jackson can find an open man, scramble, or extend the play.
✔ Rolling out narrows options – The defense only has to defend half the field, making it easier to cover passing lanes.
✔ Limited run threat – By rolling out, Jackson was already being pursued by defenders, making a QB scramble highly unlikely.
What Went Wrong?
On the two-point attempt, Jackson executed the rollout, targeting Andrews near the goal line. The ball was catchable, but Andrews couldn’t haul it in. While some blame the tight end, Newton’s argument shifts the focus toward the play design itself.
🚨 Newton’s Take: The play call failed to maximize Jackson’s strengths—his ability to process coverages, make defenders miss, and find the best option.
A Frustrating End to a Championship-Caliber Season
The Ravens entered the AFC Divisional Round as one of the most complete teams in the NFL, boasting:
🔥 A top-ranked defense
🔥 A dominant run game led by Derrick Henry
🔥 An MVP-caliber season from Lamar Jackson
Yet, one play, one missed opportunity, and one moment of execution failure defined their playoff exit.
The Margins Are Razor-Thin in the Playoffs
Newton also expressed empathy for Andrews, acknowledging that one play doesn’t define a season. Andrews was crucial to the Ravens’ success, but in the high-stakes world of playoff football, every inch matters.
💬 “That’s the reality of football. One play can be the difference between moving on or going home.”
How Will This Loss Fuel the Ravens in 2025?
Losing in heartbreaking fashion often becomes a motivational fire for elite teams. The Ravens now face an offseason of reflection, adjustments, and renewed determination to get over the hump.
Key Offseason Questions:
1️⃣ Will the Ravens adjust their late-game play-calling?
2️⃣ Can Jackson and the offense add new wrinkles to the red-zone package?
3️⃣ What roster moves will Baltimore make to get back to the Super Bowl?
Baltimore’s Super Bowl window remains open, but this loss will be a painful lesson as they prepare for another deep postseason run in 2025.
🔥 What do you think? Did the Ravens’ play-call fail Jackson, or was it just bad execution? Drop your thoughts below! 🔥