As the Baltimore Ravens prepare to face the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round, quarterback Lamar Jackson is drawing motivation from his last playoff visit to Orchard Park. The Ravens’ loss in the 2020 Divisional Round remains a pivotal moment in Jackson’s career, and this time, he’s determined to rewrite the narrative.
Turnovers played a critical role in Baltimore’s playoff loss to Buffalo in 2020, and the Ravens are taking every precaution to avoid a repeat performance. While Jackson has been turnover-free in the last three games, the Bills’ defense, which ranked third in takeaways this season (32), poses a serious challenge.
“Just overly focused on that part of the game [and] just protecting the ball,” Jackson said. “Put the ball where only my receiver can catch it and make moves.”
Head Coach John Harbaugh has been hammering the importance of ball security in team meetings, emphasizing clean execution as a critical factor for postseason success.
Baltimore’s offense has been meticulous in recent weeks:
Maintaining this level of discipline will be critical against Buffalo, which boasts playmakers like nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, who missed the Week 4 matchup but will be back for this round.
When asked about his lack of interceptions, Jackson dismissed the notion of celebrating it prematurely, signaling his focus on the task ahead.
“Coach [Harbaugh] is over-emphasizing that on us,” Jackson said. “Making sure that ball security – this and that – and that plays a part with me, not just fumbling, but keeping the ball out of the defenders’ hands.”
With lessons learned from the past and a sharp focus on ball security, Jackson and the Ravens are entering Sunday’s matchup with a renewed sense of purpose. Will the motivation from 2020’s loss fuel Jackson to lead Baltimore to victory this time around?
What do you think, Ravens fans? Can Jackson exorcise the ghosts of Buffalo and guide Baltimore to the AFC Championship? Let us know in the comments!