The Baltimore Ravens’ 17-3 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams at times was a far cry compared to last week’s thrashing by the Houston Texans.

In many respects, Sunday’s performance was an improvement over Baltimore’s previous one. Derrick Henry was back to his old self and the Ravens defense displayed some heart by executing a few splash plays. The Ravens were able to keep Puka Nacua at bay and dominate the battle for time of possession.

Baltimore is once again at a disadvantage due to their usual suspects: an inability of closing drives, untimely penalties, and turnovers. The Ravens’ inability to capitalize on their chances was made even more frustrating by any encouraging signs.

Cooper Rush got his defense to jump twice offside in a single row on their first drive to advance the chains. A pair of holding flags (soft) in the red area stalled the Ravens’ drive, forcing them to kick a field-goal. Rush’s interception wiped out errant throws, dropped passes, and even a missed field-goal on L.A.’s first possession. After a stunning strip-sack by John Jenkins, the Ravens got back the ball, but then handed it back to the Rams following another bizarre blocking penalty, and struggling in high-stakes situations at short distances.

It was only the first quarter. The rest of the game was characterized by similar patterns. LaJohntay was saved by a penalty when he fumbled his first punt. He put the Ravens into scoring position on the second attempt, but the offense got down to the 1-yard-line, ran three plays and turned the ball over just before halftime. After the halftime break, the Rams scored a touchdown and the Ravens failed to respond. They fumbled away the ball on two consecutive drives.

Tyler Huntley, with his usual gallant performance in the fourth quarter, took control of the offense. However, four sacks during two of his drives ended any chance for a comeback. After he threw out the ball on fourth down, fans began to pour out the exits. The Ravens fell to 1-5.

John Harbaugh said after the game, “We created our chances and put ourselves in a situation where we could’ve won that football match.” You could argue that we probably should have won the game, but we did not do what was required to win. “We made some critical errors that cost us a chance to win the match, and that is really what it comes down to.”

Harbaugh hit the nail on the head in his opening statement, even with all the frustration that surrounded Harbaugh’s podium session. The Ravens were desperate for a victory, they had many chances to control the game and yet blew them all.