The Ravens’ 2024 season, filled with dominance and resilience, ended in heartbreak Sunday night as self-inflicted wounds paved the way for a 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills. Despite outgaining Buffalo 416-273, Baltimore’s three turnovers and a critical missed opportunity on a two-point conversion sealed their fate.
At the center of the late-game drama was tight end Mark Andrews, a captain and cornerstone of the franchise. Andrews, typically the model of reliability, fumbled in the fourth quarter and later dropped a potential game-tying two-point conversion. Yet, in the aftermath, his teammates and coaches were steadfast in their support for the star.
The Ravens were their own worst enemy, starting with Lamar Jackson’s two first-half turnovers. After an early touchdown connection with Rashod Bateman, Jackson misread the coverage and threw an interception targeting Bateman deep. On the next drive, a botched snap from Tyler Linderbaum turned into a scramble and fumble recovery for the Bills, setting up a touchdown.
“Just go down,” Jackson lamented postgame. “It’s a playoff game. Split second, I’m trying to make something happen. Just go down.”
The Ravens rallied in the second half, narrowing the gap behind a surging ground game and back-to-back scoring drives. Andrews’ fumble, forced by Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard, came at a critical moment as Baltimore was driving deep into Buffalo territory.
Still, Jackson and the offense showed fight, delivering a stunning 24-yard touchdown to Isaiah Likely in the final minutes to set up a two-point conversion attempt. On the play, Jackson rolled out and hit a wide-open Andrews, but the pass slipped through his hands just shy of the pylon.
After the game, Andrews declined to speak with reporters, but his teammates and head coach John Harbaugh were quick to defend him.
“There’s nobody that has more heart, cares more, or fights more than Mark,” Harbaugh said. “We wouldn’t be here without Mark Andrews. Destiny is about how you handle what comes in your life, and Mark will handle this fantastically, like he always does. I’m proud of him, just like I’m proud of all the guys.”
Lamar Jackson echoed that sentiment, deflecting blame from his teammate. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” Jackson said. “All of us played a factor in that game. It’s a team effort. I’m not going to put that on Mark. He’s been battling all season.”
Andrews’ fellow tight end Isaiah Likely added, “Mark’s a pro’s pro. Any other situation, Mark holds onto the ball. That’s why he’s my big brother. He’s human. It happens.”
Ravens players and coaches made it clear that Andrews’ contributions far outweigh any single play.
Despite the bitter ending, the Ravens’ 2024 campaign was filled with highlights: a division title, a playoff victory over Pittsburgh, and stellar seasons from Jackson, Derrick Henry, and a retooled defense.
Still, the sting of falling short lingers. As Jackson put it: “Turnovers play a factor. Penalties play a factor. Tonight, the turnovers, you can’t have that [stuff]. That’s why we lost the game.”
For Mark Andrews and the rest of the Ravens, this loss will serve as motivation to return stronger. His legacy as a cornerstone of the franchise remains intact, and his teammates’ unwavering support underscores the respect he’s earned in Baltimore.
The Ravens’ offseason begins now, with much to evaluate—but also much to be proud of.