The Ravens have a turnover problem on the both sides of the ball in the postseason
The Ravens’ playoff woes are well documented in the Lamar Jackson era, with the overwhelming focus of critique being placed on the two-time MVP quarterback. Rarely is a game ever won or lost by an individual player, though, no matter how influential that player is. While Jackson has made uncharacteristic mistakes in the team’s postseason losses, other factors have contributed to the disappointing outcomes. One such aspect has been a lack of turnovers by Baltimore’s usually elite defense, which cornerback Marlon Humphrey acknowledged when asked why the Ravens have not been getting the results they want in the postseason.
“We never really came to anything, just because being on the inside, it just felt like we were preparing the way we should,” Humphrey said. “It really seemed like everything was kind of where you wanted it, and the answer never truly came, but I do know the very simple answer – the one that [we] did come [up with] – is the Bills had three [forced] turnovers; the Ravens had zero [takeaways], and that right there is just the tale of the story. The percentages … Three [forced] turnovers are more than likely going to win the game. Two [forced] turnovers, you’re more than likely going to win the game. Even [if you force] one turnover, you’re more than likely going to win the game if the other team has zero, so that’s the one thing that’s pretty evident.”
In nine playoff games since Jackson became the starter in 2018, Baltimore’s defense has forced just three total turnovers. If you exclude the 2022 wild-card matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals in which backup quarterback Tyler Huntley started, the Ravens’ defense has forced just two turnovers with Jackson at the helm. Combining this with Jackson and the offense continually putting the ball in harm’s way in the postseason, the reason for a lack of playoff success becomes extremely obvious.
“It doesn’t really matter how good you play defensively,” Humphrey said. “If you can’t get the football, you’re not playing good enough, and so that’s the biggest thing to harp on. Like I said, that’s got to be our identity. That’s got to be every … All 11 guys that’s on the field, [that has to be the] identity – get the ball, get the ball, get the ball, get the ball.”