The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the most consistent teams in the league ever since Lamar Jackson took over as their starting quarterback. With a virtual guarantee of a playoff appearance, their success in the regular season hasn’t translated to the postseason.
While Jackson has won two MVP awards, and rightfully so, the playoffs have been dominated by other teams over the years. But after their repeated failures, a former defensive end turned analyst broke down where things had gone wrong for them.
Where Did It Go Wrong for the Baltimore Ravens?
Over the six years that Jackson has been healthy for the playoffs, Baltimore has a record of 3-5 in the postseason, with an AFC Championship Game the farthest he’s ever gone. Last year, too, a Divisional Round loss to the Buffalo Bills ended their season earlier than most people anticipated.
For Michael Brokers, who spent a decade in the league after coming in as one of the most hyped prospects in the last decade, the problem for the Ravens is clear. Speaking on the NFL Network, he broke down the recipe for success for the Ravens.
“They need to play mistake-free football because every playoff something happens. [Either] a ball is dropped, [or] interceptions are thrown in the playoffs in the most critical games. So, I definitely think they need to play mistake-free football. I think that’s the easiest way to summarize it.”
"They need to play mistake-free football."@MichaelBrockers on what the Ravens need to do in the playoffs to get over the hump. pic.twitter.com/QY5HomAsla
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) May 20, 2025
The last postseason loss to the Bills is a poster child for what Brockers is alluding to. Not only did a Mark Andrews dropped catch in the endzone take away the Ravens’ chance to force overtime, but Jackson recorded an interception and a lost fumble, making it impossible for them to have a fighting chance.
“These are games that are do-or-die. You either win or go home. So, mistake-free football will help them get over the hump.” Over his career, the former Heisman Trophy winner has had a less-than-stellar resume in the postseason.
Not only did his first two trips to the playoffs end with completion percentages of 48.3% and 52.5%, respectively, but the postseason has regularly seen Baltimore have among its worst offensive outputs of the season.
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Whether nerves or the mistakes, as Brockers alludes to them, are the root of the issue, the fix for the Ravens has to arrive sooner rather than later. Jackson has already solidified himself in the record and history books.
But to enter rarefied territory, he’s going to need some more hardware in the form of the Vic Lombardi Trophy.