The Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 cost the franchise from Maryland a playoff berth and the division title, and put an end to a frustrating season in multiple aspects, especially due to Lamar Jackson’s injuries throughout the year.
While the season of the two-time MVP quarterback, who was a First Team All-Pro last season, was disappointing, the harshest criticism has been directed at John Harbaugh. A former NFL player and Super Bowl champion argued that it might be best for both sides to part ways with the head coach.
Chris Canty Argues in Favor of Baltimore Keeping Lamar Jackson, Parting Ways With John Harbaugh
Ravens fans woke up on Monday morning and had to face the harsh reality that the team had been eliminated from the playoffs by its biggest rival in a decisive game that came down to inches and nearly swung in Baltimore’s favor. Tyler Loop’s wide-right kick brought the franchise’s season to an end and sparked heavy criticism.
The relationship between Harbaugh and Jackson had already been discussed as potentially strained throughout the season, and the quarterback’s injuries only seemed to frustrate the head coach further.
Although Jackson insists there is no friction, something needs to change in Baltimore, and Super Bowl champion Chris Canty argues that Harbaugh could be the one chosen to leave.
“I understand that nobody wants to blame either one of them for the lack of success that they’ve been able to achieve since 2018. But at some point, you’ve got to be able to take advantage of a quarterback that’s capable of putting together a fourth quarter like we saw in Pittsburgh last night,” Canty said.
Jackson delivered a strong performance in the fourth quarter against the Steelers, finishing the game with 11 completions on 18 attempts, 238 passing yards, and three touchdowns, along with one interception. In the final quarter, Jackson threw a beautiful touchdown pass to Zay Flowers and put the team in position for the game-winning field goal.
“There are just too many instances of the Baltimore Ravens having blown double-digit leads this season, but also throughout John Harbaugh’s tenure, to justify staying the course. Something has to change in order to get a different result, and I think that the head coach between the two of them is by far the easier to make a move.”
In this season alone, the Ravens have blown three double-digit leads, including the Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh. These losses have become a defining trait of Harbaugh’s final years in charge, and the lack of recent success may justify the head coach’s departure.
Baltimore’s offense finished the season ranked 20th in the NFL on the PFSN Offense Impact Meter, with a 72.7 grade, and even with Jackson back on the field, the unit lacked the spark that was once associated with the team. A change in leadership could be what the franchise needs to become a threat again across the NFL.
