Here’s what the Baltimore Sun sports activities employees needed to say instantly after the Ravens’ 24-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in Sunday evening’s AFC wild-card playoff recreation at Paycor Stadium.
Childs Walker, reporter: What a merciless twist for Tyler Huntley, who was taking part in the sport of his life solely to fumble away a possible victory on the aim line. The Ravens in all probability ought to have handed the ball to a operating again on that fateful third down, nevertheless it’s Huntley who will really feel the agony. The Ravens didn’t play like a crew that anticipated to lose. They instantly went in opposition to their slender components for victory when Huntley threw an interception on his second try of the sport. The Bengals punished his carelessness with a landing drive to go up two scores. But the Ravens answered with a 75-yard landing drive of their very own and evened the turnover battle when Kyle Hamilton knocked the ball out of Hayden Hurst’s grasp with a fierce hit. The Ravens couldn’t have requested for a greater situation at halftime, up one with the ball coming again to them to begin the third quarter. They stored taking the battle to the Bengals within the second half, answering a landing drive with considered one of their very own and transferring inside one yard of taking a 24-17 lead earlier than Huntley’s fumble and Sam Hubbard’s 98-yard landing return. The Ravens outplayed and outhit the favored Bengals for a lot of the evening, however that will probably be chilly consolation as they start an extended offseason, with Lamar Jackson’s unsure future in Baltimore prone to be one of many NFL’s high tales for months to return.
Mike Preston, columnist: The Ravens performed about in addition to they’ve performed all yr in opposition to one of many higher groups within the NFL. It was an entire 60 minutes of soccer, which they haven’t performed for the reason that first half of the season. In the top, an previous drawback resurfaced of not having the ability to rating touchdowns and that damage once more on the finish of the sport.
Hayes Gardner, reporter: The Ravens’ offense performed its greatest recreation with out Lamar Jackson. And the protection was sturdy sufficient to win, too. Ultimately, although, a catastrophic play doomed them.
C.J. Doon, editor: It’s uncommon for a street underdog to soak up such a gut-wrenching loss, particularly within the postseason. The Ravens have been mere inches away from taking the lead within the fourth quarter, solely to observe Bengals defensive finish Sam Hubbard rumble 98 yards for the longest fumble return landing in NFL postseason historical past. That botched sneak overshadows what was a gutsy efficiency for Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley, who will probably be fascinated with that stretch on the aim line for an extended, very long time. The Ravens gained’t be fascinated about ethical victories after such a disappointing finish to the season, however stifling protection and a resurgent J.Okay. Dobbins present some hope for the longer term, supplied the offense can discover some dependable receivers. (OK, that’s an enormous if.) At the top of the day, they have been just a few breaks away from pulling off a surprising upset. There will probably be loads of time to debate Lamar Jackson’s future this offseason. How this crew modifications, with reference to each gamers and coaches, will probably be fascinating.
Tim Schwartz, editor: They say soccer is a recreation of inches. This recreation proved it. Another foot of extension by Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley may have modified the course of the franchise. It was a jaw-dropping play that — understandably — overshadowed what was one of the best efficiency of Huntley’s profession. The Ravens battled and fought and clawed in a recreation many anticipated could be nearer than the 8 1/2-point unfold and had a number of alternatives after the fateful fumble to drive and tie the sport however couldn’t get it performed. That feels like their season as an entire — so shut, but not fairly ok when it mattered most. Now, probably the most fascinating offseason in Ravens historical past awaits with Lamar Jackson a pending free agent. Bring your popcorn.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com