Baltimore Ravens’ star tight end Mark Andrews, a three-time Pro Bowler, has faced intense scrutiny following a pivotal moment in the Ravens’ playoff loss. During a critical two-point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter, Andrews couldn’t secure a pass from quarterback Lamar Jackson, a mistake that ultimately sealed the team’s fate.
Had Andrews made the catch, the game would have been tied at 27, possibly shifting the momentum in the Ravens’ favor. Instead, the team resorted to an onside kick, which the Buffalo Bills recovered.A series of plays,including a handoff by Josh Allen and strategic kneel-downs,secured the Bills’ victory and their spot in the AFC championship Game.
While much of the blame has been directed at Andrews, NFL analyst and former quarterback Chris Simms has argued that Lamar Jackson deserves significant obligation for the failed play. Simms emphasized that while Andrews should have caught the ball, Jackson’s pass was far from perfect.
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Lamar Jackson (No. 8) of the Baltimore Ravens drops back to pass against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoffs at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on January 19, 2025. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“Many fans and analysts are quick to criticize Mark Andrews for the missed two-point conversion,” Simms remarked during his appearance on “Up & Adams,” where he reviewed footage of the play. “But let’s not overlook the fact that Lamar Jackson’s throw was off-target.”
Simms acknowledged that Andrews had a responsibility to make the catch but stressed that Jackson,who earns $55 million annually,should have delivered a more precise pass. “Lamar is paid to make those throws count,” Simms added. “He’s got to hit his targets, especially in high-pressure situations like that.”
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“The timing was off,and the throw wasn’t where it needed to be,” Simms continued. “Yes, Andrews has to catch it, but when you’re making $55 million a year, you’ve got to deliver in those moments. Lamar grabbed the ball, hesitated, and then threw it like a dart—but it was too late and too inaccurate.”
NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms during the AFC Divisional Playoff game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 21, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Simms commended the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, for his strategic play design. He emphasized that the play in question was flawlessly executed, labeling it as an “ideal play call.”
“This was an ideal play call,” Simms remarked. “We can’t fault Todd Monken for this.” He continued, “Mark Andrews will likely receive criticism for the dropped pass during today’s team review in Baltimore. Similarly, Lamar Jackson will face scrutiny in his sessions with the quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator. The throw was delayed, and it wasn’t executed with his usual precision. He ended up forcing the ball with excessive power.”
Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens fails to secure a pass during a critical two-point conversion attempt in the second half of an NFL Divisional Playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, on January 19, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
In a tightly contested game, Lamar Jackson recorded two touchdown passes and one interception in the Ravens’ 27-25 defeat. crow The team also struggled with ball security, losing two fumbles, one attributed to Jackson. Mark Andrews added to the turnover woes with a fumble in the fourth quarter.
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Post-game, Jackson dismissed any notion that Andrews shouldered the blame for the loss. “We win and lose as a team,” the two-time NFL MVP emphasized. “Mark isn’t at fault here. We don’t point fingers at anyone.”
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It seems like you’ve shared a snippet of a sports article discussing a play involving Lamar Jackson and Mark andrews,with analysis from NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms. The article critiques Jackson’s throw, emphasizing that despite Andrews’ duty to make the catch, Jackson’s $55 million salary comes with the expectation of delivering precise passes, especially in high-pressure situations. Simms also praises the Ravens’ offensive coordinator,Todd Monken,for his play design,calling it an “ideal play call.”
The article highlights the scrutiny both Andrews and Jackson will face during team reviews, with Andrews likely criticized for the dropped pass and Jackson for the delayed and inaccurate throw. The analysis underscores the high standards expected of elite NFL players,particularly quarterbacks,in critical moments.
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