"A Super Statement & Spectacular Collapse"

Imagine paying great money to see your favorite team play and sitting 
through a blowout. Regardless of the weather conditions, you've seen 
enough and decided to leave the stadium. Well NFL fans, this was the 
scene in Buffalo, New York Sunday night for a rematch of the 2024 AFC 
Divisional Round between the Bills and Ravens. In what turned into 
heroic efforts by reigning MVP Josh Allen, 41-40 was your final score. 

Who would fit into the title of "super statement and spectacular 
collapse?" Let's breakdown the events leading up to a fourth quarter 
comeback by Buffalo.

Super Statement: Buffalo played a horrible first half considering their 
defense couldn't stop Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and running 
back Derrick Henry. The Bills had their fair share of struggles; rather it 
was the power running by Henry who had nearly 150 yards before 
halftime. But when the game seemed over for Baltimore, Buffalo had 
other plans.

Here are with the score 40-25 around the five minute mark and Buffalo 
begins the unthinkable: scoring at will with things going their way. Allen 
making play after play; throw after throw and not giving up in getting a 
victory. What's not being talked about is the Ravens missing an extra 
point; which would've made it 41-25. A big strip fumble forced by the 
Bills defensive front gave them enough life to keep playing. This game 
was going to be a masterclass in which QB would make the statement 
as who's going to challenge the AFC this season. Allen was about as 
great he needed to be and there's reasons why Buffalo has every elite 
chance to have home field come January.

On to the "spectacular collapse."

Spectacular Collapse: Baltimore came into this season as "the best 
team and roster," as Lamar Jackson put it mildly. A big primetime game 
in Buffalo, MVP quarterbacks, strong defenses and potent offenses. The 
Ravens took every point possible to flex their wings and flock on 
Buffalo. Front running and celebrating on the sidelines as if the game 
was over. Mission accomplished as they thought... But... A couple 
miscues had a domino effect.

A missed extra point on their last scoring drive made it 40-25. All smiles, 
grins and giggles until... Derrick Henry's crucial fumble flipped this 
Ravens defense into just make one stop. A pass rush that couldn't stop 
Josh Allen, secondary getting exposed and coaching became pivotal in 
what led to a call which I don't honestly agree with. 4th and 3 is where I 
felt Baltimore lost this game.

Head coach John Harbaugh elects to punt it back to Buffalo versus 
letting Jackson or Henry attempt a four yard rush and force Buffalo to 
play their full deck of cards. It was a head scratcher considering 
Buffalo's front seven was gassed; while Zay Flowers had himself a 
game. Savvy veteran DeAndre Hopkins doing what he does and contest 
one handed catches. To take the ball out of Jackson's hands made this 
game more painful for Ravens fans.

If you look at what really could've happened, it was a missed
opportunity to send a statement. John Harbaugh in his coaching tenure
has blown 17 double digit leads and lost 10 with Jackson as
quarterback. A lot can be said: Baltimore's big game moments have
been little to be desired. Great through 17 games and when the
pressure is higher, they tend to have their feathers plucked.

It's a growing trend of concerns as Baltimore fails to close out games of
this magnitude. If you have the best quarterback and he's a dual threat,
gamble and let the chips fall where they may. These games are won off
pure grit and gamble. You can't leave possessions on the field and allow
your opponent take advantage.

If you missed this classic week one matchup, go back and watch it. You
won't be disappointed by any means. NFL is back and I'm here all
season to bring you different introspects. We will have many more
games of this as the season progresses.

Stai tuned.