Ravens Suffer Another Fourth Quarter Collapse Against Saints

Familiar struggles for Baltimore

The Baltimore Ravens suffered a painful 24-17 defeat to the New Orleans Saints after letting another fourth-quarter lead slip away. Baltimore led 17-9 entering the final quarter but allowed the Saints to score two consecutive 68-yard touchdowns. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough scored the winning points on a 1-yard run with only 1:28 left on the clock.

This loss continues a bad habit for Baltimore. Over the last six seasons, the Ravens have lost 15 games when leading after three quarters, which is the worst record in the NFL. They also failed to hold a 14-3 lead in the first half. Since Lamar Jackson became the starting quarterback in 2019, the team has lost 15 games after leading by double digits.

Jackson struggles late in the game

The Ravens played without their top wide receiver, Zay Flowers, who missed the game with a hamstring injury. For the first three quarters, Lamar Jackson looked sharp, completing 18 of 24 passes for 207 yards and a touchdown.

However, the final quarter was a different story. Jackson completed just three of seven passes for 28 yards and threw an interception. With 13 seconds left, Jackson was intercepted at the Saints' 37-yard line, ending any hope of a comeback. Jackson later admitted he wanted that pass back.

New coach Jesse Minter, who replaced John Harbaugh, wanted to focus on defending their home ground. However, the Ravens have now lost four straight home games. Their last win at home was in November against the New York Jets. Tight end Mark Andrews insisted this is a new team with a different energy, but the team must improve quickly before their trip to face the Dallas Cowboys.