In a dramatic and deflating start to the 2025 NFL season, the Baltimore Ravens suffered a painful 41-40 loss to the Buffalo Bills after surrendering a 15-point fourth-quarter lead. Head Coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Monday the need for a more deliberate and thoughtful approach in the crucial final moments of games, following a collapse that has reignited scrutiny over the Ravens’ ability to close out tight contests.
The Ravens entered the last four minutes of the game holding a seemingly comfortable 40-25 advantage. Lamar Jackson had been electric throughout, amassing 209 passing yards and two touchdowns, while Derrick Henry dominated on the ground with 169 yards and two rushing scores. However, those efforts unraveled in a stunning sequence that saw the Bills mount a furious comeback, capped by a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Harbaugh revealed he seriously contemplated going for it on a critical late fourth down rather than punting to Buffalo, but the team ultimately chose the more conventional route. “I think punting is what most people would do there,” Harbaugh said. He also noted Jackson was experiencing cramps and might have pushed harder to convert had he been fully healthy.[1] Those final strategic decisions have since sparked debate among analysts and fans alike.
Amid the collapse, Henry’s fumble at the Baltimore 30-yard line was a turning point that allowed the Bills to regain momentum. Even after the Bills scored, a missed two-point conversion left the Ravens with a slim two-point lead. The Ravens’ offense then went three-and-out on their next possession, with Henry limited to a one-yard run, Zay Flowers failing to gain yardage on a run, and Jackson falling short on a pass to reach a first down.[2] This sequence forced a punt and set the stage for Buffalo’s winning drive.
Reflecting on the play-calling, Harbaugh admitted, “Did we call the right plays? Well, in hindsight, no, because they didn’t work.” He expressed regret over not trying alternative plays such as a “naked boot” and pointed out the opportunity for Lamar Jackson to execute a designed run on a read-option play that was not utilized in the end.[2]
The loss amplified longstanding concerns about the Ravens’ pattern of allowing leads to slip away under Harbaugh, who reportedly has the most blown double-digit, second-half leads by any NFL coach since 1991. Fans on social media have voiced intense frustration, with some calling for Harbaugh’s firing and criticizing the coaching staff’s ability to manage clutch situations effectively.[3]
Despite the setback, the Ravens’ offense put up 432 total yards, comparable to their offensive output in a similar playoff loss to Buffalo last season. This consistency in yardage contrasts sharply with their struggle to finish games, highlighting that their issues may lie not in gaining yards, but in executing under pressure.[2]
Looking forward, Harbaugh emphasized the importance of evaluating their approach to late-game leads and said the team “need[s] to be really thoughtful” about their end-game strategy to avoid repeating such losses.[4] He and his coaching staff face mounting pressure to adjust their tactics to protect leads and secure victories if the Ravens intend to shake the reputation of faltering in critical moments and mount a legitimate Super Bowl run.
The Ravens return to action seeking answers and improvements, aware that the margin between victory and defeat in the NFL’s high-stakes environment is razor thin and that how they close games could define their season.