BALTIMORE (WMAR) — The Baltimore Ravens are one and done in the 2019 NFL Playoffs, after falling to the Los Angeles Chargers 23-17 on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Baltimore's offense got off to a poor start, fumbling on three of their first eight plays, one of which led to a Chargers field goal.
The Ravens were held scoreless until the third quarter when Justin Tucker kicked a field goal, which made it a 12-3 game at the time.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Ravens were down 20-3 with less than 10 total passing yards, making it look as if there was no hope for a comeback.
At times the stadium was filled with chants calling for benched veteran quarterback Joe Flacco to be put in the game.
Rookie Lamar Jackson however made it an interesting fourth quarter, connecting with wide receiver Michael Crabtree on two touchdowns, pulling the Ravens within six points with a little over a minute to go in the game.
As it did the entire game, ball security issues would again haunt the Ravens to seal their fate. With 26 seconds remaining, San Diego forced Jackson into his third fumble and turnover of the game, ending an attempt at a miracle comeback.
With the win the Chargers advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs and will travel to New England to face the Patriots next week.
The Ravens will now head home for somewhat of an uncertain off season.
Baltimore's front office will undergo a change in leadership, as longtime General Manager Ozzie Newsome officially enters retirement, handing the reins over to Eric Decosta.
The team will have to make a determination on what to do with Flacco now that Jackson has taken on the starting quarterback role. Then questions remain on the future of Head Coach John Harbaugh. Though the Ravens recently announced, he would return next season, rumors continue to pop up on whether he will truly be back. DeCosta will also have to decide the status of veteran players that could eventually become salary cap casualties, as well as whether or not to resign pro-bowl linebacker C.J. Mosley.
