The Baltimore Ravens' stunning loss to the Buffalo Bills, despite holding a commanding 40-25 lead, has sparked a critical self-assessment from Head Coach John Harbaugh. This wasn't just another defeat; it marked the seventh time since the start of the 2022 season that the Ravens have squandered a double-digit lead in the second half. The alarming total, now at seventeen blown leads under Harbaugh's tenure, necessitates a strategic overhaul.
Harbaugh acknowledged the unacceptable trend in a recent press conference, emphasizing the need for a more intentional approach to managing substantial advantages. "Maybe part of it is we’ve been ahead a lot," he conceded. "We’ve had a lot of two-score leads. We’ve kept a lot of those, but I think we’ve lost six of them. That’s too many. I don’t care how many two-score leads you have. We need to be really thoughtful of how we approach these situations."
The coach highlighted the necessity for careful consideration across all facets of the game. Play-calling, both offensively and defensively, will undergo scrutiny, along with the team's overall mindset in such crucial moments. While Harbaugh expressed confidence in understanding the shortcomings in the Buffalo game—particularly the failure to adequately contain Josh Allen—he recognizes the need for a revised strategy to overcome future challenges, especially considering the potential for a playoff rematch against the Bills. The Ravens' postseason hopes hinge on their ability to conquer this recurring weakness and effectively protect their hard-earned leads. The team's success in the AFC playoffs will depend on whether they successfully implement these crucial changes.
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Originally published at: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/john-harbaugh-we-need-to-be-thoughtful-about-protecting-big-leads
