For the Baltimore Ravens, a season of promise ended bitterly on Sunday night, as they fell 27-25 to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round. It was a razor-thin defeat that highlighted both their potential and their flaws.
Despite outgaining the Bills offensively (416 yards to 273), the Ravens were undone by three costly turnovers and a series of missed opportunities, none more glaring than a failed two-point conversion attempt with just over a minute remaining. Mark Andrews, who has been a cornerstone of Baltimore’s success, let the potential game-tying pass bounce off his chest, ending an incredibly frustrating outing.
Marlon Humphrey Gets Honest About Baltimore Ravens
In a candid postgame interview, cornerback Marlon Humphrey reflected on the uncertain future of the team. His words were as blunt as they were telling.
“There’s only a select few people that know they’re gonna be here next year,” Humphrey said. “There really ain’t a true message. This team is done.”
CB Marlon Humphrey: “This team is done. … Some guys will be here, some guys won’t” pic.twitter.com/vjBxIldYzC
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) January 20, 2025
Humphrey’s comments come at a pivotal moment for the Ravens, who must decide whether this loss was an anomaly against a great Bills team or a sign of deeper issues. While the defense held Josh Allen to under 130 passing yards, Allen’s two rushing touchdowns and the Bills’ ability to protect the football proved decisive.
Marlon Humphrey: A Star in Limbo
Humphrey knows where he stands amid the potential upheaval. The 29-year-old cornerback, drafted 16th overall in 2017, has been a cornerstone for the team’s defense for the past eight seasons, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. He will now enter the final non-guaranteed years of his five-year, $97.5 million extension signed in 2020.
“I know I got no more years guaranteed on this contract,” Humphrey said. “Whatever message you have, you could be on the same team, you could be on another team. Some guys will stay. Some guys will leave. I fall into that same bucket.”
With Humphrey as a pillar, Baltimore finished eighth in PFN’s Defense+ metric in 2024, achieving consecutive top-10 seasons despite the playoff heartbreak.
A Familiar Playoff Story for Baltimore Has Lamar Jackson Frustrated
Sunday’s loss felt like déjà vu for Ravens fans. Despite entering the playoffs with one of the league’s most dynamic offenses, turnovers and execution issues derailed their chances. Baltimore fell to 5-8 all-time in the Divisional Round and is 1-4 in its last five appearances.
Lamar Jackson didn’t hold back his frustration after the game. His expletive-filled postgame comments reflected the weight of another playoff disappointment. Though Jackson posted strong numbers — 254 yards and two touchdowns — his playoff record now sits at 3-5, amplifying the scrutiny of his postseason performances.
Should the Ravens Rebuild or Reload?
For all the postgame emotions, it’s worth asking: Does Baltimore truly need big changes? Losing by two points to a top-tier team like Buffalo, especially when committing three turnovers to zero, suggests the Ravens are close to breaking through.
While the sting of another early-round exit hurts, it’s a reminder of how slim the margins are at this level. A dropped pass, a missed opportunity, or a single turnover can be the difference between advancing and going home.
Instead of blowing up the roster, Baltimore could take a measured approach, focusing on refining weak points rather than overhauling its non-guaranteed veterans, including Humphrey. This group has proven its potential; now the question is what must be done to finally overcome the AFC’s best teams.