The Baltimore Ravens suffered an ugly collapse in a 26-23 Week 2 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Ravens took a 23-13 lead with 12:11 left in the game. Over the next 12 minutes, the Ravens proceeded to go three-and-out on back-to-back offensive drives, while allowing the Raiders to score 13 unanswered points.
The Ravens were unable to get into field goal range when they got the ball back with 27 seconds remaining, in part, because they had no timeouts.
Unfortunately, for the Ravens, this was not a particularly unique outcome. As CBS noted during the broadcast, over the last five seasons, the Ravens had 10 losses after leading by seven or more points during the fourth quarter.
THIS is inexcusable pic.twitter.com/Ae2AemqWXJ
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) September 15, 2024
Sunday's loss added another one to the list.
According to Josh Dubow of the Associated Press, the latest blown lead puts John Harbaugh in a poor place in the record books: he has the most blown double-digit leads in fourth quarters of any coach since 1991.
John Harbaugh now has most blown double-digit leads in 4th quarter of any coach since at least 1991 after losing to Ravens for his 9th blown lead https://t.co/6YDlhCM5KU
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) September 15, 2024
While Harbaugh can't entirely be blamed for the Week 2 loss, it was not a strong performance by the veteran head coach. Harbaugh lost two challenges on Sunday, including a questionable challenge on a 30-yard catch by Davante Adams along the sideline with 10:31 remaining in the game. That lost timeout hurt the Ravens down the stretch, as Las Vegas burned clock before kicking a go-ahead field goal with 27 seconds left to play.
After the game, Harbaugh said he challenged the Adams catch because it came on a "chunk" play.
Harbaugh said the Ravens would have to review everything they're doing, and that, ultimately, they'll be judged by how their next 15 games go.
However, with a tough upcoming schedule that includes an away game in Dallas, a home game against the Bills, and an away game against Cincinnati, it's certainly possible that the Ravens season could slip out of control quickly.
