How the Baltimore Ravens respond to this loss could determine the season
By Dustin Cox
This loss is completely on the offense.
The Ravens were seemingly pulling off a literal last-minute miraculous comeback against the Bears. A three and out forced by the defense and a huge punt return from Michael Campanaro put the Ravens back in the game. After a successful two-point conversion it was all tied up. The Ravens just needed one more stop and a field goal to win. The defense came out and dominated, forcing another punt by the Bears. The Ravens were able to get in range for Justin Tucker but unable to spike the ball in time before the game clock expired meant this game was heading to overtime.
The Bears received the ball first in overtime, but the defense once again dominated and forced a punt and a very bad one at that. The Ravens received good field position and only needed a field goal to win. All they needed was 20 or 30 yards to put Tucker in range for a kick and they couldn’t do it. The Bears got the ball back and kicked a field goal to win the game. The ineptitude of the offense on every drive blew this game. The Ravens scored 24 points, and not a single point came from the offense.
The Ravens offense looks dead. There’s no hustle or sense of urgency in crunch time. Constant three and outs force the defense to stay on the field for far too long. No matter how good a defense is, it cannot stay on the field for this long and not give up points. The defense did everything it could to help the Ravens offense this game, including two turnovers and several clutch stops in the fourth quarter and to begin overtime. Something has to change now with this offense or it will continue to hold the team back, and if firing Marty is what is needed then the Ravens must pull the trigger before it’s too late.