Well, that was gutsy. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 13 in thrilling fashion.
The game ended as so many Ravens games before have ended: Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews. Only this time, the pass wasn’t completed.
This game was full of its own GIF-worthy moments. After Jackson swiftly led a touchdown-winning drive with a minute and change left on the clock, the Ravens decided to go for the game-winning two-point attempt.
We assume it was mostly John Harbaugh’s decision. We didn’t see Harbaugh mouthing, “Do you want to go for it?” but they seemed to be on the same page. This was a calculated risk Baltimore was willing to take.
So when the Ravens ultimately lost 20-19, failing to complete the two-point conversion, our only thought as fans was, “At least they tried.”
Had Baltimore opted for the extra point, there would have been a plethora of other variables at play: for one, Justin Tucker would have to make the kick, which given his “clutch” record, would have been a near-guarantee.
But the more unsurmountable feat would be the injury-riddled Ravens defense trying to stop a rejuvenated Steelers offense, and at Heinz Field to boot.
One can talk about “what-ifs” all night long, but the game is over. Choices were made, and now Baltimore has to deal with the consequences.
Here are the studs and duds from Week 13’s defeat.