The Baltimore Ravens needed a win on Sunday Night Football in Week 16. They did not get that. They fell at the hands of the New England Patriots, in an agonizing 28-24 loss.
Ravens fans went through all the emotions in this one. An opening-drive touchdown had the offense in a rhythm, but once quarterback Lamar Jackson went down with an injury, many questioned if the final chapter was ready to close on their 2025 season. Backup Tyler Huntley and running back Derrick Henry looked to save the day, but late-game woes continued to plague the team this year.
Here are two winners and five losers from the Ravens’ Week 16 loss.
5 losers (and 2 winners) in Ravens' playoff-dooming Week 16 loss
Loser: Roquan Smith
The lack of a consistent pass rush was the leading cause of the defense’s issues. Linebacker Roquan Smith had a lackluster game, though. It felt like the middle of the field was wide open for the Patriots all night. Smith is not known for his coverage, and his below-average ability in that area was on full display. He also had a costly misstep on running back Rhammondre Stevenson's game-winning touchdown run.
Loser: Alohi Gilman
Just like Smith, safety Alohi Gilman struggled to hold it down in the middle of the field. New England’s running backs and tight ends gave him nightmares.
He got Mossed by tight end Austin Hooper, getting the Patriots down to the one-yard line to set up an eventual touchdown. He also could not conquer his missed tackle woes, failing to force Stevenson out on a 23-yard reception that led to more Patriots’ points by way of kicker Andres Borregales.
In a game where the defense was focused on limiting explosive plays, Gilman failed to hold up his end of the bargain.
Winner: Dre’Mont Jones
Outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones continues to be the lifeblood of the Ravens’ defensive front. They gave quarterback Drake Maye all day to throw on Sunday, but Jones provided the juice on some timely plays. He finished with one sack and a few pressures, keeping Maye on his toes throughout the night.
Winner: Tyler Linderbaum
All year, the Ravens’ interior offensive line has had a rough go of it. That does not involve center Tyler Linderbaum, though. Ahead of the Week 16 matchup, Linderbaum was asked about potential contract negotiations. He did not entertain the question too much, but he certainly turned in strong tape to prove worthy of a lucrative extension.
Linderbaum helped pave the way for Henry’s success. Henry finished with 128 yards on 18 carries, following Linderbaum on countless plays. Whether it was providing push on runs between the tackles or leading the way on attempts to the outside, the two-time Pro Bowler was doing it all.
Loser: Zach Orr
Rushing three on fourth down with two yards to go on what could have been the game-deciding stop was certainly a choice. It is not like the pass rush would have made a play after their horrendous night, but Orr continued to fall back on his questionable play-calling ways. He let Maye carve the defense up for over 300 passing yards for the first time in his NFL career. It was a complete fall-on-your-face performance from Orr’s unit late in the game.
Loser: Zay Flowers
Wide receiver Zay Flowers is an electrifying playmaker. Flowers are also quickly becoming allergic to the big moments. Drops, fumbles, you name it, when Flowers has the opportunity to make a game-changing play, he unfortunately comes up short excruciatingly often.
Late in the game, when quarterback Tyler Huntley was looking to lead a game-winning drive, Flowers fumbled away yet another game. They should not have been in that position, but they were, and his fumble will be all fans remember after this loss.
Loser: John Harbaugh
It is becoming pathetic. There have been countless games under Head Coach John Harbaugh where the Ravens have all the momentum a team could ask for. Somehow, someway, though, they throw it all away. Understandably, the circumstances were rough with Jackson leaving the game with a back injury, but the offense was in a rhythm, and the defense was doing just enough. Yet, like clockwork, Harbaugh and his team proved unable to close games.
In the midst of a severely underwhelming season, many fans have called for Harbaugh’s firing. His hot seat cooled down after a late-season comeback, but now, with their playoff hopes once again looking dim and another abysmal late-game showing, his job security should undoubtedly be questioned once again.