game-winning drive, do I want Derrick Henry on the field? Sure, I do want him on the field.”
The Ravens’ defense also struggled to make key stops in the fourth quarter, despite coming off a shutout victory over the Cincinnati Bengals earlier that week. They allowed touchdown drives of 73 and 89 yards by the Patriots, who were led by quarterback Drake Maye (31 of 44, 380 yards, two touchdowns) and wide receiver Stefon Diggs (nine catches, 138 yards).
Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith summed up the Ravens’ defensive shortcomings: “I think it’s very simple: We didn’t play winning football.
I think that’s what it is when it comes down to the clutch moments. We didn’t play winning football.”
Conclusion
The Ravens face a challenging path if they are to make the playoffs, with their worst regular-season home record (3-6) in franchise history confirmed by this loss. The team must address its issues with turnovers and ineffective use of key players while improving defensively if they hope to salvage any playoff hopes.
