The Baltimore Ravens Reflect on Missed Opportunity After AFC Championship Loss

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) — Less than 24 hours after Baltimore’s season ended with a loss in the AFC championship game, All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton was dealing with both physical and emotional pain.

“Body is sore, heart sore,” he said. “But we move on.”

Ravens Lament Missed Opportunity

The Ravens head into the offseason lamenting an opportunity that got away. Baltimore finished with the best record and best point differential in the NFL and beat other top teams in surprisingly convincing fashion down the stretch, but in their most important test last weekend, the Ravens still couldn’t completely break through against the team that’s dominated the AFC of late.

Ravens Outclassed in AFC Championship Loss

Baltimore didn’t seem outclassed in its 17-10 loss to Kansas City, but the Ravens were way too mistake-prone after falling behind early. Experience doesn’t decide all NFL postseason games, but in this one, the Chiefs looked like a team that was playing in its sixth straight conference title game. The Ravens? They looked like they were in their first in over a decade.

Ravens’ Long-awaited Playoff Journey

Baltimore (14-5) hadn’t made it this far since winning the Super Bowl 11 years ago. This season was the first time the city hosted the AFC championship game since 1971.

Chiefs Remain a Threat, New Challenges Await Ravens Next Season

Kansas City appeared vulnerable, with an offense that wasn’t nearly as scary as in years past, but the Ravens turned the ball over three times, committed silly penalties, and struggled all game offensively.

In the upcoming season, the Ravens will have to deal with a Cincinnati team that should have Joe Burrow back from his injury-plagued 2023. Additionally, teams like Buffalo, Cleveland, Houston, and Miami also possess enough talent to be formidable.

Ravens Face Changes in Offseason

The Ravens have a star quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a star linebacker in Roquan Smith, and a star in Kyle Hamilton who just finished his second season. However, there will be changes. With some solid young players, the team also has veterans who may need to be replaced.

Players Reflect on Disappointing Loss

“Being up in years, you only have so many more shots to do this,” said guard Kevin Zeitler. “This was a great team, executing at a high level. It was really fun to be a part of, and like I said, it feels really unfinished.”

Edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney expressed his disappointment, stating, “I felt like we had a squad to win it. … It kind of hurt more than anything that has happened in my career to lose that game yesterday. But we’re back to the drawing board.”

Offseason Challenges and Potential Free Agency

As the Ravens head into the offseason, they face decisions regarding expiring contracts, including starters like Kevin Zeitler, Patrick Queen, and Justin Madubuike. Furthermore, players like running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins may also test free agency.

Support for Lamar Jackson

Despite criticism, Kyle Hamilton defended star quarterback Lamar Jackson, stating, “We all know that he’s the best player in this league, and I’m glad to have him on our team.”

Justin Tucker Addresses Pregame Incident

Ravens kicker Justin Tucker addressed a pregame interaction with Kansas City players Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, stating that he believed it was not a big deal and that he did not intend to cause any problems.

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