The Baltimore Ravens are having one of their most tumultuous weeks since the start of the 2025 NFL season. After a disappointing 20-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team not only lost a crucial advantage in the AFC North race but also faced a wave of anger from fans. The focus of all the attention right now is Lamar Jackson – the brightest star of the Ravens – who gave an explanation after the defeat that many people considered more of an “excuse” than an acceptance of responsibility.

The match between the Ravens and Steelers was considered the most exciting match of the week as both teams fiercely competed for the top spot. Baltimore led for most of the game, but everything fell apart in the final few minutes. The offense lost its accuracy, the defense lacked focus and most importantly, Lamar Jackson – who is often praised for his ability to create plays – had a forgettable performance. He completed 22 of 34 passes, gaining 245 yards and a touchdown, but committed two turnovers in the fourth quarter, allowing the Steelers to successfully come back.

After the game, Lamar Jackson explained that he had not fully recovered from a hamstring injury and that it affected his mobility, ball handling, and overall performance. However, instead of sympathy, this sharing made the fan community even angrier. On social media, thousands of critical comments appeared, saying that blaming the injury was unprofessional, especially when Jackson still decided to play. Some fans even said that if he was not in good shape, he should have given up his place to a reserve player instead of risking such a disappointing result.

Not only Jackson was criticized, but the entire Ravens team was also under enormous pressure. Jackson’s over-reliance on individual talent has been a problem for several seasons now, and the loss to the Steelers exposed it once again. When Lamar is not at his best, the team is almost disoriented and unable to maintain a lead. Sports analysts say that if Baltimore wants to compete for a championship, they need to build a more flexible and balanced offensive system instead of relying solely on the talent of one individual.

The personnel issue further complicates the situation as a series of other pillars of the Ravens are injured. According to Reuters, defender Marlon Humphrey may be out for several weeks, while Roquan Smith is also out with a hamstring problem. This directly affects the team’s defense, which has exposed many weaknesses in the last match. However, the schedule does not allow them much time to recover as the Ravens face the Houston Texans next week – an opponent who is hungry for victory after a series of unsatisfactory starts.

In that context, the pressure is on coach John Harbaugh and his coaching staff. Many experts believe that it is time for the Ravens to make bolder decisions, from being transparent about Jackson’s injury status to adjusting tactics and testing new personnel. If Jackson is not completely healthy, resting him for a game or two may be a wise choice to ensure his best return for the decisive stage of the season. At the same time, the team also needs to focus on strengthening the defense and creating more cohesion on the offensive line to avoid repeating similar mistakes.

With a record of 2-2 after four rounds, the Ravens are currently third in the AFC North and face a difficult schedule ahead. The upcoming games against the Houston Texans, Cincinnati Bengals, and Kansas City Chiefs will be crucial to their playoff chances. Another misstep could end Baltimore’s championship ambitions early.

The wave of criticism Lamar Jackson and the team are facing is not just a reflection of the fans’ frustration, but also a wake-up call about accountability and fighting spirit. While the hamstring injury explanation may be true, fans don’t need excuses—they need to see a team that is willing to fight for victory. The Baltimore Ravens still have time to turn things around, but to do so, they must start by being decisive, transparent, and showing greater desire than ever before.

Only by turning their words into actions on the field can the Ravens regain the trust of their fans and salvage a season that is in danger of falling into crisis. And more than anyone else, Lamar Jackson is the one who needs to prove that he is not only a talented star, but also a leader with enough courage to lead the team through the storm.