Pressure can break even the most dependable players. And Sunday’s AFC Divisional Round saw the Ravens crumble under it. The game ended with a two-point miss that left Ravens fans heartbroken. Mark Andrews‘ dropped pass on a two-point conversion with just under two minutes left many fans frustrated. But former NFL quarterback Chris Simms suggests that the real blame might lie elsewhere.

Simms didn’t solely blame Andrews for dropping the pass on the Up & Adams Show. He directed criticism toward Lamar Jackson. His take? “He didn’t throw it with the same authority he usually throws it.” Jackson had just led an 88-yard drive to bring the Ravens within two points against the Bills. Todd Monken called what seemed like the perfect play for the two-point conversion. Andrews found himself wide open on the goal line, ready to secure the catch that would tie the game at 27.

However, the pass slipped through Andrews’ fingers, leaving the Ravens stunned and the Bills advancing. Andrews has faced the brunt of criticism. But Simms argued that Jackson was equally at fault. “Lamar Jackson is making $55 million a year. That ball needs to be on time and it was not accurate. Mark Andrews needs to catch it, don’t get me wrong. But Lamar Jackson is making $55 million a year and he double-clutched it and threw it like a dart,” Simms said.

It wasn’t all blame for Jackson, though. Simms called the play design “perfect.” He praised Monken for drawing up a winning strategy.“We can’t get mad at Todd Monken,” he explained. “What I’m saying is Mark Andrews in his meeting in Baltimore is going to get a negative grade for the drop. But also in Lamar Jackson’s meeting with his quarterbacks coach and his offensive coordinator, he is gonna get a negative grade for this throw.” This critique hasn’t sat well with some fans, raising questions about Simms’s bold analysis.

Pundits question Simms’s authority, but where would the Ravens go from here?

Critics quickly reminded Simms of his limited NFL success. With just one playoff game under his belt—a loss with the Buccaneers in 2005—many believe Simms is in no position to critique Jackson. Still, Simms defended his point, focusing on Jackson’s execution. “It was late; he didn’t throw it with the same authority he usually throws it. He made it as hard as it could possibly be for a wide-open touchdown,” he said. Simms highlighted how the slight delay in Jackson’s throw forced Andrews to adjust awkwardly in the cold.

But fans aren’t letting Simms off easy. ESPN analyst Marcus Spears called his opinion “unserious,” while others questioned his intent. “He’s more about hot takes than actual analysis,” said the Washington Post’s Rushard D. Anderson. But what about the Ravens?

The loss highlights recurring issues for the Ravens. Jackson has faced criticism for his playoff performances. Some even question his ability to deliver in crunch moments. Despite being a three-time MVP and regular-season powerhouse, his 1-5 playoff record continues to cast a shadow over his legacy.

As for Andrews, this drop will haunt him. His absence from media sessions suggests the weight of the moment isn’t lost on him. The Pro Bowl tight end has been a reliable target for Jackson in critical situations. Yet, this missed opportunity will likely fuel offseason discussions about the team’s execution under pressure.

Simms’s comments might seem harsh. But they underline a broader concern: the Ravens’ inability to close out crucial games. Whether it’s Jackson’s technique or Andrews’ lapse, this loss will sting for a while. For now, Baltimore fans are left wondering what could have been if either player had delivered when it mattered most.