Lamar Jackson was terrific in Sunday night's clutch moments, but the outcome for the Ravens was still horrific.
It was hard for Jackson to process Baltimore's season-ending 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers that eliminated the Ravens from playoff contention after an 8-9 season.
He was magnificent in the fourth quarter, completing six of eight passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns, both caught by Zay Flowers. A victory would've given the Ravens and their franchise quarterback momentum heading into the playoffs.
However, what could've been a memorable walk-off win became a gut-wrenching loss when Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal attempt on the game's final play. Jackson was forlorn after the loss, seeing another season come to an improbable, bitter end.
"It's devastating. I'm furious, all types of [emotions]," Jackson said at his post-game press conference. "I'm everywhere with it right now.
"Definitely stunned. I thought we had it in the bag. I don't know what else we can do."
Jackson did everything he could to lead Baltimore to victory down the stretch. According to PFF, he was the highest-graded player (91.6) for both teams in Sunday night's game.
He created a magical moment on his first scoring pass to Flowers, throwing a 50-yard strike after Jackson somehow evaded two Steelers' pass rushers.
Jackson's final completion to Isaiah Likely was another spectacular play on fourth-and-7 to set up Loop's potential game-winner. Likely made a sensational leaping grab after Jackson lofted the pass where only the Ravens' tight end could reach it.
The Steelers had just regained the lead on their previous possession, but Jackson still had 55 seconds to work with and three timeouts. There was no doubt in Jackson's mind that he would lead Baltimore back into field goal range.
"I told my guys, 'Let's be legendary,'" Jackson said. "Let's put the drive together."
However, Loop's missed kick sealed the Ravens' fate – a bitter defeat that made Jackson's efforts for naught.
"I thought that the plays that were made were incredible," Head Coach John Harbaugh said. "The sad thing is some of that will get overshadowed now a little bit, but Lamar made some phenomenal plays, and Isaiah Likely making that phenomenal catch, and other guys making great catches. I thought there were a lot of just amazing plays made in the fourth quarter there that should have led to the win."
Jackson wholeheartedly agreed. Add this game to the list of bitter defeats that he and the Ravens have suffered during his career. Losing never gets easier for Jackson to handle. When asked if this final loss epitomized the Ravens' season, Jackson wasn't in the mood for being philosophical.
"If that's what you want to call it, I guess so," Jackson said. "I don't know. I can't call it. We just came up short."
