“It Was Glaring”: Lamar Jackson Confirms Receivers Didn’t Complain to Him About Losing Balls in the Sun

Many expected the Baltimore Ravens to cruise to a sixth straight victory in Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns. Those people were let down, as the Ravens fell 29-24 to the 7.5-point underdog Browns on Sunday. New starting quarterback Jameis Winston connected with Cedric Tillman for Cleveland’s game-winning score, propelling them to an unexpected win.

In the process, Winston outdueled Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. The 2024 MVP favorite didn’t play a bad game, but finished with fewer passing yards (289) and touchdown passes (2) than Winston (334 yards, 3 TD). However, his numbers were harmed by his receivers’ inability to catch the ball. The drops also hurt them on defense, as they dropped a trio of potential difference-making interceptions.

Some suggested the intense sunlight played a role in Baltimore’s struggles. But postgame, Jackson said his receivers did not use that excuse with him. He suggested he would have understood if they had, though.

“They didn’t tell me that. If they did, I believe it, cause the sun was glaring today.”

The loss dropped Baltimore to 5-3, and into second place in the AFC North. They can still end the week in a first-place tie if the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.

Dropping passes is a trend for Baltimore losses

Not every dropped pass carries equal weight in such a stinging defeat. The biggest failed catch of the day belonged to safety Kyle Hamilton, who let an interception slip through his fingers on the play directly preceding the Browns’ last touchdown.

On offense, wide receiver Rashod Bateman couldn’t corral a deep ball that hit him in the center of his facemask. He told reporters afterward that he lost the ball in the sun. He made a difficult adjustment and stumbled in his effort to make the catch, but it is still a grab he should have made.

The loss was reminiscent of the Ravens’ Week 5 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. That afternoon, Baltimore receivers dropped seven passes in an irritating 17-10 defeat. The similarities led multiple analysts to reflect on what is a disturbing trend for John Harbaugh’s club.

Baltimore will look to rebound versus the Denver Broncos in Week 9 before battling the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football in Week 10.