Millions of viewers gather on Sundays to follow the biggest sports league in America, the NFL, and families become passionate about the teams they love. Playing at such a competitive level comes with high expectations and pressure, especially when an entire season can come down to a single moment.
That pressure was on full display during the Baltimore Ravens’ season-deciding matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With both teams’ playoff hopes on the line, they entered the game knowing that one mistake could cost them the season. After a hard-fought battle, the Ravens found themselves trailing close behind the Steelers in the fourth quarter, 24–26, with just seconds remaining on the clock.
In the final seconds of the game, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh gave Tyler Loop, a rookie kicker, the chance to seal the game and win the Ravens a playoff spot. With all eyes on Loop, he attempted to make a 44-yard field goal. Unfortunately, under overwhelming pressure, Loop’s kick came up short, missing wide right, ending the Ravens’ season.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Harbaugh comforted Loop, saying, “Just get back in the saddle. Hey, you’re going to have more [kicks]. You have to get ready. It sucks, and we have your back, but we have to go,” as reported by ESPN.
Many fans and students sympathized with Loop’s situation, recognizing the difficulty of the moment.
“He’s a rookie, it’s okay,” said Abhi Dichwlkar ‘29. “He’s not used to high-pressure situations. The fact that the Ravens had their season down to one kick is embarrassing.”
Akhil Junuthula ‘28 believed that the missed chance at the playoffs was not solely due to the kick. “Since it was Tyler Loop’s first season, he was probably very scared, “ said Junuthula. “I don’t think that it was majorly his fault, as the Ravens’ defense didn’t play well and let in touchdowns.”
Mr. John Krajunus, a computer science teacher at Edison High, also gave his insight on the issue.
“The definition of NFL kicking is high-pressure, and you don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Some EHS football fans believe that Loop’s missed field goal was due to pressure. However, the NFL demands success in these situations: the ultimate source of controversy.
Even though Loop missed one of the most important field goals of the season, Harbaugh showed trust and belief in his abilities and simply told him to keep going. Through the loss, the controversy and scrutiny shifted from the kicker to the Ravens’ leadership. Despite having led the team for nearly two decades and recording only three season losses, John Harbaugh was released from his position as head coach. This decision sparked much debate across the league and among many different NFL fans.
Krajunus, even as a Steelers fan, disagreed with the Ravens’ decision to fire John Harbaugh.
“I think it’s a bad look for Baltimore to make a decision about a coach based on one kick at the end of the season. If they make that kick, they make the playoffs, and John Harbaugh’s job is safe. When one of the NFL’s best kickers got suspended, I think it’s silly to get fired over a rookie kicker.”
Not only did Krajunus disagree with the decision, but he also believed that it might have been detrimental for the Ravens to lose such a coach, suggesting that he’s one of the best coaches in the league.
“The fact that the Ravens decided to fire Harbaugh, I think, is silly, because half the league now wants to hire him as their coach, so obviously he’s a good coach,” said Krajunus.
As the dust settles over the Ravens’ end, the missed chance at the playoffs shows some insight into the NFL. All games come with immense pressure and high stakes. Loop had an excellent season overall, but at the end, he was not able to convert his most important kick of the season. Harbaugh was fired over one kick, even after his impressive record. This match illustrates the importance of single decisions in such nail-biting finishes, which can sometimes transform glory into controversy.
