Lamar Jackson Defends Kicker Tyler Loop After Missed Kick Ended Ravens' 2025-26 NFL Season

After Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop's missed field goal prevented the team from advancing to the playoffs last season, Lamar Jackson defended his teammate on Saturday.

"He was a rookie. Things happen," Jackson said, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley. "I know he has a lot of motivation in himself. We have all the trust and belief in him, as well."

"I was a rookie at one time," he added. "Things didn't go my way that I wanted to go my way. It happens, it is what it is."

In the regular-season finale, the Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers faced off with the winner set to capture the AFC North crown and clinch a playoff spot. As Baltimore trailed 26-24 on the final play of the fourth quarter, Loop missed a 44-yard field goal that kept his team out of the postseason.

Loop connected on 30 of his 34 field-goal attempts as a rookie, but missed three of his four kicks from at least 50 yards out.

The 2025 sixth-round pick struggled in camp on Saturday, finishing 1-for-3.

Jackson's support for his teammate his admirable, as it's worth noting that Baltimore's streak of three consecutive playoff appearances came to an end last year while the two-time MVP missed four games due to back and hamstring issues.

In 13 appearances, he completed 63.6 percent of his throws for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions. He also rushed for 349 yards.

While the Ravens shouldn't have any concerns about Jackson's 2026 outlook, Loop's performance in training camp and the preseason will be something to monitor.