Ravens Insider: After costly fumble, Ravens embrace WR Zay Flowers and look toward rookie’s bright future

ExtremeRavens · January 29

Zay Flowers flipped a towel over his head. He shielded his eyes from the final Kansas City Chiefs drive that would milk the clock and officially end the Ravens’ season, one stop from Super Bowl 58. After his fumble at the goal line cost the Ravens a golden opportunity to get back in the game in the fourth quarter, he turned up the sideline, his back to the action.

That’s where he met Odell Beckham Jr.

The veteran receiver, who signed a one-year deal with the Ravens in the spring, pulled in the rookie for an embrace. This wasn’t a quick hug. It wasn’t performative outreach. This was Beckham, fully embracing Flowers, in his ear doing most of the talking, sharing a lengthy human moment during the curtain call of their season, a 17-10 home loss in the AFC championship game.

“He just told me to keep my head up, you know,” Flowers told The Baltimore Sun. He paused, tears welling in his eyes that pointed at his shoes. Flowers wore his black jacket like a cloak over his head. He tried to keep going. His mouth opened the slightest bit but any follow-up stuck, like sap between his lips incapable of pouring out.

“I wanted to win,” was all Flowers could muster in an emotional postgame scene. “That’s it.”

Beckham could offer a bit more from their sideline heart-to-heart: “Just letting Zay know he’s gonna be a special player. This is a moment in your career that’s never gon’ break you. It’s always gonna make you. Just being able to be there for him however I can. I feel the same way they do. I wanted to win. … I was just sharing that, you know, it’s going to be all right. It’s just unfortunate the way it ended.”

Despite that game-changing fumble and another costly penalty, Flowers was one of the lone bright spots for a Ravens offense that struggled Sunday after dominating much of the season.

The rookie caught five passes for a team-high 115 yards, the third-most in Ravens playoff history, and scored the team’s only touchdown, a 30-yard grab tied for the longest touchdown catch by a rookie in franchise postseason history. No other Ravens receiver had more than 39 yards.

Ravens #4 Zay Flowers catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter as Chiefs #32 Nick Bolton was late on the coverage. Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) — Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter after getting behind Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Even when he was flagged for taunting after a 54-yard catch late in the third quarter, pushing the ball back to the Chiefs’ 25-yard line, Flowers got 14 yards back with a catch-and-run.

But the need for a consoling veteran came later, with the Ravens still within striking distance.

Baltimore opened the fourth quarter at the Chiefs’ 10. Quarterback Lamar Jackson found Flowers over the middle, and the rookie split three defenders as he dove toward the goal line.

Flowers thought he broke the plane, as did the 71,430 screaming fans filling M&T Bank Stadium for the biggest home game in Ravens history. But cornerback L’Jarius Sneed poked the ball loose, and the Chiefs recovered the fumble in the end zone for a touchback. The 23-year-old Flowers could only walk back to the sideline in a pit of frustration.

Flowers slammed his hand against the bench after the fumble. Television cameras revealed the ensuing cut on his left middle finger. A nearby trainer quickly tended to the bloody cut, which Flowers said was already there but “opened up again.”

“We coach two hands when you reach for the end zone,” coach John Harbaugh said. “[Flowers] had two hands on the ball.”

The turnover was the turning point of the game, a chance to flip the script on an otherwise underwhelming offensive performance. But that mistake will be the lasting memory of this game, just like the goal line fumble by Ravens backup quarterback Tyler Huntley that was returned 98 yards for the decisive touchdown in last season’s wild-card-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

“We gon’ get it back next time. We not worried about that,” Jackson said of Flowers’ fumble. “We all make mistakes. It’s his first season. It’s my first time in this situation. It’s his first time in this situation. We gon’ bounce back. Nobody played the game perfect.”

Flowers, drafted 22nd overall in April, finished his first season leading the Ravens in receiving yards with 858 (293 more than Beckham) and receptions with 77 (32 more than tight end Mark Andrews). For a franchise that has struggled throughout its history to draft and develop wide receivers, Flowers provides plenty of hope.

But for the rookie who saw so much success, in those tough moments, it helps to have a veteran.

“Zay is forever little bro to me,” Beckham said. “Regardless of the outcome today, just being able to share that moment with him like, ‘Bro, you gon’ be straight. It’s tough. Yeah, you may hear something about this. That’s just the way the world is.’ Just keep his head, just like everybody else in here.

“There’s no one play that defines a game. There’s still a lot of football that was left in the game. But these moments, he’ll be able to learn from and become a better player.”

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is comforted by a member of the Kansas City chiefs after the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is consoled by a member of the Chiefs staff as the Baltimore Ravens fall to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is consoled by a member of the Chiefs staff as the Baltimore Ravens fall to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is consoled by Odell Beckham Jr. in the final minutes of Sunday's loss to the Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens Isaiah Likely looks dejectedly on the sideline as the Chiefs defeat the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes holds up the championship trophy as Chiefs tightend Travis Kelce, right, celebrates.The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid celebrates with trophy after beating the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce kisses the trophy to celebrate Chiefs victory over the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley sits on the bench during the the AFC championship game in Baltimore against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson sits on the bench during the the AFC championship game in Baltimore against the Kansas City Chiefs. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers sits dejectedly on the bench late in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard walks off the field after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens Michael Pierce is dejected on the bench as the Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
John Brown of Phoenix reacts after the Baltimore Ravens fail to score a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, left is consoled by kicker Justin Tucker as the fourth quarter and season close against the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers walks on the sidelines in shock, still stinging from his fumble to the Kansas City Chiefs in the end zone during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens fans react to a penalty against Baltimore late during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Fans see the end of the season as the Kansas City Chiefs keep the ball late during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson scrambles as Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis grabs onto him during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. fails to catch a pass in the end zone as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie covers and cornerback Jaylen Watson, #35 watches during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh reacts in frustration during the AFC championship game in Baltimore against Kansas City Chiefs. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Arthur Maulet, #10 watchees Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling make a crucial reception sealing victory during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs celebrate after defensive back Deon Bush, kneeling, intercepted the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Deon Bush intercepts the ball thrown by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the end zone during the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Triple teamed by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Chamarri Conner, #27 and linebacker Nick Bolton, Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely watches a pass get intercepted by Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Deon Bush, #26 during the fourth quarter of the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. The Chiefs stunned the Ravens, 17-10. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Deon Bush intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely in the end zone in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Deon Bush intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely in the end zone in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Deon Bush intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely in the end zone in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Deon Bush intercepts a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens Isaiah Likely in the end zone in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Deon Bush intercepts the ball thrown by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in the end zone during the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs recover a fumble at the one-yard line by Zay Flowers during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, #4 coughs up the ball in the end zone to Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie for a touchback during the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers fumbles the ball at the one-yard line as he tries to score and the Kansas City Chiefs recover the ball during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, right, talks to Referee Shawn Smith, left, in the fourth quarter after a taunting penalty on wide receiver Zay Flowers. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, left, reacts as Referee Shawn Smith, center, calls a taunting penalty on wide receiver Zay Flowers, right, in the third quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is called for a taunting penalty on the Chiefs L'Jarius Sneed after a 54-yards catch in the third quarter. The Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike sacks Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens Kyle Hamilton, left, tackles Chiefs Clyde Edwards-Helairehe in the third quarter. Chiefs defeated the Ravens 17-10 in the AFC Championship game. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson keeps for a first down as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
$Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs...$
Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs for gain in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson catches his own deflected pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws the ball away under pressure from Baltimore Ravens Kyle Hamilton as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Trent McDuffie breaks up a pass intended for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the 4th quarter. The Baltimore Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 17-10 in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback #8 Lamar Jackson catches a pass after his pass was deflected by a Chiefs defensive player in the second quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs #22 Trent McDuffie almost intercepts a pass as Baltimore Ravens quarterback #8 Lamar Jackson throws the ball away while being brought down by Kansas City Chiefs #95 Chris Jones in the second quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Ravens quarterback #8 Lamar Jackson has the ball stripped away by Chiefs #90 Charles Omenihu in the second quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs Travis Kelce catches a pass over Ravens Brandon Stephens for a first down in the first quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers fumbles the ball at the one-yard line as he tries to score and the Kansas City Chiefs recover the ball during the AFC championship game against the Chiefs in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
$Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Kyle Hamilton is unable to stop Kansas City...$
Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Kyle Hamilton is unable to stop Kansas City Chiefs\xe2\x80\x99 Travis Kelce from catching a touchdown pass in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens quarterback #8 Lamar Jackson has the ball stripped away by Chiefs #90 Charles Omenihu in the second quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
$Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs...$
Baltimore Ravens\xe2\x80\x99 Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs for gain in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Jan. 28, 2024: Baltimore Ravens #6 Patrick Queen and teammate Baltimore Ravens #24 Jadeveon Clowney bring down Kansas City Chiefs #10 Isiah Pacheco in the second quarter. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens #14 Kyle Hamilton celebrates a first half tackle. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws the ball away under pressure from Baltimore Ravens Jadeveon Clowney as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens Justice Hill is tacked after a gain in the first quarter as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is striped of the ball by Chiefs Charles Onenihu for a 2nd quarter turnover as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson keeps for a first down as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws the ball away under pressure from Baltimore Ravens Kyle Hamilton as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson throws a completion to Mark Andrews in the first quarter as the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs for gain in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson catches a tipped pass and runs for gain in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Kansas City Chiefs' George Karlaftis recovers fumble by Ravens' Lamar Jackson in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Jan. 28, 2024: Ravens #4 Zay Flowers and teammates celebrate his first quarter touchdown during the Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a touchdown pass in the first quarter after getting behind Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Hamilton is unable to stop Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce from catching a touchdown pass in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers catches a pass in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game in Baltimore. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
Ravens and Chiefs fans fight for the spotlight before the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Samantha Cholewczynski of Baltimore wears her handmade shirt showing Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes. Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Ketia Stokes, right, and her mother, Linda Stokes of Baltimore get ready as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Patrick Reed a former Parkville resident wears his Johnny Unitas jersey that he wore to the Ravens Super Bowl against the 49ers. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Pat McFaul of Bel Air gets ready for the Baltimore Ravens game as they host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
Shawn Blowe of Baltimore carries a giant Lamar Jackson photo on his way to thew stadium. The Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Lloyd Fox/Staff)
A group of Ravens fans from the United Kingdom tailgate at the BMORE Around Town tailgate party prior to the AFC championship game between the Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens fans cheer as Zay Flowers arrives prior to the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
avens Jadeveon Clowney arrives prior to the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens running back Delvin Cook arrives prior to the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Ravens fans tailgate at the BMORE Around Town tailgate party prior to the AFC championship game between the Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. ..(Jerry Jackson/Staff photo)
the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship at M&T Bank Stadium. (Jerry Jackson/Staff)
Chris and Karen Nicewarner of Martinsburg, W. Va attend every home game and are on the sideline as the Ravens prepare to host the Chiefs in the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff)
A fan holds a sign about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce before the 2024 AFC Championship in Baltimore. (Karl Merton Ferron/staff)