'Can't Turn The Ball Over!' Ravens Fumbling Far Too Much

Running back Kenyan Drake said it's a "privilege" to touch the football, but the Baltimore Ravens have been careless with that this season.

The Baltimore Ravens are tied for the fourth-most fumbles in the NFL through three weeks, putting the ball on the turf six times so far this season.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put the ball on the carpet after being sacked by Indianapolis Colts defensive end Taven Bryan, setting them up in the red zone after the recovery. Colts kicker Matt Gay's first of five field goals proved to be the difference in the overtime loss.

Baltimore running back Kenyan Drake, who fumbled after being stripped by cornerback Julius Brents following 24-yard completion, emphasized the importance of taking care of the football.

"One thing is for certain, you can't turn the ball over," Drake said after the Ravens' 22-19 loss. "I take pride in that myself, especially being a back in this league. When you get to touch the ball, it's a privilege. In any given situation, no matter how far you go, no matter the situation, you got to take care of the ball."

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) dives for a loose ball against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens lost 22-19 / USA TODAY Sports

Drake said on his fumble he should be "more aware" of his surroundings and did not buy the wet-weather excuse.

"Regardless of if I had my eye on the end zone or I'm running through a crowd of people, the entire team, the entire city is depending on me when I had that ball in my hands and each and every one of us when we have the ball in our hands," Drake said.

However, Drake and Jackson's two fumbles, as well as center Sam Mustipher's rolled snap late in the first half, against the Colts aren't an isolated issue.

Against the Houston Texans, Jackson put the ball on the carpet twice. Offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler fell on one, but Texans safety M.J. Stewart pounced on the other which led to a Houston field goal.

Baltimore's been fortunate to only allow six points off the lost fumbles this season, but ahead of the Ravens' matchup against the Cleveland Browns, who have forced a pair of fumbles.