The Ravens faced the Chiefs on September 5 in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season. Here are takeaways and highlights from the game.
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Final Score: Ravens 20, Chiefs 27
In a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship game, the Chiefs hosted the Ravens. The fans were treated to an exciting but dramatic match. Going into the game, both teams vied to set the mood for the rest of the season. However, only one team could be victorious, and the Chiefs pulled out the victory 27-20.
Despite the illegal formation penalties they kept collecting, the Ravens got on the board first with a touchdown by Derrick Henry. The Chiefs also collected a few yellow flags but still had an excellent start. They got on the board in their first possession with a touchdown by Xavier Worthy.
Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 28 for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, he did have an interception and two sacks. Then, later in the fourth quarter, he nabbed his own deflected pass, saving the potential interception. The game gave us a good look at how the Chiefs would look for the season, and they did not disappoint. Several miscues with the offense and dropped balls were also there, but overall, the offense for the Chiefs picked up where it left off last season.
The defense for the Chiefs did an excellent job smothering the Ravens and Lamar Jackson. Jackson was 26 of 41 for 273 yards and rushed for 122 yards, which moved him into third all-time in quarterback rushing yards behind Michael Vick and Cam Newton. Despite spearheading a rally late in the fourth quarter, Jackson missed several end-zone attempts (including missing a wide-open Zay Flowers in the end zone before connecting to Isaiah Likely and getting what appeared to be a touchdown. The referees reviewed it and determined that Likely was slightly out of bounds by essentially a toe. Luckily, the Chiefs avoided a second-straight season-opening loss as the defending Super Bowl champs.
Highlights
XAYWAY pic.twitter.com/BWWDxt3NcL
— The Kingdom (@MahomeSZN) September 6, 2024
LIKELY A TOUCHDOWN❗❗❗❗@DaGorilla4 | Tune in on NBC! pic.twitter.com/LJ1DdZjpYf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 6, 2024
CAN’T STOP POP 😤 pic.twitter.com/L0OgN4jM6K
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 6, 2024
BATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tune in on NBC! pic.twitter.com/29FlWdhByv
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 6, 2024
Looking Forward
Kansas City’s victory might have future implications for the playoffs. It gives the Chiefs a slight advantage in the playoffs, and it is the first step on their road to a three-peat.
The Ravens must figure out how to use Henry better on the field. Based on what we’ve seen, the pairing of him and Jackson looks promising. Their offensive line will need to protect Jackson better because his ability to be mobile and run prevented Kansas City from getting more sacks. Baltimore will face another AFC West team, the Las Vegas Raiders.
In addition to seeing Worthy in the spotlight, Rashee Rice hauled in seven catches for 103 yards, and Isiah Pacheco scored a touchdown. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense looked great, only allowing 13 points in nine possessions by Baltimore after their first touchdown. While they are not in their full glory yet, it is safe to say those new to the defense have bought in. Next on the Chiefs list will be them hosting the Cincinnati Bengals.
