The reigning Super Bowl champions and public enemy number one, the Kansas City Chiefs, have yet again demonstrated their championship pedigree by winning in Baltimore over the Ravens. A game that left a sour taste in Ravens’ fans mouths. Let’s dissect the critical aspects of the game that propelled the Chiefs to a well-deserved win.
Offensive & Defensive Line
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line was nothing short of a fortress, providing Patrick Mahomes with impeccable protection. Mahomes was only sacked two times this game, the first time he’s been sacked this playoff run.
Their ability to establish a running game was needed most when they needed to close out the game. They only ran for 89 yards total, but Isiah Pacheco was able to get in the end zone one time and key first downs to chew up the clock. At the end of the day, their offensive unit was better at protecting Mahomes than the Ravens were protecting Lamar Jackson.
On the flip side, the defensive line was a force of disruption, making life exceedingly difficult for Lamar Jackson. They hounded him incessantly, applying relentless pressure that curbed his ability to execute big plays, other than the deep touchdown to Zay Flowers in the first quarter.
With their consistent pressure, they were able to strip sack Jackson in the first half and intercepted one of his passes in the end zone during the second half. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo drew up a masterful Chiefs’ defensive game-plan that proved to be a decisive factor, as they successfully contained one of the most agile and elusive quarterbacks in the league.
3rd Down Efficiency
When it mattered most, they delivered—converting critical third downs to maintain their offensive momentum. Tight End Travis Kelce exemplified this efficiency with his spectacular catches, particularly on the opening drive, leading to a Chiefs touchdown. Similarly, wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s crucial reception sealed the game, highlighting how the big moments still don’t affect Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The Ravens, in stark contrast, struggled to find their rhythm on third down, converting a mere 3 out of 11 attempts—a disparity that had tangible impacts on the game’s outcome.
How Patrick Mahomes got this ball off and Travis Kelce with an unreal catch! Is there anything these two can't do? 🔥 pic.twitter.com/m9XRcQTudi
— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) January 29, 2024
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been forgiven for all his mishaps earlier this season.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 28, 2024
Dagger.pic.twitter.com/nbIz1RqPfY
Time of Possession
Time management was a strategic victory for the Chiefs. Through extended drives, they dominated the time of possession, holding the ball for an additional 15 minutes compared to the Ravens. This strategic control kept the high-octane Ravens offense sidelined and allowed the Chiefs to impose their tempo on the game. This not only tired out the Ravens’ defense, but stifled the rhythm of their offense, which is less effective when kept off the field other than the times they were forcing turnovers. It was never good for the Ravens to fall behind in this game. They had to get away from their run game while having no rhythm and when they did, they were busy shooting themselves in the foot.
Winning the Turnover Battle
In football, turnovers are pivotal, and in the playoffs, they are everything. They played a significant contributor to the Chiefs’ success. Winning in a one score game and winning the turnover battle 2-0 will definitely give you that edge. The defense’s strip-sack fumble and the capitalization on the Ravens’ blunders were crucial. A fumble by Ravens’ receiver Zay Flowers near the goal line and a perplexing interception thrown by Jackson were among the costly mistakes that the Chiefs adeptly exploited, turning potential Ravens’ points into opportunities for themselves. The first turnover is really when the foundation cracked and it all started to fall apart.
Lamar Jackson just threw that into triple coverage. Deon Bush comes up with the interception. pic.twitter.com/N5aYhV8geM
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) January 28, 2024
ZAY FLOWERS FUMBLE LEADS TO A TOUCHBACK 🤯😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 28, 2024
CHIEFS BALL.
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/QVfHHfCeQy
Discipline
Discipline often goes unnoticed, but for the Chiefs, it was a silent cornerstone of their victory. The Ravens were penalized more frequently, accruing five additional penalties for 65 additional yards. These infractions, which included penalties for unnecessary roughness and taunting, cost the Ravens significantly in terms of yardage and, perhaps more importantly, momentum. The Chiefs, conversely, maintained composure and discipline, avoiding the pitfalls that plagued their opponents. Showing signs that they have simply been there before.
Super Bowl LVIII
The Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Baltimore Ravens added Lamar Jackson to the list of great QBs who were struck down by Mahomes in the playoffs. Other than Brady and Burrow, he hasn’t lost. Overall, this was the best TEAM playoff win that displayed other aspects of their championship caliber team. Their dominance in the trenches, third-down efficiency, time possession control, turnover management, and unparalleled discipline. These are the intangibles that only players have either experienced or born to be in.
As they march towards Super Bowl LVIII, the Chiefs have reaffirmed their standing as a resilient, skilled, and as underdogs has many people willing to take the Chiefs to win the big game once again.
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