NFL · 1 year ago

5 Things We Learned About the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game

TJ Inman

Host · Writer

5. Lamar Will be MVP but the AFC Belongs to Mahomes
Lamar Jackson had an exceptional 2023 season. Sunday's result in the AFC Championship Game does not change that. However, the loss leaves doubts about what Baltimore can do to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Despite having the league's top defense, a much better offense on paper than KC, and securing the title game at home, Baltimore trailed all afternoon, and the Chiefs are returning to the Super Bowl. Baltimore turns to the offseason with fresh questions about how to proceed.
1. Critical Mistakes Cost Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens were the best team in the AFC all season, beating their eventual playoff opponents by over 100 combined points in regular season matchups. Baltimore had the league's best defense, one of the top offenses, and was finally hosting an AFC title game. After critical turnovers cost the team a trip to the Super Bowl, the Ravens will not forget Sunday's loss for a long time. Specifically, Zay Flowers lost a fumble just shy of the goal line at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and Lamar Jackson threw into triple-coverage and was intercepted. Those fourth-quarter miscues effectively ended the game and crowned the Chiefs AFC Champions again.
2. Kansas City's Pressure Bothered Jackson
The presumed NFL Most Valuable Player, Lamar Jackson, made some spectacular plays on Sunday. He spun out of a sack, gave himself more time in the pocket, and connected with Zay Flowers for a long touchdown. He also caught a deflected pass, robbing a defender of an interception and then scampering for a first down. However, Sunday will go down as a massive disappointment for Jackson. The star quarterback missed on several throws and was regularly bothered by Kansas City's pressure. The Chiefs ended up with four sacks and key fourth-quarter takeaways as Patrick Mahomes reminded everyone that the AFC was still his conference.
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers
One week after Lamar Jackson carved up the Houston Texans defense as they blitzed in man coverage, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo gambled and blitzed the Ravens quarterback often. This time, however, Spagnuolo blitzed with his defense in zone coverage. Jackson and the Ravens offense did not have adequate answers. Jackson looked unsure when to run and was limited to only 54 yards on eight carries. Kansas City had four sacks and several quarterback hurries.
4. Baltimore Had No Answer for Kelce
Travis Kelce added another chapter to his Hall of Fame career in a game featuring several difference-making tight ends. The veteran had 116 yards on 11 catches. Included in those 11 catches were a remarkable third-down conversion and yet another playoff touchdown reception. Kelce is not the 60-minute weapon he used to be, but Baltimore's defense could not stop him in crucial minutes.
5. Lamar Will be MVP but the AFC Belongs to Mahomes
Lamar Jackson had an exceptional 2023 season. Sunday's result in the AFC Championship Game does not change that. However, the loss leaves doubts about what Baltimore can do to dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. Despite having the league's top defense, a much better offense on paper than KC, and securing the title game at home, Baltimore trailed all afternoon, and the Chiefs are returning to the Super Bowl. Baltimore turns to the offseason with fresh questions about how to proceed.
1. Critical Mistakes Cost Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens were the best team in the AFC all season, beating their eventual playoff opponents by over 100 combined points in regular season matchups. Baltimore had the league's best defense, one of the top offenses, and was finally hosting an AFC title game. After critical turnovers cost the team a trip to the Super Bowl, the Ravens will not forget Sunday's loss for a long time. Specifically, Zay Flowers lost a fumble just shy of the goal line at the beginning of the fourth quarter, and Lamar Jackson threw into triple-coverage and was intercepted. Those fourth-quarter miscues effectively ended the game and crowned the Chiefs AFC Champions again.

5 Things We Learned About the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game

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