Baltimore Ravens (1) – Kansas City Chiefs (3): 10-17
Their pair is carried out by Patrick Mahomes – Travis Kelce in the attack, and Too solid on defense to contain Lamar Jackson, the Chiefs laid down the law in Baltimore during the AFC Finals this Sunday. Kansas City returns to the Super Bowl and will try to accomplish the double in two weeks in Las Vegas.
Key moment: Jay Flowers fumble
First action of the fourth quarter. Trailing 7-17, the Ravens thought they would score a touchdown when receiver Zay Flowers ran full speed toward the opposing end zone.
But that’s when Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Snead is forced out of the game after causing a fumble one yard from the endzone. Instead of a touchdown that would have allowed Baltimore to get back to 14-17, he gives up a touchback and the ball is returned to Kansas City.
The crow will not recover.
Ladies and Gentlemen, The Jarius Sneed!!! pic.twitter.com/rHw8hcuUgG
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 28, 2024
Film of the match
Kansas City starts the match in the best way possible. After stifling the Ravens’ offense on the game’s first drive, the Chiefs marched down the field using their lethal weapon: the Patrick Mahomes – Travis Kelce duo. The star quarterback completed his first five throws and found the tight end three times, once on fourth down and then on a 19-yard pass into the endzone. 7-0 for the Chiefs, big cold snap on Baltimore!
It didn’t take long for the Ravens to react. First, Lamar Jackson broke through the Chiefs’ defense for a 21-yard gain on fourth down. Later? He shows why he’s the NFL MVP this season: Under pressure, Jackson avoids a sack before sending a 30-yard bomb to Zay Flowers for a touchdown. It is called the record setting streak (7-7).
After this 100 mph start to the match, the Chiefs would take control of the clock: For nine minutes, the attack stayed on the field. Between the short pass, the running game and Patrick Mahomes’ ability to use his feet at the right time, Kansas City is slowly but surely moving forward. The Chiefs are especially effective on third down with the Mahomes-Kells tandem making a comeback. And finally, we have running back Isaiah Pacheco forcing a pass to reach the end zone (7-14).
The Chiefs then have a golden opportunity to widen the gap. They cause a ruckus by sacking Lamar Jackson, and thus find themselves in great position on the field. Unfortunately for them, this golden opportunity turned into a missed opportunity when they were stopped on fourth down in the opposing red zone.
What if that was the turning point in the match?
In any case, this defensive boost doesn’t allow the Ravens to revive. Lamar Jackson can pass well… himself, Baltimore can’t find a rhythm in the attack and frustration. Unnecessary penalties plagued the locals, who conceded an extra field goal before the break (7-17).
The start of the second half was clearly dominated by the defence. Five drives, five punts. That suits Kansas City, but not Baltimore, which desperately needs a spark.
The spark came in the last minute of the third quarter, when Lamar Jackson found Zay Flowers for 54 yards! Four plays later, the first finds the second, which goes for a touchdown… at least we think so. But L’Jarius Sneed comes out of nowhere to fumble right in front of the endzone. The referee indicates a touchback, the blow is fatal for the Ravens.
With their backs against the wall, Lamar Jackson and his teammates take all the risks. And when you take all the risks, sometimes things break. Jackson throws a terrible interception looking for a potential Isaiah touchdown with less than seven minutes remaining.
One mistake too many.
As champions, Kansas City will manage the end of the match well to qualify for the Super Bowl (10-17). Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s 32-yard reception on third down certainly ended the Ravens’ hopes. The disappointment is enormous for Baltimore.
MVP: Pair Patrick Mahomes – Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
Last week, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce became the most prolific touchdown duo in NFL playoff history. This Sunday, they once again wreaked havoc on the big stage.
Overall well protected against a big Ravens defense, Mahomes was clean: 30/39 passing, 214 yards, 1 touchdown, 0 turnovers.
Travis Kelce was perfect: 11 targets, 11 receptions, 116 yards, 1 touchdown. Taylor Swift’s boyfriend broke Jerry Rice’s record for most receptions in the playoffs. a monster
Flop: Ravens attack
If Lamar Jackson flashes a few, his offense is watered down against the Chiefs’ super solid defense. Often under pressure, the potential MVP of the season didn’t have a great evening (20/37 passing, 272 YDS, 4 sacks), and sent a horrible interception in the last quarter. He finished with two total turnovers, which must also include a Zay Flowers fumble.
But above all, the Ravens have never been able to impose their running game, which nevertheless represents their greatest offensive strength this season. Just 81 yards on the ground, including 54 to Lamar, and just 16 rushing attempts. Being behind for a good portion of the match partially explains this low number, but Baltimore didn’t really play to its strengths this Sunday.
Stat: 38 minutes of possession for the Chiefs
38 minutes to 22. Here’s the distribution of time of possession in this AFC final, mostly to Kansas City’s advantage.
We know how important these figures are at this level of competition and it is emblematic of the Chiefs’ controlled match.
That’s even more telling since Baltimore was in the NFL’s top 5 in this category during the regular season…
And now?
The reigning champions, the Chiefs will be able to defend their title on February 11 in Las Vegas, where they will have a chance to become the first team since the Patriots two decades ago to achieve the double.
As for Lamar Jackson’s Ravens, we have to digest this big disappointment, who have been impressive all season long only to collapse in the final stretch. Can they recover from this and make it to the Super Bowl one day?
(TagsToTranslate)Baltimore Ravens
