The NFL season kicks off with a banger of a matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. Right out of the gates, the 2024 NFL season is giving us a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship game.
It was Kansas City taking that game by a narrow 17-10 margin and the season-opening game very well could offer more offense than 27 points. The biggest worry for the Ravens going in is the same worry for most teams when facing Kansas City.
"They can score from any part of the field because obviously, Andy Reid is a great coach, but Patrick Mahomes is obviously a problem,” Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr said. “He can beat you with his legs. He can beat you with his arm from every part of the field, and they have great players around him, so that's what makes them tough to defend. You could defend the first play, but then you have to defend the second play and the third play, and that's where they make a lot of their hay at – when the first play breaks down, he gets to moving around, and guys do a great job of uncovering and finding seams to create explosive plays. We definitely have to limit that."
Mahomes is the big worry when facing the Chiefs just like he is for every other team. His ability to make the big play and something out of nothing has separated him from the rest of the quarterbacks around the NFL. In the AFC Championship game, Mahomes was 30-of-39 passing for 241 yards and one touchdown. Mahomes is not the flashiest runner but he is still an issue with his lefts and Orr believes the Ravens at least
"[We] just have to keep on coming after them. [Pass] rushers keep rushing, you have to be disciplined in your rush lanes, make sure you don't give them a free lane, and then back in coverage, you have to plaster, [and] you have to cover. You have to expect to not just defend the first [play], but you have to defend the second play. And then just continue to do that play after play, and when opportunities come for you to make a play on the ball, we have to make those plays."
It is easier said than done and the Chiefs have won multiple Super Bowls with the star quarterback for a reason. If the Ravens can limit the damage he makes Thursday, they will have a chance.
