The wait is over, and football is back! As the 2024 NFL season kicks off, we find ourselves right where we left off last year: at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. This Thursday night, the Kansas City Chiefs will start their quest to defend their Super Bowl title and make history with an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy. Their first challenge? The Baltimore Ravens, in what promises to be a thrilling season opener.
A Stellar Matchup to Start the Season
Since both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson took over as their teams' starting quarterbacks in 2018, the Chiefs and Ravens have squared off five times. Kansas City has won four of those encounters, including last year’s AFC Championship Game in Baltimore. That game was charged with pregame tension, as Mahomes and Travis Kelce made their presence felt by tossing aside Justin Tucker’s helmet and kicking tee during warmups. The Chiefs' defense overwhelmed Jackson with four sacks and two turnovers, leading to a 17-10 victory that propelled Kansas City to the Super Bowl.
This season, Jackson, the reigning MVP, will be operating behind a newly revamped offensive line. Adding to Baltimore’s offensive arsenal is Derrick Henry, the former Titans standout known for his dominance on the ground. Henry’s addition could be a game-changer, especially considering his past performances against the Chiefs.
Four Key Storylines to Follow
Lamar Jackson vs. Chiefs Defense
Jackson's record against the Chiefs has been challenging. With a 1-4 mark in games he’s started against Kansas City, including last year’s playoff loss, Jackson has struggled to convert his running success into scoring opportunities. He’s averaged more yards per rush (6.49) than per pass attempt (6.47) against the Chiefs. In the last meeting, Jackson had some success as a runner but was less effective as a passer, completing only 5 of 15 attempts against single-high defensive looks. With L'Jarius Sneed now with a new team, the Chiefs' secondary will be led by Trent McDuffie, with the other cornerback slot still in flux. How defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo adapts his strategy will be crucial, especially with Jackson’s arsenal of targets like Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman.
Patrick Mahomes’ Continued Success Against the Ravens
Mahomes has enjoyed considerable success against the Ravens, boasting a 72.8% completion rate and averaging 344 passing yards per game in their five meetings. Despite facing a defensive game plan that forced him into shorter passes last January, Mahomes was efficient, completing 30 of 39 attempts. With Mike Macdonald having moved to the Seahawks, it will be interesting to see how new defensive coordinator Zach Orr plans to contain Mahomes. The Ravens, who led the NFL in sacks last season, will rely on players like Odafe Oweh and a talented secondary headlined by Kyle Hamilton to challenge Mahomes and his revamped receiving corps.
Derrick Henry’s Ravens Debut
Derrick Henry’s arrival in Baltimore adds an intriguing dimension to the Ravens' offense. After a stellar run in Tennessee, Henry’s production dipped last season, but he closed strong with a 153-yard performance in the final game. Henry’s past success against the Chiefs—672 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in six career games—suggests he could be a key player for Baltimore. With questions on the Ravens’ offensive line, including two new starters, Henry’s performance could be pivotal in establishing a strong ground game and setting up effective play-action opportunities.
Big Tests for Chiefs’ Rookies
The Chiefs’ offseason focus on improving their offense is evident with their top draft picks. First-round receiver Xavier Worthy, known for his blazing speed, will be expected to make an immediate impact. With Marquise Brown sidelined, Worthy’s role could be significant. Additionally, second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia, who won the left tackle job, will be under the spotlight. Suamataia will face a formidable Ravens pass rush designed to test his mettle, particularly with the potential for overload blitzes and stunts. How well the rookies perform could be a decisive factor in the Chiefs’ offensive success.
Conclusion
As the 2024 NFL season kicks off with this high-stakes matchup, all eyes will be on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. With star players like Mahomes and Jackson, new additions like Derrick Henry, and crucial tests for rookies, this game promises to be a captivating start to the season. Don’t miss a moment of the action as the Chiefs and Ravens battle it out in this season opener!
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