The offseason fully begins for the AFC North, who have already been jockeying coaches and coordinators around the league. But there’s still the matter of the Championship Round to resolve…
Chiefs 17, Ravens 10
Alas, the end is truly upon us.
The Ravens were unceremoniously bounced from the prospect of playing in the Super Bowl after subjecting the world to a mind-numbingly stagnant offensive game plan that somehow excluded rushing multiple times against the Chiefs, whose ability to defend the run remains suspect. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was forced into several key mistakes and couldn’t find the fortitude or receivers to compensate for the ten-point deficit that largely defined the game.
The Ravens’ defense needs to offer no apologies; after all, surrendering 17 total points to a team known for its offensive prowess is nothing to be embarrassed about. This loss fell squarely on the offense and its lack of production or ball security when it mattered most.
Key numbers:
- 20-37, 272, 1 TD, 1 INT, 8 carries, 54 yards, 1 lost fumble – QB Lamar Jackson
- 6 carries, 23 yards – total carries and rushing yards by Ravens’ RBs
- 5 catches, 115 yards, 1 TD, 1 lost fumble – WR Zay Flowers
- 15 catches, 157 yards – all other Ravens receivers
- 16 tackles – LB Roquan Smith
- 11 tackles, 1 TFL – S Kyle Hamilton
- 30-39, 241 yards, 1 TD – Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
- 11 catches, 116 yards, 1 TD – TE Travis Kelce
- 5 tackles, 1 fumble recovery – CB L’Jarius Sneed
Key moment:
WR Zay Flowers’ lost fumble in the end zone at the beginning of the fourth quarter ruined any semblance of momentum the Ravens had garnered to that point, and compounded the overall frustration and lack of composure they displayed throughout the game.
Stuff and things:
The Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks, who hired the 36 year-old wunderkind to a six-year deal to be their head coach…the Ravens are supposedly considering several in-house options, including defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, who interviewed for several openings in this cycle…debate over Bengals WR Tee Higgins’ free agency choices has begun in Cincinnati, where Higgins posted a highlight reel and the words “Table set” on social media, prompting panic within the organization…the Browns hired former Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey in the same role. Dorsey will have to prove the scapegoating and assessment of his abilities in Buffalo, which lead to his midseason firing, was mistaken…the Steelers have hired former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator, where he will be expected to revive an inconsistent rushing attack and glean more production out of presumed starting QB Kenny Pickett.
Author’s note: We’re back to a two-week cycle for articles, as I’m quickly slipping into offseason mode. See you in two weeks.
