Ravens will rebound, but Kansas City Chiefs made loud statement
Monday night offered the potential for a great game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
It disappointed, if only because one team showed up with all its vim and vigor, and the other didn’t bother. Baltimore was lit up in its own stadium, losing 34-20 in a game which shouldn’t have been that close. The Ravens were outgunned and outgained, with the Chiefs rolling up 517 yards compared to Baltimore’s 228.
The quarterback battle between Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson was supposed to be epic. Mahomes held up his end, throwing for 385 yards and accounting for five touchdowns. Jackson went 15-of-28 with 97 yards, a touchdown and a lost fumble.
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Ultimately, the Chiefs are now 3-0 while the Ravens are 2-1. Kansas City stole a game on the road against the NFL’s “other” best team, and now own both a better record and a key tiebreaker in the race for AFC home-field advantage.
But what does it mean for the long haul? Not nearly as much as you’ll be made to believe when the talking heads start screaming on Tuesday morning.
For the Chiefs, it’s a terrific road win. They beat Baltimore and now head home for a pair of dates at Arrowhead Stadium against the New England Patriots and Las Vegas Raiders. Monday night may eventually loom large in terms of getting the top seed and the only bye in the NFL’s new playoff format, so that’s certainly of import, but the bragging rights are not.
For the Ravens, the game has more of an impact. They are now 0-3 when trying to beat Mahomes, and this one came at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore is 2-1 and trailing the Pittsburgh Steelers by a game in the AFC North, but that road is long yet. There’s time. While everyone will dissect the Ravens, they remain a top contender and should they see the Chiefs come January, regardless of venue, they’ll have their chance for revenge.
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Ultimately, this was a road marker. Right now, Kansas City is the best team in football and without much of an argument. The Kansas City Chiefs are loaded offensively, stout defensively and coached to the hilt.
Yet, it’s three weeks into the NFL season. Kansas City and Baltimore know this. Week 3 may end up being a factor in a key race for seeding purposes, but both clubs will not be remembered for Monday. They’ll be remembered for January.
