The start of the NFL season is just days away, as the Ravens wrapped up their final practice ahead of Wednesday’s flight to Kansas City for Thursday night’s massive rematch against the Super Bowl champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.
Baltimoresuffered a 17-10 loss to Patrick Mahomesand company in the AFC title game last year, and although that was last year, the onus is on the Ravens and, most importantly, MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson to get off to a positive and efficient start on the road.
We’re looking at ten stats for Thursday night with the final preparation underway.
Lamar Jackson vs. Chiefs
OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens attempts a pass during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In four games against Kansas City, Lamar Jackson owns a 1-3 Record. The MVP quarterback is 68 of 121 passing (56.2% completion) for 750 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, with ten sacks for 74 yards. As a runner, Jackson has 47 rushes for 303 rush yards (6.45 ypc), three rush touchdowns, and 2 Fumbles Lost.
Derrick Henry
OWINGS MILLS, MD – AUGUST 12: Derrick Henry #22 of the Baltimore Ravens participates in a drill during training camp at Under Armour Performance Center Baltimore Ravens on August 12, 2024 in Owings Mills, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
In four games against the Chiefs, Derrick Henry’s teams own a 3-1 Record. Henry has logged 78 carries for 447 yards (5.7 YPC) and six rushing scores.
Lamar Jackson vs. the Blitz
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws the ball as Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill (23) defends during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jonas Shaffer broke down Jackson’s struggles against the blitz during the 17-10 AFC title loss.
Primetime dominance
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) is pulled down by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) as he throws in he first quarter of the NFL Week 11 game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
The Ravens have been really good over the past two seasons, but they’ve been almost unbeatable in primetime.
Ravens defense was legit in 2023
Aug 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (92) warms up on the field before a preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, Baltimore became the first team in league history to finish a season ranking No. 1 in points allowed (16.5 ppg), sacks (60), and takeaways (31, tied with/ NYG).
Ravens can beat really good teams
Aug 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In 2023, the Ravens recorded an NFL-record 10 victories vs. teams that finished with a winning record and posted six wins vs. playoff teams. Baltimore also ranked No. 1 in the NFL in both
point differential (+203) and turnover margin (+12, tied w/ NYG).
Lamar Jackson the ultimate winner
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 02: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on October 02, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson needs one win over his first three starts to become the fifth QB in NFL history to reach 60 victories within the first 80 starts of a career, joining Patrick Mahomes (64), Tom Brady (60), Ken Stabler (60) and Roger Staubach (60).
Patrick Mahomes could go into the HOF today
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
As a starter, Patrick Mahomes has led the Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship Games and four Super Bowl appearances, winning NFL MVP twice (2018, 2022) and Super Bowl MVP honors thrice (2019, 2022, 2023). Since 2018, Mahomes has led the league in passing yards (28,140), touchdowns (219), 25+ yard completions (237), and first-down throws (1,389). With only 62 interceptions, he owns a +157 TD/INT ratio.
Travis Kelce is legendary
Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Travis Kelce surpassed 11,000 receiving yards in the Week 12 regular season matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. He now has amassed 11,342 yards from scrimmage (14 rush, 11,328 receiving), making him the only Chiefs player with 11,000+ scrimmage yards and one of two players with 11,000+ combined yards, joining Chiefs Hall of Famer Dante Hall (12,356). This accomplishment also made him the fastest tight end to reach 11,000 yards (154 games) and the only tight end in NFL history to have seven straight 1,000-yard seasons. Kelce also has the most receptions in his first 160 games (907) among tight ends in NFL history.
Chris Jones
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) is pressured by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) in the second half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Chris Jones has the most sacks (75.5) and sack yards (528.5) since 2016 among active defensive tackles and the second-most in the league among all defensive tackles, trailing only Aaron Donald (91.0). Jones also ranks first in passes defended (37) among all defensive tackles during that period.
