Now that NFL Championship Sunday is within the rearview, it’s time to replicate on what was and what might have been. For the Baltimore Ravens, it’s a matter of wanting again and determining what you would have completed in another way as a workforce. However for Lamar Jackson, at this level, it must be robust taking part in second fiddle to the GOAT of the period, Patrick Mahomes.
This matchup was all about the quarterbacks, no matter how the opposite models performed for every workforce. Nonetheless, it did grow to be extra of a defensive battle after halftime, with solely three factors being scored by the Ravens. Nevertheless it was already too late by then and Mahomes’ Chiefs had this one wrapped up.
Nonetheless, the beginning of this one was a special story. These groups started quick, and it appeared like we have been in for a four-quarter shootout between arguably the league’s two finest QBs. Finally, that’s the place Baltimore misplaced this recreation: Making an attempt to duplicate Kansas City’s style.
Regardless of the low-scoring output, the Ravens weren’t going to have the ability to maintain that stage towards the Chiefs workforce, who’d been on this scenario a number of instances. It felt like Baltimore’s offense received caught up within the second and forgot who they have been. Other than Jackson’s eight carries, the Ravens rushed one other eight instances (between three gamers) for 27 yards. Gus Edwards had 20 of these yards on simply three touches out of the backfield.
Greater than something, that’s why Baltimore misplaced this recreation. It’s virtually as in the event that they needed Jackson to play the hero on this action-adventure state of affairs. He’s about to win his second MVP award (most imagine) and the Ravens needed Jackson to hold them. After all, he’s going to be a focus as their finest and most dynamic weapon, however going throw for throw towards Mahomes in a recreation of this magnitude is a positive recipe for catastrophe.
Even trailing all through most of this recreation, the Ravens’ greatest deficit was solely 10 factors. Whereas the Chiefs had their protection on their heels within the first half, by the third quarter, they’d settled in and even pitched a second-half shutout. Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken seemingly panicked, going away from designed runs nearly altogether. Being down 10, along with your protection starting to seem like itself, there was room for extra run makes an attempt.
Jackson is seen by many as probably the most thrilling QB within the NFL, however continues to complete behind Mahomeboy with regards to the dialog of who’s the very best. 4 Tremendous Bowl appearances, two league MVPs, two Tremendous Bowl MVPs, two Tremendous Bowl victories, and possibly a 3rd on the way in which. That’s the Mahomes resume, which no present NFL QB can match.
Jackson could find yourself successful one other MVP or two, however till he can get to the top of a number of Tremendous Bowl wins, second place in most classes is likely to be his destiny. And simply attending to the Tremendous Bowl out of the AFC might be a frightening process for the following a number of years with QBs like Mahomes, Joe Burrow, C.J. Stroud, and Josh Allen hanging round.
