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HomeSportRavens Embrace Their Feelings Ahead of High-Stakes Showdown with Chiefs

Ravens Embrace Their Feelings Ahead of High-Stakes Showdown with Chiefs

 

 

Ravens Embrace Emotions Ahead of Intense Rematch with Chiefs


The Kansas City Chiefs are celebrating their third Super Bowl victory in five years as the Baltimore Ravens prepare to witness what might have been. The memory of last year’s loss in the AFC Championship looms heavily, especially since the NFL has scheduled a rematch to kick off the 2024 season.

 

This upcoming game marks an emotional moment for the Ravens, who will be reminded one last time of their previous defeat before they take the field for a chance at redemption after a 17-10 loss at home.

“For me, every game feels like a revenge game,” said Lamar Jackson, the quarterback and reigning MVP. “I look at all our matchups the same way; regardless of past results, I just want to win.”

Significant changes resemble the Ravens ahead of this upcoming game, particularly on their defense. Mike Macdonald, their former defensive coordinator, is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. They have lost linebacker Patrick Queen to the Pittsburgh Steelers, safety Geno Stone to the Cincinnati Bengals, and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers.

<p”Defensive linebacker Roquan Smith emphasized that the remaining players are still motivated by the loss from the previous encounter.

“It’s essential to keep that memory and use it as extra motivation on top of what we already have,” Smith explained. “This is our opener, and the Chiefs stand in the way of everything we aim to achieve.”

 

Head coach John Harbaugh highlighted the high emotional stakes surrounding the game.

“Emotions always play a role,” Harbaugh noted. “This sport is emotional, just like life. We want what we care about deeply, and we aim to succeed.”

 

Safety Kyle Hamilton stated that maintaining emotional stability helps him perform at his best, but certain situations cannot be overlooked.

 

“It’s important to acknowledge the circumstances and our opponent, while still showing them the proper respect,” Hamilton mentioned.

To prepare for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the scout team has incorporated wearing a yellow No. 87 jersey in practice. Although it’s difficult to simulate game planning, such details aid the Ravens’ defenders in their preparation.

In their last meeting, the Chiefs’ offense attacked Baltimore’s defense effectively early on, but the Ravens adjusted and only allowed a single field goal for the remainder of the game. The issue primarily stemmed from the Ravens’ offense, which struggled with three turnovers against Kansas City’s defense.

The Chiefs finished the 2023 season with impressive defensive stats, ranking second in scoring, total yardage, and sacks, while also being among the league leaders in blitzing. Their pressure on Jackson disrupted his game, resulting in him completing 20 out of 37 passes for a touchdown, an interception, and a fumble.

 

The fumble occurred during a four-man rush when Charles Omenihu outpaced left tackle Ronnie Stanley, allowing him to knock the ball loose from Jackson’s blind side. Harbaugh revealed that the team, particularly Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken, has been strategizing to counter the Chiefs’ game plan.

“When facing a blitzing team, you must stand your ground and be proactive,” Harbaugh stated during training camp. “We are committed to developing effective counter strategies, as we always have.”

 

In May, Jackson remarked that true revenge against the Chiefs could only occur if they eliminated Kansas City in the playoffs. For him and his teammates, winning the Lombardi Trophy is the ultimate goal.

“Although we fell short last year,” Hamilton concluded, “no one remembers the runner-up from ten years ago. We aim to be the team everyone remembers.”

 

“We performed well last season, but we need to replicate that success.”