The Baltimore Ravens are headed to the AFC Championship and are anticipating a Super Bowl appearance. After finishing the season with the best record in the NFL, confidence is plentiful on both sides of the ball. The Ravens ended the season by winning five out of their six final games, and the one loss came with most of the starters resting. Due to being the number one seed, Baltimore could rest an additional week during the Wild Card round. The following week in the Divisional round, the Ravens beat the Houston Texans in a dominating fashion. Next, the Kansas City Chiefs are on the schedule. Everyone knows what to expect from the Chiefs in this spot, but what can be expected from the Ravens?
The Chiefs are a heavily proven team. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has practically been living in the AFC Championship game since he entered the league. Two rings and three Super Bowl appearances later, Lamar Jackson has a chance to dethrone the king. Although not statistically, Jackson is having the best season of his career. Jackson is the leading MVP candidate and is looking to add a second award to his mantle. Win or lose, Jackson will be considered most valuable. But, he’d prefer a Super Bowl trophy over personal accolades.
What to Expect From Ravens in the AFC Championship Game
The Baltimore Ravens are set to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. This is the sixth consecutive time Kansas City has reached the conference championship, as they constantly find ways to get the job done. On the other hand, Baltimore has not seen a conference championship game since 2012 when they went on to win the Super Bowl. The Ravens are the hottest team in football this season and look to take down the budding GOAT Patrick Mahomes. Here’s what’s to be expected to make that happen.
Offense
Offensively, Baltimore is a powerhouse. Starting at the quarterback position, Lamar Jackson is a bonified superstar. Jackson is not only officially the best-scrambling quarterback of all time, but he’s also learned how to pass the ball equally as effectively. Jackson has been doing it all on the field and posting his usual highlight runs, but now highlight throws are included. Expect more of the same going forward. At running back, Gus Edwards has been as consistent as they come. Edwards is a workhorse that always falls forward, and now he has help. Dalvin Cook will likely get more opportunities against the Chiefs now that he’s acclimated to Baltimore. Expect Cook to have a breakout game while the Ravens run wild.
The receiver group has been great all season. Zay Flowers has learned the ins and outs of being an NFL receiver while steadily improving each week. Flowers is now on the radar and has earned respect across the league. Flowers has become the number one option with a consistent supporting cast. Odell Beckham Jr. and Isaiah Likely have shown themselves to be clutch, and that will be expected against such a clutch opponent.
Defense
The Ravens have the best defense in the NFL. There are standout players on the roster, but as a whole, the defensive chemistry is outstanding. Linebacker Roquan Smith has been likened to Ravens legend Ray Lewis. Smith never takes a down off and is the vocal leader of the team. Smith is a big-game player and will leave it all on the field. Safety Kyle Hamilton has made a name for himself in the league. Hamilton is one of the most recognizable safeties in football due to his height and length. Hamilton will be expected to continue his ball-hawking dominance in a game that will require tenacity.
Defensive Tackle Justin Madubuike is the head of the Ravens’ pass rush. Madubuike leads the team in sacks and will need to put pressure on Patrick Mahomes by any means necessary. The secondary is essentially a no-fly zone. Safety Geno Stone led the team in interceptions and ranked second in the league. If Baltimore plans to make a Super Bowl appearance, they will need to force turnovers.
Main Photo: [Sam Greene/The Enquirer] – USA Today Sports
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