Week one of the 2024 NFL season kicked off with record shattering
viewership for Thursday Night Football. Defending champion Kansas
City Chiefs began their quest for a three-peat, while AFC runner-up
Baltimore Ravens were looking to avenge their loss eight months prior.
Chiefs Kingdom is one of the loudest stadiums in football and it lived up
to the hype. Reigning Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes had some
flash and reminded everyone it’s “free real estate” when he extends
the play.
When the schedule came out that the AFC title game rematch would
kick off the 2024 season, fans gathered around their living rooms.
Energy could be felt through the television screens as both teams went
back and forth. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson looked typical; but
still lacks clutch pass accuracy. Even with the addition of Derrick Henry,
Baltimore turned into a one dimensional team who relied on Jackson’s
legs versus his arm.
It was very uncharacteristic Baltimore whose defense is still top ten.
Penalties after penalties summed up the night for a team that’s very
disciplined. They played behind trying to foot race Kansas City; whose
defense is elite in every facet. But the final drive became a story as
Baltimore nearly pulled off overtime. A big-toe of Isaiah Likely was
ruled out of bounds with a potential game-tying touchdown. We’ve
seen this in basketball via 2021 Brooklyn Nets with Kevin Durant’s toe
on the three point line in a game seven versus Milwaukee Bucks;
Baltimore had every chance to win this game and start their season
right. Will it define their season? No, one game doesn’t make or break
early in the schedule. Will it matter if these two meet come playoff
time? Yes, because in likelihood, Kansas City will be at home and
Baltimore must play in sub-zero temperatures come mid-January in
Chiefs Kingdom.
Good as Lamar Jackson is in the regular season with two MVPs, he must
trust his receivers and make the necessary throws to beat Kansas City in
the postseason. As the same song and verse goes: “one dimensional
team and make Lamar beat us,” teams have figured out the remaining
lyrics in stopping “Action Jackson.” As for the Kansas City Chiefs, no
matter the time zone, stadium, or week they’ll be ready to go even if
it’s freezing cold. Let the NFL season bring us plenty of highlights, and
memorable moments. Football is back ladies and gentlemen!
Stai tuned.
