Tag: AFC Championship 2024

Ravens OL Patrick Mekari must perform at a high-level this NFL season

In Week 1, Ravens OL Patrick Mekari needs to be the answer for Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones and/or George Karlaftis.

Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Patrick Mekari will be an important catalyst this season, helping his team keep quarterback Lamar Jackson upright and setting the edge for running back Derrick Henry.

With Tyler Linderbaum operating in the center position, Mekari must quickly engage the opposing edge rushes at the snap. This will be vital on stretch (outside) running plays, especially if the Ravens plan to get Henry to the second level of defense.

Last season, Mekari operated at the guard position, but neighboring inadequacies have forced him to transition to the tackle position.

Mekari has the attributes needed to fit in with offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. His quick feet make him the ideal asset. Mekari will be needed to help the Ravens in pass blocking and to sow up the countless issues they saw in that final preseason matchup versus the Green Bay Packers.

In Week 1, Mekari and Ronnie Stanley need to be the answer for Kansas City Chiefs defensive ends Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. Karlaftis has been the beneficiary of 1-on-1 opportunities, with Jones often double-teamed. If the Ravens are going to get revenge versus the Chiefs in Week 1, it definitely will help if Mekari has a solid game.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Roquan Smith wishes Patrick Queen success until he plays the Ravens

Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith didn’t ask former teammate Patrick Queen to cross enemy lines, but it’s a reality he’ll face in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith didn’t ask former teammate Patrick Queen to cross enemy lines, but it’s a reality he’ll face in 2024.

Smith visited The Rich Eisen Show earlier this spring to discuss his thoughts on Queen departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tastefully, Smith gave Queen many accolades, pointing to his strengths as one of the reasons the Ravens’ defense was so successful last season.

Smith understands that Queen was extremely valuable against opposing running backs on underneath routes, and the uncertainty of Queen’s replacement still lingers. Ravens’ inside linebacker Trenton Simpson has received recent attention in the media for his work at OTAs, but it would be premature to consider his skillset equivalent to Queen’s.

Ultimately, Smith, as the ” Mike” linebacker, will be responsible for assuring that defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s play-calling is precisely executed.

Smith will endeavor to lead the Ravens’ defense, which led the NFL in sacks last season, to newfound glory in 2024.

Ravens announce Legends of the Game for AFC Championship matchup

Ravens announce that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are Sunday’s Legends of the Game. Jonathan Ogden will be the Honorary Captain.

With the Ravens set to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Baltimore is calling on the big guns and stars from the past for support.

The Ravens announced that Ray Lewis and Ed Reed are Sunday’s Legends of the Game, while Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden will be the Honorary Captain.

Michael Phelps will deliver the game ball, the offense will be introduced before kickoff, and T-Pain will perform at halftime.

Anquan Boldin, Dennis Pitta, Todd Heap, Matt Stover, and Terrell Suggs will also be recognized at different game points.

Andy Reid makes slick comment on John Harbaugh

For some odd reason, Andy Reid thinks John Harbaugh should tremble at the Kansas City Chiefs who barely escaped the divisional round.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told his team “no dancing today” after winning the AFC Divisional game versus the Buffalo Bills.

Reid’s slick comment refers to Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh who has gone viral for his locker room dance moves.

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Perhaps Reid figures after winning Super Bowl LIV and LVII, Harbaugh should tremble at the Chiefs who escaped Buffalo by the hair on their chins.

Newsflash, the Chiefs allowed the Bills 182 rush yards Sunday and instead of watching the Ravens’ locker room, Reid might want to get with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to prepare for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ No. 1 rushing offense.

Harbaugh had his starters resting the last two weekends, not dancing.  Remember, the starters rested in week 18 and the team was non-participatory in the AFC Wild Card round with a bye.

The Ravens out-danced the Houston Texans 34-10 in the Divisional round, however. Baltimore finished the game on a 24-0 scoring run, with M&T Bank stadium ignited. The team had much cause for celebration.

Harbaugh is unlikely to respond to Reid’s slight, he’s too focused on preparing his team for the AFC Championship and a chance to win his 2nd Super Bowl title as a head coach.

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Ravens LB Roquan Smith is standing on business

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith continues to lead a defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith continues to lead a defense that ranks No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed per game.

The Ravens allowed just 10 points in the AFC Divisional Round versus the Houston Texans and Smith was in on seven tackles.

Just as quarterback Lamar Jackson is the leader on offense, Smith is the Ravens’ leader on defense. When defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald sends in the play call, Smith is responsible for relaying the call to the defense, making sure assignments are met.

Saturday, with all-pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey out, Smith’s vocal presence helped to elevate the play of reserve Ronald Darby. Darby held Texans’ wide receiver Nico Collins under 70 yards while inside linebacker Patrick Queen and Smith held Devin Singletary to just 22 rush yards. 

Queen and Smith combined for 12 tackles in the AFC Divisional game and their speed will have a huge impact on Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce in the AFC Championship.

Surely, Smith will be looking to make his presence felt against Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco next Sunday. Smith embodies the skill, physicality, and awareness to be endlessly disruptive. In front of M&T Bank Stadium this weekend the Chiefs better bring their A-game.

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