Tag: AFC Championship

Can star RB Derrick Henry be the missing piece to the Ravens’ Super Bowl puzzle?

The Baltimore Ravens already ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rush yards per game last season, so is Derrick Henry really the missing piece?

The Baltimore Ravens already ranked No. 1 in the NFL in rush yards and attempts per game last season, so is running back Derrick Henry the missing piece to their puzzle?

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4gP13dOt66/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Ravens totaled about 156.9 rush yards a game in 2023 through 541 carries. Their offense dominated tremendously on the ground, but this success should be heavily credited to the defense, which allowed opponents to score just 16.5 points per game.

With opponents held to low-scoring outputs, quarterback Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Monken were allowed to commit to running the ball. However, with their defensive secondary expected to take a few steps back, the offense may need to be even more dynamic this upcoming season,

Furthermore, the Ravens’ rush-by-committee approach now needs to be delegated proportionately.  Will Henry average 20 carries and Jackson 10? How will running back Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell fit into the equation? 

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4gBSOCLpTX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ultimately, while it is premature to give a swift answer to these preliminary questions, the Ravens need to consider building their secondary with the best defensive backs available in the upcoming NFL Draft. Ravens’ fans should celebrate the arrival of Henry; it wasn’t inadequacy in the run game that ended the Ravens’ season last year.

However, the historic 60-sack, 18-interception season is behind the Ravens’ defense, so offensive excellence may need to balance the books for a secondary that may digress. Henry may need to have his most remarkable season yet if the Ravens plan on returning to the AFC Championship.

Chiefs’ DL Chris Jones is ready for Super Bowl LVIII

On Sep. 24, Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones signed a 1-year deal worth up to $25 million. Could Jones be the x-factor in Super Bowl LVIII?

On Sep. 24, Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones signed a one-year deal worth up to $25 million. Jones could very well be the x-factor on defense in Super Bowl LVIII.

 Jones had zero tackles in the AFC championship but his presence opened lanes for his teammates to rattle Lamar Jackson.  The San Francisco 49ers however are unlikely to abandon the running game the way the Baltimore Ravens did in the Super Bowl so Jones will need to be on his A-game.

Jones did record 10.5 sacks and seven stuffs through 16 games played this season and his leadership has given way for defensive end George Kalaftis to get lose. Identically, Kalaftis also recorded 10.5 sacks this season and was terrific in the AFC Championship.

With all this,  I seriously doubt that Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan will omit running back Christian McCaffrey from the game-plan. The 49ers led the NFL with 4.8 rush yards per carry so Spagnuolo and the Chiefs better have an answer in SBLVIII. Jones needs to be the enforcer on gameday.

Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce reflected on Eric Bieniemy’s visit before the AFC Championship Game

Chiefs Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce reflected on Eric Bieniemy’s visit before the AFC Championship Game

The rumor mill gained extra fuel on Wednesday during the Kansas City Chiefs’ latest round of Super Bowl media scrums. The focus is on Sunday’s game, but a reveal about their former offensive coordinator had everyone talking.

Former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who was in attendance in Baltimore for the AFC Championship game, spoke with players in an unofficial support role. During his conversation with reporters on Wednesday, Patrick Mahomes shared his thoughts on Bieniemy in the locker room before the AFC Championship game.

“It’s always great to have EB (Bieniemy) in the building, just being there and the energy he brings, and the mentality he brings because he has that intensity, but he loves it,” Mahomes explained. “He loves being there. He loves being a part of the team and being a part of that culture. And so just having him back in the building was really cool.

“Listening to him talk with his energy. I mean, it just got everybody guys going. I think the guys had a little bit of chill bumps today. Like, Hey, we got EB’s back here, and obviously, he didn’t get that head coaching opportunity. But I’m excited for him to continue to coach football and continue to make his impact on the game.”

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

Mahomes wasn’t the only current Chiefs star with plenty to say about Bieniemy as Travis Kelce opened up about his former offensive coordinator during his media scrum on Wednesday.

“Man, EB was a special coach here for a long, long time, man, and he’s like my uncle or a father figure in the football world for me,” Kelce said. “Everybody knows how fired up he can get, and I definitely share that same passion for coming to work every single day to play this game.

[He is] one of my favorite coaches of all time, so I think the biggest thing that we could take away from who he was as a player and as a coach is just his passion and his desire to be ready for every single scenario out there on the field. His football awareness and his understanding of the game was second to none when it comes to football, and you know I’m hoping for the best for him coming up in his near coaching career, but I think who he is as a person is always going to go with me in life.”

Bieniemy’s legacy remains strong in the Chiefs facility as the players continue to sing his praise. A reunion is always possible, but the focus is on Sunday in Super Bowl LVIII.

Are we ready to be honest about Lamar Jackson?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was unimpressive in the AFC championship game, and it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

After Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lost again in the playoffs, it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

While offensive coordinator Todd Monken does deserve some blame for abandoning the running game, is Monken wrong for expecting his “MVP” to complete passes with accuracy and timing on three-step drops? Furthermore, Monken’s quick passing attack was the correct counter to the blitz scheme of Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Jackson’s play was pedestrian at best, holding the ball too long in the pocket, dropping back 15-plus yards aimlessly on the first play, and throwing into triple coverage at a crucial point of the game. The Ravens were 3 of 11 on third down. Jackson went 20 for 37 through the air and was sacked four times, losing a fumble on one of them.

As a result of Jackson’s inability to lead the offense, the Ravens defense had to be on the field for 73 snaps. After shutting the Chiefs down entirely in the second half, the Ravens still had to wake up to the false narrative that Patrick Mahomes carved them up. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald didn’t even speak to the media before he decided to skip town.

Instead of presuming the Ravens will be back next season, Jackson needs to process the loss and know that the AFC North will be a much more challenging road in 2024. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will return from injury, and the Cleveland Browns will have running back Nick Chubb back from injury.

The Ravens didn’t sign Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract last offseason for empty promises at the podium, locker room dance moves or his ability to win the MVP award. Jackson must improve his game as a pocket passer. It’s time to hold him accountable.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ workouts with his trainer helped him avoid injury in AFC Championship Game

Kansas City #Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes says his trainer’s workouts helped him avoid injury in AFC Championship Game.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has dealt with his fair share of injuries during his career, including problems with his ankle in last year’s playoffs. He is credited for his high tolerance to pain in being able to stay in the lineup, but the reigning league MVP has openly praised the preparation from his trainer, Bobby Stroupe.

Mahomes opened up at Thursday’s press conference about avoiding a potential knee injury during last Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens, and he credited the training he got from Stroupe.

“So I think he showed that for everybody, but that was really directed towards me because I hate doing all that stuff,” Mahomes explained. “Every time he does, I’m like, why am I doing this stretch right now and everything like that? And then he gets an opportunity like that, where he shows me he’s like, see, this is why we do it.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

“So now that’ll be a staple in every workout I do. We try to prepare for everything. He’s done a great job of adapting and learning from stuff that I’ve done in my career and prepared me for those moments to keep myself as healthy as I possibly can.”

Stroupe works with other Chief players, including defensive lineman George Karlaftis and many other athletes in different sports.

“They always say the best ability is availability, and you want to be out there, and lucky enough for us, so far, knock on wood,” said Mahomes. “We’ve been able to have a lot of healthy guys out there, and we want to play our best football in the Super Bowl. And so we’re gonna try to do.”

Stroupe released a video on his X account detailing Mahomes’ workout routine mixed with his avoiding the injury against Baltimore. The hard work is paying off, and Mahomes noted that he may not enjoy the process but appreciates the results.

“He always gets me doing stuff I don’t want to do, and I know he wants the best for me, so I’ll do it,” Mahomes continued. “But, there [are] definitely some times where I’m like, man, we’re on two hours of working out, like, let me go up and go upstairs and just and just hang out. And so, he pushes me every single day.”

NFL rookies played well on Championship Sunday

Some quality rookie performances on Championship Sunday are a strong indicator that the NFL is becoming more competitive.

Here’s a look at the NFL rookies who played well on Championship Sunday as we prepare for SBLVII next weekend.

Todd Monken deserves blame for Ravens loss in AFC Championship

Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken completely abandoned the No. 1 ranked Ravens rush attack in the AFC Championship.

The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 1 in rush yards per game all season long. Yet, offensive coordinator Todd Monken opted for 37 pass plays in the AFC Championship.

If Monken thought Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wouldn’t blitz his generic shotgun attack, think again. Quarterback Lamar Jackson struggled versus the Chiefs’ blitz all afternoon being sacked four times. Yet, instead of opting to run the ball to gain tempo, Monken insisted on reaching for home-run plays through the air.

Baltimore loss the time of possession stat 37:20 to 22:30, meaning, Monken basically left the Ravens’ defense out to rot.


Fueled by frustration, and endless trash talk from Chiefs tight-end Travis Kelce, linebacker Roquan Smith and the Ravens’ defense rendered some penalties. Still, Smith and the Ravens’ defense held the Chiefs to just 17 total points and a 2nd-half shutout through 73 plays (incredible).

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

Considering that this was Monken’s first-season making it this far in the NFL Playoffs, grace will be extended on his behalf. Hopefully he uses this experience as a compel to data-dump his ideals and call the plays that actually fit into the teams personnel.

Zay Flowers talks about his mistakes in Ravens’ AFC Championship loss

Zay Flowers talks about his mistakes in Ravens’ AFC Championship loss

A dominant season for the Baltimore Ravens came to an end on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.

You can point to a plethora of mistakes made by the Ravens that ultimately cost them a trip to the Super Bowl, including a few crucial gaffes from rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers.

The first of a pair of plays that the standout rookie would want back came while Baltimore trailed by ten at the end of the third quarter when quarterback Lamar Jackson connected with Flowers for a 54-yard completion to set the offense up inside the 10-yard line. After the play, Flowers was called for taunting against cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, moving Baltimore back 15 yards to the 25-yard line.

The more costly error happened when Flowers fumbled the ball into the endzone for a touchback while diving for a potential touchdown just a few plays later in the same drive. Instead of cutting the lead to three, the Ravens lost possession of the ball and remained down 10 to start the fourth quarter.

Flowers then reopened a cut on his hand when he allowed his frustration to get the better of him on the sideline.

Flowers was asked after the game if he thought he broke the plane on the fumble.

“Yes, I thought I did, honestly, but I’ll learn from my mistakes,” Flowers said.

Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was spotted consoling Flowers after the game.

Flowers was asked about the support of his teammates in such a difficult situation.

“I mean, those are my brothers – they are going to ride with me no matter what,” Flowers said.

Flowers finished the game with a team-leading 115 receiving yards and one touchdown on five catches. Two mistakes should not overshadow a great rookie season and a promising future.

Andy Reid applauds Chiefs’ mental toughness through long seasons

#Chiefs head coach Andy Reid applauded his team’s mental toughness through long seasons after Kansas City’s win over the #Ravens.

The familiar sound of the Kansas City Chiefs as AFC champions heading into a Super Bowl will never get old for the team’s many fans in Western Missouri. Experiencing this level of success is nearly impossible to keep up in today’s rapidly moving free-agency and trade market.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid has devoted over 25 years to his craft and has seen almost everything in the league. He appreciates his player’s efforts annually, from rookie mini camps to this point. He explained the grind to reporters in his postgame press conference on Sunday.

“It’s tough the back-to-back-to-back seasons, that’s a tough thing,” Reid explained. “We played a lot of football games, and you’ve got to work through that. You [have] got to work through that mentally; that’s not an easy thing. So, I’m so happy for the guys and how they handled that.

“When it came time to put the hammer down, they put the hammer down, which was important. The best part is we’re not done; we’ve got another game, and you love the seasons to carry on as long as they can possibly carry on. We’re there, and now we gotta get right back at it. And start grinding for whoever wins us this game here.”

Since the 2018 season, the first with Mahomes as the starter, the Chiefs have played in the AFC Championship game and will now appear in their fourth Super Bowl. Reid acknowledges the toll playing late into seasons can have on a veteran team and understands the target on his players’ backs as they still overcome it and succeed.

“What you get is everybody’s best shot. So every week, you’re gonna get the best shot,” Reid said. “There are no games off for that stuff. Not in the NFL anyway, but they’re no games off. There’s no light opponent. You’ve got to bring it every week. So, again, to be in this position, that tells you a little bit something about the mental makeup of this football team.”

Reid is tied for third in most Super Bowl appearances for a head coach. He can join Joe Gibbs, Chuck Noll, Bill Walsh, and Bill Belichick as the only head coaches with three rings if the Chiefs are victorious in Super Bowl LVIII.

Chiefs GM Brett Veach calls QB Patrick Mahomes ‘a blessing’ for the franchise

Kansas City #Chiefs GM Brett Veach calls quarterback Patrick Mahomes ‘a blessing’ for the franchise.

The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to their fourth Super Bowl in five seasons, adding another exciting chapter to the team’s growing dynasty. It was a triumphant moment for everyone involved with the franchise, especially in the front office, making decisions for the personnel on the field.

Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is often praised and criticized weekly for the team’s performance, considering he is one of the architects of the roster. He handles it well daily but doesn’t appreciate spectators or opponents not having faith in his franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.

Veach spoke about his appreciation for Mahomes being the face of the franchise during the AFC Championship postgame press conference.

“It’s a blessing that he’s part of this organization. He’s the best, and I try to describe a player like him because of everything he does,” said Veach. “He gives everyone that belief and hope that doesn’t matter what the odds are and where we’re playing and where we’re going. If we have ’15’ (Patrick Mahomes) under center, we have a shot. So it’s really hard to explain someone that good, but he’s the best.”

Mahomes shredded the Baltimore secondary mainly in the first half, finishing the game 30-39 for 241 yards and a touchdown, securing his fourth trip to the Super Bowl. During the postseason, various forms of criticism have been thrown at the reigning league MVP regarding his lack of experience in road games and other picky moments that Veach doesn’t understand.

“I’m not sure why anyone would do that and throw shade at him like that because he’s gonna give you his best shot anyway.” said Veach, “So there’s no need to poke the bear. But if they want to do it, we certainly appreciate it.”

The Chiefs will seek back-to-back Super Bowl titles in two weeks in Las Vegas as they remember being in this position during the 2020 season. The result at that time was falling short to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they went into this contest knowing they would genuinely have a neutral field.