Tag: George Karlaftis

Ravens vs. Chiefs: 10 takeaways from first half of AFC Championship game

We’re looking at ten takeaways from the first half as the Kansas City Chiefs hold a 17-7 lead over the Baltimore Ravens

The Chiefs heard all the noise and responded upon entering M&T Bank Stadium, jumping out to an early lead on the Baltimore Ravens and taking a 17-7 lead into halftime.

Sunday is the 5th time the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens have trailed by double digits at halftime (0-4 in the first four games).

Three other times, it has been vs. the Chiefs (2019 and 2020).

Kansas City answered the questions about Baltimore’s physicality, attacking the Ravens in the trenches on both sides of the football.

With the second half underway, we’re looking at takeaways from the first half.

WATCH: Travis Kelce throws Justin Tucker’s helmet so Patrick Mahomes can warm up

Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce tried to chump Ravens kicker Justin Tucker and make him move so Patrick Mahomes can warm up

We’re a little over an hour away from the Ravens and Chiefs kicking off the AFC title game, and star tight end Travis Kelce just added some drama to the contest.

Baltimore’s All-Pro kicker, Justin Tucker was down in the Chiefs end of the field warming up with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Kelce and the Kansas City offense took the field for some early pregame warmups of their own.

After watching Mahomes take a couple of dropbacks with Tucker still stretching, and his helmet in the Chiefs way, Kelce took upon himself to tell the kicker to move, while tossing his helmet.

Social media reacts to everything, and this altercation was no different.

Ravens vs. Chiefs inactives: Baltimore to employ 9 defensive backs against Kansas City

Ravens vs. Chiefs inactives: Baltimore to employ 9 defensive backs against Kansas City

We’re a little over an hour away from the Ravens and Chiefs battling for the AFC Championship game, and Baltimore has 9 defensive backs active aganst the Kansas City offense.

Mark Andrews and Marlon Humphrey are officially active.

5 reasons why the Ravens will beat the Chiefs in AFC Championship game

We’re looking at five reasons why the Baltimore Ravens will defeat the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game

The time has come, and we’re a little over 3 hours from one of the biggest AFC Championship tilts in NFL history when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium.

Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.

Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

With pregame warmups already underway, we’re looking at five reasons the Ravens will win the AFC Championship.

AFC Championship picks: Who the experts are taking in Ravens vs. Chiefs

We’re looking at the NFL expert picks for the AFC Championship game and the Ravens are projected to defeat the Chiefs

We’re a little over 32 hours from one of the biggest AFC Championship tilts in NFL history when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium.

Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.

Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

With preparation for the matchup set to begin, we’re looking at one thing to watch at each offensive position group.

Marlon Humphrey among 3 listed as questionable for AFC Championship game

The Ravens are listing Marlon Humphrey, Rock Ya-Sin and Tylan Wallace as questionable for the AFC Championship game, while Mark Andrews will play

The Ravens released their final injury report, and the team is listing Marlon Humphrey, Rock Ya-Sin and Tylan Wallace as questionable for the AFC Championship game, while Mark Andrews will play after missing six games.

Head Coach John Harbaugh said he is “confident” that Humphrey will play on Sunday, which is a big boost to the secondary. Ronald Darby has played well with Humphrey sidelined, and it could give Baltimore’s secondary even more versatility.

Andrews enters the game with no injury designation.

3 burning questions ahead of Ravens AFC Championship matchup vs. Chiefs

We’re looking at seven burning questions ahead of the AFC Championship Game between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs travel to Baltimore for the AFC Championship Game to take on the Ravens.

Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.

Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

With preparation for the matchup set to begin, here are three burning questions to answer.

Ravens vs. Chiefs: 7 early storylines to watch in the AFC Championship game

We’re looking at seven early storylines to watch when the Baltimore Ravens host the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game

The Kansas City Chiefs travel to Baltimore for the AFC Championship Game to take on the Ravens.  Kickoff at M&T Bank Stadium is slated for 3:00 p.m. ET.

Sunday will mark the Chiefs sixth-consecutive AFC title game appearance, it’s first of the stretch that will be played on the road.

Last Sunday, the Chiefs defeated the Bills in Buffalo 27-24 to advance to the AFC’s final game, while Baltimore is riding high after a 34-10 win over Houston and rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The last time these two teams met was in 2021 in Week 2.

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had two fourth-quarter rushing Touchdowns to defeat the Chiefs 36-35.

Since becoming Kansas City’s head coach in 2013, Andy Reid has been 4-1 through the regular season against the Ravens, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been 3-1.

With preparation for the matchup set to begin, here are seven storylines to watch.

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo spoke about Pro Bowl snubs, Chris Jones needing ten sacks

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke about Kansas City’s Pro Bowl snubs and Chris Jones needing ten sacks.

This Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Chargers does not affect the Kansas City Chiefs’ postseason plans. Due to the exhibition feel of the game, many full-time starters are expected to be limited or out as they prepare for the following week’s Wild Card round.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo took to the podium on Thursday to speak with reporters and address bus thoughts on the many Pro Bowl snubs amongst his defensive unit.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was disappointed. You know how I feel about those guys? It is what it is,” said Spagnuolo, “I mean, again, because I know those guys they’re more concerned with the bigger picture. But yeah, disappointed is a pretty good word.”

Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, and team sacks leader George Karlaftis were the most notable names from a unit that remained atop the AFC in many defensive ratings. The only defensive player selected from Kansas City was Chris Jones, who is entering Week 18 half a sack away from ten for the season, which would lead to special contract incentives.

“I would love for Chris (Jones) to get that,” Spagnuolo explained. “I think that’s always good. We don’t let that get in the way of what we’re trying to do, that being [to] prevent points and win football games, but I hope all those guys get that. I want guys to get Pro Bowls; all that I do. I mean, I would love that if that happens.”

There is still no official word as to whether Jones will play on Sunday, but he did say he’d be interested in the opportunity to get that tenth sack.

Chiefs DL George Karlaftis put together an exceptional performance vs. Bengals

#Chiefs DL George Karlaftis played with his hair on fire against the #Bengals in Week 17.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense has been among the NFL’s best this season, and with just one game remaining on their schedule, the team’s defense seems primed to make something special happen in the playoffs.

Second-year defensive end George Karlaftis has been among the unit’s leaders through 16 games, and put together arguably his best performance of the season against the Bengals in Week 17, tallying 1.5 sacks, six pressures, and a pass rush win rate of 26.7 percent, according to Pro Football Focus.

Numbers like these are no coincidence for Karlaftis, who has steadily developed into Kansas City’s leading sack leader heading into their final matchup of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers.

His presence on the Chiefs’ front four has more than warranted his selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. With another exceptional showing in Week 18, he could cement himself as Kansas City’s preeminent sack-master ahead of the playoffs later this month.