Tag: Roquan Smith

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.

Patrick Mahomes better run from Ravens DT Justin Madubuike

Baltimore Ravens DT Justin Madubuike led his team with 13 sacks this season. Can Patrick Mahomes escape his wrath?

Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike led his team with 13 sacks this season. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes better avoid him at all costs in the AFC Championship.

The Ravens rank No. 1 in the NFL in total sacks with 60. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid better hope Mahomes has enough dance moves to shake off the blitz of Ravens’ defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald.

MacDonald shouldn’t hesitate to blitz Mahomes on passing downs, especially with Chiefs’ offensive guard Joe Thurney ruled out. Ravens’ linebackers Odafe Oweh and Jadeaveon Clowney will work to contain Mahomes inside and Madubuike may get a few clean-up sacks if Mahomes thinks he’ll be able to climb.

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Madubuike will look to pummel Mahomes and halt the Chiefs run game in the AFC Championship. It’s almost game time.

Former Bears playing in 2024 AFC, NFC Championship Games

Here’s a look at the former Bears who are playing in the AFC and NFC Championship Games.

The NFL 2024 postseason continues with Championship Sunday, where the final four teams will face off for a Super Bowl appearance. The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs will battle in the AFC Championship and the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions will battle in the NFC Championship.

While the Bears have missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, there are some familiar faces for fans to watch on Sunday, including linebacker Roquan Smith and running back David Montgomery.

Here’s a look at the former Bears who are playing on Championship Sunday:

Ravens LB Roquan Smith talks about the respect he has for Ray Lewis

Ravens inside linebacker Roquan Smith shared the respect he has for former inside linebacker Ray Lewis

The Baltimore Ravens have had many great players walk through their doors over the course of their franchise history, but perhaps none greater than inside linebacker Ray Lewis. The Hall Of Famer set the standard for what it means to play Ravens football, and is considered one of the best players in NFL history.

“[I have the] utmost respect for Ray [Lewis] and everything he’s done for this organization and for the linebacker [position] in general in this game. I think [he’s] the greatest to ever do it and just being able to pick his mind [and] mindset … I just remember, even as a kid, well before I knew I was going to ever play for the Ravens, being able to just watch his hype videos, watch his speeches and things like that, and it always inspired me, since [I was] a little one. To be able to just have those personal conversations, it takes me back, in a sense. But we all have a job, and all the knowledge he’s given me, [I] definitely try to share it amongst the guys.”

Baltimore acquired inside linebacker Roquan Smith last season, and the veteran was asked about Lewis and his impact. Smith said he has the “utmost respect” for the two-time Super Bowl champion, and relishes in the fact that he’s been able to pick his brain.

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.

Roquan Smith is confident against Patrick Mahomes: ‘He puts his pants on just like any other quarterback’

Roquan Smith is confident ahead of matchup against Patrick Mahomes

The Baltimore Ravens are getting ready to play in their first AFC Championship since the 2012 season this Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson is expected to win his second MVP, but perhaps the Ravens’ defense has been the biggest driver of the team’s dominance this season.

Baltimore’s defense has faced a gauntlet of top offenses and quarterbacks this season, rising to the occasion game after game. Against the Houston Texans and red-hot rookie quarterback and potential Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud, the Ravens’ defense allowed just three points and kept the Texans from ever reaching Baltimore’s 25-yard line.

However, the Ravens will face a different animal this Sunday when two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes comes to town to play in his sixth-straight AFC Championship.

Still, Baltimore inside linebacker Roquan Smith is confident in his unit against Mahomes.

“[Patrick Mahomes] puts his pants on just like any other quarterback,” Smith said. “Yes, he’s an elite quarterback, but at the end of the day, we’re an elite defense, and that’s our job – to stop the opposing offense. That’s our job, play in and play out, and that’s what we’ve got to do.”

Smith’s demeanor since joining the Ravens via a trade with the Chicago Bears last season has noticeably transformed Baltimore’s defense and team attitude as a whole, leading to comparisons to the legendary Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis with his physicality on the field but also his natural ability to get the most out of the players next to him and an infectious desire to fire his team up for any occasion.