Gut Reaction: Chiefs-Ravens NFL Opener

A lot happened in the inaugural game of the 2024 NFL season and I’m here to give my perspective.

Ball carrier Justice Hill and safety Justin Reid
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

A Necessary Evil

Last night, the officials made it an emphasis to make sure the tackles on the offensive line were legally lined up. Their helmets must be in line with the center’s belt line to ensure no unfair advantage is had. Being lined up too far back is basically the equivalent of getting an early jump on the snap.

Baltimore’s Ronnie Stanley was quickly made an example of this emphasis while Kansas City’s Jawaan Taylor seemed to continue to get away with the foul.

Many fans also pointed out that players like Taylor were jumping the snap early. Anticipating the snap is a common tactic but is hard to catch without having the privilege of a slowed replay.

Bottom line: No, Kansas City did not win because of the officials.
Could the officials have been more fair across the board? Absolutely.
The more likely scenario: We are seeing another New England Patriots situation – the Chiefs rule the land and people will make any excuse for their dominance.

Patrick Mahomes
(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Missing in Action

The Baltimore Ravens came into this season with much anticipation for their offense. Typically being characterized as one-dimensional, Baltimore finally seemed poised to have a more lethal approach. Aside from the reigning MVP, Lamar Jackson, they have Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, and former 2,000 yard rusher Derrick Henry.

Henry ran the ball 13 times, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry. He did score, but it was a goal line situation. In November of last year, Mark Andrews fractured his fibula but was a full go for last night’s matchup. The star tight end finished with just 2 receptions for 14 yards. His backup, Isaiah Likely, reeled in 9 targets for 111 yards and a score.

Bottom line: It is week one.
While it is likely that Likely (pun intended) will carry a larger role going forward, it does not diminish the fact that Andrews has been one of the league’s most consistent and talented TEs. It has been less than a year since Andrews’ injury and I am sure that played a factor. The Chiefs defense had him neutralized, making way for Isaiah Likely to get involved. This will not be an every-week occurrence.
Derrick Henry is 30 years old. He ran the rock 629 times over his last two seasons. That kind of workload is not as realistic at this point in his career. The Ravens have their eyes set on a trip to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59, and that will require a healthy and fresh Derrick Henry to get them there.

Derrick Henry doing Derrick Henry things
(AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Plug and Play

It is scary, the Chiefs truly do remind me of the New England Patriots. It never matters who is in the lineup. As long as they have Patrick Mahomes at the helm, they will be just fine. We saw solid contributions from Rashee Rice, Isiah Pacheco, Xavier Worthy, Noah Gray, and old-man Travis Kelce. Aside from Travis Kelce, many “regular” NFL fans won’t recognize those names. It reminds me of: Julian Edelman, James White, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan, and an anchor in Rob Gronkowski.

Kansas City’s defense is led by a mastermind who should be a head coach. Steve Spagnuolo continues turn this average group on paper into elite performers, reminiscent of Bill Belichick’s magic.

Bottom line: As long as Kansas City has Patrick Mahomes, head coach Andy Reid, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, they will always be strong contenders for the Lombardi Trophy.

What is He?

Lamar Jackson looks to be in incredible shape, as his 122 rushing yards would suggest. He had a few shaky throws, as you could assume for a week one game. However, Baltimore lost because of him. On the ten yard line, with only enough time for the set of downs given, and a touchdown needed, Jackson missed two open touchdown throws. They were inexcusable and perplexing. The question that has been around since his college days and one that may always exist: Can Lamar Jackson perform when it matters most? He has two MVPs but fans are hungry for a Lombardi.

Wrap Up

We were graced by an excellent football game last night. Both teams have plenty of room for improvement and the animosity between them is already growing. We will be in for a treat if these two juggernauts meet again in January for the AFC Championship.

Cheers to another year of football!