On Thursday, September 5th, 2024, the Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in a much-anticipated season opener. The Ravens entered the game with high expectations after an offseason that included the acquisition of Derrick Henry, aiming to capitalize on a revamped offense and make a strong opening statement against the defending Super Bowl champions. Despite flashes of promise, the game ultimately ended in a disappointing 27-20 loss for the Ravens.
From the outset, the Chiefs showcased why they are the team to beat in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes was in control, leading his team to an early lead and demonstrating the kind of offensive firepower that Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had been wary of all week. Meanwhile, the Ravens, anchored by new additions and returning veterans alike, seemed out of sync offensively for much of the game. The team’s inability to gain any real momentum throughout the second half left fans and analysts questioning whether this roster overhaul was truly prepared for the season’s challenges.
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How The Game Unfolded – Play by Play
The Ravens started off strong, with Derrick Henry leading a balanced first drive that resulted in an early touchdown. Henry’s physicality and vision were on full display, helping the Ravens methodically march down the field. His nine-yard touchdown run gave Baltimore an early 7-0 lead, and for a brief moment, it seemed that the Ravens’ new-look offense might indeed be a problem for opposing defenses this year.
However, the Ravens’ momentum was short-lived. A series of illegal formation penalties disrupted the offensive rhythm, leading to three drives stalling out in the first half. The most glaring error occurred during the second quarter, when rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten was beaten off the line by Chiefs’ defensive star Chris Jones, who sacked Lamar Jackson and forced a fumble. The Chiefs recovered, setting up a short field for Mahomes, who connected with tight end Travis Kelce on a quick strike for a 14-7 lead.
From that point, the Ravens struggled to keep pace. Lamar Jackson was often forced to scramble, picking up crucial yards on his own, but the offensive line’s protection remained porous throughout the game. A failed field goal attempt by Justin Tucker, missing from 53 yards out, only added to the growing frustration in the Ravens’ camp.
The second half saw more of the same. With the Ravens trailing by 10 points twice in the final two quarters, offensive coordinator Todd Monken attempted to spark a comeback, but the Ravens ran the ball only five times in the second half, a surprising departure from what many expected given Henry’s presence. Mahomes, meanwhile, continued to lead the Chiefs’ offense efficiently, finding Kelce and new wideout Skyy Moore to keep the Ravens’ defense on their heels.
A late touchdown pass from Jackson to Rashod Bateman brought the Ravens within a score, but a failed onside kick allowed the Chiefs to run out the clock and secure the 27-20 victory.
Notable Performances
Despite the loss, there were a few standout performances for the Ravens, starting with Lamar Jackson, who led the team in rushing with 122 yards on 16 carries. While most of these yards came on improvised scrambles, it was clear that Jackson’s ability to make something out of nothing remains a key asset for the team. Unfortunately, his 16 completions on 28 attempts for 194 yards were not enough to get the job done in the air, with Jackson struggling to connect with his receivers on key third downs.
Derrick Henry’s debut in a Ravens uniform was a mixed bag. On paper, his 46 yards and one touchdown on 13 carries might seem underwhelming, but the Ravens’ inconsistent offensive line play made it difficult for Henry to establish any rhythm. With three new starters on the line—Daniel Faalele at right guard, Roger Rosengarten at right tackle, and Andrew Vorhees at left guard—blocking issues became a recurring theme. Faalele, in particular, had a rough night, allowing six pressures in his first start, and Rosengarten’s critical miscue against Chris Jones shifted the momentum of the game early on.
On the defensive side, linebacker Roquan Smith was everywhere, finishing with a game-high 11 tackles, while Marlon Humphrey played solid coverage against the Chiefs’ receivers, limiting deep plays but unable to completely shut down Kansas City’s high-powered offense. Safety Kyle Hamilton also made some key tackles and was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging game for the Ravens’ secondary.
What Worked and What Didn’t: In-depth Game Analysis
The Ravens’ offensive struggles can largely be attributed to their failure to adjust to the Chiefs’ defensive scheme. Kansas City frequently stacked the box, using eight defenders on nearly 40% of snaps, daring the Ravens to beat them through the air. This approach effectively neutralized Henry’s impact, limiting his ability to gain yards after contact, one of his strengths.
A deeper look into the Ravens’ offensive line reveals more about why Henry and Jackson were often left to fend for themselves. Both Faalele and Rosengarten received some of the lowest run-blocking grades from Pro Football Focus, with Faalele scoring a 55 and Rosengarten an even more concerning 48.2. This lack of protection, combined with the Chiefs’ aggressive blitzing, resulted in Jackson having little time to operate in the pocket. When he did have time, the Ravens’ play-calling often failed to capitalize on favorable matchups against Kansas City’s secondary, and the lack of deep threats allowed the Chiefs’ safeties to crowd the line of scrimmage.
The one bright spot on the offensive line was the consistent play of center Tyler Linderbaum, who handled his assignments well and provided much-needed stability in the middle. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley also performed admirably, keeping Jackson upright on the blind side for much of the game. However, the miscommunications and penalties by the younger players on the line hindered any real momentum.
On defense, the Ravens’ failure to pressure Patrick Mahomes consistently was a critical factor in their defeat. While Smith and Hamilton were effective in their roles, the pass rush failed to disrupt Mahomes, allowing him to complete 28 of 36 passes for 310 yards and two touchdowns. The defensive front, led by veterans Justin Madubuike and Michael Pierce, struggled to break through the Chiefs’ offensive line, which gave Mahomes ample time to find his targets.
What’s Next?
While the Ravens’ season opener didn’t go as planned, it’s important to remember that this is only the first game of the year. The offensive line, despite its numerous issues, is still finding its footing with three new starters, and as they continue to gel, Derrick Henry should see more opportunities to make an impact in the run game. Additionally, Lamar Jackson remains as dangerous as ever with his legs, though the Ravens need to strike a better balance between designed runs and improvisational scrambles to protect their star quarterback from injury.
For Baltimore’s defense, the key will be to develop a more consistent pass rush. Against elite quarterbacks like Mahomes, the Ravens will need to create more pressure up front to prevent their secondary from being exploited in coverage. Roquan Smith and Kyle Hamilton provide a strong foundation, but the unit as a whole needs to rise to the occasion.
As the Ravens prepare for their next matchup, there’s reason for optimism. Despite the struggles, they were able to hang tough with the defending champions on the road, and with some key adjustments, this team has the potential to live up to the high expectations set during the offseason. For now, though, the Ravens find themselves at 0-1, searching for answers and eager to get back on track.