KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Lamar Jackson is still searching for answers to his Patrick Mahomes problem.
With a current record of 5-1 against Jackson, Patrick Mahomes has established a clear edge in their matchups. This trend highlights the ongoing struggle Jackson faces in pivotal games.
Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion, consistently rises to the occasion, while Jackson has yet to shine on the grandest stages. This disparity was evident in their recent encounter.
As the clock wound down on Thursday night, Jackson faced a critical moment with three consecutive incompletions in the end zone. Each throw could have shifted the outcome in favor of the Ravens. First, he overthrew an open Isaiah Likely. This misfire raised questions about whether the Ravens should have stopped the clock to regroup. Next, he missed a wide-open Zay Flowers, followed by another high throw to Likely, who nearly managed a toe-tap catch but ultimately landed out of bounds.
Postgame, Jackson expressed his belief that Likely was in bounds. “I thought he was in,” he stated. “I still think he was in.”
However, the footage told a different story. The reality is clear: if Jackson aims to join the ranks of all-time greats, he must convert in these crucial moments.
For Jackson to propel the Ravens past the Chiefs and into Super Bowl contention, he must do more than lead just two touchdown drives while throwing for 273 yards and rushing for 122 yards. The lesson from his encounters with Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jalen Hurts, and Brock Purdy is that 59 minutes of strong performance is not sufficient; it requires a full 60 minutes of excellence.
While Lamar did his best to carry the team, it simply wasn’t enough.
It’s a tough realization, but Jackson needed to be two plays better. A touchdown and a successful two-point conversion could have turned the tide. Unfortunately for him and the Ravens, they fell short against Mahomes and the defending champions.
Receiver Rashod Bateman echoed this sentiment, stating, “Same thing that happened last year [in the AFC Championship Game]. We beat ourselves. We didn’t execute the game plan that we had. We weren’t successful on the plays that we needed to be successful on. And we failed.”
Mahomes also had his share of struggles, throwing a costly interception near the end of the first half. However, Jackson and the Ravens failed to capitalize on the opportunity, settling for a field goal instead. Mahomes’ performance included some errant swing passes that could have led to significant gains, but the Chiefs still managed to secure the win.
Despite leaving plays on the field, Mahomes and his team emerged victorious against one of the top contenders in the AFC. This pattern of winning, even when not at their best, has been a hallmark of the Chiefs, largely due to Mahomes’ exceptional talent.
Rookie receiver Xavier Worthy made an impressive debut, scoring a touchdown on his first touch. He later sealed the game with a 35-yard touchdown catch, showcasing his potential as a field-stretcher for the Chiefs. Worthy’s achievement of both a rushing and receiving touchdown in his first game places him among a select group of rookies in NFL history.
While Worthy shone, Rashee Rice emerged as a key player, finishing with seven catches for 103 yards, making a significant impact on the game. Travis Kelce played a supporting role, focusing more on blocking, while rookie left tackle Kingsley Suamataia benefited from Mahomes’ quick release.
The Chiefs managed to secure a comfortable victory without needing to perform at their highest level, almost appearing to cruise through the game.
In contrast, Jackson faced significant challenges in generating offensive production. Derrick Henry, the new addition to the Ravens, struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with 46 yards on 13 carries. The Chiefs’ defense consistently pressured the Ravens, making it difficult for both Jackson and Henry.
Jackson’s mobility contributed to his rushing yards, as he recorded 112 of his 273 passing yards while on the run. His lone touchdown also came during a scramble.
Ravens center Chris Lindenbaum acknowledged Jackson’s abilities but emphasized that he cannot carry the team alone. “Everyone has to play a part,” he noted.
As the game progressed, Jackson resorted to making desperate plays, focusing on finding Likely and rushing himself. Likely ended the night with nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough.
The Ravens faced additional challenges, including penalties for illegal formations that hindered their offensive flow. Tackle Ronnie Stanley expressed frustration over perceived inconsistencies in officiating, believing the Chiefs were committing similar infractions without consequence.
Despite these setbacks, the Ravens’ flaws were evident, from their offensive line issues to their struggles with new additions like Henry. Uncertainty looms over whether they are progressing as a team.
Isaiah Likely, however, remains optimistic. “This is probably the worst game we’re going to play all year,” he stated. “So, if this is the best that they got, I mean, good luck in the postseason.”
That comment is sure to fuel Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Thursday night presented Jackson with a prime opportunity to challenge Mahomes and ignite a rivalry. Instead of a victory, Mahomes solidified his status as the superior player. He continues to distance himself from the competition.
