The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their Super Bowl defending campaign with a 27-20 victory over the Baltimore Ravens at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Thursday. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes led the home team by completing 20 of his 28 passes for 291 yards, throwing one touchdown and one interception.
Newly-drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an immediate impact, scoring a touchdown on his first touch of the game. In the first quarter, Worthy showcased his blistering speed with a 21-yard run, leaving the Ravens’ defense in his wake. Known for his record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, Worthy proved to be a formidable addition to the Chiefs’ lineup.
The Chiefs extended their lead in the third quarter when running back Isiah Pacheco powered towards the end zone. Initially halted by the Ravens’ defense, Mahomes made a decisive move by diving into the scrum, helping Pacheco break through for the touchdown.
Kicker Harrison Butker contributed six points with two field goals from 32 and 31 yards in the second quarter and successfully converted both extra-point attempts. The Ravens’ kicker, Justin Tucker, made a 25-yard field goal but missed a 53-yard attempt.
Baltimore’s quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 26 of 41 passes for 273 yards and rushed for an impressive 122 yards. The Ravens struck first with a touchdown on their opening drive, as newly acquired running back Derrick Henry powered into the end zone from five yards out.
However, Jackson’s two critical errors—a fumble at the end of the first quarter and an incomplete pass on a crucial 4th-and-3 in the second quarter—allowed the Chiefs to capitalize and score on both ensuing possessions.
The Ravens narrowed the gap at the start of the fourth quarter with a 49-yard connection between Jackson and tight end Isaiah Likely, leading to a touchdown that cut the Chiefs’ lead to three points at 20-17 after Tucker’s extra point.
The Chiefs responded swiftly. On a 2nd-and-10 play, Mahomes found Worthy wide open for a 35-yard pass. The rookie raced into the end zone untouched, pushing Kansas City’s lead back to ten points at 27-17 after Butker’s successful extra point.
Tucker added a 32-yard field goal for the Ravens, and their defense managed a crucial stop with two minutes remaining. Baltimore launched a final 11-play, 70-yard drive. In a dramatic conclusion, Jackson connected with Likely in the end zone, but the tight end’s right foot landed out of bounds, nullifying the potential game-tying touchdown.
Reference(s):
Chiefs begin Super Bowl defending campaign with close win over Ravens
cgtn.com
