Image via Matt Durisko, Associated Press
By Lucas Kochevar The scene in Kansas City on Jan. 20, 2019 was a somber one as the Patriots celebrated at Arrowhead Stadium in front of the Chiefs faithful. Patrick Mahomes and co. suffered a 37-31 defeat in the AFC championship after Mahomes’ magical first season as the starting quarterback. As Tom Brady would go on to win his sixth Super Bowl over the Rams, the Chiefs went home and wondered if they would ever get this opportunity again. Six straight AFC championship appearances later, the Chiefs are on the brink of their fourth Super Bowl berth with Mahomes at the helm. The term dynasty is thrown around very loosely after a team wins a championship. The Patriots are the modern age dynasty in football and there hasn’t been a team in the history of the sports that’s had the success New England saw throughout the 2000s, but there’s a chance we’re in the middle of witnessing a team reach those heights. The Chiefs have been the definition of greatness since Mahomes took over the starting position. With their dramatic win at Buffalo, there’s no denying that the Chiefs at this point. Every time someone tries to knock them and claim that their run is over, they answer and win. Even with a roster that could be Mahomes’ worst, the Chiefs handled business on the road in Buffalo. Now, Kansas City travels to Baltimore to take on the MVP favorite and best team in the league. The Ravens should have every advantage in this matchup. They’ve steamrolled teams with Jackson’s heroics and suffocated teams with their boa constrictor defense. Although Mahomes faced one of his biggest tests on Sunday, he’ll face an even harder test in this road game. The Chiefs have taken the old New England Patriots role in the AFC as they’ve undergone metamorphosis in each of their last couple playoff runs. With Tyreek Hill, they were this fast-paced, run-and-shoot type offense. After Tyreek, they found help through more possession receivers and relied on Travis Kelce. With Kelce getting older, the Chiefs are in their current form. They’re still Mahomes centric, but he’s surrounded by violent runner Isiah Pacheco and a defense that features legitimate Pro Bowl talent on all three levels. The ability to maintain this level of dominance and adapt is what great teams do and no team has done it like the Kansas City Chiefs. Of course, it all leads back to their two leaders: Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. These two are already heading to Canton with their resumes, but it’s what they do to achieve these accomplishments that make them special. The way this current form of the Chiefs play football could play to the Ravens weaknesses and make a competitive game on Sunday in Baltimore. The Chiefs rank in the top ten in yards per rush with 4.4 yards and that’s the one place the Ravens defense isn’t great at as they allow that exact number. Pacheco’s impact on this offense has been huge as he adds a level of toughness and, as I said, he’s a violent runner. It’s an edge I haven’t seen this Kansas City team have under Mahomes. Pacheco could be the deciding factor in the game against Baltimore. The collisions between Pacheco and Baltimore All-Pro Roquan Smith could shake the stadium. This chapter in Mahomes' and Jackson's career could be a great one as we look forward to this game on Sunday.
2 Comments
BK Style
1/23/2024 09:44:40 am
Hey LKSPORTS…. Great article…but I’m tired of the Kansas City Swifties…!!! I’m no Baltimore fan…but I hope the Ravens can get this one done…!!! though not really new blood in the Super Bowl maybe not seeing the Ravens in awhile might be fun… I think the 49ers and Lions game might be the game to see..!!!
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LK
1/24/2024 08:44:48 am
Although they're a pain off the field, you can't deny the talent on the field. It's special! I do like this Ravens team too, especially with former Bulldog Roquan Smith.
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Lucas KochevarI love sports and I'm a local fan of the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves. You can find my quick thoughts and more on my twitter @lucaswkochevar |