Ravens vs. Chiefs: Play of the Week

In a highly-anticipated matchup against arguably the best team in the AFC, the Ravens largely held their own and proved up to the challenge. However, the defense came up short down the stretch and Baltimore failed to execute in overtime.

It was a disappointing finish to a game the Ravens had every opportunity to win. There was undoubtedly some questionable officiating, particularly towards the end of the contest, but Baltimore easily could have secured a victory in spite of calls not going their way.

Despite the result, Lamar Jackson put forth arguably his best performance to date and the Ravens made several impressive highlight plays. Check out all the top moments below and vote for your favorite!

Kenneth Dixon 3-yard rushing touchdown: In his return from injury against Atlanta in Week 13, Kenneth Dixon look surpassingly spry and shifty. This development continued on Sunday. Despite receiving the third most carries (8) behind Gus Edwards and Lamar Jackson, Dixon was the Ravens most effective rusher. He averaged 7.4 yards per carry and got the Ravens on the board early in the second quarter with the touchdown seen below. Dixon’s red zone score capped off an 8-play, 75-yard touchdown drive.

Kenneth Dixon 21-yard reception: Dixon made another key contribution in the second half, this time in the passing game. On 1st & 20, Dixon took a short pass in the flat 21 yards for a first down conversion. It was set up by Lamar Jackson’s wizardry in the pocket. Jackson eluded Kansas City defenders and scrambled outside of the pocket to extend the play. It was an impressive display of athleticism and helped Baltimore extend their opening drive in the third quarter.

Chuck Clark interception: Filling in again for the injured Tony Jefferson, Chuck Clark came up with a huge defensive play in the third quarter. After the offense failed to convert on fourth down, the Chiefs retained possession with a 7-point lead and decent field position. Kansas City easily could have blown the game open, but Matthew Judon nearly sacked Patrick Mahomes on 3rd & 8 and forced an errant throw. Clark picked off the pass intended for Tyreek Hill and Baltimore went on to tie the game after getting the ball back.

Maxx Williams 10-yard touchdown reception: After Clark’s interception, Baltimore retained possession and marched down the field to tie the game. Facing a 4th & 2 in the redzone, John Harbaugh opted to keep the offense on the field and it ultimately paid dividends. Jackson delivered a strike to tight end Maxx Williams in the flat, who was essentially wide open. Williams’ extra effort was enough to get into the endzone and tie the game at 17 following Justin Tucker’s extra point conversion.

Cyrus Jones 55-yard punt return: For the second time in recent weeks, Cyrus Jones delivered a huge play on special teams in the return game. While he couldn’t quite find the endzone this time, Jones returned a fourth quarter punt 55 yards to the Kansas City 12-yard line, eluding defenders and breaking tackles along the way. It set Baltimore up with perfect field position and led to a touchdown. The Ravens certainly appear to have found their answer at the returner position.

John Brown 9-yard touchdown reception: After a quiet string of games, John Brown resurfaced on Sunday in a big way. He only hauled in two receptions, but his second one was arguably the Ravens biggest offensive play of the game. Having been set up nicely by Cyrus Jones’ big return, Lamar Jackson found Brown crossing in the endzone for a 9-yard touchdown strike. It was an accurate, clutch throw from Jackson and a well-executed play all-around. It gave Baltimore a 24-17 advantage late in the fourth quarter.