Ravens vs. Chiefs final recap: Slaying the Dragon

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The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs exchanged highlight-reel plays in a high-scoring affair, with the game ending in a Ravens’ victory. Final score: 36-35.

First Quarter

The Ravens received the opening kickoff and the first series concluded with back-to-back heartbreakers. First, quarterback Lamar Jackson overthrew wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who gained a step over the Chiefs’ defenders and may have scored had the ball been more accurate. Then, Jackson was intercepted by Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, who returned to practice this week. Mathieu returned the interception for a touchdown.

Following the pick-six, Jackson and the Ravens offense delivered a quick drive resulting in Devin Duvernay touchdown. However, Duvernay scored by recovering a Ty’Son Williams fumble on the goal line.

During the drive, veteran running back Devonta Freeman made his first appearance with a 31-yard rush off the right side which impressed the national audience. Freeman was activated from the practice squad only days ago, after being signed as a practice squad player following the latest Ravens running back injuries.

The 7-7 tie wouldn’t last long, as the Chiefs drove 92-yards in eight plays, capping it off with an impressive touchdown pass to wide receiver Demarcus Robinson against cornerback Marlon Humphrey.

To end the first half, Mathieu once again made a big-time interception against Jackson as the quarterback attempted to fit the ball in triple coverage.

Second Quarter

Back-to-back stops helped keep the Chiefs from overwhelming the Ravens.

The Ravens then tied the game once again with running back Latavius Murray scoring his second touchdown in two games as a Raven.

However, that wouldn’t be the final score of the first half. Not even close. The Chiefs would go on to score a touchdown, this one coming by way of running back Darrel Williams on the ground.

The Chiefs left time on the clock, though. and the Ravens would begin their drive with back-to-back penalties. But a gain of 20 yards on first down by Ty’Son Williams help jumpstart the drive. In the end, the Ravens would get a 43-yard field goal from Justin Tucker.

Halftime — Ravens: 17 Chiefs 21

Third Quarter

Entering the third quarter, the Ravens returned without safety DeShon Elliott, who suffered a concussion. This came back to haunt them as the Chiefs opened with a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Byron Pringle.

Jackson responded with a highlight-reel play of his own, throwing a jump-pass to Hollywood for a touchdown.

Unfortunately for the Ravens, tight end Travis Kelce couldn’t stay contained forever, and proceeded to score a near 50-yard touchdown by breaking four tackles, including defensive backs Tavon Young, Brandon Stephens and Marlon Humphrey.

The Ravens wouldn’t score on their next drive and instead, the ball was back in Mahomes’ hands. And for the first time in his NFL career, he threw an interception. The first interception for Young since 2018.

Fourth Quarter

To open the fourth quarter, Jackson took it into the endzone himself for a touchdown, closing the gap further.

Jackson followed up his first rushing touchdown with a second in a similar fashion, off the right side.

Moments after gaining possession, the Chiefs were driving and nearly into field goal range. Then, rookie pass rusher Odafe Oweh knocked the ball loose and recovered the fumble.

And then, after gaining six yards on 3rd & 7, Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh asked Jackson if he wanted to go for it.

Jackson took it across the first down marker himself, and the game ends with the Ravens victorious.