Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 8, 2024 6:45 pm GMT
“`html
Ravens Fall to Chiefs in NFL Season Opener, 27-20
The Baltimore Ravens faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night in the highly anticipated opener of the 2024 NFL season. Despite the debut of star running back Derrick Henry, who joined the Ravens after an impressive career with the Tennessee Titans, Baltimore lost to the two-time defending champions at Arrowhead Stadium, with a final score of 27-20.
Derrick Henry’s Debut Performance
Derrick Henry’s first appearance with the Ravens was marked by a solid performance. The Pro Bowl running back, who signed a two-year contract with Baltimore, rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
Significant Touchdowns
- Henry scored the inaugural touchdown of the season with a 5-yard run, capping off the Ravens’ opening drive.
- He became the 91st player in NFL history to score 90 career touchdowns.
- In subsequent drives, Henry’s opportunities were limited as Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson focused more on the passing game to combat the Chiefs’ defensive strategies.
Game Progression
Throughout the contest, the Ravens engaged in a tight battle against the Chiefs, who entered the game led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Despite a strong showing from Jackson, who threw for 273 yards and added 122 rushing yards, the team’s efforts fell short.
Notable Plays from Both Teams
Kansas City’s Offensive Highlights
- Patrick Mahomes completed 20 of 28 passes for 291 yards and connected on one touchdown pass.
- Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy made an impressive debut, catching a 21-yard touchdown during the first half and a 35-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Baltimore’s Key Moments
- Isaiah Likely found the end zone with a 49-yard reception from Jackson, bringing the Ravens within striking distance.
- Justin Tucker’s 32-yard field goal late in the game reduced the Chiefs’ lead to 27-20.
Game Developments
The Ravens showed resilience throughout the game. After falling behind 20-10 at the end of the third quarter, Jackson’s connection with Likely reinvigorated their offensive efforts. However, the final moments saw the Ravens’ hopes dashed due to an overturned touchdown review on a potential game-winning play.
Review Decision
With seconds remaining, Isaiah Likely appeared to catch the ball for a touchdown that could have tied the game, but a review indicated that he had stepped out of bounds prior to scoring, sealing the victory for Kansas City.
Weather Impact on Game
Thunderstorms impacted the game’s start time, delaying it by 20 minutes to 7:40 p.m. (CT). Despite the inclement weather, Arrowhead Stadium was filled with fans eager to kick off the new NFL season.
Upcoming Challenges
As the Ravens move forward in the season, they will look to adjust their strategies, especially considering their reliance on a balanced offensive approach featuring both rushing and passing elements. Henry, who has averaged nearly 80 rushing yards per game in his career, is expected to play a pivotal role in future games.
Next Steps for the Ravens
- Evaluate offensive strategies to ensure a balanced attack, incorporating Henry as a focal point.
- Enhance defensive strategies to counter the prolific offenses they will face throughout the season.
- Focus on building rapport between Jackson and his receiving corps to maximize yardage and scoring opportunities.
For more updates on the Baltimore Ravens and the rest of the NFL, follow the league’s official Twitter handle [@NFL](https://twitter.com/NFL).
Sure! Please provide the paragraph you’d like me to rewrite, and I’ll be happy to help.
