The Kansas City Chiefs ended any hopes the Baltimore Ravens had of winning the Super Bowl again after 11 years.
They last reached it when coach John Harbaugh went head-to-head with his brother Jim Harbaugh, who was still coaching the San Francisco 49ers.
The Ravens had the table set up for them. All they need to do was feast.
The Chiefs were probably more tired, having played one more game. They had the home-field advantage.
Alas, not much went their way. The handicap was not fully utilized.
The Ravens will go back to the drawing board. Jackson, who will probably win his second MVP, goes out empty again.
How did it happen? Was it all because of the Ravens' misgivings?
Here are the three main reasons behind their collapse:
1. Lamar Jackson was not protected enough.
The 27-year-old quarterback was sensational the entire 2023 season until he met the Chiefs at the AFC Championship.
The Ravens punished the Texans a week before with their ground game, but the Chiefs neutralized this strength of their host by containing Jackson.
He had his moments in the first half, including a first-quarter 30-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers and catching his own pass.
However, his usual brilliant self was contained. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had Jackson look over his shoulder all game. NFL.com wrote that the visitors "blitzed Jackson 20 times and posted a pressure rate of 37."
In the end, this defense spelled all the difference.
Baltimore's ground game was no more as they ran the ball only eight times for 27 yards.
They also committed three turnovers, two of them from Jackson.
2. Experience beats desire
The Chiefs' main problem the entire season was their slow start, but they flipped the story in the AFC Championship. The Ravens were slow on their feet as they conceded seven points early in the first quarter.
The hosts recovered to tie the game not long after but have struggled since then.
"They played the game basically perfect, and they put points on the board," a despondent Jackson told reporters when asked to talk about the loss.
"I felt like if we wouldn't have turned the ball over, we definitely would have had a shot, we definitely would have came out with the win."
Chiefs' experience edged whatever desire the Ravens have here. Each defender was in the right spot to spot Jackson and his targets.
The defense was spectacular as they sacked Jackson four times and made him go a lowly 6 of 15 for 81 yards.
3. Chiefs' collective effort
The Chiefs played like a well-oiled machine, making them invincible throughout the game, even if Jackson had an early display of his football IQ and magic.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce connected well, as usual. Mahomes completed 20 of his 25 passes, while Kelce converted all nine of his targets to record 96 receiving yards and set a record for most receptions in a postseason.
Coach Andy Reid put his entire squad in the best position to utilize their talent. Isiah Pacheco made significant gains with his physicality, while the secondary team also contributed, with Chris Jones leading the charge. Cornerback L'Jarius Sneed manned the perimeter while safety Justin Reid and fellow corner Trent McDuffie did their part, too.
Related article: Chiefs Experience Proves Value in Win over Ravens in AFC Championship
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