ExtremeRavens Posted January 25 Share Posted January 25 Sunday’s AFC championship game is a dream matchup: Lamar Jackson vs. Patrick Mahomes in perhaps the most highly anticipated game of the season, marking the first time two former NFL Most Valuable Players under the age of 30 will face each other in a playoff game. “I believe it’s just two greats, two up-and-coming greats, going toe-to-toe, like a heavyweight fight,” Jackson said. Each praised the other during Wednesday news conferences. After all, there isn’t much to critique. Mahomes is the reigning MVP and Jackson is expected to soon receive all the same hardware, beginning with the Pro Football Writers of America’s MVP award Wednesday. Each is unique and singular — spectacular specimens who have, in different ways, left their stamp on the sport’s most important position. “He’s going to be the MVP for a reason,” Mahomes told reporters in Kansas City. Asked what he likes about competing against Mahomes, Jackson laughed: “I don’t like competing against him at all,” praising Mahomes as a future Hall of Famer. The Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans last week drew 31.8 million television viewers, the most in ESPN’s history, and on CBS, more than 50 million tuned into the Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the Buffalo Bills, a divisional round record. Expect more record-setting figures Sunday, as media coverage intensifies and the football world tunes in. As Jackson fielded questions from reporters Wednesday, a harmony of “Lamar!” called out after each answer. And when dozens of reporters filed into the Ravens’ locker room to speak with players after practice, Isaiah Likely quipped in surprise, “A lot of them today.” Added kicker Justin Tucker: “So many of you!” But for all the attention on the game and on the dazzling signal-callers, Mahomes and Jackson won’t compete on the field at the same time. Just as the focus on Peyton Manning and Tom Brady bouts of yesteryear was a bit misplaced, Jackson will be tasked with outwitting the Kansas City defense and Mahomes will seek to do the same against the Ravens’. As good as Jackson and Mahomes are, their defenses have been top-notch, too. Texans running back Devin Singletary is tackled for loss by Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike. (Kenneth K. Lam/Staff) Pundits can debate how the outcome of the game will affect each player’s legacy, but there is more to a football game than a quarterback’s performance. It takes two to tango and, in the Ravens’ and Chiefs’ cases, the defenses are more than ready for the dance. The Chiefs rank seventh among NFL defenses in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (a mark of overall efficiency), but in a much more straightforward stat — points allowed — they rank second. Just behind the Ravens. Baltimore, atop the league in defensive DVOA, allowed 16.5 points per game during the regular season while Kansas City allowed 17.3. Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman said the Kansas City secondary is among the best he’s faced this season and backup tight end Charlie Kolar noted that one of the most difficult aspects of facing the Chiefs is identifying their defense, which they mask well. “And on top of that, they have good players. So it is a big challenge for us, but we’re excited for it,” Kolar said. Kansas City boasts star defensive lineman Chris Jones, who’s racked up 26 sacks over the past two seasons, and cornerback Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro in his second year. But more than the individuals, they have a solid unit led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Asked about Spagnuolo’s defense, Harbaugh said he’s surprised the former Ravens assistant hasn’t been considered more seriously for some of the league’s head coaching vacancies. “I’m scratching my head on that one,” he said. Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones, left, forces a fumble by Bills quarterback Josh Allen during Sunday’s AFC divisional round matchup. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus) There’s no head-scratching regarding his defensive coordinator, though. Mike Macdonald has led the NFL’s top defense this season and the 36-year-old has been rewarded with head coaching interviews. His defense has been dominant all season, but there is no simple answer as to why. Sure, it starts with linebacker Roquan Smith, but there have been breakout performances (see: Justin Madubuike), late-addition veterans stepping up (Kyle Van Noy) and remarkable, consistent play from others (Patrick Queen, Kyle Hamilton). It’s the rare product of a talented group playing exceptionally well — especially now, after a 20-plus-week season. Backup cornerback Arthur Maulet tried to explain it. “I just think, man, we all speak the same language and we hold each other accountable, that’s the biggest thing,” he said. Fellow corner Ronald Darby clarified further: “Just doing our job, really.” On Sunday, that job will require containing one of the most celebrated quarterbacks in recent memory. It’ll be Jackson vs. Mahomes, only it won’t be. The defenses will have a say in it, too. “Tune in Sunday,” Smith said. “Get your popcorn ready.” AFC championship game Chiefs at Ravens Sunday, 3 p.m. TV: CBS Radio: 97.9 FM, 101.5 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 3 1/2 View the full article Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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