The Ravens thrilled fans by scoring the first touchdown of the 2024 NFL season in spectacular fashion. Derrick Henry, the bulldozer finally donning purple and black, plowed through the Kansas City defense for a robust 5-yard run, putting the Ravens up 7-0 with 8:14 left in the first quarter.
Jackson’s Houdini Act and Key Plays
Kansas City’s staunch defense initially had the Ravens boxed in, putting them in some truly picante situations early in the drive. Imagine this: It’s third-and-11, and the Chiefs’ defense is closing in like a pack of hungry wolves. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore’s elusive maestro, works his magic – scrambling, threading the needle to running back Justice Hill on the right side. Hill took it from there, weaving his way for an 18-yard gain that had the crowd roaring and the chains movin’.
Tactical Maneuvering and Key Conversions
Talk about rising to the occasion. On third-and-9, Jackson found his young and promising rookie, Zay Flowers, with a 19-yard laser pass over the middle, pushing the Ravens down to KC’s 33. Lamar was playing chess while the Chiefs were stuck on checkers.
When faced with a crucial third-and-1, Jackson kept it himself, juking defenders like he’s salsa dancing, for an 11-yard gain that had the Ravens faithful on their feet. And if that wasn’t a masterpiece of quarterbacking, on the very next play, Jackson sprinted on a designed run for 8 more yards right down to Kansas City’s 5-yard line.
Sealing the Deal
This set the stage for Henry, primed like a gladiator. He hammered it home to cap off the drive – a touchdown that rang through the stadium like a clarion call.
But, it wasn’t without controversy. Baltimore’s offensive tackles were penalized three times for lining up too far in the backfield. One penalty was accepted, one was declined, and another offset due to Kansas City’s defensive pass interference.
The Birds lined up on all cylinders today. Kudos, Lamar’s magic, Zay’s precision, Hill’s quick feet, and the iron will of Henry. The 2024 NFL season is off to an electrifying start!
