Now the real challenge begins for Lamar Jackson. He heads into a match-up against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, a place where his career record is 0-3. This unfavorable statistic is compounded by the fact that Jackson has only experienced losing records in two other stadiums: Pittsburgh’s Acrisure Stadium and Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium. Unfortunately, his challenges in Kansas City started with his very first defeat as an NFL starting quarterback. That loss occurred there in 2018.
Jackson’s history at Arrowhead is marred with a Rays hard time of events. His most recent win at the venue came during a 2010 wild-card game in which his team won 30-7. Ever since Patrick Mahomes was drafted by the Chiefs in 2017, Jackson has found it tough to get a W in Kansas City. He has not claimed a victory there since. Last year, Jackson thought he had tied it up at the end of the game. A replay official overturned his touchdown pass, claiming that Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan was short of the goal line. He would go on to finally cross the goal line on a 9-yard scamper in a close 33-28 defeat at Arrowhead.
Jackson and Mahomes have built an exciting rivalry over the years, with Mahomes winning five of their six total matchups. Mahomes has a stellar .833 win percentage versus Jackson, one of the best win percentages by quarterbacks in NFL MVPs matchups. The stakes couldn’t be higher for a rematch between two teams who have waged war for AFC supremacy oftentimes since 2018. Baltimore’s Ravens and Kansas City’s Chiefs have claimed either the No. 1 seed or contended for it in six of the past seven seasons.
History, unfortunately, is on their collective minds as both teams try to avoid a morale-crushing 1-3 starting record. 2015 was the last time the Ravens opened a season with three losses. Sadly, that year, they fell just short of a playoff berth. Statistics indicate that only 11% of teams that start a season 1-3 advance to the postseason in the Super Bowl era.
Harbaugh underscored the difficulty of defending against Mahomes, highlighting his ability to extend plays with his legs even under duress.
“He’s the same quarterback to me … he’s the same problem.” – John Harbaugh
After an aggressive start, Jackson had a notable second-half retreat in the Jacksonville win.
“When you try to defend him, it’s the same issues. He’s just capable of making incredible plays, and we’re going to have to deal with it.” – John Harbaugh
He further reiterated his determination regardless of the opponent or location:
“You can’t bring what happened back whenever to this year. We’ve just have to lock in on what’s ahead right now.” – Lamar Jackson
With neither team likely to make the playoffs if they drop this one, Jackson is dedicated to expunging his Arrowhead curse.
“Like I always say, each and every week, I’m going to be motivated no matter who the opponent is, no matter where it is.” – Lamar Jackson
Yet the game would go on to prove not just to be Jackson’s first real opportunity, but foreshadow the competitive spirit of both teams. Derrick Henry echoed the sentiments surrounding high-stakes matches:
“I’m just trying to win. I’m already motivated.” – Lamar Jackson
As kickoff approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Lamar Jackson can finally conquer Arrowhead Stadium and change the narrative surrounding his encounters with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The result would have severe consequences for the two squads. So, too, their giant-killing ways—they’re defending ruthlessly and scrapping hard to stay in the dog-eat-dog AFC playoff picture.
“You live for big games like that.” – Derrick Henry
As kickoff approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if Lamar Jackson can finally conquer Arrowhead Stadium and change the narrative surrounding his encounters with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams as they seek to maintain their standing in a tightly contested AFC landscape.
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