Quarterback Lamar Jackson recently shared his thoughts on the Baltimore Ravens’ upcoming season opener against the reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Still reeling from the Ravens’ 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in the recent AFC Championship Game, Jackson revealed that he had only just come to terms with the defeat.
Setting the Tone for 2024
As the Ravens prepare to open the 2024 regular season on Thursday, September 5, Jackson emphasized his team’s ultimate goal. “I really don’t care who we play,” Jackson explained during organized team activities. “It really didn’t matter. At the end of the day, our goal is to make it to the Super Bowl.” This straightforward focus underscores Jackson’s determination to lead the Ravens back to the postseason.
Lamar Jackson’s Stellar 2023 Season
In 2023, Jackson earned his second regular-season Most Valuable Player Award while guiding the Ravens to a conference-best 13-4 record. Despite this success, he holds a 2-4 record as a playoff starter, including the narrow defeat to the Chiefs. According to Jamison Hensley of ESPN, Jackson’s offenses averaged only 10.5 points in those postseason losses.
The Challenge Ahead
“We lost to them in the playoffs,” Jackson acknowledged about Kansas City. “Just us beating them in the regular season doesn’t really do anything; it just helps us keep stacking up wins to hopefully make it to the playoffs if anything to try to get in that same position again and hopefully be successful. It really doesn’t matter who we play [in the] first game; obviously, it’s the Chiefs, but I really didn’t care.”
Jackson also mentioned that he and his teammates are carrying a “little chip on our shoulder” following their conference title game loss. This sentiment is echoed by Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who supports his players’ determination to confront their shortcomings.
John Harbaugh’s Perspective
“I want them talking about everything,” Harbaugh stated. “What we’re talking about is confronting everything that has to do with us being the very best we can be as a football team and as an individual player. So, if that’s part of the confrontation, ‘Let’s go, man. Let’s talk about it, and let’s get better, and let’s find a way to beat those guys.'” Harbaugh’s approach highlights the team’s commitment to continuous improvement and resilience.
Betting Odds and Expectations
As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook listed the Chiefs as the betting favorites at +300 odds to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX, with the Ravens trailing closely behind at +475 odds. This positions both teams as strong contenders for the upcoming season, setting the stage for an exciting opener.
Conclusion
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a challenging start to the 2024 season against the Kansas City Chiefs. With the memory of their AFC Championship Game loss still fresh, the Ravens are focused on using every game to build momentum towards their ultimate goal: the Super Bowl. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching this highly anticipated matchup.
Source- Yardbarker
