The Kansas City Chiefs began the 2024 season with a decisive win against the Baltimore Ravens, reversing their opening game loss from the 2023 season. While the victory is a positive start, some areas of concern remain for the Chiefs. This article delves into three key takeaways from their Week 1 performance.
Patrick Mahomes’ Regular Season Performance Raises Concerns
While Patrick Mahomes consistently shines in the playoffs, his regular season performance has shown a decline. Following a drop from 41 touchdowns in 2022 to 27 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2023, Mahomes’ Week 1 performance in 2024 didn’t alleviate those concerns. He threw for one touchdown and one interception, the latter a concerning play where the ball sailed directly to an undefended Ravens player. While the season is young, this early performance raises questions about Mahomes’ consistency during the regular season.
Travis Kelce’s Return to Form
Travis Kelce’s absence from the 2023 season opener due to injury makes his participation in the 2024 Week 1 game a significant improvement. He finished the game with three receptions for 34 yards, already surpassing his total from the missed game last year. While this performance falls short of expectations for some fantasy football managers, his presence on the field and early contributions suggest a potential return to his 1000-yard receiver form.
Chiefs’ Dominant Pass Rush
Despite a strong fourth-quarter performance by Lamar Jackson, the Chiefs’ defense proved crucial in securing the win. The pass rush consistently pressured Jackson, culminating in a missed pass to an open receiver on a critical late-game play. The Ravens, known for their strong running game, struggled to establish their ground attack against the Chiefs’ relentless defense. This defensive prowess, particularly the ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks, signifies a valuable asset for the Chiefs moving forward.
This strong defensive performance, coupled with Kelce’s return, offers promise for the Chiefs. However, Mahomes’ regular season performance remains a point to watch as the season progresses. The Chiefs’ success will likely depend on how effectively these key areas evolve throughout the 2024 season.
