Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs Aim for a Strong Start in 2024 Season Opener Against Ravens
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to kick off their 2024 NFL season with a highly anticipated Thursday night matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. After last year’s surprising Week 1 loss to the Detroit Lions, which marred their Super Bowl celebration, the Chiefs are more determined than ever to start this season on the right foot. Leading the charge is none other than Patrick Mahomes, the three-time Super Bowl MVP and face of the franchise, who is focused on bouncing back and setting the tone for another championship run.
Mahomes, who has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most clutch performers, had an uncharacteristically rough outing in last year’s opener. He completed just over 50% of his passes for 226 yards, with two touchdowns and an interception — his lowest stats for a Week 1 game in his career. The loss to the Lions was a rare blemish on an otherwise stellar record of season openers, where Mahomes had previously been undefeated, with five straight wins and a dazzling array of statistics to back it up.
Reflecting on last year’s loss, Mahomes insists that it’s not weighing on his mind as the team prepares to face the Ravens. “I don’t think last year’s too much on your mind,” he said. “You’re so focused on trying to get better, and we’re playing the best of the best Week 1. We’re going to see where we’re at. We’re going to have to go out there and play our best football early in the season. All we can do is go out there and be our best.”
This attitude is emblematic of Mahomes’ approach to the game — always looking forward, always seeking improvement. It’s also a mindset that has propelled him to the top of the NFL, where he’s not only led the Chiefs to six consecutive AFC Championship games but also reached four Super Bowls, winning three of them. Thursday night’s game offers Mahomes another opportunity to showcase his abilities on a grand stage, something he has consistently excelled at throughout his career.
Adding to the significance of the game, Mahomes is poised to break another franchise record. With 28,424 career passing yards, he needs just 84 more to surpass Chiefs legend Len Dawson as the all-time leader in passing yards for the franchise. While Mahomes is quick to downplay personal accolades, preferring to focus on team success, his coach, Andy Reid, acknowledges the importance of the achievement. Reid points out that while the game has evolved with more emphasis on passing, Mahomes’ accomplishment is a testament to his consistency and excellence on the field.
As the Chiefs prepare to raise another championship banner at Arrowhead Stadium, the excitement is palpable. The Ravens, a formidable opponent, will provide a tough test, but the Chiefs are ready. Mahomes emphasized the importance of matching Baltimore’s physicality, noting, “Whenever you play teams like this, you want to make sure you match their physicality. We’re fast, and we’ve got guys that run around, but we pride ourselves on being physical as well, so it’s going to be a great challenge, man.”
For Mahomes and the Chiefs, the season opener is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity to set the tone for what they hope will be another championship-winning season. With the eyes of the NFL world on them, they’ll look to put last year’s Week 1 disappointment behind them and start 2024 with a statement win. As Mahomes prepares to step onto the field, the stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying start to the NFL season.