Reworded: Written by NOAH TRISTER, a sports writer for the Associated Press.

Baltimore

Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce performed exceptionally well in the first half, while Kansas City’s defense once again displayed their brilliance against Lamar Jackson and Baltimore. This dominant performance led the Chiefs to their fourth AFC championship win in five years, securing them a spot in the Super Bowl with a 17-10 victory on Sunday.

Kelce had 11 receptions for 116 yards and scored a touchdown. The main concern for the upcoming Super Bowl in Las Vegas is if his partner, Taylor Swift, will be able to attend amidst her ongoing tour. The singer was present once again on Sunday, and the 34-year-old Kelce delivered an impressive performance.

The Chiefs (14-6) from Kansas City will compete against either San Francisco or Detroit on February 11th. If they win, they will become the first team since the New England Patriots 19 years ago to win back-to-back championships.

Swift’s presence has turned the Chiefs into even more of a glamour team than they already were, but it’s been more of a blue-collar performance on the field this season. Aside from Kelce, Mahomes hasn’t had the receiving playmakers he’s enjoyed in years past.

The defense played a significant role in the success of Kansas City, helping them win the AFC West and securing two consecutive road victories against Buffalo and Baltimore in the playoffs to claim the conference title.

At halftime, the Chiefs were ahead 17-7. The only points scored in the second half were from Justin Tucker’s 43-yard field goal with 2:34 remaining. After that, Baltimore kicked deep and on third-and-9, Mahomes threw a 32-yard pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who is often criticized, securing the win.

Mahomes completed 30 out of 39 passes for 241 yards and scored a touchdown.

It is possible for Jackson to earn his second MVP award, as he played a crucial role in Baltimore’s excellent record and point differential in the regular season. However, the Ravens struggled early on against Kansas City, allowing two touchdowns in the first possessions and showing signs of panic throughout the game.

Baltimore (14-5) consistently made careless errors throughout the game, while Kansas City played like a well-prepared team in their sixth consecutive appearance in the conference championship.

In the third quarter, while the Ravens were trailing by 10 points, first-year player Zay Flowers made a 54-yard catch to the Kansas City 10-yard line. However, he received a penalty for taunting after the play. Shortly after, he dropped the ball near the end zone and the Ravens were unable to score any points.

This was just one of many disappointing moments for fans of Baltimore, as their city was chosen to host the AFC championship game for the first time since January 1971. This was when the Colts defeated the Oakland Raiders.

Jackson completed 20 out of 37 passes for a total of 272 yards and scored one touchdown. However, Baltimore did not effectively capitalize on their assumed superiority in the running game. In the first half, Jackson caught a 13-yard pass after it was deflected by one of his own teammates. He did, however, have two turnovers, including an interception in the end zone with 6:45 remaining in the game.

On a wet day in Baltimore, Mahomes completed his initial 11 passes, but the Ravens were able to limit Kansas City’s success afterwards. However, the damage had already been done.

There was some hostile conduct prior to the game, which involved Ravens defensive back Arthur Maulet and a group of Kansas City players needing to be kept apart.

The Chiefs managed to stop the opposing team on their first drive and proceeded to score a touchdown after an 86-yard drive. Mahomes threw a 13-yard pass to Kelce on fourth-and-2, followed by a 19-yard touchdown catch by the star tight end over All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, giving them a 7-0 lead.

Jackson answered in his own spectacular way. He broke free for a 21-yard run when Baltimore went for it on fourth-and-1 from its 34. Then the star quarterback ducked out of a near-sack by Leo Chenal, retreated a bit farther back and threw a 30-yard scoring strike to Flowers, who celebrated with teammates by doing the “swag surf” dance that Swift and Chiefs fans did at a recent game.

The city of Kansas City was not affected. Mahomes led his team on a 75-yard drive in 9 minutes and 2 seconds, aided by an impressive diving catch by Kelce on a third down pass. Isiah Pacheco finished off the 16-play drive with a 2-yard touchdown run.

The Chiefs had opportunities to increase their advantage, but they were unable to do so. A play by Charles Omenihu resulted in a fumble by Jackson, giving Kansas City possession at the Baltimore 33-yard line. However, Kelce was deemed just shy of a first down on a catch during third down, and Pacheco was unable to convert on fourth down at the 13-yard line.

After a couple of personal fouls on Baltimore helped Kansas City cross midfield late in the half, the Chiefs were flagged for back-to-back holding calls, the second of which wiped out a 33-yard screen pass to Rashee Rice for what would have been a touchdown.

A successful 9-yard throw to Kelce allowed Kansas City to set up for a 52-yard field goal by Harrison Butker, increasing their score to 17-7.

INJURIES

Omenihu departed due to a knee injury, while star defensive tackle Chris Jones was visibly affected in the final quarter for the Chiefs.

UP NEXT

The Kansas City Chiefs may have a chance to play against the Detroit team again, after losing to them 21-20 in the first game of the season. The Chiefs have yet to face the San Francisco 49ers this season.

The team of Ravens in Baltimore is aware that they have a strong chance of winning many games with Jackson and his skilled teammates. However, the challenge of defeating the Chiefs now appears particularly intimidating.

Source: wralsportsfan.com