The Baltimore Ravens defense must shut down Patrick Mahomes if they are to win their first Super Bowl in 11 years this weekend.
In Sunday night’s AFC Championship game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs, all eyes will be on the duel of the quarterbacks.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is coming off a regular season that appears to be culminating in his second NFL MVP award, while Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his offense have rediscovered form in the playoffs following a stuttering regular season.
Fireworks are expected from both offenses, but the game will most likely be decided by whichever defense is able to slow down the exceptional quarterback they are up against.
Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is looking forward to facing two-time NFL and Super Bowl MVP Mahomes, believing his team will be able to match up well against the 28-year-old.
“We all know he’s an elite quarterback,” Smith stated during a pre-Championship game press conference on Wednesday. “He does everything well. I believe he excels at reading coverages and extending plays. He’s an excellent quarterback, as we all know, but so are we on defense.”
The Baltimore defense concluded the regular season allowing only 16.5 points per game, the league’s best, and Smith has praised his teammates’ efforts throughout the season.
“I think it just goes back to guys not being complacent,” Smith added. “Guys are being consistent. Day in and day out, and I believe it begins with preparation throughout the week. Each and every guy looks in the mirror. Every day, I try to convince each and every guy that if you give it your all, there are few people who can do what we can. I know this defense is excellent, and we will do everything in our power to demonstrate it to the world.”
The victors of the AFC championship game will meet whoever wins the NFC Championship game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions in Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas on February 11.
