Despite a 20-27 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson insists that the Chiefs are not his "kryptonite." Keyshawn Johnson weighs in on Jackson's comments.
In a Week 1 matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, the Chiefs emerged victorious with a 20-27 score. Despite the loss, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remained defiant, dismissing the idea that the Chiefs were his "kryptonite."
Lamar Jackson Dismisses Chiefs as Kryptonite After Ravens' Week 1 Loss
"I don't think they're our kryptonite," Jackson asserted after the game. "We just didn't play our best game today. We made some mistakes that we can't make against a team like that."
Jackson's comments drew a reaction from Keyshawn Johnson, an NFL analyst for ESPN. Johnson believes that Jackson's assessment is premature, given the Ravens' recent struggles against the Chiefs.
Lamar Jackson Dismisses Chiefs as Kryptonite After Ravens' Week 1 Loss
"I think Lamar is just trying to be a tough guy," Johnson said. "But let's not forget that the Chiefs have beaten the Ravens in three straight games, including the playoffs last year. Until the Ravens can beat the Chiefs, I don't think they can say they're not their kryptonite."
The Ravens' record against the Chiefs under Jackson is 1-4, with the Chiefs winning the last three meetings. In last year's playoffs, the Chiefs defeated the Ravens 31-30 in the Divisional Round.
Lamar Jackson Dismisses Chiefs as Kryptonite After Ravens' Week 1 Loss
Jackson's belief that the Chiefs are not his "kryptonite" may stem from his individual performance in those games. Despite the Ravens' losses, Jackson has played well against the Chiefs, throwing for over 300 yards and multiple touchdowns in each of their last three meetings.
However, Johnson argues that Jackson's individual performance is not enough to overcome the Ravens' team-wide struggles against the Chiefs.
Lamar Jackson Dismisses Chiefs as Kryptonite After Ravens' Week 1 Loss
"The Chiefs have figured out how to beat the Ravens," Johnson said. "They know how to game plan for Lamar's strengths and weaknesses. Until the Ravens can figure out how to adjust to the Chiefs' game plan, I think they're going to keep losing."
The Ravens will have another chance to prove themselves against the Chiefs in Week 14 of the regular season. A win in that game would go a long way towards dispelling the notion that the Chiefs are their "kryptonite."
In addition to their struggles against the Chiefs, the Ravens also lost starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley to an ankle injury in the Week 1 game. Stanley is expected to miss multiple weeks, which could further hinder the Ravens' offense.
Despite these challenges, the Ravens remain optimistic about their chances this season. Jackson is one of the most dynamic players in the league, and the Ravens have a number of talented playmakers on both sides of the ball. If they can stay healthy and play to their potential, they have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
