Among the more important rivalries brewing between teams in the National Football League, there is little which has gained as much attention as that between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens as two of the most exciting young quarterbacks brought their game to the shores of every household device. The battles have elevated the Chiefs vs. Ravens matchups to must-watch status. In-field competition between these two quarterbacks not only charges the rivalry between their teams but also fuels a larger battle-the ways of playing and philosophies in modern football.
While Mahomes and Jackson are only a one-time occurrence on the gridiron, each of them will shape the league in different ways, and these two superstars will now hold their respective positions in the record books for years to come. Because of this, this article delves into the origin of the Mahomes vs. Jackson rivalry, deconstructs each of their journeys, and analyzes their impact on the Chiefs-Ravens matchups.
The Rise of Mahomes and Jackson
Patrick Mahomes: The Gunslinger
Since becoming the Chiefs’ official starting quarterback in 2018, Patrick Mahomes, drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Kansas City Chiefs, has electrified the NFL. Arm strength, mobility, and football IQ are a rare combination in the great quarterbacks of yesteryear, but that is no longer the case with Mahomes and Jackson leading the charge in modern times. His ability to seemingly make impossible throws from awkward angles has won him the nickname “The Gunslinger.” Certainly, Andy Reid’s system is well-suited to Mahomes’ talents, taking advantage of his skills and putting up truly astonishing numbers night after night.
Mahomes threw for over 5,000 yards and 50 touchdowns in his first season as a starter to win the award for 2018 NFL MVP. He is a threat every time he goes out there because of his uncanny ability to read defenses and improbable improvisational skills that seem close to magic. However, he provides Mahomes with poise and leadership to thrive at that level: guided the Chiefs to their first Super Bowl win in half a century during the 2019 season. The record-breaking contract, too, outbid everyone for sports history to demonstrate just how much the Chiefs believe in Mahomes’ future.
Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Playmaker
Lamar Jackson drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens, rewrote the rulebook on what a quarterback can do. Very early on when he played, one-dimensional characterization of his game made him so unpopular. Jackson slowly grew into becoming one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in NFL history, with athleticism that was impossible to match in defense.
In 2019, Jackson became the youngest quarterback to ever win the NFL MVP award after a season he had where he threw for 3,127 yards with 36 touchdowns along with an extra 1,206 yards and seven rushing touchdowns on top of that. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. Built to his strengths, Ravens offense has about as much predictability as entertainment-a combination of RPOs, read-option plays, and a tempo-based attack. Jackson is a long way from the gunslinging Mahomes, so every encounter between these quarterbacks is compelling theater.
Chiefs vs. Ravens: Reprising the Rivalry
The Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens are competitive franchises, but until Mahomes and Jackson, it seemed unlikely that their games would become appointment viewing. Traditionally, power existed in these teams differently: Kansas City and its potentially explosive offense versus the bruising defense with which the Ravens built their fame. And yet here are two of the league’s most electrifying quarterbacks, with a certain conclusion now.
Mahomes and Jackson have been matched up since 2018, and each game felt like a preview to the playoffs. Both quarterbacks have done extremely impressive things with the ball in their hands. That rivalry doesn’t speak statistics but also leadership, playmaking, and the ability to take teams to another level. Both of the teams being perennial playoff contenders, their games matter beyond seeding; their rivalries hold stakes for both teams’ Super Bowl hopes.
Feud of Styles
One of the most appealing reasons why this Mahomes vs. Jackson rivalry is believable is the contrast in playing styles between the two: Mahomes, the master of the deep ball, versus Jackson, with his princely cutoff running ability.
Mahomes: The Master of the Deep Ball
One of the largest parts of Mahomes’ game is how he launches deep passes with stunning accuracy. The Chiefs have constructed their offense around explosive plays, as the quarterback very frequently connects with speedy wideout Tyreek Hill (pre-trade to Miami) and Travis Kelce at tight end. The skillset makes the Chiefs prone to scoring quickly and often-a significant pressure on opposing defenses.
Mahomes also is very good at improvising. Now, when plays break down, he has that special ability to scramble and extend plays and often turns what looks like a broken play into a huge gain. His no-look passes, throws off his back foot, and cross-body completions are those staple plays of him. For it is so much more challenging to prepare for him as the defensive coordinator because Mahomes can beat you with his arm from any place in the field.
Jackson: The Inevitable Storm on the Run Game
While conversely, the Lamar Jackson style has a lot to do with his dynamic athletic talents and running ability. Maryland’s offense bases its game on a lot of action through misdirection, primarily because it depends so much on Jackson’s dual-threat skills to hold off most defensive strategies. Often under Jackson’s leadership, the Ravens rely incredibly much on the run game, using RPOs and designed quarterback runs.
Jackson can be a much more potent threat than many running backs are because he can make the hole and just turn upfield on a defender. He has the ability to escape not one but two people in open space, really opening up holes for big gains on the ground. While Jackson sometimes receives criticism for not being the passer Mahomes was, Jackson has made marked improvement with his passing game, particularly on accuracy and decision-making. His ability to make defenses respect both his arm and legs forces opponents into difficult decisions on every snap.
Key Matchups: Chiefs vs. Ravens Games
2018: A Preview of Things to Come
The first encounter between Mahomes and Jackson was in 2018 when the Ravens visited Arrowhead Stadium. In an exciting game, the Chiefs outmaneuvered the Ravens 27-24 in overtime. While Jackson had a strong outing, running for 71 yards and passing for 147 yards with two touchdowns, Mahomes did all that the other man did plus much more, amassing over 377 passing yards and two touchdowns, such as the unbelievable 48-yard pass to Tyreek Hill on 4th and 9 that helped force overtime.
As the game was merely a teaser, it served all the better to remind the spectators of just how unpredictable these two quarterbacks really were. Mahomes’ throws miraculously kissed the target under pressure, and Jackson’s ability to get away from defenders proved to be a beginning of an electrifying rivalry.
2019: The Duel of the MVPs
In the 2019 season, both quarterbacks earned their respective MVPs but when they did play, it was Mahomes and the Chiefs with the victory. Kansas City won this time 33-28, as Mahomes threw for 374 yards and three touchdowns. Jackson again was off in passing with only 22 completions from 43 attempted passes for 267 yards. But his 46 rushing yards and two total touchdowns kept Baltimore in the game.
This game highlighted competition as these two can be competitive. Even as they faltered, both quarterbacks showed a good ability to make big plays in critical moments. Fans were on the edge of their seats as both the quarterbacks did the things that keep fans at their toes.
2020: Jackson Strikes Back
Lamar Jackson saw the end of the first two matches and finally had his revenge in 2020 when the Ravens defeated the Chiefs 36-35 in a nighttime thriller. Jackson completely showcased his full gamut of skills by rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, while also scoring through the air, thus winning the game. This was even more dear to Jackson since he had struggled at the hands of Mahomes and the Chiefs before.
Such a win would not only be important for Jackson’s record but also a confidence-booster for the whole team. When it mattered the most, Jackson proved that he could compete at this level, much less against a very dominant team like the Chiefs.
The Broader Impact on the NFL
Mahomes and Jackson are racing against each other, but more than in a match of egocentric recognition or team victory; it embodies the continuous metamorphosis of the quarterback position in a game of today. Jackson and Mahomes break the mold uniquely. Mahomes has rejuvenated pocket passerhood to heights never seen before through having done what no one had ever done: literally make unprecedently great throwing ability anywhere on the field. Jackson proved that the value of a quarterback is way more than just staying within the pocket. His running ability provided a new orifice to the quarterback position.
Both have inspired a new generation of quarterbacks to embrace a more dynamic, adaptable playmaking style. Being successful at this has made more teams seek dual-threat quarterbacks who could pass but also extend plays with their legs. Their success challenges old assumptions about what it takes to be an NFL quarterback because each brings a unique skill set to the table.
