Ravens WR Zay Flowers recalls Lamar Jackson's leadership gesture post team's depressing AFC Championship loss
As Lamar Jackson knew, Zay Flowers was a rookie playing in his first AFC Championship game. As such, the rookie receiver made the costly mistake of fumbling the ball, resulting in a crucial turnover. Speaking in an interview with GQ ahead of Thursday's game, Flowers detailed how Jackson took time to console the receiver in his darkest moment.
"He came to my house and chilled with me for like three days. He knew I was already mad, and he was just telling me, ‘Nobody out there playing the game like you. You fumbled. It is what it is.’ Him being able to step up and be a leader, it made me feel better," Flowers said.
The Baltimore Ravens will face the Kansas City Chiefs on the road for Thursday's season opener. The game takes place in Kansas City, giving the home-field advantage to the Chiefs. The AFC Championship took place in Baltimore, giving the home-field advantage to the Ravens.
If Flowers takes flight tonight, the leadership put on display by Jackson will pay dividends with a win that could be remembered all season long.
What happened the last time Lamar Jackson faced Patrick Mahomes?
Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes faced each other on January 28, 2024. Roughly seven and a half months ago, the Ravens had the first seed in the AFC, and Patrick Mahomes was tasked with coming into Baltimore and leaving with a win. Not only did the Chiefs win the game, but they essentially controlled it for three quarters.
It was a tight game, but by halftime, the Chiefs were in command. Zay Flowers' team matched Mahomes for a quarter, tying the game at 7-7. However, in the second quarter, the Chiefs went on a 10-0 run, taking control by halftime with a 17-7 lead.
In the second half, the Ravens' defense locked up, allowing zero points to be scored. The offense, however, could not match, putting up just three points in the fourth quarter.
The Baltimore Ravens lost the contest 17-10. Now the Ravens will look forward to avenging their loss on Thursday.