In a disappointing end to their historic franchise season, the Baltimore Ravens hosted the AFC Championship game for the first time in team history, only to suffer a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite a valiant defensive effort that held the Chiefs scoreless in the second half, the Ravens' offense failed to capitalize, leaving them with plenty of questions as they head into the offseason.

One of the key takeaways from the game was the Ravens' inability to make adjustments in the passing game. In their previous matchup against the Houston Texans, the Ravens had expertly adjusted their passing offense, but against the Chiefs, they fell short. Quarterback Lamar Jackson's average time to throw increased from 3.1 seconds in the first half to 3.9 seconds in the second half. This highlighted the need for the Ravens to focus on getting the ball out of Jackson's hands quicker in the upcoming season.

Another notable aspect was the offensive game plan that seemed to anticipate a high-scoring shootout. However, the Ravens' running backs only had six rushing attempts in the game, with just two in the second half. This strategy was puzzling considering the potential for exploiting the Chiefs' defense in this area. Additionally, Jackson's lack of designed runs in the second half proved to be a missed opportunity for him to utilize his dynamic abilities and potentially turn the tide in the game.

The Ravens' defense, though, stepped up admirably. After a strong start by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Ravens managed to limit him to just 4.8 yards per pass attempt in the second half, sacking him twice. Linebacker Patrick Queen had an outstanding performance in the latter part of the game, making crucial tackles and effectively shutting down the Chiefs' passing game. However, the potential departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is likely to become a head coach, poses a challenge for the Ravens in finding a suitable replacement.

Looking ahead, the Ravens have several key areas to address in the offseason. Wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, and edge defender are among the top needs for the team. With the 30th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Baltimore will have the opportunity to address these positions and bolster their roster. The impending free agency also presents big decisions for the Ravens, with notable players like interior defender Justin Madubuike and linebacker Patrick Queen likely commanding lucrative contracts.

As the Ravens reflect on their AFC Championship game loss, they understand the need for improvements in both offense and defense. With the right adjustments and strategic moves in the offseason, they aim to learn from this defeat and come back stronger in their pursuit of a Super Bowl title.