A back-and-forth game came down to a crucial defensive stand, and the Ravens made it to secure their first victory of the season.
Leading the Chiefs by a point with less than two minutes remaining, Baltimore appeared to be in a bad spot. Kansas City had the ball inside the Ravens’ 40 and still had all three of its timeouts. The Chiefs only had to stay in position to kick a game-winning field goal, which appeared inevitable given their late-game experience from the last three seasons.
IYER: Contenders, pretenders after Week 2
But Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh sneaked into the "B" gap on a rushing attempt by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, punched the ball loose and then recovered it, giving Baltimore possession with 1:20 left. After a 2-yard rush by quarterback Lamar Jackson on fourth-and-1, the Ravens escaped with a 36-35 victory at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday night.
Kansas City has split its first two games of the season for the first time since 2016, while Baltimore avoided its first 0-2 start since 2016.
The Ravens were boosted by an incredible rushing effort: 251 yards and three touchdowns between five different runners. Jackson led the group with 16 carries for 107 yards and two scores. He also completed 18 of 26 passes for 239 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
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The ground game helped Baltimore overcome an electric passing effort by Kansas City's Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 343 yards to nine different targets. The Chiefs, however, squandered an 11-point lead in the second half. Mahomes threw an interception in the third quarter and Kansas City did not score in the fourth.
It was Mahomes’ first September interception in his career. He previously tossed 37 touchdowns without a pick.
The Chiefs will return home to face the Chargers next Sunday while the Ravens will travel to face the Lions.
MORE: How Belichick, Patriots continued to dominate rookie QBs against Jets' Zach Wilson
Here is how Sporting News recapped Sunday’s game.
Chiefs vs. Ravens score
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | F | |
| Chiefs | 14 | 7 | 14 | 0 | 35 |
| Ravens | 7 | 10 | 7 | 12 | 36 |
Chiefs vs. Ravens live updates, highlights from 'Sunday Night Football'
(All times Eastern)
Final: Baltimore 36, Kansas City 35
11:21 p.m.: Jackson records a first down on fourth-and-1, and Baltimore will hang on for a 36-35 victory over the Chiefs after erasing an 11-point second-half deficit.
John Harbaugh asked Lamar Jackson if he wanted to go for it, Lamar said yes and got the first down to win the game pic.twitter.com/1MNdMgCiKM
— gifdsports (@gifdsports) September 20, 2021
ODAFE OWEH. The @Ravens have the ball! #RavensFlock
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/bYwLnHvEwP
11:18 p.m.: FUMBLE. With Kansas City in range for a field goal, holding possession with all three of its timeouts, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire fumbled at the Ravens' 32-yard line, giving Baltimore back the football leading by one.
11:08 p.m.: Jackson kept the football on a read option and scored a one-yard touchdown. He's up to 103 rushing yards on 22 attempts with two touchdowns. Baltimore now leads 36-35 with 3:14 left in the fourth quarter after it failed on a two-point conversion.
LAMAR FLIPS IN. The @ravens take the lead with 3:14 left!
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/6LuScc8fB0
10:54 p.m.: Ravens cornerback Anthony Averett recorded a crucial pass breakup on Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill on third-and-9, giving Baltimore the football back at its 36-yard line down by five with 11:23 to go.
10:45 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN BALTIMORE. Jackson rushed for a two-yard touchdown, cutting the Ravens' deficit to 35-30 with 14:13 left in the fourth quarter. Baltimore converted a two-point attempt to Brown, though it was called back after an ineligible man downfield penalty on offensive guard Kevin Zeitler. Jackson's ensuing pass was intercepted.
10:37 p.m.: INTERCEPTION. Baltimore cornerback Tavon Young picks off Mahomes to regive the Ravens the football at their 44-yard line. This was Mahomes' first interception of the season.
This was first interception Patrick Mahomes has ever thrown in the month of September🤯 pic.twitter.com/4rXIWnjw0z
— PointsBet Sportsbook (@PointsBetUSA) September 20, 2021
10:21 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY. Mahomes threw a short pass to tight end Travis Kelce that turned into a 46-yard score. Kelce is now the Chiefs' leading receiver with five receptions for 89 yards and one score. Mahomes is up to 283 passing yards with three touchdowns while completing 18-of-23 passes. After its six-play, 75-yard drive over a 2:40 span, Kansas City leads 35-24 with 6:50 left in the third quarter.
TRAVIS KELCE ARE YOU FOR REAL?
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/LyX27ajHwF
10:12 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN BALTIMORE. Jackson found Brown for a 42-yard score, his first of the game. Brown is now up to six receptions for 113 yards. It was a four-play, 75-yard drive for the Ravens, who trail the Chiefs 28-24 with 9:30 left in the third quarter.
The play came off a jump pass from Jackson, who has completed 14-of-20 passes for 195 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.
What?!
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/FQkPmG9sqP
10:05 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY. Mahomes located Chiefs wide receiver Byron Pringle for a 40-yard touchdown pass. Pringle is the ninth Kansas City receiver to catch a pass in the game. His score capped off a five-play, 74-yard drive for the Chiefs, who now lead 28-17 .
Pringle appeared to imitate Lewis' famous dance after the play.
All the @Chiefs WRs are eating.
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
Byron Pringle takes it 40 yards to the house! #ChiefsKingdom
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/lRG4IwbzBz
10:01 p.m: NBC's Michelle Tafoya said Elliott is out for the remainder of the game with a concussion.
Halftime: Kansas City leads Baltimore, 21-14.
The Ravens have more yards than the Chiefs (271 to 214), though Kansas City leads at halftime thanks to two interceptions from Mathieu and its passing offense. Mahomes has completed 13-of-17 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore has 165 rushing yards, led by Jackson with 55 on five carries.
9:40 p.m.: Ravens safety DeShon Elliott is being evaluated for a concussion, according to a social media statement from the team. He left the field after being evaluated under Baltimore's medical tent.
9:34 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY. Chiefs running back Darrel Williams scores on a two-yard rush. Kansas City had 15 of its 35 rushing yard on that drive, which went for 67 yards over seven plays in a 2:30 span. The Chiefs now lead 21-14.
We're trading TDs on SNF. @Chiefs regain the lead before halftime! #ChiefsKingdom
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/QiaCTjmpPu
9:23 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN BALTIMORE. Murray scores on a five-yard rush. Baltimore went on a nine-play, 72-yard drive over a 5:31 span to tie the game at 14.
The @Ravens are running tough.
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
Touchdown, @LataviusM ! #RavensFlock
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/IkPz26FJHT
9:16 p.m.: With 8:52 remaining in the second quarter, Kansas City still leads Baltimore, 14-7. The Ravens have more yards than the Chiefs (153 to 147), with 122 coming on the ground. Mahomes has completed 9-of-13 passes for 127 yards and a touchdown. Jackson has completed 5-of-9 passes for 51 yards and two interceptions. Mathieu recorded each of those picks, totaling 48 yards on his returns with one touchdown.
First quarter: Kansas City 14, Baltimore 7
9:03 p.m.: Mathieu was observed receiving oxygen on Kansas City's sideline following his second interception. He did not play in Week 1 against Cleveland after recovering from COVID-19.
8:52 p.m.: INTERCEPTION. Mathieu records his second pick of the game on Jackson, who was looking for Brown on roughly a 28-yard pass to the end zone. Kansas City will take over at its 14-yard line with 1:13 left in the first quarter, leading 14-7. <
Oh, how we missed you @mathieu_era 🥰
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL @snfonnbc pic.twitter.com/dLjp8qkwv0
8:42 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY. Mahomes found wide receiver Demarcus Robinson for a 33-yard score. It was an eight-play, 92-yard drive for Kansas City over a 4:31 span that included one third down conversion (third-and-2). The Chiefs now lead the Ravens, 14-7.
This is normal behavior for @PatrickMahomes . #ChiefsKingdom
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/FMoxv5O8Gw
8:32 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN BALTIMORE. Ravens running back Ty'Son Williams rushed nine yards to the goal line and fumbled before Baltimore wide receiver Devin Duvernay grabbed the ball in the air and scored. It was a six-play, 75-yard drive for Baltimore over a 3:37 span. The game is now tied at seven.
A TD is a TD. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/AQObqiKfQm
8:26 p.m.: TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY. Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu intercepted Jackson for a 34-yard return touchdown. The pass was intended for former Chief wide receiver Sammy Watkins. It came one play after Jackson overthrew what would have been a long touchdown for wideout Marquise Brown.
In case you didn't notice: The Honey Badger has returned. #ChiefsKingdom @Mathieu_Era
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/5azcmA9R72
8:23 p.m.: Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis is in attendance for Sunday's game.
. @RayLewis is here to hype everyone up... even the @Chiefs 😂
— NFL (@NFL) September 20, 2021
📺: #KCvsBAL on NBC
📱: https://t.co/SsXyNx0bwQ pic.twitter.com/WmHRKWYntQ
8:19 p.m.: Kansas City won the toss and elected to defer.
MORE: Vikings radio announcer calls missed field goal 'good' in awkward on-air moment
'Sunday Night Football' schedule 2021
| Week | Date | Matchup |
| 1 | Sept. 9 | Tampa Bay 31, Dallas 29 |
| 1 | Sept. 12 | Los Angeles Rams 34, Chicago 14 |
| 2 | Sept. 19 | Baltimore 36, Kansas City 35 |
| 3 | Sept. 26 | Green Bay at San Francisco |
| 4 | Oct. 3 | Tampa Bay at New England |
| 5 | Oct. 10 | Buffalo at Kansas City |
| 6 | Oct. 17 | Seattle at Pittsburgh |
| 7 | Oct. 24 | Indianapolis at San Francisco |
| 8 | Oct. 31 | Dallas at Minnesota |
| 9 | Nov. 7 | Tennessee at Los Angeles |
| 10 | Nov. 14 | Kansas City at Las Vegas |
| 11 | Nov. 21 | Pittsburgh at Los Angeles Chargers |
| 12 | Nov. 25 | Buffalo at New Orleans |
| 12 | Nov. 28 | Cleveland at Baltimore |
| 13 | Dec. 5 | San Francisco at Seattle |
| 14 | Dec. 12 | Chicago at Green Bay |
| 15 | Dec. 19 | New Orleans at Tampa Bay |
| 16 | Dec. 26 | Washington at Dallas |
| 17 | Jan. 2 | Minnesota at Green Bay |
| 18 | Jan. 9 | TBD |
Chiefs schedule 2021
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV |
| 1 | Sept. 12 | vs. Browns | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 2 | Sept. 19 | at Ravens | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 3 | Sept. 26 | vs. Chargers | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 4 | Oct. 3 | at Eagles | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 5 | Oct. 10 | vs. Bills | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 6 | Oct. 17 | at Washington | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 7 | Oct. 24 | at Titans | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | vs. Giants | 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| 9 | Nov. 7 | vs. Packers | 4:25 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 10 | Nov. 14 | at Raiders | 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC |
| 11 | Nov. 21 | vs. Cowboys | 4:25 p.m. ET | Fox |
| 12 | BYE | - | - | - |
| 13 | Dec. 5 | vs. Broncos | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 14 | Dec. 12 | vs. Raiders | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 15 | Dec. 16 | at Chargers | 8:20 p.m. ET | Fox/NFLN/Amazon |
| 16 | Dec. 26 | vs. Steelers | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 17 | Jan. 2 | at Bengals | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
| 18 | Jan. 9 | at Broncos | 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS |
'Sunday Night Football' schedule 2021
| Week | Date | Matchup |
| 1 | Sept. 9 (Thu.) | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys |
| Sept. 12 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears | |
| 2 | Sept. 19 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs |
| 3 | Sept. 26 | San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers |
| 4 | Oct. 3 | New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 5 | Oct. 10 | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills |
| 6 | Oct. 17 | Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Seattle Seahawks |
| 7 | Oct. 24 | San Francisco 49ers vs. Indianapolis Colts |
| 8 | Oct. 31 | Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys |
| 9 | Nov. 7 | Los Angeles Rams vs. Tennessee Titans |
| 10 | Nov. 14 | Las Vegas Raiders vs. Kansas City Chiefs |
| 11 | Nov. 21 | Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers |
| 12 | Nov. 28 | Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns |
| 13 | Dec. 5 | Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers |
| 14 | Dec. 12 | Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears |
| 15 | Dec. 19 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints |
| 16 | Dec. 26 | Washington Football Team vs. Dallas Cowboys |
| 17 | Jan. 2 | Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings |
| 18 | Jan. 9 | TBD |