Ravens will bring the noise to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game.
Baltimore — Following the Baltimore Ravens’ 34-10 divisional playoff victory against the Houston Texans last week, kicker Justin Tucker’s wife asked him if it was particularly loud on the field.
“Because it felt like the stadium was literally rocking,” explained Amanda Tucker, who was in the stands with guard Kevin Zeitler’s wife. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced the stadium like that.”
When the Ravens host the first AFC Championship Game (3 p.m. ET, CBS) in their 28-year history on Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs will have to deal with the 12th man at M&T Bank Stadium, which means about 120 decibels — the measured noise level on Saturday and comparable to a jet plane taking off.
The Ravens feel their crowd contributed to the Texans’ seven penalties: five false starts, one delay of game, and one encroachment.
When asked if the crowd were louder in the postseason, Baltimore wide receiver Zay Flowers replied, “Yes, you couldn’t tell. Houston noticed it. We have the best fans in the country. ‘The Bank’ is difficult to enter because the fans have grit.”
The Chiefs are among the most disciplined teams in terms of pre-snap penalties. Kansas City has been flagged five times for false starts on the road, the third fewest in the league.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback, understands that playing the Ravens will be a different test. On the “ManningCast” in November, Mahomes stated that just two venues required him to employ silent counts: M&T Bank Stadium and Seattle’s Lumen Field.
“It was so loud in those stadiums that the tackles couldn’t hear me,” Mahomes was quoted as saying.
After the Chiefs defeated the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Mahomes stated, “That stadium is going to be rocking.” We’re enthused about the challenge.”
Mahomes is not the only quarterback who has complained about Ravens fans’ volume. This season, opponents received more false starts (19) and delay of game penalties (9) at M&T Bank Stadium (including regular season and playoffs) than anywhere else in the NFL.
“At this level, you might sometimes overlook the supporters and the atmosphere. “It’s not the same across the league,” said Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton. “Coming from the south and the SEC atmosphere, you get used to that. The Ravens’ environment is identical to that.”
The anticipation is that the noise level will increase much greater on Sunday. This marks the first AFC Championship Game in Baltimore in 53 years. The previous time it took place in this city was 53 years ago, when the Baltimore Colts hosted the Oakland Raiders.
Earlier this week, Ravens coach John Harbaugh urged supporters as if they were his players, advising them to eat well and get enough sleep to prepare for the game.
“I feel like [the crowd noise] has been turned up the whole season,” he remarked. “It will be much louder and more chaotic on Sunday. I’m excited to watch it.”
