It didn't take long for Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten to make a name for himself in the NFL. In fact, it only took him one play to become a household name during the NFL season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs Thursday night.
The NFL kicked off its season opener in Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO Thursday night. The Chiefs hosted the Ravens who were looking to put last year's AFC Championship game loss to the Chiefs behind them.
Coming into this season, the Ravens knew the offensive line would endure its ebbs and flows. Unfortunately for the Ravens, when the schedule was released, the new inexperienced line would get thrown directly to the wolves Week 1 in Kansas City against the Chiefs.
On the whole, the O line was an unmitigated disaster. It was a clown show. Quarterback Lamar Jackson was under pressure all night from the likes of Kansas City Chiefs edge rusher George Karlaftis and defensive tackle Chris Jones.
One player drafted in the 2024 NFL draft was chosen with the hope of bringing stability to a line that had been weakened by offseason departures. The Ravens picked Roger Rosengarten from Washington to help solidify Baltimore's future offensive line. If the future is anything like the present, it's likely to remain a challenging time for Jackson and the rest of the team to accomplish anything.
Roger Rosengarten gets humiliated on his first NFL snap
Welcome to the NFL, Roger Rosengarten. The poor kid didn't make it one play before All-Pro Chris Jones feasted on the inexperienced lineman and baptized him into the NFL.
Early in the second quarter, Rosengarten subbed in for offensive tackle Patrick Mekari as part of their tackle rotation. The first play of his NFL career, Chris Jones runs right by the rookie, goes straight for Lamar Jackson and forces a fumble that would bounce the Chiefs way.
What a start to his career, huh? Unfortunately for Rosengarten, the night was bad overall for an offensive line that looked about as cohesive as a puzzle assembled in the dark. It'll be important for Rosengarten to have a short memory - mistakes happen. It's better to work out the kinks now than in the playoffs.
But still, what a moment. This was shortly after fellow rookie and Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy used his first NFL touch to blow by the Ravens' defense and reach the end zone on a 21-yard touchdown run.
Why the need for a tackle rotation AGAIN? Roger Rosengarten gives up a sack on his first NFL snap. #Ravenspic.twitter.com/dI6RxOJQ3L
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) September 6, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the power and influence social media has on professional sports and really anything in general. It makes moments like Rosengarten's so easy to find and perpetuate. Some watching the game decided to poke a little fun at the rookie who struggled a bit during his first professional play (to say the least).
There were other posts but the language was a bit more out there, but if you're looking for it, you'll find it pretty easily on X.
When justice hill has better pass pro than roger Rosengarten something went wrong. Chris Jones was feasting on that man tn.
— Jack Pastor (@JackPastor11) September 6, 2024
Imagine being Roger Rosengarten right now and your first ever NFL snap you allow a strip sack turnover... gotta feel for the man
— AJCFootball (@ajcfootball) September 6, 2024
TJ Watt is going to destroy Roger Rosengarten
— Beau McCauley (@TSRbeau) September 6, 2024
Roger Rosengarten had himself a moment - and that's all it was. He's a talented young man who will get better the more he plays. Chris Jones has a history of making All-Pros look silly, so take this one on the chin and get ready for the next one.