In one of the most highly anticipated games of the NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs will travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens. These two teams have squared off in entertaining contests the last couple of years. Kansas City won both matchups at home in Arrowhead Stadium. Today, we will get to learn more about the Chiefs’ opponent entering the game. From behind enemy lines, here is our view of the Baltimore Ravens.
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Lamar Locomotive
It is evident how many different ways that opponents can get beat by quarterback Lamar Jackson. His running prowess, combined with shiftiness and speed, have been a staple dating back to his college football at Louisville. When teams buy in and accommodate a player’s strengths, like Baltimore did with Jackson, good results most likely happen. We will dive much deeper into the Ravens offensive rushing attack with a piece on Friday, so stay tuned there.
As a passer, the growth and progression that he has made may not be clear for all NFL fans. His decision making and ability to read defenses has matured nicely. Jackson has become more comfortable in the pocket, and has stood tough to withstand hits. Meanwhile, the accuracy in which he can provide has been the most impressive during his early success. Throwing deep down the field has been an underrated part of Jackson’s game, especially with ball placement. Kansas City will need to withstand all four quarters against this QB, because he will go down fighting.
Toughest Test?
It was one of the more difficult showings for the Chiefs offense last week. Things will not be any easier this week. Of course, Patrick Mahomes and his offensive teammates have done well in recent matchups. But, this Baltimore Ravens defense looks to be their most difficult test of the season.
At all three levels, this defensive unit has players who bring a brand of toughness or physical presence. This team also has fairly deep depth. Releasing veteran safety Earl Thomas was essentially not a big deal. Chuck Clark has become a leader on the backend. DeShon Elliott has passed the test at the other safety spot in this young season. At cornerback, Marlon Humphrey is one of the best in the league, among younger players at his position. Being able to add Calais Campbell, Derek Wolfe and rookie linebacker Patrick Queen to the mix was just unfair, too. Head coach John Harbaugh has made a career off of complete defenses consistently winning. It looks like he has that chance once again. The Chiefs will have to be ready for anything from any angle against the Baltimore Ravens defense.
Pick Your Poison
It’s one thing to have Lamar Jackson. However, it’s another thing to have the weapons in which he is surrounded with. Ozzie Newsome, one of the more accomplished general managers of all time, was able to nab tight end Mark Andrews in the third round in his final NFL Draft before retirement. Andrews has become one of the more diverse young tight ends in the league. Along with Jackson and Andrews, that class also included Orlando Brown Jr and Bradley Bozeman. Those two have become incumbent starters on the offensive line.
This team does a good job of spreading the wealth at both running back and wide receiver. Tacklers can have trouble with the entire trio of Mark Ingram, JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Defenses should not rule out their ability to change direction either. On the other hand, Marquise Brown looks like the real deal at receiver. He can win both in the slot or on the outside. Veteran Willie Snead and Miles Boykin both fill multiple roles as pass catchers and blockers. The Baltimore Ravens have continued to get stronger, including with these weapons. As a result, the Kansas City Chiefs will need to be on their toes and prepared for a multi-faceted game plan.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs article and podcast content for Kansas City Chiefs vs Baltimore Ravens to end the week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
