Baltimore Beatdown
For this week’s edition of 5 Questions, Arrowhead Pride offered their thoughts on how the Chiefs will match up with the Ravens on Sunday.
1. The Chiefs have varied their blitzing strategy against Lamar Jackson in their past matchups. What should the Ravens expect from their approach on Sunday?
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is known for keeping Jackson off balance with a mix of blitz looks, and that won’t change Sunday. Expect Kansas City to throw a variety of pressures at him while stressing discipline in their rush lanes. Containing Jackson inside the pocket is the top priority, because once he breaks free, his ability to extend plays and create explosive runs becomes the ultimate game-changer.
2. Baltimore’s run defense has been miserable this year, but the Chiefs’ rushing attack has struggled, too. Are their issues more related to the backfield or the offensive line, and will Isaiah Pacheco have a get-right game against the Ravens?
The struggles have been a combination of factors. Pacheco’s vision hasn’t been sharp, and early play-calling has often been too predictable. That changed in the second half last week when Kansas City mixed things up and leaned on more effective run designs, which opened lanes for Pacheco to thrive. If that balance continues against Baltimore, there’s reason to believe Pacheco can find rhythm and give the offense a more consistent ground threat.
3. The Chiefs defense has quietly been a very good unit so far this year. What will be their specific weaknesses against the Ravens?
The Ravens’ best opportunity lies with their tight ends. Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely present tough matchups against Kansas City’s linebackers and safeties in coverage. We saw it in last year’s regular-season meeting when Likely hauled in nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. He nearly added a game-winner late, which shows just how impactful that position group can be against this defense if the Chiefs don’t adjust.
4. Xavier Worthy is returning to the Chiefs lineup this week. How will that change the roles and target distribution in the offense?
Worthy’s return adds another vertical threat to an offense already benefiting from the emergence of Tyquan Thorthorn. Baltimore’s defense will have to respect his speed and keep a safety deep, which should open up opportunities underneath. Given he’s working back from a shoulder injury, Worthy may be used more as a decoy than a featured target. Still, even in a limited role, his presence stretches the field and creates spacing that makes life easier for Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
5. Which Chiefs star will shine the brightest against the Ravens, and which lesser-known player could break out?
This feels like a game where Travis Kelce asserts himself again. With safeties pulled deep by the Chiefs’ speed outside, the middle of the field should be wide open for him to exploit. At the same time, rookie Brashard Smith could emerge as an X-factor. His athleticism and ability to make big plays give him the chance to...
