Chiefs vs. Ravens: Baltimore’s defense presents a real issue for Patrick Mahomes

Offensive Public Enemy #1:

Javorius Allen/Ty Montgomery/Kenneth Dixon, RBs

Let’s face it. The Chiefs are terrible against the run. Even after an offseason of addressing the linebacker and interior linemen positions, they cannot seemingly slow down any running backs. While none of the Ravens backs are particularly dangerous, they have to be the utmost concern in this week’s gameplan.

Offensive Public Enemy #2:

Willie Snead IV/Michael Crabtree, WR

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Again, the Ravens have no superstars. They just kind of eke by on the offensive side of the ball and manage to hold on because of their defense. However, Willie Snead and Michael Crabtree are not pud receivers. They compliment each other with their skillsets. If the Chiefs get lulled into complacency by the run game, they will get beat a couple times by these receivers.

Offensive Public Enemy #3:

Mark Andrews/Nick Boyle/Hayden Hurst/Maxx Williams, TEs

It seems like all of these tight ends get significant playing time. The Ravens seem to love rotating all of them in and out of the game. The Chiefs will need to be aware of who is in and out throughout the game. Anyone of these players can present a matchup problem for the Chiefs.

Defensive Public Enemy:

Eric Weddle, FS

Eric Weddle may not be in his prime any more, but the Chiefs will test his ability to get from sideline to sideline. Patrick Mahomes will be playing a chess match all game long with him. If Weddle can force turnovers, the Chiefs may be in trouble.

Offensive Scheming Player #1:

Tyreek Hill, WR

Tyreek Hill will be key. With the report of Sammy Watkins missing substantial time, Hill has an even bigger role to fill on the offense. While the Ravens work well as a defensive unit, Hill has a very good chance of throwing them off of their game with his speed and agility. The Ravens have not faced anyone like Hill this season. The Chiefs will need Hill to be sharp on Sunday.

Offensive Scheming Player #2:

Travis Kelce, TE

Kelce will have no trouble getting open if the Ravens try to cover him with linebackers. The Chiefs will need to rely on him being a safety blanket underneath against a tough defensive backfield. If Kelce can serve as Mahomes’s go-to guy, I think the Chiefs have a better chance of winning this game.

Offensive Scheming Player #3:

Chris Conley, WR

With Sammy Watkins out and Kelvin Benjamin learning the system, Chris Conley will likely see increased reps again this week. Conley will need to use his athleticism and have a solid game. It cannot be overstated how important it is for these receivers to step up in this game.

Defensive Player(s) that need(s) to step up:

Anthony Hitchens, LB

I have heard a lot about how Sammy Watkins not earning his contract. What about Anthony Hitchens? He got a big contract and has not come anywhere close to slowing down opposing running backs on a weekly basis. Hitchens has got to step up his game sometime. Who knows, maybe it will be this week.

Final Analysis:

I think that this is more of an uphill climb than one may think. It seems to me that the Ravens are built to beat a team like the Chiefs. With an excellent defense, they are set up to slow down the Chiefs and as Kansas City is not built to slow down anyone’s offense.

I think that the Chiefs can win this game, but I would not be surprised if the Chiefs dropped this game at home. The Chiefs will need to be at the top of their game to overcome their disadvantages in this one.