As the K.C. Chiefs prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the coaches might want to make sure they’re ready for another angle for what should be a tough competition: the Ravens’ reckless playing style.
The Ravens are fresh off of a frustrating Week 1 loss in over to the Las Vegas Raiders and now they’re on the ropes for a 0-2 start if they cannot beat the best team in the AFC (and potentially the NFL) in the visiting K.C. Chiefs in primetime. What makes things even tougher is that they’re trying to shed the monkey that has landed on their back with four straight losses to the Chiefs since Andy Reid arrived as head coach.
Given the likely level of emotion and passion, the Chiefs are going to get all that the Ravens have to offer them—and then some. In Ravens’ speak, it’s going to mean a reckless playing style that is needlessly violent in a sport that’s already dangerous enough for the players involved.
According to Vic Tafur, senior writer for The Athletic, the Raiders have reportedly filed a complaint with the league about the unnecessary hits on their players, specifically wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, during the game. Tafur’s report:
The #Raiders, I'm told, have filed a complaint with the league about all the dirty hits on receiver Hunter Renfrow in Monday night's game. Patrick Queen was called for one, but the Raiders compiled video of several after-the-play and away-from-the ball hits.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 15, 2021
Carr was asked indirectly about the complaint. "It will be interesting to see what comes of that."
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 15, 2021
Ravens took some questionable shots at Renfrow to get him off his game, but Carr said "it doesn't bother him at all, he just doesn't care."
If you’re wondering about some of the context, you can at least see it on one play here, where cornerback Marlon Humphrey got in what is essentially a cheap shot on Renfrow when no one was looking (except the crowd of thousands and the television audience, of course).
#Raiders have compiled videos and have filed a complaint to the NFL about the #Ravens delivering dirty and unnecessary hits on WR Hunter Renfrow in Monday game, per @VicTafur. Team claims there are several instances. Here’s one example (bottom of screen) pic.twitter.com/IAYHcx9e20
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 15, 2021
The Ravens have been known for being a punishing, physical defense for some time, a theme that carries back to the days of Ray Lewis at linebacker or Ed Reed in the secondary. It’s another thing, however, to go over the top and try to get a cheap shot in or two. That’s where injuries can easily happen, a ridiculous development in what is ultimately a game being played.
It will be interesting to see how the NFL handles the Raiders’ complaint, what comes of it if anything, and how the Chiefs approach the matter as they are the next team up to visit the Ravens. Even if the Ravens are trying to get some kind of edge, it’s not working at all. They’re already 0-1 in a tough AFC North and now must try to get the best of the Chiefs who beat them by two touchdowns a year ago.