Mercifully, Week 1 is behind us.

What a demoralizing way to conclude what was such a hopeful start to the season.

Despite all the injuries and miscues, the Ravens had multiple opportunities to bury the Raiders last Monday night. Instead, they let the Raiders hang around. The result: a gutting overtime loss to a team that, in all honesty, shouldn’t have been in contention.

But as many coaches love to remind us, we’re on to the next week. And what a week it’s shaping up to be.

This Sunday night, the Chiefs come to town, one week after narrowly escaping an upset bid by the emboldened Browns. While Cleveland ultimately lost, they provided a blueprint of sorts in two key areas which could help Baltimore beat Kansas City for the first time in five games.

(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)

Run the ball

It seems simple, but the Ravens ought to commit to the running game early and often Sunday night to give themselves the best chance to win. Last week, Cleveland more than doubled Kansas City’s ground production (153-73), which of course kept Patrick Mahomes at bay for most of the afternoon. Additionally, you can’t expose Baltimore’s offensive line pass protection if they run the ball.

4th downs

Cleveland converted an impressive three of their four 4th down attempts last Sunday in Kansas City. In 2020, the Ravens converted 63 percent of their 4th down attempts while the Chiefs defense allowed a 65 percent conversion rate to opposing teams’ on 4th down.

To beat a team like Kansas City, you’ll have to maximize every opportunity you have with the football. According to the numbers, Baltimore will be in good position to extend their drives this Sunday night.

Conversely, the Ravens need to be better at getting the opposing offense to 4th down and then off the field, instead of allowing chunk plays like they did on Monday night. Even though the Ravens offense gained 406 total yards against the Raiders, the Ravens defense allowed a whopping 491 yards to the Raiders offense.

It was just the 7th time in Baltimore’s 401-game history when they were outgained by the opposition despite gaining over 400 yards in total offense.

Players to watch

In most big games, the difference is made by a few key players. Here are three offensive players and three defensive players that will play key roles for the Ravens on Sunday night.

Bradley Bozeman

One of Kansas City’s best players is defensive tackle Chris Jones. Simply put, he’s a game-wrecker. Not only will Ravens center Bradley Bozeman have a lot on his plate in terms of executing Baltimore’s offense and communicating its line calls but lining up across from Jones will significantly decrease his margin for error.

The Ravens gained 180 yards rushing on Monday night—the 8th consecutive game in which they’ve gained at least 150 yards on the ground (playoffs included). As for their pass protection woes, they were mostly on the edge. Bozeman has been a key player for what has been going well for the Ravens as of late, which leads us to believe he will be a focal point in Baltimore’s offensive game plan going forward.

Mark Andrews

Three receptions for 20 yards aren’t what you expect to see from Mark Andrews, especially so soon after he signed a massive contract extension. As a tight end that’s going to earn over $30 million guaranteed, Andrews has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to perform. We know he can, and what better way to come back from a lackluster performance last week than to be a dominant force against one of the NFL’s best teams this week?

It won’t be easy, though. In three games against Andrews, Kansas City has won all three and only allowed the tight end six catches for 35 yards (on 17 targets). Andrews will be the first to tell you that’s not accurately reflective of what he’s capable of.

Still, he will need to bring his A-game Sunday night to reverse what is becoming a pattern of subpar performances against KC. In his career, Andrews is averaging 5.2 targets per game. Given his talent and Baltimore’s injured receiver core, I have to think that figure should at least double this week.

Sammy Watkins

Lamar Jackson, Andrews, Hollywood Brown, and Ty’Son Williams look to be the first four in line for touches this week. So, when the ball does come Sammy Watkins’ way, he’s likely to see single coverage. In his first game as a Raven, Watkins showed out. He was Baltimore’s leading receiver last Monday night and showed the ability to make big plays when targeted.

Perhaps the two most underrated part of his game is his ability to adjust when plays break down. Though the quarterback scramble and wide receiver re-route seems chaotic, it is an art form. Given how often Jackson scrambles and buys time, Watkins figures to get a few opportunities this week to make a play where there is none.

Who knows? That could be the difference.

Chuck Clark

Stop Travis Kelce, stop the Chiefs.

In 105 starts, Kelce has gotten 867 targets, or 8.3 targets/start. For reference, Tyreek Hill, Kansas City’s electric wide receiver, has seen 9.7 targets/start in his career.

You have a man the size of a defensive end with the speed of a running back seeing a comparable target share as one of the most dynamic receivers in NFL history.

Thankfully (I suppose), Ravens safety Chuck Clark had his hands full with Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller. Both Waller and Kelce present unique challenges to the defensive player defending them. Clark, though, has the skill set and mindset to neutralize Kelce.

Last season, the Chiefs beat the Ravens, 34-20. While Clark didn’t defend him exclusively, Kelce finished with six catches for 87 yards—less than his 94 yards-per-game average in 2020. It won’t be easy, but it’s possible: stop Kelce, stop the Chiefs.

Brandon Williams

The best player on the field at the start of Sunday night’s will be Patrick Mahomes. Brandon Williams will have a lot to say about how the ensuing 60-plus minutes unfold for the former league MVP.

Mahomes’ excellence is due in part to his unpredictable throwing angles and lightning-quick release. However, that doesn’t mean he’s impervious to pressure. If Williams can sustain his strong start to the season and be a force up the middle, Mahomes will have to move off his spot and improvise.

Some may say that’s playing into his hands. I say that no matter how good a quarterback is, pushing the pocket makes their job considerably harder.

I think Williams is primed for a huge game Sunday.

Odafe Oweh

In his NFL debut, Odafe Oweh played in 56 percent of Baltimore’s defense snaps and recorded his first career sack. He also put Derek Carr under a lot of pressure whenever he got the chance. It wasn’t a perfect start, but the rookie 1st rounder gave Baltimore an immediate return on their investment in him.

If a defensive player has any shot at pressuring and sacking Mahomes, they have to have an equitable athletic makeup. How cool would it be to see Oweh seal the game for the Ravens in his first home game by sacking Mahomes on the Chiefs’ final comeback attempt?

As JP in Angels in the Outfield would say, “It could happen!”

Michael Fast
Michael Fast

Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.

When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.

To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.

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