After their playoff flameout to the Tennesee Titans last post-season, many questioned whether or not the Raven’s reliance on the run to get downfield and set up their passing game could work against elite competition. And while last night was only one game, these questions will persist for a while longer after the Ravens 34-20 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
The underlying storyline was the battle of the last two MVP’s, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, but it was less of a battle and more of a one-sided domination, Mahomes continuously marched the Chiefs down the field throwing for 385 and four touchdowns, while Jackson failed to get to 100 yards through the air.
It felt like the Chiefs were a step ahead all night in their playcalling. They continually got the Ravens into third and long, then contained Jackson’s scrambles in the pockets and forced him to throw downfield, one part of his game that still needs a lot of work. Meanwhile, Mahomes and the Chiefs had the Ravens on their heels all night. Instead of playing their usual style of blitz-heavy man-to-man defense, the Ravens eased up on the pass rush and let Mahomes pick apart a soft zone. While it is understandable to be wary of the Chiefs, it has been shown time and time against that you can’t be afraid of them or you will never beat them.
