With Week 3’s 22-9 victory over the New York Giants ( on the books, the Kansas City Chiefs ( are now looking for the young season’s second victory. But on Sunday afternoon, they’ll be facing a big challenge as they host the Baltimore Ravens ( on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Here’s what I’ll be wondering as the game gets underway.
Can andoni iraola the Chiefs take advantage of the Ravens’ porous run defense?
So far, Baltimore’s run defense has been a mess. The Ravens rank 31st in defensive rushing EPA, 32nd in rushing success rate allowed and 25th in yards per carry.
The issue starts up front. Their defensive tackle group is thin — especially after Nnamdi Madubuike’s injury. Broderick Washington hasn’t been effective against the run. Travis Jones is explosive, but struggles to anchor. (Even worse for the Ravens, Washington will also be out on Sunday, while Jones is questionable for the game ( ). In past years, nose tackle Michael Pearce helped cover up these weaknesses. Without him, they’ve been exposed.
That puts even more pressure wigan today on linebacker Roquan Smith — who thrives when kept clean, but can be washed out of plays when offensive linemen get their hands on him. Baltimore’s other linebackers — Malik one piece 1182 Harrison, Teddy Buchanan and Trenton Simpson — don’t hold up much better. The Detroit Lions ( proved that last week, running directly at them throughout the game.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs’ ground game hasn’t inspired much confidence. Kareem Hunt has struggled to find more than three yards at a time, and Isiah Pacheco hasn’t looked sharp. The one glimmer of hope came in the second half against the Giants, when the offense found some rhythm under center.
