Points at a premium in Chiefs-Ravens matchup

By Clayton Wendler  |   Thursday, December 07, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Kansas City Chiefs
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!
When the Kansas City Chiefs pass: Trent Green appears to have completely shaken off the rust from his eight-game layoff after torching the Cleveland Browns for 297 yards and four touchdowns a week ago. He's not likely to duplicate those numbers against an elite Ravens pass defense that is second in the NFL in interceptions. The real concern, however, is Baltimore's fierce pass rush.

The Ravens have racked up 41 sacks, the second-most in the NFL. The scary thing is the way they do it: with almost anyone and out of any kind of formation. Four of Baltimore's defenders have at least six sacks. Trevor Pryce (8½ sacks) will test Chiefs left tackle Jordan Black when he lines up at right defensive end in Baltimore's 3-4. He'll flip sides and test Kyle Turley in Baltimore's 4-3. The Ravens have a way of muddling around before the snap that really confuses offenses. They disguise their blitzes incredibly well. The play of Larry Johnson and H-back Kris Wilson in blitz pickup could make all the difference. The Chiefs' pass protection has really improved lately, allowing only 17 sacks in the last 11 games, but this will be their true litmus test.


Edge: Ravens


When the Baltimore Ravens pass: Steve McNair's numbers look much better since Ravens head coach Brian Billick took over the play calling, but this is still a dink-and-dunk passing game. Baltimore's aerial attack is, however, quite efficient as the Ravens have improved on third down noticeably compared to a season ago.

Tight end Todd Heap presents the biggest matchup problem for the Chiefs, although Kansas City did a wonderful job against Kellen Winslow, Jr. a week ago. The Chiefs will get Derrick Johnson back to help. Baltimore's offensive line isn't spectacular in pass protection, but McNair does a great job of getting the ball out quickly and has been sacked only 14 times this year. It's difficult to give an advantage to Baltimore after McNair totaled only 227 yards on 43 attempts against a poor Bengals secondary last week, but until the Chiefs' pass rush shows up again (it was absent against Cleveland), this one is anyone's guess.


Edge: Even


When the Kansas City Chiefs run: The first-ever meeting between Larry Johnson and Ray Lewis should be a good one. This is a classic matchup of strength versus strength. The Ravens give up only 75 yards and 3.1 yards per carry and will most likely be the best run defense the Chiefs face all year.

The matchup to watch here is Chiefs right guard Will Shields against Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, who plays left defensive end in Baltimore's base 3-4 alignment and defensive tackle in the 4-3. The Chiefs' offensive linemen have a history of getting free and punishing Lewis, but might be a little overmatched this time. Regardless, the Chiefs will likely pound Johnson and backup Michael Bennett all day long in order to minimize the risk in the passing game.


Edge: Even


When the Baltimore Ravens run: Jamal Lewis isn't the same back he once was, and the Ravens' offensive line is even worse when it comes to run blocking. That's why Baltimore stands 31st in yards per carry at 3.5. Even the improved play calling hasn't really helped Baltimore's running game, as the team totaled a meager 89 yards a week ago against an average Bengals run defense.

The Chiefs gave up 150 yards to the Browns a week ago, but that was more of an aberration than anything. At home, the Chiefs have one of the best run defenses in the league. They'll get help with the return of defensive tackle James Reed this week. Baltimore will likely get right guard Keydrick Vincent back from injury also.


Edge: Chiefs


Special teams: The Ravens had a big edge here until kick returner B.J. Sams got hurt last week in Cincinnati. Taking his place on kickoff returns is rookie Cory Ross. Wide receiver Mark Clayton will return punts. The kickers are a push. This game also marks the return of former Chiefs special teams ace Gary Stills to Arrowhead Stadium, along with former Chiefs ST coach Frank Gansz, Jr.


Edge: Even


Intangibles:At home in December, the Chiefs are almost unbeatable. They will be up for this game after an embarrassing loss in Cleveland a week ago. This also marks the first visit to Arrowhead Stadium for the Ravens and Steve McNair. Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards is 0-2 lifetime against Baltimore's Brian Billick.


Edge: Chiefs

Prediction: This will be an ugly football game, but the Chiefs' running game gives them a big edge. Kansas City's defense isn't likely to lay another egg, especially at home.


Chiefs 21, Ravens 16
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report