Following a narrow escape over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for a primetime matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in the third game of the season. Week 3 will feature round-three between two all-pro quarterbacks; Patrick Mahomes’ arm strength versus Lamar Jackson’s unique athleticism.
Jackson is currently 0-2 against Kansas City in games played over the two previous seasons, both of which were at Arrowhead Stadium. This time, the Chiefs and Ravens will go at it under the lights at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday Night Football.
The Chiefs matched the franchise’s longest winning streak last Sunday, beating the L.A. Chargers in overtime to remain unbeaten through two games. Since November 18, 2019, Kansas City has won 11-straight games and will look to collect their 12th consecutive victory over the Ravens.
To do that, the Chiefs will have to clean some things up on both sides of the football after a very slow start against L.A.
On offense, the Chiefs’ offensive line has allowed 20 quarterback pressures, which is fifth-most in the league through two games. Although they’ve gone up against some premier pass rushers to start the 2020 campaign, in J.J. Watt and Joey Bosa, it doesn’t get any easier against Baltimore’s Calais Campbell.
In fact, the Baltimore defense, collectively, has allowed an average of 11 points per game and has only given up two touchdowns while forcing 5 takeaways, which may considerably be Kansas City’s toughest test yet.
On defense, Kansas City as allowed over 800 total yards to opposing offenses through two games and will be going against, arguably, the best offense on their 2020 schedule. The Ravens put up over 6500 total yards in 2019 (2nd in NFL), and feature the most dynamic rushing attack in the league, accounting for 3,296 yards (led NFL) on the ground, which set a new league record for most yards rushing by a team in a single season.
Aside from Lamar Jackson’s ability to use his legs, the Chiefs also have to prepare for Baltimore’s running back trio in Mark Ingram, rookie J.K. Dobbins, and Gus Edwards. All for four players combined for 230 yards on the ground against Houston last week and will likely be something the Chiefs see early and often as Baltimore goes up against K.C.’s 28th-ranked run defense.
One thing that is sure to help Kansas City defend against the Ravens rushing attack will be the return of defensive tackle Mike Pennel, who returns to the lineup after serving a two-game suspension. Pennel helped improve Kansas City’s run defense drastically when the team first acquired his services late last season, and he’ll be expected to help plug up holes and keep Baltimore at bay on the ground.
Kansas City also has a pleasant surprise in the secondary with the emergence of L’Jarius Sneed, who is having an excellent campaign so far through two games. Sneed snagged an interception in each of his two starts and currently leads the NFL in that department. Sneed will be looking to catch his third pick against Lamar Jackson, who only threw six interceptions last season.
Monday night’s contest also has a high chance of being a preview to the AFC Championship game. The Chiefs and Ravens are easily the two best teams in the AFC and possess the two best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Patrick Mahomes is off to another strong start with 513 yards and five TDs with Lamar Jackson not too far behind him with 479 yards and four TDs. Neither quarterback has thrown an interception thus far this season.
Both teams were separated by five points or less in each of their previous two meetings, with Mahomes coming out on top in both games. As Jackson looks to even the score with his first victory against the Chiefs, it’s safe to say another close, high-scoring contest could be in store as these two heavyweights clash on Monday Night Football.
