In what has become a recurring theme, the Baltimore Ravens have struggled against the Kansas City Chiefs in recent years. Since 2018, the Ravens have only managed to secure one victory over their rivals, a narrow 1-point win in 2021. The two teams faced off once again in Week 1 of the 2024 season, with the Chiefs emerging victorious once more. The Ravens had an opportunity to make a statement and turn the tide in their favor, but costly mistakes proved to be their downfall.
According to a NFL journalist reporting on the game, “The Ravens must clean up these mistakes in order to get back on track.” It was clear that Baltimore beat themselves with untimely errors that need to be addressed moving forward into Week 2.
The rivalry between the Ravens and Chiefs has intensified over the years, with both teams growing familiar with each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Despite the competitive nature of their relationship, there is a mutual respect between the players. Last season, the Ravens fell short of a Super Bowl berth after a defeat to the Chiefs, who went on to win their third NFL championship with quarterback Patrick Mahomes at the helm.
Looking ahead to Week 2, there are a couple of key areas that the Ravens need to focus on improving. One issue that plagued them in Week 1 was penalties, particularly illegal formations. The team was penalized multiple times for illegal formations, indicating a lack of discipline that cannot be repeated. The league is cracking down on such infractions, and the Ravens must adapt to the new rules to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
Additionally, there was a noticeable underutilization of star running back Derrick Henry in the game against the Chiefs. Despite Lamar Jackson’s impressive rushing performance, Henry did not receive enough touches to make an impact. Adjusting the playcalling to ensure that Henry gets more involved in the offense will be crucial for the Ravens’ success moving forward.
In the passing game, there is a call for greater involvement of wide receiver Zay Flowers, who has the ability to be a game-changer. With tight end Isaiah Likely showcasing his skills, incorporating Flowers into the offensive scheme could elevate the Ravens’ attack to new heights.
As the Ravens regroup and prepare for their next game, it is clear that there is work to be done. Addressing these issues and making the necessary adjustments will be key to their success in the weeks to come. The road to redemption starts now for Baltimore.
