Chiefs Preview: Game One Against The Baltimore Ravens

So with the NFL offseason blahs hitting a head I figured I would start on a series of articles comparing the teams the Kansas City Chiefs will be matching up against in the 2009 season.

Home Field:

Up first for the Kansas City Chiefs is going to be the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Over 71,000 fans wearing purple and silver will be cheering the Ravens on for their first win in the season.

Offense:

The Ravens offense last year was greatly improved paving the way to turn around the 5-11 record in 2007 to 11-5 record in 2008. Rookie QB Joe Flacco took the lead last year and will be at the helm again this year.

If it is true that Derrick Mason is retiring this year, that leaves Mark Clayton as the No. 1 receiver. Last year Clayton pulled in 41 receptions for 695 yards. Beyond Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton, there are no receivers that have stepped up to be a legit No. 2 receiver.

The offensive line should look pretty solid with a mix of old and young players on the line. Michael Oher is the new addition to the line and should have a pretty solid year with Matt Birk under center, and Brian Grubbs at Guard.

LJ Smith and Todd Heap are both strong third down converters playing at the tight end position.

The Ravens backfield has plenty of talent with Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McClain and Ray Rice. These three combined to plow down most of the 2,376 yards last year.

The Chiefs have a much different looking offense this year.

Matt Cassell lead the Patriots to a 11-5 season last year and is determined to do as well or better for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Matt Cassell has two solid targets in Dwayne Bowe and Bobby Engram. The rest of the recieving crew has yet to show up and make a name for themselves. The departure of tight end Tony Gonzalez puts another hole at that position. Who will step up for these positions will be determined during the preseason.

The running back position is probably where the Kansas City has the most depth.

Larry Johnson has his good attitude mask on, and is on his way to have a comeback season. Jamal Charles, in his second season, has knocked off the rookie rust and should see a few screen passes thrown his way.

The Chiefs offensive line should be vastly improved with the departure of OG Adrian Jones, and the pickup of Mike Goff. The right tackle position is open for competition. Brian Waters will be returning, and Brandon Alberts on the left side this offensive line is looking to become much improved from last year.

Analysis:

If the Chiefs can stop the run and force Flacco to throw the ball early, this game will go to Kansas City.

Baltimore is going to have to do a little more than stop Larry Johnson running the ball. Dwayne Bowe is a valid threat and should see double teams. Bobby Engram, and Jamal Charles are third and long threats and if they are converting these third downs the Chiefs could come out with a win.

I'm giving a slight edge to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Defense:

The Baltimore Ravens defensive line is pretty solid with Trevor Pryce, Kelly Gregg and Haloti Ngata. The real terror in this defense come from linebackers Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis. The loss of linebacker Bart Scott should be a big blow, but I expect Jarrett Johnson to pull up the slack.

The secondary really doesn't get much recognition, but they have a solid secondary with Ed Reed being a turn over machine.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive line is very young with Glen Dorsey, Tank Tyler and Tyson Jackson holding up the line. Alex Magee will also see himself on in formation presenting the youngest defensive line in the NFL.

The Chiefs should see a vast improvement from the linebackers with the addition of Mike Vrable and Zack Thomas. Derrick Johnson should finally have a breakout year along with Tamba Hali.

The secondary is also young, and had shown reliability from Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers and Maurice Leggett. Hard hitters Jard Page and Bernard Pollard got a little bit more help with the addition of Mike Brown at the safety position.

The Ravens have the big edge when it comes to the front seven. Terrell Suggs and Ray Lewis will be terrorizing Matt Cassell, and helping stuff Larry Johnson's running game.

Final Analysis: Ravens win 20-17

The Ravens strong defense holds off Matt Cassell just enough in his first game as a Chief. The Ravens defense allows a few long runs to Larry Johnson and Jamal Charles otherwise they stop the run. Bobby Engram and Dewayne Bowe lead the way with a touchdown each and make important third down catches.

The Chiefs defensive line is young and manhandled by the Ravens offensive line. Willis McGahee was able to run all day. This allowed for Joe Flacco to open up the passing game. The Ravens offense allowed the defense plenty of time to rest which allowed for a couple critical turnovers winning the game.