2010 NFL Playoffs: AFC Wild Card, Baltimore Ravens At Kansas City Chiefs Preview

Chiefs offense vs. Ravens defense


Battle in the trenches

It has been several years since Kansas City could roll out an offensive line that could dream of seriously challenging a perennially stout Baltimore front seven. But the 2010-11 version has a shot. The veteran trio of left guard Barry Waters, center Casey Wiegmann, and right guard Ryan Lilja have shown themselves to be mobile and sound in their blocking assignments, frequently cutting off defensive linemen and taking out linebackers at the second level.

The Chiefs like to utilize the outside running game, taking advantage of the mobility of their offensive line and the speed, quickness, and vision of their running backs. This helps set up the misdirection plays and play-action roll outs the Chiefs like to employ to get the ball into their play makers’ hands.

However, the Ravens defense plays well sideline to sideline, doing a very good job in both outside contain and backside pursuit. The Chiefs offensive line, guards Barry Waters and Ryan Lilja in particular, will have to be able to sustain one on one blocks vs. Ravens defensive linemen, a tall order if Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are going to find running lanes consistently.

Glimpses of the "old" Ravens D?

The Ravens figure to roll out an aggressive defensive game plan. In several games this year, they have been able to get pressure by employing a variety of blitzes and fronts. With the Chiefs lacking significant weapons on the outside besides Dwayne Bowe, the Ravens can afford to bring strong safety Dawan Landry into the box for a large part of the game.

Further, they can defend with their base package more, a reality that will not only make it easier to disguise coverages but will mitigate the potential absence of starting corner back Josh Wilson (stinger) and ensuing lack of depth at that position.

If the Chiefs, an already poor third down offense, can not have success on 1st and 2nd downs, they will face a lot of difficulty moving the chains. Watch for the Chiefs to utilize screens and short passes to supplement the run game and get positive yardage.

Speaking of D Bowe....

The Ravens lack a great No. 1 CB at this point to match up with Dwayne Bowe. Corner backs Lardarius Webb and Chris Carr have great speed and quickness but lack size and physicality. Thus a few opportunities should present themselves in the game for Matt Cassel to take advantage of mismatches.

Advantage: Ravens


Ravens offense vs. Chiefs defense

Romeo, oh Romeo. What will he do?

Joe Flacco has developed into one of the top ten QBs in the NFL. The Ravens also possess one of the deepest pass catching groups in the league.

On the other side, the Chiefs defense has enjoyed a resurgence led by productive young talent. As well as the Chiefs have defended the pass this year, they do lack quality depth at corner back. Javier Arenas has struggled in coverage and the Ravens' wide receiver corps has the ability to take advantage of this. Watch for more zone coverage and innovative schemes involving versatile rookie Eric Berry from Romeo Crennel.

With tough match ups in the back end, the Chiefs must find a way to get pressure on Flacco. The Ravens offense has been susceptible to blitzes. Meanwhile, LT Michael Oher and RT Marshal Yanda have been inconsistent blocking rushers. Outside linebacker Tamba Hali is an underrated force off the edge, combining great leverage and strength with a very good motor and decent burst. But the Chiefs must watch out for the screen game.

Week 17 Raiders' showing a mirage?

The Chiefs were out-muscled by an Oakland team that had nothing to play for. Can the Ravens replicate the Raiders' rushing production in this game? The Ravens have the size and mobility up front to open lanes vs. the Chiefs' sometimes vulnerable front seven. However, they have not done it consistently all season. Glenn Dorsey, Shaun Smith, and NT Ron Edwards have been stout up front allowing active and physical inside linebackers Derrick Johnson and Jovan Belcher to fill rushing lanes well.

Advantage: Ravens

Overall, the Ravens seem to enjoy most of the favorable match ups personnel-wise. Nonetheless, the Chiefs, coming off an embarrassing loss to the Raiders last week, should be re-focused. They will enjoy a home game at one of the loudest venues in football. And with Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis managing the game plans and calling plays, the Chiefs will be in position to compete effectively.