KC Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all against Ravens in week three
The KC Chiefs have a big game this weekend against the Baltimore Ravens. It’ll be two 2-0 teams vying for a chance to move to 3-0 on the year. Patrick Mahomes can’t be the only one doing work on Sunday in order for KC to win.
When the Kansas City Chiefs barely beat the Ravens last year in overtime, a lot of the praise immediately went to then first year starter Patrick Mahomes (and rightfully so). Mahomes aired it out 53 times with 35 completions (including a CLUTCH fourth down conversion) and 377 yards. He had two touchdown passes and one interception while getting sacked three times.
If the Chiefs want to notch their first home victory of 2019, other facets of the game will have to step it up in this one. The run game can’t be non-existent like they were last week in Oakland or it’s going to be an easy go of it for Baltimore, who know that Mahomes will drop back to pass on almost every play.
The defense also needs to do their part this weekend. When the Chiefs met up with the Ravens last year, Lamar Jackson wasn’t necessarily a star (though he was undefeated as a starter at that point in time), but he carved the Chiefs defense up like a pumpkin. He rushed for 67 yards on 14 carries while throwing for 147 yards and two touchdowns.
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The stats don’t look all that impressive, but make no mistake, Jackson was doing just about anything he wanted to in this game last year. That was before he’s the phenom that he currently is, posting seven touchdowns and zero picks through two games (yes against the Dolphins and Cardinals, but he can only play whose on his schedule).
The run game as a whole dominated for Baltimore last year, totaling 194 yards on the ground with Kenneth Dixon being the only back to find the end zone in that game. The Chiefs defense has been fortunate that their offense has gotten so far ahead of the opposition that it’s forced teams to throw more, not exposing their run defense as much. Can they limit the Ravens running backs in a tight game and not let them control the clock?
It’s been fun watching Mahomes sling it in these first two games and to this point, the lack of run game hasn’t been a problem. Week three, however, is the first really tough opponent the Chiefs will face and it’s important that their offense not be so one-dimensional. The Ravens defense, despite not having big names, is a tough unit and could deal Mahomes and the Eric Fisher-less offensive line fits if they don’t game plan correctly.
While it’s obviously awesome having an MVP quarterback like Mahomes, the Chiefs need to make sure they do their part in helping him win games. He can’t be expected to do everything, especially when he has so much talent around him.
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If the Kansas City Chiefs want to be 3-0, Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all on his own. He needs his teammates to back him this week in what’s arguably the biggest home opener in Chiefs history.