How the Chiefs diced up the middle of the Ravens’ defense and what Baltimore can learn from it
Brian Wacker, The Baltimore Sun
On passes between the hashes that traveled 15 yards or less, he completed 8 of 11 passes for 142 yards, according to Tru Media. Mahomes was intercepted by Roquan Smith on one of them, but the three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback spent a big chunk of the night torturing the All-Pro inside linebacker, as well as off-ball linebackers Trenton Simpson and Malik Harrison and All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton. All four defenders, along with free safety Marcus Williams, had grades of 49.7 or worse from Pro Football Focus, including Harrison’s team-low mark of 28.4 with Smith (29.4) not far behind.
Smith bore the brunt of the attack and stunningly got embarrassed. Targeted six times, he allowed five completions for 69 yards, 58 of which came after the catch, per PFF. Simpson, meanwhile, surrendered three catches and 37 yards on four targets, and Hamilton and Williams allowed two catches apiece for 45 and 46 yards, respectively.
“Obviously there were a lot of mistakes out there, and that’s not what we pride ourselves on, and that starts with me communicating each and every detail throughout to the guys and making sure that we’re all on the same page,” Smith said afterward. “If we’re all on the same page, we’re a tough defense to move the ball on. But, a lot of the things that happened were self-inflicted. … They made us pay for it.”
How Rashod Bateman plans to finally become a trusted target for Lamar Jackson
Giana Han, The Baltimore Banner
Simply put, Bateman needs to become the sort of receiver who meshes with Lamar Jackson, and he’s still figuring out what that means.
The Ravens front office, coaches and quarterback have all spoke highly of Bateman and his role in the offense with general manager Eric DeCosta going so far to say he’s been “bullish” on Bateman and that the extension was a “no-brainer.”
The first game wasn’t a great indicator of what this next chapter will look like — Bateman was targeted just five times with one of those being uncatchable, according to TruMedia — but it set some groundwork and demonstrated what more needs to happen.
Bateman has worked hard on himself to set up what the Ravens hope is a breakout season. But he alone cannot guarantee success. He must also build chemistry with his quarterback if he wants to get the ball in his hands.
Harbaugh’s prediction has not come true as of yet. Jackson and Bateman might love each other as teammates — they both speak highly of each other — but that chemistry hasn’t translated to the field consistently (he ranks 10th among players drafted that year in receiving yards and is tied for 14th in touchdown receptions.).
So how do you build a bond between two players with diametrically opposed styles, one who built his reputation on being disciplined and reliable, the other who is known for his unpredictability and ability to make the unexpected play?
“That’s a good question,” Bateman said. “But that’s a key point. Lamar’s a special player, so you just got to be able to adjust.”
Lamar Jackson Isn’t Worried About Too Much Physicality
Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com
Jackson shrugged off questions Wednesday about taking too much physical punishment in the season opener. Asked if running 16 times isn’t sustainable, Jackson said “I don’t know. I’m not trying to find out.”
“We’ve got Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, those guys,” Jackson said. “But I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. That type of game, sometimes you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.”
Despite reports that Jackson was too sore for Monday’s bonus practice, he said he was “good” and just took a day off. He returned to the field Wednesday looking like his usual self.
“I felt great. I’m not going to lie to you,” Jackson said. “At the end of the day, I’m a grown man too, just like those guys. I feel pretty good. I came out of the game pretty good. We’re going to keep it going.”
Jackson’s 16 runs against the Chiefs were the most he’s had in a game since 2021. Known for his deftness at avoiding big hits, Jackson took some shots in Kansas City.
Jackson averaged 7.6 yards per run on Thursday. His 122 rushing yards against the Chiefs were the most he’s had in a game since the COVID 2020 season. Since becoming the Ravens’ full-time starter, Jackson averaged a career-low 5.5 yards per carry last season.
Which 0-1 NFL teams should be worried? From Bengals to Giants and 14 others
Mike Jones, The Athletic
Result: Lost 27-20 to Kansas City Chiefs.
Reaction: Relax.
Yes, the Ravens are playing the could’ve-should’ve-would’ve game after yet another loss to Kansas City. And yes, they showed they have some things to work on to attain championship form. But they will likely rebound in a big way Sunday in Baltimore against the Raiders, and their prospects for contending for a top AFC playoff seed remain strong.
Week 2 NFL picks: Vikings upset 49ers, Patriots improve to 2-0, Giants top Commanders
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports
Las Vegas Raiders at Baltimore Ravens (-9.5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Paramount+)
This a second straight road game for the Raiders against a team playing its home opener with rest — and it’s on the East Coast. That’s a brutal trip for the Raiders. Their offense struggled against the Chargers and it will here. The Ravens won’t struggle. Lamar Jackson has a nice game.
Pick: Ravens 28, Raiders 16