The Chiefs' 3 biggest questions about the Ravens in Week 4
With Week 3’s 22-9 victory over the New York Giants (https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kansas-city-chiefs-news/182061/final-score-chiefs-beat-giants-22-9-in-week-3) on the books, the Kansas City Chiefs (https://www.arrowheadpride.com/) are now looking for the young season’s second win. But on Sunday afternoon, they’ll face a tough test as they host the Baltimore Ravens (https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/) at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Here’s what I’m curious about as the game begins:
- Can the Chiefs leverage Baltimore’s shaky run defense?
Baltimore’s run defense has been a mess, ranking 31st in defensive rushing EPA, 32nd in rushing success rate allowed, and 25th in yards per carry. The issue starts at the offensive line—especially after Nnamdi Madubuike’s injury. Broderick Washington isn’t effective against the run, and Travis Jones is explosive but struggles to anchor. Washington will also miss Sunday, while Jones is questionable (https://www.arrowheadpride.com/kansas-city-chiefs-injuries/182542/chiefs-ravens-week-4-friday-injury-report-mike-danna-downgraded). In past years, nose tackle Michael Pearce helped mask these flaws. Without him, the Ravens’ weaknesses are exposed.
This puts pressure on linebacker Roquan Smith, who thrives when kept clean but can be overwhelmed by offensive linemen. Baltimore’s other linebackers—Malik Harrison, Teddy Buchanan, and Trenton Simpson—don’t hold up as well. The Detroit Lions (https://www.prideofdetroit.com/) proved this last week, running directly at them. The Chiefs’ ground game hasn’t been reliable either. Kareem Hunt struggles to gain more than three yards, and Isiah Pacheco hasn’t looked sharp. However, the offense found rhythm in the second half against the Giants, offering a glimmer of hope.
Andy Reid’s decision to commit to the run could determine the outcome. If he sticks with it, the Ravens’ biggest weakness—size on the defensive line—might be exposed. But if he shifts focus, the game could become a shootout.
- What’s Kansas City’s plan for the Ravens’ rushing attack?
Last season, the Chiefs faced Derrick Henry’s first game with Lamar Jackson. At that point, the Ravens hadn’t yet figured out how to maximize their new backfield. Since then, they’ve built a true offensive juggernaut. Henry and Jackson function like dual gravitational forces; one false step can lead to a touchdown.
The Lions showed one way to limit them: using their massive defensive tackles to clog lanes and prevent Henry from finding his rhythm. After an early long touchdown, Detroit neutralized him. The Chiefs lack that size. Instead, they’ll rely on their linebackers—Leo Chenal, built for this type of game, can absorb blocks and hold their ground. This could mean more 3-3-5 looks or heavier fronts to keep the Ravens from creating double-teams.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s creativity will be tested. The Ravens (and Bills) are two AFC teams built to punish smaller defensive tackles. This matchup could reveal whether that weakness can derail the Chiefs’ defense.
- Can the Chiefs get more from their defensive rookies?
Not every question is about this week’s opponent. Sometimes, it’s about the bigger picture. The team’s long-term storylines revolve around Spagnuolo’s three rookies: Omarr Norman-Lott, Ashton Gillotte, and Nohl Williams.
Williams has seen the most action thanks to Kristian Fulton’s injury. In dime situations, he’s been asked to play outside, letting Trent McDuffie shift into the slot. So far, he’s held his own, staying with receivers and rarely being targeted. Giving him more snaps in nickel could help reduce the workload on Chamarri Conner or Jaden Hicks.
Gillotte might have the most upside. Mike Danna is hurt, and before that, Charles Omenihu wasn’t producing. Neither is providing much pass rush, while Gillotte flashes twitch and creativity others lack. In a front desperate for additional pass-rushing help, Gillotte deserves a longer look.
Norman-Lott, the defensive tackle rotation already makes room for him alongside Chris Jones. He doesn’t have the size of a traditional nose tackle, but his athleticism and pass-rushing ability are clear upgrades. Like Gillotte, he can give Kansas City the juice it needs.
If the Chiefs continue to develop contributions from this rookie trio, it could patch over some of the defensive line’s depth issues while adding fresh energy to Spagnuolo’s rotations.
The bottom line:
The Chiefs are facing a true measuring-stick game. Baltimore’s weaknesses align with Kansas City’s own struggles, while the Ravens’ strengths target the Chiefs’ most glaring concern: size on the defensive line.
Can Andy Reid finally commit to the run? Can Spagnuolo scheme around Lamar and Henry? And will the rookies step up?
We’ll start getting answers on Sunday.
