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The absolute slug-fest in Kansas City ended with far more positives than negatives, in my mind. We witnessed an incredible game between two incredible squads and the home team ended with the narrowest of margins.
Fortunately, we won’t only go off my opinions of the game. Instead, we can read over the stats PFF was gracious enough to send Baltimore Beatdown’s way.
OFFENSE
TEs Maxx Williams and Nick Boyle both helped power the Ravens’ ground game, earning 92.3 and 88.5 run blocking grades respectively. Each ranks in top 10 run blocking TEs so far this season (Williams 8th, Boyle 10th).
It’s been a unique transition for the Ravens in the tight end department. The consistent threat of Dennis Pitta turned into the ageing Dallas Clark, followed by Benjamin Watson. After multiple injuries were sustained to the unit through the years, the team has found themselves with an assortment of young talent, almost all of which is utilized heavily in the blocking game. It’s been a sight to see as Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards Jr. and Kenneth Dixon have literally ran the ball full drives for touchdowns now, and it doesn’t happen without these two in the fold.
46.4% of QB Lamar Jackson dropbacks were play action passes, the highest percentage among QBs in Week 14. On those plays, he completed 5-of-11 attempts for 63 yards and both his touchdowns.
When Edwards Jr. or Dixon are being utilized so extensively, you obviously must incorporate faking the run. I like the idea of heavy play action due to the nature of the Ravens’ offense right now. Now, we need to see Jackson complete the passes.
DEFENSE
OLB Matthew Judon racked up the pressures against Kansas City’s offensive line, recorded a season high ten in total - one sack, four hits and five hurries. He ranked fifth in Pass Rushing Productivity among edge rushers in Week 14 (14.7).
If not for Patrick Mahomes being a mutant, Judon may have the single-game sack record. On at least ten occasions, Matt was able to beat his opponent and get after the quarterback. I believe he’s hitting his stride now and hopefully they can close it out strong.
Jimmy Smith earned a 72.9 coverage grade, this highest mark on the defense on a rough day for the secondary. He allowed eight of nine targets completed for 63 yards and a pass break up.
Not a good game by the secondary as Eric Weddle, Marlon Humphrey and Smith couldn’t contain Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill. While they contained the Chiefs offense to 27 total points, they failed to tackle and close out the game for a victory. They must figure it out if they want to make the playoffs and have a chance at vengeance.