Setting protections, stopping the run, and other keys to Chiefs/Ravens
I look at some of the things I'm watching for in the AFC Championship.
The whole “death, taxes, and…” cliche is about as worn out as… well, death and taxes. But if I WERE to say “death, taxes and…” it would undoubtedly be followed by “Patrick Mahomes being in the AFC Championship game.”
For the sixth straight season (SIX STRAIGHT SEASONS, people), the Chiefs are vying for the Lamar Hunt Trophy. The very worst result they’ve had from 2018 moving forward is losing in overtime in said game. That is a wild streak of success, surpassed only once in NFL history (you know by whom). And over those years they’ve faced a number of very, very good teams.
The 2018 Pats went on to win the Super Bowl. The 2019 Titans were an absurdly tough and well-coached team built to take advantage of KC’s weaknesses. The 2020 Bills had gone 13-3 and had an offense that could hang with Mahomes. The 2021 Bengals had Joe Burrow and Lou Anarumo. The 2022 Bengals (gestures at the last paragraph).
And now, the historic Baltimore Ravens are the opponent. Why do I say “historic?” Well, because in terms of DVOA (an advanced stat that gauges how well a team moves the ball or stops the ball in all phases), they’re one of the best in history. They’ve got Lamar Jackson and a powerful run game. They’ve got good receiving weapons (and Mark Andrews is back from injured reserve). They’ve got a defense that has been the best in the league, coached up by a phenomenal defensive coordinator in Mike MacDonald.
This is the toughest test the Chiefs have faced this season by a long shot. And so, like I have every other playoff game, I want to look at some of the things I think will be keys to Kansas City going to its fourth Super Bowl in six years (that sounds fake, but I assure you it’s not). I’ve thought about this game for… well, several weeks if I’m being honest (I had a feeling the Chiefs would be in this position).
This game is a bit unique in that there are two big matchups that I think will borderline decide the game (beyond the obvious, like turnovers and self-inflicted errors). Let’s talk about them, and then a few more things I’ll be watching for as the Chiefs try to get back to the Super Bowl.