Desperate times
Ravens, Chiefs share shocking early struggles as they meet Sunday.
Associated Press photo
In the spring, when CBS programmed this Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens into the prestigious 4:25 p.m. time slot, NFL executives probably envisioned a highly rated potential AFC championship game preview.
Instead, it looks to be a weekend edition of the network’s long-running realty show, Survivor.
Barring an unlikely tie, one of these two proud franchises will walk off the field with a 1-3 record and a rather steep path simply to reach the playoffs. The other will reach the unofficial quarter pole of the season at 2-2, but with lots of questions remaining.
To be clear, a slow start isn’t a death sentence in the NFL, not with a 17-game schedule and three wild cards in each conference. But it’s clear that neither the Chiefs nor the Ravens are playing up to their potential — or their lofty expectations.
Many observers expected Kansas City to take a step back this season after nine straight AFC West titles, five conference championships in the past six years and three Lombardi Trophies. Age and the lack of playmaking targets for Patrick Mahomes, whether through injury or suspension, made it almost inevitable that the Chiefs would regress (at least by their standards).
The Ravens are more of a stunner, and it starts with a defense ranked dead last in the 32-team NFL in yards allowed (415 per game), 31st in points allowed (32.0), 31st against the pass and 30th against the run. Anyone who tuned in for Monday night’s shootout loss to Detroit probably didn’t recognize a once-proud unit that suddenly has become porous.
Lamar Jackson’s offense has done its part, rolling up a league-high 37 points per game. But running back Derrick Henry has uncharacteristically lost key fumbles in both of the Ravens’ defeats, and the offensive line couldn’t adequately protect Jackson from Detroit’s fearsome pass rush Monday night.
Of course, the Ravens have faced two of the league’s best teams in Buffalo and Detroit in their first three games. After Sunday, the slate gets much more forgiving. But will they be in a deep hole as they try to get Jackson to the Super Bowl for the first time in his illustrious career?
For Mahomes, the title game is an annual expectation. But the normally explosive Chiefs offense has been rather pedestrian, averaging just 20 points per game. It’s been the defense that has carried the team for a change this year.
Whether it’s age (almost 36) or wedding plans, Travis Kelce hasn’t been himself. He has just 10 receptions in three games, and his bobble of a potential go-ahead touchdown pass against the Eagles two weeks ago arguably cost the Chiefs a victory.
The good news: Xavier Worthy may return from a shoulder injury Sunday. But fellow receiver Rashee Rice has served only half of his six-game league suspension after he pleaded guilty to two felony chargers following a massive car pileup last year.
As we’ve said, even for Sunday’s loser, the season isn’t over. But with the L.A. Chargers looking like the early class of the AFC West and Pittsburgh dangerous for as long as Aaron Rodgers stays healthy, the road even to the playoffs will be challenging for both teams.
Who’d have thought desperation, not domination, would be the key story line Sunday?
NFL POWER RANKINGS
1. Eagles (3-0) After dramatic win over Rams, defense braces for Bucs showdown.
2. Bills (3-0) James Cook justifies contract with rush TDs in seven straight games.
3. Chargers (3-0) Rookie RB Hampton gets his chance after Najee Harris’ injury.
4. Colts (3-0) Freed from Giants’ dysfunction, Daniel Jones is league’s top story.
5. Packers (2-1) Spotlight shifts from shocking loss to Parsons’ return to Dallas.
6. 49ers (3-0) Joey Bosa is the latest star to fall victim to Niners’ injury plague.
7. Buccaneers (3-0) Hamstring injury sidelines Mike Evans for Eagles showdown.
8. Lions (2-1) Two-headed rushing attack makes new coordinator look good.
9. Rams (2-1) Shoddy blocking for field goal attempts continue to be an issue.
10. Commanders (2-1) Daniels may return this week, but McLaurin may not play.
11. Vikings (2-1) Preparing for two straight European games, starting with Steelers.
12. Steelers (2-1) They keep winning close games, even when not at top form.
13. Ravens (1-2) Defense is shockingly last in yards allowed, 31st in points ceded.
14. Chiefs (1-2) Getting healthier after breaking through with first win of season.
15. Seahawks (2-1) Have won seven straight vs. Cards entering Thursday’s game.
16. Cardinals (2-1) Losing RB Conner for the season is a big blow to offense.
17. Broncos (1-2) Bo Nix is enduring a sophomore slump and team is suffering.
18. Bengals (2-1) Jake Browning is clearly a huge step down from Joe Burrow.
19. Falcons (1-2) Could Cousins regain QB1 after Penix’s extended struggles?
20. Browns (1-2) Defense is carrying almost all of the load through three games.
21. Raiders (1-2) Porous offensive line is giving Geno Smith little time to throw.
22. Jaguars (2-1) Vastly improved defense has them back in South contention.
23. Bears (1-2) Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson showed best-case scenario.
24. Patriots (1-2) Corner Gonzalez’s return could help a defense than needs him.
25. Panthers (1-2) Shocking shutout of the Falcons encourages downtrodden fans.
26. Cowboys (1-2) If anyone knows how dangerous Parsons is, it’s Dallas.
27. Texans (0-3) Offense is putrid, so they cut safety Gardner-Johnson.
28. Jets (0-3) Amid dreadful start, defense loses two more starters.
29. Titans (0-3) Will a change of play-callers spark a struggling offense?
30. Giants (0-3) Jaxson Dart gets a challenging first start the vs. Chargers.
31. Dolphins (0-3) If they can’t beat the Jets, McDaniel may be first coach out.
32. Saints (0-3) The ‘Aints’ bags are back after a blowout loss to Seattle.
Patrick Holmes?