September 28, 2003|By Jamison Hensley
SCOUTING REPORT
SCOUTING REPORT
Ravens run offense vs. Chiefs run defense -- RAVENS
Jamal Lewis has gained 496 yards rushing this season while the rest of the offense has produced 377 yards. Defenses stack the line to stop the run and the league's top-ranked ground game plows through in the same fashion as the Super Bowl run three years ago. Unlike that season, Lewis has shown the ability to be more explosive after breaking through the line. The Chiefs have the ninth-best run defense after containing LaDainian Tomlinson and Amos Zereoue but have not faced a power back like Lewis. Kansas City's ability to crowd the line will be limited since strong safety Greg Wesley (probable, back) will not be at full strength.
Ravens pass offense vs. Chiefs pass defense -- CHIEFS
There's a premium on protecting the ball against Kansas City, which leads the AFC with seven interceptions and has returned two for touchdowns. Ravens quarterback Kyle Boller has slowly been progressing with his reads while getting little help from his receivers outside of tight end Todd Heap. That combination has the Ravens ranked last in passing and 24th in third-down efficiency. Pass protection has to be better as well, with center Mike Flynn taking on Chiefs nose tackle Ryan Sims (two sacks) and left tackle Jonathan Ogden matching up against defensive end Vonnie Holliday (four). The Chiefs' secondary has dominated young quarterbacks Drew Brees and David Carr, holding them each to under 203 yards passing.
Chiefs run offense vs. Ravens run defense -- EVEN
Running back Priest Holmes, who is questionable with a hip injury, has totaled at least 85 yards rushing and two touchdowns in each of his first three games. The NFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year gains most of his yards on outside sweeps, following his big and athletic linemen. The Ravens fell from No. 6 to No. 15 in run defense after giving up 105 yards to San Diego's Tomlinson. But the Ravens have allowed running backs to gain back-to-back 100-yard games only once in the past five years. The quickness of the Ravens' defense could negate the Chiefs' ability to attack the edges.
Chiefs pass offense vs. Ravens pass defense -- CHIEFS
The slight edge goes to the Chiefs because of their big-play ability. Trent Green is averaging an NFL-best 8.26 yards per attempt and is completing 64.2 percent of his throws. The downfall of throwing downfield has been five interceptions. Kansas City has no clear-cut No. 1 receiver and relies on Holmes and tight end Tony Gonzalez. The Ravens, who have given up six passes covering 20 or more yards, face their biggest test since their season-opening meltdown in Pittsburgh. The secondary receives a boost with the return of cornerback Chris McAlister, who was benched last game for violating team rules. Pass rushers Peter Boulware and Terrell Suggs have a tough matchup with Chiefs tackles Willie Roaf and John Tait.
Special teams -- CHIEFS
The Ravens could neutralize electric returner Dante Hall if kickoff specialist Wade Richey can record touchbacks and punter Dave Zastudil can angle kicks to the sidelines. Hall leads the league in kickoff (33.6-yard average) and punt returns (19.8), scoring touchdowns each way this season. As far as coverage teams, the Ravens rank first on kickoffs and 15th on punts. Kansas City kicker Morten Andersen has converted both of his field-goal tries this season -- each over 40 yards -- and the Ravens' Matt Stover has hit four of five attempts.
Intangibles -- RAVENS
Any emotional advantage for Holmes in his return is offset by Jamal Lewis wanting to out-do his mentor. This is the first tough road test for the Chiefs this season. Going against unbeaten Kansas City, the Ravens have taken a "nothing-to-lose" attitude and will come in loose. Kansas City is in search of its first 4-0 start since 1996.
Prediction -- CHIEFS
The Ravens will find a way to hang around with a strong effort from their defense. But too many turnovers and too few weapons in the passing game will be the Ravens' undoing. Chiefs, 20-13.
BREAKDOWN
Records
Chiefs 3-0 Ravens 2-1
Line
Chiefs by 3
Vs. spread
Chiefs 3-0 Ravens 2-1
Series
Chiefs lead 1-0
Last meeting
Chiefs won, 35-8, on Oct. 21, 1999, in Baltimore.
NFL rankings
Chiefs offense: Overall (4), rush (4), pass (15).
Chiefs defense: Overall (17), rush (9), pass (24).
Ravens offense: Overall (21), rush (1), pass (32).
Ravens defense: Overall (13), rush (15), pass (15).
Quick hits
In Chiefs RB Priest Holmes' past seven games, he has 1,003 yards rushing (5.8 per carry) and 12 rushing TDs.
Ravens rookie LB Terrell Suggs ranks fifth in the AFC with three sacks.
Ravens rookie Kyle Boller has the worst passer rating (53.9) of any quarterback who has played in three games this season.
Injuries
