Chiefs show 'Skins how to beat Ravens

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Tue Oct 05, 2004 11:22 pm

Chiefs show 'Skins how to beat Ravens
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BALTIMORE--Sometimes, when a football team is struggling and the coaches' vision gets fuzzy from analyzing too much game film, it helps to take a break and just watch TV. A good sitcom might be the ticket, but since there aren't many, Monday Night Football suffices.

If the Washington Redskins were paying attention last night, they learned a few things about the Baltimore Ravens in their 27-24 loss to Kansas City. It may come in handy, since the Ravens' next game just happens to come on Sunday night at FedEx Field.

On their first offensive snap last night, the Chiefs lined up and pushed Baltimore's defensive front backwards about five yards. Priest Holmes, quality back that he is, picked up three more on his own.

The tone was established. The Chiefs marched steadily downfield on an efficient 10-play, 60-yard drive, capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass from former Redskin Trent Green to tight end Jason Dunn.

Later in the first half, the Chiefs put on a clinic of a 14-play, 79-yard drive that consumed 8:08 and broke a 10-10 tie. The march featured plenty of power running by Holmes, with a couple of key passes from Green to keep the Ravens off balance. Holmes scored from 3 yards out.

Kansas City ate up most of the third quarter on a 13-play, 80-yard possession that ended with Holmes' second TD, a 1-yarder. In all, the Chiefs had held the ball nearly three times as long as the Ravens did.

Baltimore stayed close thanks to a flea-flicker touchdown pass, a punt-return score and a dubious pass-interference call that set up another TD.

The Ravens' defense is fearsome, but if there's a weak spot, it's the front three. When Baltimore won the Super Bowl four years ago, the unsung heroes were run-stuffing tackles Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa.

Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has shifted to a 3-4 alignment to exploit the talents of his deep linebacker corps, but the result has been a sacrifice of beef up front.

A powerful offensive line and a shifty running back are always a good recipe for success (and the Chiefs have both). They work particularly well against a speedy, ball-hawking defense that loves to force opponents into third-and-long situations. The Chiefs also minimized Ray Lewis by putting a big body on him--and they don't come much bigger than Redskins guard Derrick Dockery.

As the Redskins will do on Sunday, the Chiefs faced the Ravens last night in crisis mode. Picked by some as a Super Bowl contender, they brought an 0-3 record to Charm City. Also, like Washington, Kansas City seems to go through timeouts like Gatorade; the Chiefs burned three in the first quarter.

There's one key difference between the Chiefs and Joe Gibbs' sputtering offense: Holmes routinely hangs on to the ball, while Clinton Portis' penchant for fumbles is becoming an epidemic.

To be successful Sunday night, the Redskins will have to control the ball--and the clock--and make sure that Lewis' tackles come five yards downfield. Sort of the way the Chiefs did last night. Kansas City went semi-conservative to take the heat off its pathetic defense, but it can mask offensive shortcomings, too.

See? Things can turn around when you execute. If the Redskins were paying attention, last night's game film could become this week's game plan.

ArmyHog · Post by **ArmyHog** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 5:04 am

It sounds great, and I hope we can execute. The part that I am worried about is the push by the O'line. If we could connect on some pass plays our life would be that much easier.

Maybe Joe G will reach into the bag of tricks this game to get an offensive spark. We haven't seen that yet!

ANT7088 · Post by **ANT7088** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 7:51 am

Why do we always have to play a team that just came off a loss & will be really hugry?????

chicosbailbond · Post by **chicosbailbond** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:13 am

one thing i noticed from the monday night game was the ravens defensive backs and linebackers still hit receivers past 5 yards... if we get decent referee play this weekend... we should get some calls our way... i just have a feeling this will make a big impact on the game...

gibbsfan · Post by **gibbsfan** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 8:45 am

ANT7088 wrote:Why do we always have to play a team that just came off a loss & will be really hugry?????

and they will have one crazy ray lewis with them too.kc really went after ray and i,m hoping we can do the same by going right at him with bodies. yes they will be hungry and i was thinking the samething you were every team we play the following week is coming off a loss it seems.
go skins! beat those ravens on sunday night.

hkiss444 · Post by **hkiss444** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 10:33 am

KC's offensive line was dominating in the game against the Ravens. I am not sure the Redskins line is as good a run blocking team as KC's team. Ray Lewis had one of the worst games I have ever seen him play. KC's receivers always seemed to be in the open space. I don't recall the Redskins receivers in open space all year. I like the fact that so many people are underestimating Joe Gibbs right now. I think he is going to silence all the critics this week.

Justice Hog · Post by **Justice Hog** » Wed Oct 06, 2004 12:36 pm

Thank you hkiss, you took the words right out of my mouth/hands.