In an early game on Sunday, the Baltimore Ravens will play the Kansas City Chiefs in the hopes of winning against the 2022–2023 Super Bowl Champions and securing a trip to the big event.
One might assume that standout quarterback Lamar Jackson is the Ravens’ x-factor on the day as they prepare to face Patrick Mahomes and the potent Chiefs offence. In actuality, defence will decide Baltimore’s outcome in this game, and defensive coordinator Mike McDonald of the Ravens has identified a player who could be the team’s x-factor against Mahomes and company.
A Martin Luther King Jr. double was recently seen at the Ravens game on the same day that Jim Harbaugh, the coach of Michigan that won the national title, was also present. The most recent predictions for the Chiefs vs. Ravens game were made public.
Let’s look at the Ravens defense’s x-factor, former Bears star and current defensive guru Roquan Smith, who few would have considered coming into this weekend’s game, with the game scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
For many years, Smith’s fierce play at linebacker made him nearly a household name in the Windy City.
Smith was forgotten once he left for Charm City, Maryland, and packed his luggage.
NFL fans have been closely monitoring the Ravens’ box scores, and they have seen how Zay Flowers, Gus Edwards, and Lamar Jackson have combined to become one of the league’s top offensive trios.
Smith and the Ravens’ defence are the x-factor when facing Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs because of their relative unknown.
In their game against the Buffalo Bills last week, the Chiefs scored 27 points. Mahomes found Kelce for two touchdown receptions, and Isiah Pacheco tormented the Bills’ front seven for 97 yards.
The Ravens, who now rank seventh in the NFL in that category, are experts at time of possession. It is hoped that in crucial circumstances, the Chiefs’ offence can be neutralised by the Ravens, keeping them off the field.
In order to accomplish that, Smith will need to play a strong game while covering the middle of the field for Coach John Harbaugh and Defensive Coordinator Mike McDonald.
This past Sunday, Smith led the Ravens with seven tackles, including two stops for loss. Malik Harrison and Patrick McQueen were next, each with five tackles.
The ability of the Ravens offence to control the ball and move the chains behind Jackson’s arm and legs, as well as the rushing of Gus Edwards and the receiving prowess of Flowers, frequently helps the defence.
