Ravens vs. Chiefs: 5 key matchups to watch in Week 2
By Jihad Miller
1. Ravens offensive line vs. Chiefs pass rush
The injury bug continues to plague the Ravens this season. According to Jason La Canfora, All-Pro tackle Ronnie Stanley is expected to miss this week’s game and potentially more time due to his ankle injury from last season.
The Ravens are preparing to be without All Pro LT Ronnie Stanley this week and possibly far longer ad he undergoes more medical testing. Villanueva slides back to LT, his natural spot, with Patrick Makari next up to RT. OL was already under fire before this setback
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 16, 2021
This is devastating news for them after the offensive line struggled mightily last week against the Raiders. While the interior linemen played well last week, the tackles had trouble with speed rushers.
Now they have to deal with Chris Jones and Frank Clark who are better players than anyone in the Raiders front-seven.
The Ravens have no chance in this game if they cannot protect Lamar Jackson. With their best pass protector out, that task will be even more difficult.
Due to Stanley’s injury, Alejandro Villanueva is being moved back to his natural left tackle spot and Patrick Mekari is sliding to right tackle.
This is concerning because Mekari doesn’t have many reps at tackle. His natural position is center, but the Ravens have moved him all over the offensive line during his tenure with the team.
Hopefully, Villanueva will play better now that he is back to his normal position. However, dealing with Chris Jones is a very difficult task. Expect their tight ends to chip the edge rushers to help try to slow them down.
Next. Complete list of all Ravens injured players so far in 2021. dark
The play of the offensive line will decide this game for the Ravens. If they can somehow give Jackson enough time to find his targets, then they have a chance of winning this game.
If not then, it will be a long night for them.