The Baltimore Ravens are off to a disappointing 1-2 start. On Sunday, they face a pivotal road game against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are also 1-2. This is as important a game as there can be in Week 4 as the Ravens try to get their season back on track.
While Lamar Jackson and the offense have looked great, Baltimore's defensive struggles have been detrimental. Let's dive into three Ravens who have underperformed so far and must play well on Sunday for Baltimore to avoid a truly disastrous start.
3 Ravens who must step up their game in Week 4
Roquan Smith
Roquan Smith is perhaps the most obvious player who must step up on Sunday. While he had a stellar outing in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns, Smith struggled on Monday night and in Week 1. The three-time All-Pro linebacker is typically considered the leader of the defense, and as the Ravens struggle on that end of the field, they can't afford for Smith to have another bad game.
Smith has posted a 69.6 PFF grade through three games, including an abysmal 27.9 PFF grade on Monday, where he played every snap. The Georgia product failed to pressure Jared Goff and stop the Detroit Lions' explosive run game. He looked a step too slow on multiple occasions. This, in part, led to the Lions racking up 426 total yards. Overall, the Ravens have ranked dead last in yards given up, and Smith hasn't helped solve this issue.
Smith's impact will be especially vital with Nnamdi Madubuike missing his second straight game. Additionally, Broderick Washington is out, and Kyle Van Noy and Travis Jones are questionable.
While the Chiefs are just 22nd in points per game and haven't looked as explosive as they usually are, the Ravens can't let Patrick Mahomes be comfortable in the pocket. In terms of pressuring Mahomes and stopping the run, Smith will be crucial.
Mike Green
Another player who will be vital to the Ravens' defense will be rookie Mike Green. Green will take on a bigger role as an edge rusher due to the various injuries on defense. Last week, he was on the field for 76 percent of the snaps, which was a high through three games; this trend will likely continue in Week 4. However, Green has only recorded three solo tackles so far and has a 40.9 PFF grade.
Despite his struggles, Green came into the league as an elite pass rusher, posting an NCAA-leading 17 sacks at Marshall. Similar to Smith, Green will be a key part in pressuring Mahomes and stopping the run. If the second-round pick is able to have a big game, the Ravens could be in for a bounce-back win. Conversely, if Green struggles, it could be connected with another poor defensive showing for the Ravens as a unit.
Andrew Vorhees
Other than defense, protection has been a key issue for the Ravens. Notably, they gave up seven sacks and 30 pressures on Monday. Overall, the Ravens have allowed 12 sacks, which is among the most in the league. Andrew Vorhees' early-season struggles have been clear. He has posted a 43.1 PFF grade so far. Furthermore, the USC product has allowed five pressures.
Ronnie Stanley is questionable, so protecting the left side of the field for Jackson will be crucial. Some people have called for Vorhees to be benched, but that feels unlikely given John Harbaugh's track record.
The Chiefs don't have an elite pass rush. Nevertheless, they're an experienced group, and Steve Spagnuolo is a fantastic defensive coordinator who knows how to dial up pressure, especially against a struggling Ravens' line. Ultimately, Vorhees holding up will be essential for the Ravens playing at their best.