Baltimore Ravens’ fans saw one of their biggest AFC rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, lose to the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday, 27-21. As if it was not already sweet enough to see a heated competitor drop to 0-1, the way in which Kansas City’s defense was dismantled was the cherry on top.
When Greg Roman took over as offensive coordinator for the Chargers in 2024, most Ravens fans were stunned that he found his way back into the league. However, he proved to everyone that he is a changed man on Friday night.
Roman called an exceptional game against the Chiefs, and he did so in shocking fashion–relying on the pass rather than the run. Whether it was during his time with the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, or Ravens, Roman has always led an elite run-first offense, but almost always had a lackluster passing game. That changed in Week 1, when he let quarterback Justin Herbert sling it en route to an upset win.
Ravens fans left stunned as Greg Roman delivers offensive onslaught vs. Chiefs
The Chargers had 90 rushing yards against Kansas City, letting the opposition outgain them by eight yards on the ground. However, for the first time in what feels like forever under Roman, the passing game was electric. Herbert went 25/34 through the air, accounting for 318 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also kept the ball secure, as Los Angeles did not turn the ball over.
Last year, the Chargers passed for over 300 yards just twice. They also ran for over 100 yards in over half of their match, reaching that total in nine of their 17 regular-season contests. It was a complete switch-up to what fans have become accustomed to seeing from Roman, but the offense operated to near perfection with the increased focus on passing the ball to the likes of Ladd McConkey, Keenan Allen, and Quentin Johnston.
Despite that increased focus on airing out the football, Los Angeles still was able to win the time of possession by a considerable margin, a Greg Roman staple. They controlled the game from start to finish, and their win was encapsulated by near flawless perfection in the red zone.
While it is just one game, it was a showing that definitely caught NFL fans off guard. From the play calling to the route combinations, Roman brought a level of passing expertise that likely no one was prepared to see against the Chiefs. It was a new and improved style from the former Ravens’ offensive coordinator, but Baltimore fans still certainly have their doubts about whether it will continue or if Roman will once again go back to his one-dimensional rushing ways.