The Baltimore Ravens fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, suffering an ugly 37-20 loss. Despite a strong start on offense that saw Baltimore score effortlessly on their opening drive, things unraveled from that point on.
The team fell short in all three phases. Like usual, the defense failed to get stops, but even the offense and special teams unit struggled to find a rhythm on Sunday. The offense committed two turnovers, and the return game lacked electricity.
The absence of consistent playmaking ability in the running game and on special teams is a significant problem, especially if Baltimore continues to fall behind in games due to their leaky defense. If they can find that spark, they should better control the football and pace of the game. The annoying part of it all is the fact that the spark they need is already on their roster.
Third-string running back and starting kick returner Rasheen Ali has made plays on special teams this year. He is a key contributor on the coverage unit and provides stability as a returner. However, Week 4 was a different story. Ali muffed a return opportunity, set the Ravens up in horrible field position, and had just 31 yards on two returns. With the abysmal performance from Ali and the lack of juice on the team’s rushing attack, it might be the perfect time to unleash Keaton Mitchell.
Rasheen Ali may have left the door cracked open for Keaton Mitchell
Mitchell has been a healthy scratch for all four games. The electrifying playmaker looks like he is back to his 2023 self after recovering from the horrific knee injury he suffered in his rookie year. However, Head Coach John Harbaugh and the coaching staff have yet to find a spot for him.
Harbaugh wants to see more from him on special teams. In addition to kick returns, Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton mentioned Mitchell would play a role as a gunner as well. However, Mitchell’s potential as a big-play game-changer is too good to leave on the bench, and given the state of the Ravens’ season, it might be the right moment to give the 23-year-old a shot.
Since Derrick Henry’s 169-yard performance in Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills, Baltimore has failed to establish a run game. Henry looked back to his usual self against the Chiefs, but once again, the Ravens could not find a consistent rhythm on the ground, and the rushing attack was sifted out of the game plan.
With the addition of Mitchell, there would be a strong balance between Henry’s ground-and-pound playstyle and Mitchell’s elusiveness in the open field. It would add a new dynamic to Baltimore’s threatening run game, which has quickly become one-dimensional due to Baltimore’s struggling offensive line.
Week 5 against the Houston Texans should be an easier test for the Ravens, which makes it the perfect opportunity to test Mitchell’s special teams ability and implement him in the offense.