3 Baltimore Ravens Takeaways After Week 1 Loss To Chiefs

The Baltimore Ravens took their second loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in two games that count. Both games gave Lamar Jackson the opportunity to prove that you don’t need a great arm to beat the best. In both the AFC Championship game and the Week 1 follow-up, Jackson slipped up.

In the wake of the loss, here are three key Ravens takeaways from the game.

Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line needs improvement

In August, the Ravens’ offensive line coach sadly passed away. His replacement, George Warhop, appears to still be settling into the swing of things. Whether it was that, an inconsistent referee job, or any combination of other factors, the Ravens clearly need their offensive line to get in sync.

Multiple penalties damaged drives and even worse, forced Jackson to play out of rhythm. On the penultimate play of the game, Jackson missed a wide-open receiver in the end zone due to the pressure caused by the Chiefs.

Going forward, Baltimore’s offensive line will need to come together and open holes for the running backs, and keep its quarterback clean.

Derrick Henry decline might be continuing in 2024

Derrick Henry came into the season following a 400-yard decrease from 2022 to 2023. As one of the biggest off-season additions to the team, he faces pressure to serve as the final piece.

However, in Henry’s debut with the team, he rushed for just 46 yards and averaged a mere 3.5 yards per carry. He did look good in the lone touchdown, but he will need to do much more to help the Ravens this season.

If he maintains a 3.5 yards per carry average, this could be a one-and-done season with the Ravens for the age-30 running back.

Even with the offensive line struggles, Henry will be at least somewhat held responsible if his yards per carry slip in a third consecutive season of decline.

Isaiah Likely appears to be the Baltimore Ravens’ true starter at tight end

Heading into the 2023 season, Mark Andrews was objectively the starting tight end for the Ravens. However, following an injury, Isaiah Likely took over and was dominant in the final month of the year.

With Andrews healthy, it seemed that Likely was in to at least get a shot as the starter for a time. But based on the looks that Likely received and how he performed against the Chiefs, the depth chart can be rolled up and thrown into the trash.

At least in the passing game, Likely appears to be the starter. Likely recorded nine catches for 111 yards and a touchdown. He also nearly had a game-winning touchdown but stepped out of bounds by a toenail.

Still, it is clear that he might not just be the Baltimore Ravens’ starting tight end, but the top receiver for Jackson this season.

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