Ravens at Chiefs - Playoff Game Preview

So now for the good -- what needs to happen for the Chiefs to beat the Ravens this Sunday. We already know that the Chiefs had a very poor game coming in and the Ravens are a very good team the likes of which the Chiefs have not faced this year. So let's just accept that going in and go over a bit of what the Chiefs genuinely do well that can get them the dubya.

They run the ball exceptionally well, this almost goes without saying. The Chiefs rushing game led the NFL by far. Jamaal Charles is an All-Pro who toyed with breaking Jim Brown's all-time NFL record for most rushing yards per carry. I didn't stay and see it, did he get it? He was at around that record of 6.4 throughout the game. Whatever the case, Charles is a game-breaker, and the Chiefs are a terrific big play team. They also get solid chunks of yardage from Thomas Jones, and coach Todd Haley uses the tandem very well. If the Chiefs can get that part of their game going and keep the game close so they stay a critical factor, they have a great chance.

I have to add that our offensive line has got to step it up. They have played extraordinarily well at times this year, particularly in games after poor showings. This game would definitely fit that description. The Raiders debacle may be a wonderful blessing if those five can pick out where they missed it and how they get back in it and open those holes for the backs. I also noted that Brian Waters was selected to another Pro Bowl. Kudos to Brian -- I'm looking forward to seeing him blow out some nice lanes for our backs.

That O-line must also play like maniacs in protecting Matt Cassel. He was smothered in the Raiders game, but I think at least some of that was Cassel just not doing things like stepping up and just flat-out getting rid of the football. That has been a tick in Cassel's game since he's been with the Chiefs, but the fact is, this year he has turned it around and shown he can play extraordinary football.

That presents another great thing about this team. Our quarterback. Cassel has really had a spectacular season. His phenomenal TD to INT ratio is a testament to his terrific decision-making. He is also a real gamer who will not tolerate losing. That intense fortitude rubs off on the whole team.

Cassel also has a receiver who is yet another Chiefs All-Pro, Dwayne Bowe. That combination is one of the best in football. And even though you gotta wonder when the opponent's defense will triple cover Bowe -- it just seems the other Chiefs receivers never get the ball -- the Cassel-to-Bowe connection has been reliable all season long. That long touchdown pass-play in the Tennessee game when Bowe plucked a strike from Cassel between five Titans defenders was a thing of beauty. It'll be a challenge against the very tough Baltimore defense, but if Cassel and Bowe are in sync we'll be fine.

Our defense has had those few awful games this year, but it has also had those several stellar games. It has ranked in the top half  of all NFL defenses through the year. Tamba Hali should have been an All-Pro, and by himself had, what, 14, 15 sacks this year? Remember when the entire team was at or near a record low of sacks for the whole year?

If we can get a good game from Derrick Johnson, we should be able to stuff the Ravens offense. He's always been inconsistent, but this year he's stepped it up and done splendidly in several games.

Our defensive backfield is one of the team's strengths. Brandon Flowers has had an off year, but he's still good. Brandon Carr can play great at the other corner. Our new rookie safety Eric Berry has learned and learned and learned some more, and he has become a true NFL player out there.

An added fine thing is the team's excellent turnover ratio. They haven't gotten a whopping number of turnovers, but they've rarely turned the ball over. When they're on, the Chiefs do a great job of controlling the tempo of a game. Get that awesome running game churning, mix in those crisp Cassel to Bowe passes, and play solid containment defense -- all things we've done really well -- and we'll win.

Our special teams have also done well, and I should add that it feels real good to have a very good punter to keep the offense on their heels, and -- yes, we can say it! -- a very dependable kicker whom we will really need when so many Ravens games come down to a field goal to win it.

Finally I can't neglect to comment on the coaching. Todd Haley is definitely a Coach of the Year candidate. He has steadfastly molded the character of this team, and he is a never-say-die tactician. Some of his decisions this year have been puzzling, but more times than not he's done some wonderfully innovative things and they've worked. He's not splashy, he doesn't overreach, and gets the most from what he has.

The main intangible is the New Arrowhead. If the fans can be in the game and roaring as they should be, that could be an extra little thing that could shake the Ravens. In what should be a close game, that notorious Arrowhead crowd could be a gamebreaker.

The best part is that if we can explode with three or four big plays like we are so capable of, it may not even be close.

Go Chiefs!
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