Quote:
Originally Posted by Hammock Parties
Only thing that worries me in this game is easy scores for the Ravens.
Hollywood Brown CANNOT get behind Thornhill. He has to be on his game tonight.
If we don't give them any easy scores, and Lamar doesn't just run wild scrambling on our linebackers, we got this.
No 60 yard broken coverages, no 40 yard scrambles.
Even with that, it's Mahomes. We'll be fine.  |
I think the Chiefs D has to make Lamar uncomfortable. When he has time in the pocket, or isn't under duress on designed roll-outs, he has enough talent to find and hit the open guys. The moment he's under pressure, he's done for the most part (I suppose most QBs not named Pat Mahomes or Aaron Rodgers are), and his instincts always go to "run".....
Of course, he's really good escaping that pressure, so if we can somehow keep him somewhat contained and in the pocket, but with hands in his face, I don't think he can beat us. Of course, this assumes we do a reasonable job stopping the run. All of this is easier said than done, but we don't need a dominant defensive effort, we really only need a few stops along the way.
And while history isn't indicative of the here and now, we have plenty of evidence that Lamar folds in the biggest moments. Maybe that's changed with a little more experience, but who knows (hell, it was only three games and a long offseason with no preseason ago - not sure how you fix "mental" in three games).
The one thing I do know is the Chiefs have a guy that elevates the team at the most critical and crucial moments...It's a proven commodity. Regular seasons wins are great, and Lamar Jackson is a great talent, but mental toughness is hard to teach. You either have it or you don't, and while I think Lamar is definitely better with his experience now v. 1.5 years ago, He still reverts back to who he is when facing immense pressure: a very talented runner with very inaccurate and flawed throwing mechanics.