6 winners and 1 loser from Chiefs’ Week 4 victory over Ravens: Kansas City dominates on both sides of the ball
Almost all positives across the board for the Chiefs in Week 4.
The Kansas City Chiefs had their most dominant victory in quite some time when they beat the Baltimore Ravens 37-30 in Week 4.
Falling behind 7-0 right off the bat, the Chiefs went on to score on seven of their first eight possessions. They had the game well in hand when the Ravens got a meaningless touchdown with just over one minute left in the game.
There are plenty of great performances to recognize, so let’s get right to it.
Winner: WR Xavier Worthy
All eyes were on Worthy as he returned from a shoulder injury that he sustained on the third play from scrimmage of Week 1. The Chiefs wasted no time getting him involved, throwing him the ball on their first offensive play. On their second possession, Worthy caught a 37-yard pass deep down the right sideline.
He also made an impact as a rusher, taking two carries for 38 yards. As a whole, Worthy recorded seven total touches for 121 yards. He was not only a game changer when he had the ball, but his presence alone helped open things up for other Chiefs pass catchers. Worthy’s importance to K.C.’s offense cannot be understated.
Winner: QB Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes spread the ball around all afternoon, connecting with nine different receivers. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 270 yards and four touchdowns, easily his best performance of the season.
Mahomes was in command and got the ball out quickly against Baltimore’s defense. Getting Worthy back was a huge help, but he’s also developed a great chemistry with Hollywood Brown and Tyquan Thornton. For the first time in a long time, Mahomes looks comfortable and confident.
Winner: LB Leo Chenal
Chenal is quietly having a very good season, showing off his versatility as a pass rusher, as well as a run and pass defender. The latter was on display on Sunday as he picked off Ravens QB Lamar Jackson on a deep pass intended for tight end Mark Andrews.
Chenal finished the game with the interception and four total tackles. His pick came at a crucial time as Baltimore was leading the game 7-3 and threatening to score again. Chenal is in the final year of his contract with K.C., and is making a huge case to be re-signed.
Winner: DC Steve Spagnuolo
The Chiefs’ defense had a lot of uncharacteristic struggles in Week 1, but has flipped the switch and played dominantly ever since. Spagnuolo has had his unit fired up, allowing just 151 passing yards per game and one touchdown pass over the last three games, while also recording seven QB sacks.
Spagnuolo had Jackson flustered all afternoon, which led to errand throws and three sacks. K.C.’s defense also did a nice job of bottling up the Ravens’ rushing attack, with a late 71-yard run with the game well in hand notwithstanding.
Winner: DB Chamarri Conner
Conner has had his struggles dating back to last season, but has played well as of late. That can largely be attributed to him being used more as a safety than a nickel cornerback. On Sunday Conner recorded the second most tackles on the team with six.
Last week, Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt said Conner’s experience playing multiple positions has helped him elevate his game.
“Chamarri Conner has done a great job of understanding the defense, because primarily he was a nickel before,” Merritt said. “Now he’s playing nickel and safety, so we’re trending in the correct “direction.”
CB Nohl Williams
Williams is turning into a rookie sensation. He has locked down big name WRs such as A.J. Brown, DeVonte Smith, Malik Nabers, and DeAndre Hopkins to begin his career. Williams had a very impressive pass breakup against the former Chief Hopkins on Sunday.
He also recorded three tackles on the day. Williams’ emergence has allowed Trent McDuffie to play in the slot, where he excels and makes the Chiefs’ defense better. The trio of Williams, McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson is developing into a scary one for opposing offenses.
Loser: K Harrison Butker
Unfortunately for Butker, this is the third consecutive week he’s made this list as a loser. He missed another field goal attempt on Sunday, a 56-yard try. Butker has missed either a field goal or extra point attempt in each game this season.
Two of his three FG misses have been over 50 yards, but he should be held to a high standard as the highest paid kicker in the league and being in his prime. History shows us he will figure it out with the help of legendary special teams coach Dave Toub, but they need to do so quickly.