The Kansas City Chiefs’ road to reclaiming supremacy in the AFC West is filled with obstacles, and after a tough start to the 2025 season, Sunday’s showdown with the Baltimore Ravens might just be the pivotal moment they need. Both teams enter Week 4 with a disappointing 1-2 record, and a loss could send them spiraling into a deeper crisis. However, for the Chiefs, this game presents an opportunity to recalibrate and address the glaring issues that have plagued them so far.

The Chiefs’ Struggles: Injuries, Penalties, and Offensive Inconsistency

Kansas City has been a powerhouse for the last few years, but in 2025, cracks are starting to show. The Chiefs’ offense has been anything but smooth, struggling to find rhythm despite the presence of Patrick Mahomes. While Mahomes continues to perform like an elite quarterback, the lack of a consistent deep threat has left the offense one-dimensional. The running game, once a strength, has also faltered.

As the Chiefs approach their Week 4 game, the main issue has been the lack of explosive plays downfield. This is despite offseason promises to improve their deep passing game. Mahomes’ trust in his wide receivers has been shaky at best, which has contributed to a decreasing number of deep ball attempts over the years. This season, however, something has changed — the Chiefs’ receiving corps has shown signs of life, with one player in particular making waves.

Taekwon Thornton’s Emergence: A Silver Lining for the Chiefs

Amid the chaos, one player has emerged as a surprise hero for Kansas City: Taekwon Thornton. Acquired from the New England Patriots, Thornton has become Mahomes’ most trusted deep threat. In just three games, Thornton has already racked up 11 deep targets — more than any receiver in the NFL so far. To put that in perspective, the Chiefs’ offense, as a whole, only had 54 total deep ball attempts last season.

Thornton’s presence on the field has allowed the Chiefs to stretch the defense in ways they couldn’t before. In Week 3, against the Giants, Mahomes targeted Thornton multiple times on passes traveling 20 yards or more downfield. Though Thornton only caught one of those passes, it was a significant gain and showcased the trust Mahomes is starting to build with his new deep threat.

Thornton’s explosive performance in the early part of the season gives the Chiefs’ offense a new dimension. With Xavier Worthy and Rasheed Rice due to return soon, Thornton’s performance raises an intriguing question: When the Chiefs’ full roster is back, who will hold the third wide receiver spot? The competition for playing time is fierce, but for now, Thornton seems to have solidified his role as a key contributor in the Chiefs’ offense.

Jawan Taylor’s Ongoing Struggles: A Major Concern

Despite the flashes of brilliance on offense, there are serious concerns on the other side of the ball, particularly in the form of penalties committed by offensive tackle Jawan Taylor. Taylor, known for his talent as a pass protector, has been a liability for the Chiefs in 2025. He currently leads the NFL with seven penalties, and his consistent infractions — including false starts, holding calls, and improper alignments — are a major impediment to the team’s offensive flow.

Taylor’s penalty issues have become so severe that offensive line coach Andy Hec has made it clear that it’s up to Taylor to correct his behavior. While Taylor’s penalties are frustrating, they aren’t unique to him — many offensive tackles struggle with the same issues. However, when penalties become a recurring issue, they put a strain on the entire offense, making it difficult to establish any kind of consistency or rhythm.

There is growing speculation that Taylor could be replaced by swing tackle Jaylen Moore, who has been rotating in at right tackle during training camp. The Chiefs signed Moore to a two-year, $30 million contract this offseason, and his performance in relief of Taylor could signal a changing of the guard. If Taylor’s penalty issues continue, the Chiefs might have to make a tough decision regarding their starting right tackle.

A Perfect Storm for the Chiefs: The Ravens’ Injuries

As the Chiefs prepare for the Ravens, they may find themselves in an advantageous position. The Ravens are struggling with a series of key injuries that could give Kansas City the upper hand. The most significant injury is that of defensive tackle Namdi Madu Buuik, who has been ruled out with a neck injury. The Ravens’ defense is already dealing with a lack of depth, and with additional injuries to other key players like defensive tackle Travis Jones and linebacker Kyle Vanoi, the Chiefs’ offense could exploit the vulnerabilities in Baltimore’s defense.

The Ravens have given up an average of 415 yards per game so far this season and are allowing 32 points per game. In their loss to the Detroit Lions, the Ravens’ defense was unable to stop the run, and Detroit ran the ball with ease. With the Chiefs’ running back trio of Isaiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, and Carson Steel, they should have every opportunity to control the game on the ground, especially against a banged-up Ravens defensive line.

Looking Ahead: What the Chiefs Need to Do to Win

The Chiefs’ strategy for this game should focus on exploiting the weaknesses in the Ravens’ defense. The Chiefs must commit to the run game, using their three-headed attack to wear down Baltimore’s depleted defensive line. By establishing the run, Kansas City can keep the Ravens’ defense honest and set up play-action opportunities for Mahomes to attack the secondary downfield.

Additionally, the Chiefs need to continue to lean on Thornton’s growing deep threat while keeping Travis Kelce involved in the passing game. With the return of Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs will have even more weapons to spread the field and create mismatches against a vulnerable defense.

Defensively, the Chiefs must focus on limiting Lamar Jackson’s ability to extend plays with his legs and put pressure on him when possible. Jackson has been a dynamic force in the NFL, but if the Chiefs can stifle his mobility and force him into quick throws, they can neutralize one of the Ravens’ biggest offensive weapons.

Conclusion: The Chiefs Need This Win More Than Ever

Sunday’s game is a must-win for both teams, but the Chiefs, in particular, need this victory to avoid falling into a deeper hole. The AFC West is as competitive as ever, and the Chiefs can’t afford to lose ground. With injuries to key players on both sides of the ball, the Ravens are vulnerable, and the Chiefs must take advantage of this opportunity to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in the league.

Kansas City’s offense has shown promise, but they must fix their penalties and make the most of their opportunities. With Thornton’s emergence as a deep threat and the return of Worthy and Rice on the horizon, the Chiefs have the potential to turn their season around. But it all starts with Sunday’s game. If they can capitalize on the weaknesses in the Ravens’ defense, they can leave Week 4 with a much-needed win and the momentum to turn their season in the right direction.