| Ravens kicker Justin Tucker makes a field goal as Sam Koch holds in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Ravens won 9-6. (US Presswire) |
It wasn't pretty and not every game will be.
But even with the mistakes and the miscues, Baltimore was able to edge Kansas City 9-6 thanks to its defense forcing four turnovers. When a team is on the road in the NFL, it'll take a win any way it can get it.
The offense was sloppy but picked up some big plays down the stretch to keep Kansas City from having one last shot at winning. The defense gave up 338 total yards but was opportunistic enough to keep the Chiefs out of the end zone. It was a game the coaches will scrutinize on tape, even though the outcome went in Baltimore's favor.
Offense: C+
Ravens receiving targets dropped five passes Sunday against Kansas City -- two from Anquan Boldin, and one each from Ray Rice, Dennis Pitta and Vonta Leach. Joe Flacco finished the game just 13 for 27 for 187 yards and an interception. It was the first time this season he was held without a touchdown. Tackles Michael Oher and Kelechi Osemele had a hard time containing OLBs Tamba Hali and Justin Houston throughout. Baltimore was able to get the ground game going at times as Rice rushed for 102 yards on 17 carries. His biggest run came on a third-and-1, where he lunged for an extra yard on a second effort to ice the game.
Previous game's grade: B
Defense: B
After allowing 179 rushing yards to Kansas City in the first half, Baltimore's run defense tightened up and only gave up 35 yards on the ground in the game's final two quarters. Baltimore's defense gave up some chunk plays on the ground but came away with four turnovers -- none more crucial than Chiefs QB Matt Cassel's fumble that Ed Reed recovered at the goal line. The Ravens didn't log any sacks against a Chiefs team that played mostly conservative, but Lardarius Webb and Cary Williams snagged interceptions.
Previous game's grade: B-
Special teams: B+
The Ravens needed Justin Tucker to make three field goals to win against the Chiefs and he did. Granted all three tries were inside of 40 yards, Tucker did what he needed to do when called upon. WR/RS Deonte Thompson fumbled the opening kickoff of the second half, though that can be chalked up to a better play from Chiefs WR Terrance Copper.
Previous game's grade: C
Coaching: B
The Ravens coaches did a good job attempting to achieve balance with 24 rushes and 31 passes. After a horrible start against the run, DC Dean Pees adjusted his scheme to limit Jamaal Charles from breaking any more big runs. It wasn't a pretty win for the coaching staff but one it will take nonetheless.
Previous game's grade: B+
Follow Ravens reporter Jason Butt on Twitter: @CBSRavens and @JasonButtCBS.