KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 19: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
The Ravens defense did not see a double move from Mecole Hardman coming
On third-and-long, Andy Reid and Co. went for it all, rather than trying to pick up a quick first down and keep the drive alive. Patrick Mahomes did more than that with a deep drop, giving Hardman plenty of time to run his double-move, which the Ravens secondary fell for in hilarious fashion.
Whether that’s a miscommunication or a complete fakeout by Hardman, the Ravens must do better if they hope to get back into this game. The Chiefs are leaving little doubt as to who really is the best team in the AFC, and there may be a significant gap in between these two teams.
The Ravens are in trouble on Monday Night Football
Hardman is often an afterthought for fans and pundits alike on an offense that includes Tyreek Hill, Clyde-Edwards Helaire and Travis Kelce. The Georgia product is a speedster who on any other team would arguably be their most explosive wideout.
Yet, Hardman made the Pro Bowl just last year. The Chiefs have taken him out of the return game for the most part. He’s a larger factor in Kansas City’s offense than at any point in his early career.