Marina
The Kansas City Chiefs have once again shown why they remain one of the most unpredictable teams in the NFL. In their 37–20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, a never-before-seen defensive wrinkle completely turned the game around.
At the center of it all was Nick Bolton, calling out a blitz scheme the Chiefs had never used in an actual game before. The result? A pivotal turnover, a swing in momentum, and a stunned Lamar Jackson.
The Hug Rush and the Surprise Add-On
The play in question revolved around the hug rush concept, which pairs with an “add-on” blitz to overwhelm blockers.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill initiated the rush by engaging running back Derrick Henry, who stayed in to block rather than release for a route. This left Jackson with room—until Bolton shot through on the add-on rush.
Caught off-guard by the sudden pressure, Jackson panicked and threw a blind pass. Waiting for it was Leo Chenal, who made a spectacular one-handed interception—the first of his career.
It wasn’t just a defensive highlight; it was the most pivotal snap of the Chiefs’ season so far.
Chiefs vs. Ravens: Game-Changing Sequence
The Ravens actually held a 76% win probability late in the first quarter, dominating early with steady offensive drives. But after Chenal’s interception, the momentum flipped.
The Chiefs poured on points in the second half, transforming a tense battle into a comfortable 37–20 victory.
This marked Chenal’s breakout moment and underscored Steve Spagnuolo’s brilliance as a defensive coordinator. By introducing a rarely-practiced wrinkle at the perfect moment, the Chiefs reminded the league why their defense is as dangerous as their offense.
Bolton’s Career Day
The numbers tell the story:
- 10 pass-rush snaps for Nick Bolton
- 5 quarterback pressures (career-high)
- All five pressures unblocked
- Ranked among the most unblocked pressures in a game in 7 years (per Next Gen Stats)
Bolton wasn’t just a decoy—he became the most impactful blitzer of the game. Even on a critical 4th-and-1, Bolton burst through untouched, forcing Jackson to throw the ball away.
Defensive Adjustments Throughout the Season
What makes this Chiefs defense particularly dangerous is their ability to change weekly game plans:
- Week 1 vs. Chargers: Limited blitzing, struggled to generate pressure.
- Week 2 vs. Eagles: Blitzed 60% of snaps, suffocating Jalen Hurts and holding Philadelphia to its second-worst yardage output in 10 years.
- Week 3 vs. Giants: Dialed it back, blitzing only 15.8% of snaps—yet still dominated Russell Wilson.
- Week 4 vs. Ravens: Unleashed Bolton on disguised blitzes, delivering the knockout blow.
This unpredictability leaves opposing quarterbacks scrambling, never knowing which version of the Chiefs defense they’ll face.
Key Play Breakdown
| Situation | Player Involved | Role/Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Down, Early 2nd Qtr | Drue Tranquill | Hug rush assignment on Derrick Henry | Occupied RB |
| 1st Down, Same Play | Nick Bolton | Add-on blitzer, disguised rush | Forced quick throw |
| 1st Down, Same Play | Leo Chenal | Coverage, then jumped blind throw | One-handed INT |
| 4th-and-1, 2nd Qtr | Nick Bolton | Unblocked blitz through the middle | Forced incompletion |
| Final Stats | Bolton/Defense | 5 unblocked pressures, INT changed game | 37–20 Chiefs win |
Why Lamar Jackson Was Surprised
Jackson had prepped for the Chiefs’ aggressive blitz style but hadn’t seen this formation. With most of his receivers running routes left, the sudden middle pressure left him no safe outlet. The blind throw across the field became a fatal mistake.
Even Ravens coach John Harbaugh admitted postgame that the Chiefs disguised their rushes brilliantly, leaving Jackson guessing.
The Bigger Picture
For Kansas City, this wasn’t just one win—it was proof of their defensive versatility. The Chiefs defense has now held three straight opponents under 300 yards (excluding a garbage-time run).
Pair that with Patrick Mahomes on offense, and Kansas City is again looking like the NFL’s most complete team
The Chiefs’ unseen game-changing play against the Ravens was more than just a highlight—it was a statement. By trusting Bolton, Tranquill, and Chenal with a blitz package never before unleashed in a game, Steve Spagnuolo kept Lamar Jackson guessing all night.
The result? A decisive 37–20 win and a reminder that the Chiefs’ defensive playbook is as dangerous as their offensive arsenal.