The Ravens have much bigger issues than their latest loss in Kansas City.

Off to their worst start since 2015, the Ravens fell to 1-3 after dropping a 37-20 decision to the Chiefs that was Baltimore's most one-sided defeat of not only the young season, but in several years.

It was Baltimore's fourth road loss to the Chiefs, but the Ravens are concerned with how they're playing in every city, not just Kansas City. In addition to losing games, they lost one player after another to injuries on Sunday. Lamar Jackson (hamstring), Ronnie Stanley (ankle), Roquan Smith (hamstring), Marlon Humphrey (calf), and Nate Wiggins (elbow) all left early.

Head Coach John Harbaugh gave no updates on injuries after the game, but he assessed where the team was collectively through four games. The Ravens' next game, at home against the Houston Texans (1-3) in Week 5, looms large.

"They coached better. They played better," Harbaugh said of the Chiefs. "We have to go back to work and try to figure out how to win our next football game. We have issues that we're dealing with, and we've got to deal with them in a smart way. I know our guys will go to work.

"We've played three of the top teams in the league, for sure. That's the hand we were dealt. It doesn't really matter, we've got to win the next game."

Ravens-Chiefs games are usually decided late in the fourth quarter. But this was different, with Kansas City taking a 20-10 lead at halftime and never looking back. The sight of Jackson forlornly sitting on the bench after leaving the game early in the fourth quarter, resigned to seeing his career record drop to 0-4 in Kansas City, was not the vision the Ravens had coming into this game.

Here are my thoughts on a Ravens team that needed a feel-good win, but returned from Kansas City feeling worse:

Starting 1-3 is not insurmountable, but it's definitely uncomfortable.

No fortune teller could foresee the Ravens having this kind of September before the season began. They were a popular preseason pick to reach the Super Bowl. Most of their 2024 team was returning intact after winning their second straight AFC North title. They felt very good about their draft class, and made key veteran additions.

It's not too late for the Ravens to turn their season around, but it's not too early to be concerned, especially considering how many injuries they have.

With 13 games left and the talent they have, it would be foolish to write them off. But it's clear the Ravens will have to play much better for the results to change, and in this performance, they weren't up to the task.

Injuries are increasing when the Ravens can't afford them.

The Ravens are facing an uphill battle, being far from healthy. They have 10 starters, including seven Pro Bowlers, currently dealing with injuries.

On Saturday, they put defensive linemen Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) and Broderick Washington Jr. (ankle) on injured reserve. The team's other starting defensive lineman, Travis Jones (knee), couldn't suit up. On Sunday, left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), cornerback Marlon Humphrey (calf), and Roquan Smith (hamstring) left the game with injuries before halftime. Cornerback Nate Wiggins (elbow) left in the fourth quarter.

Pro Bowl fullback Patrick Ricard (calf) hasn't played all season. Outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy (hamstring) has missed the last two games, and tight end Isaiah Likely wasn't a factor against the Chiefs in his season debut following foot surgery.

The Ravens have a deep roster but didn't expect their depth to be severely tested this early in the season. At one point, the Ravens had five rookies on the field playing defense. The injuries are going to put more stress on the entire roster and thrust some players into bigger roles, whether they are ready for that or not.

For the past two years, Baltimore has been a relatively healthy team, but that's not the case in 2025, which will make bouncing back from a 1-3 start a greater challenge.

The Ravens have issues on both sides of the ball.

Baltimore's defense was already under the microscope after giving up 224 yards rushing against the Detroit Lions in Week 3. But in addition to another subpar defensive performance, this game was the Ravens' worst offensive performance by far.

After marching down the field for a touchdown on its opening drive of the game, Baltimore's offense went flat.

A key sequence occurred in the second quarter, with the Ravens trailing 13-7 and very much in the game. On fourth-and-1 from their own 41-yard line, they decided to go for it. However, star running back Derrick Henry was not in the game for the fourth-and-1 call, Jackson was pressured, and he was forced to get rid of the football on a pass that wasn't close to anyone, turning the ball over to the Chiefs on downs.

"We have to put our guys in better position, give them opportunities to make plays," Harbaugh said. "In a game like this, you have to be aggressive."

The Chiefs responded with a six-play touchdown drive to take a 20-7 lead, and the failed fourth-down play seemed to take the steam out of Baltimore. Henry was held to 42 yards on eight carries and had just four carries in the first half when the game was still close.

"They were the better team today," Henry said. "Give them credit. I just try to take advantage of my opportunities. I don't try to get too caught up in [my number of carries]."

Healthy players may have to assume larger roles.

With a depleted defensive line and many of their top defensive players hampered, many young players not expected to play prominent roles this season may have to, particularly on defense. The Ravens' defensive depth will be tested.

"Bring it on," defensive tackle John Jenkins said. "The best way to earn respect in the locker room is to put in the work. We're going to put our heads down and keep working."

If Jackson cannot play in Week 5 against Houston, backup quarterback Cooper Rush will be asked to step up, and the Ravens may turn to Henry for more carries.

"I'm going to do whatever is asked," Henry said. "Whatever it takes to win."

Extra Points:

• Justice Hill's 71-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter accounted for a large chunk of Baltimore's 166 yards rushing. Hill also scored Baltimore's first touchdown on an 11-yard screen pass from Jackson.

• Jackson (14 for 20, 147 yards, one touchdown) threw his first interception of the season in the second quarter. The Ravens were in scoring position for a second straight drive to start the game when it happened.

• The Ravens defense had no takeaways and has forced just two turnovers all season.

• Likely was not targeted in his season debut after returning from foot surgery.

• The Ravens sacked Patrick Mahomes once, but he was not pressured often and had a big day (25 for 37, 270 yards, four touchdowns).

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