Baltimore Ravens Humble 3-0 Denver Broncos
Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images
In what looked to be a competitive game between the 2-1 Baltimore Ravens and undefeated 3-0 Denver Broncos, the game overall although close in the beginning, ultimately ended in disappointment.
Easy day for the Ravens
Lamar Jackson finished with his third ever 300+ yard passing game.
Brown and Andrews playing games against the Broncos secondary.
Entering week four versus the Broncos at Empower Field and that mile high altitude. The Ravens looked to bounce back from a narrow win against the Detroit Lions via a Justin Tucker NFL record and game-winning 66-yard field goal.
The Ravens most known as the league leaders in rushing were expected to run the ball or use Lamar’s scrambling and ability to extend plays to win the game. Just because of the Ravens receiving core inability to create big plays last week. One name most analyst and the Broncos focused on the most was Marquise Brown and his drops. Brown nicknamed Hollywood did not look like the greatest receiver versus the Lions however against the Broncos, the secondary underestimated him allowing Brown to gather four receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown. Thanks to Lamar Jackson not under pressure, Brown diving for the catch, and the Broncos running a zone with two deep safeties confused to whether to cover Hollywood or not. Another name Broncos could not contain was TE Mark Andrews. Andrews, a top five NFL tight end was covered by Justin Simmons on defense but when covered by a different Bronco or left open when the Broncos blitzed. Andrews dominated the Broncos with simple deep crossing routes against a not so physical secondary lost in their tracks. Another strategy that allowed the Ravens to expose the Broncos on defense was Jackson’s and offenses mindset to throw at rookie Pat Surtain III. In the end finishing with over 102 rushing yards, extending a 100-yd game rushing record.
On defense the Raven’s basically did not have to do much in terms of creating pressure and making plays. The Ravens got pressure against a weak Broncos offensive line, prevented big plays, and imposed their physicality throughout the game. One thing overall that made the Ravens defense have such a easy day was the Broncos poor QB play whether it was Bridgewater or Lock.
Teddy finished 7/16 for 65 yards and one touchdown.
Left the game early due to a concussion but has practiced since then and may be available versus the Steelers
Lock finished 12/21 for 113 yards and one interception.
Lock started strong early but reverted back to his old ways. Took first team reps this week and should be prepared to play if he were to start or replace Teddy.
What is there to say about the Denver Broncos as a Broncos fan myself. All I can say is that although there were not many positives to take away from this game. The Broncos had an improved run game, a solid rush defense, and showcased safety Caden Sterns potential. Overall as the Broncos move forward to week five versus the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, this game versus the Ravens humbled the Broncos and revealed the team still have much to improve on and are not yet contenders in the AFC.
References
All Photos used above are credited and by
Dustin Bradford/Getty Images and Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images
