Photo Courtesy: Rick Leal
Game Info
Baltimore Ravens vs Denver Broncos
Sunday – September 13 – 2:25 pm – MT
TV: CBS
Sports Authority Field at Mile High – Denver
This is Gary Kubiak’s first season as head coach for the Denver Broncos. He’s a proven coach in the league with a winning record while coaching the Houston Texans over the last 9 seasons. But, he has struggled in the playoffs by losing or missing the playoffs all together. The upside to his philosophy as a coach, Kubiak understand player placement. He has the old Jimmy Johnson approach of using a player to his strengths not placing a player where he hurts the team. What can hinder the season is getting Peyton Manning to believe in his run first approach, not the pass first option that Manning loves. Manning is chasing so many records this year, but the run first method will keep him off his game.
Broncos Offense
The keys to scoring on the Ravens has always been running the ball away from Suggs. He’s their premier run stopper. Coach Kubiak knows this so C.J. Anderson has to be on top of his game. Running on the outside behind RT Ryan Harris can help him gain heavy yardage on the right side of the field. Wide outs Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will match up with some physical corners on the outside. Look for TE Owen Daniels to see a lot of passes thrown his way Sunday. The Ravens defense struggles with tight ends and slot receivers. Manning has to be Manning. Controlled cadence and quick passes will have the Ravens on their heels.
Broncos Defense
The key is stopping Joe Flacco from getting into a controlled rhythm. Although he hasn’t consistently put up 300-400 plus passing yards, he is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. Aqib Talib,
Chris Harris, Jr., T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart will have the daunting task of stopping the Ravens receivers and tight ends in passing routes. Von Miller and Brandon Marshall can control the Ravens run game by staying at home and allowing DeMarcus Ware to roam from left to right along the defensive line.
Prediction
Look for Manning to struggle first with the run first theory. C. J. Anderson gets the nod and he has a load to carry! I can see it coming down to the midway point in the 3rd quarter when the Broncos pull away. Final score: Broncos 35 – Raves 21
