Right Off Russell

Surprisingly, the Denver Broncos rank at the top of the league in scoring defense, allowing just 11 points per game.  Denver also leads the league in 3rd down defense and is 2nd in the NFL in sacks.  The Broncos have proven all the doubters wrong thus far and have earned the right to no longer have the word “surprising” used to describe them.  The Ravens definitely have their work cut out for them offensively on Sunday, as the Broncos present their sternest defensive test yet.

Passing Game:  The Ravens challenge in the passing game is that not only do the Broncos rush the passer extremely well, they also have an aggressive secondary that excels in coverage.  The Ravens will need to protect Joe Flacco.  Having Jared Gaither back at left tackle should help.  Gaither, however, is still listed as questionable and was limited in practice again this week.  Whether Gaither plays or not the Ravens line will need to be able to read and react to a varied blitz scheme employed by Denver.  Matt Birk and Flacco will need to be able to get the Ravens into the right protections.  A key to the Ravens success in the passing game is again finding ways to get the ball to Derrick Mason.  Flacco and Mason made the Vikings pay for not paying more attention to the Ravens #1 receiving threat.  I have to believe that Mike Nolan and the Broncos will look to do everything they can to take Mason out of the game.  If they are effective in doing so, Flacco will have to make them pay by working the ball to Todd Heap in the middle of the field and again using his backs for check down passes.  Ray Rice could again come up big in the passing game.

Running Game:  I believethat the Ravens have the right kind of offensive line to give the Broncos trouble in the run game.  The Broncos feature a smaller, athletic defensive front.  The Ravens have the benefit of having a fairly nimble offensive line which should be able to neutralize some of the Broncos athleticism and get to the 2nd level with their blocks.  Effectiveness running the ball could be huge for an offense that needs to sustain drives and eat more clock.  The Ravens have been more of a quick strike offense this year, compared to last year when they were more methodical.  The ability to score quickly is, of course a good thing, but the negative is that it keeps the defense on the field more.  That obviously has not been a good thing this year.

The offensive game plan is a simple one.  Posses the clock by running the ball effectively and protect Flacco so he can make some plays downfield.  How well the Ravens execute the offense remains to be seen.  Denver defense has shown to be very resourceful and they are doing a great job of making adjustments and playing better late in games.  The Ravens offense has to have the mentality of going out and winning this game, because the defense will have their hands full with a Broncos offense that plays relatively mistake free.