Right Off Russell

Defense, special teams and clock eating drives in the 4th quarter is a formula that many successful Ravens teams have used to win games in the past. Today was the first time the 2009 Ravens used that formula to win a game against a quality opponent. The Ravens beat the Broncos in all three phases on their way to the most complete and impressive win of the season, so far. In a game where the Ravens needed a win to keep from falling out of the play-off picture, they rose to the occasion.

Positives: The defense got its’ swagger back. The Broncos are by no means an offensive juggernaut, but the Ravens took away what they do well and were it not for a questionable interference call this game could have been a shutout. The front four brought good pressure for most of the game, the secondary was consistently in position to make plays, the run defense was again stout and perhaps most importantly Ed Reed was flying around, making plays. Read more »

BRONCOS:
PROBABLE: S Brian Dawkins (hamstring), DT Ronald Fields (hamstring), LB Spencer Larsen ( shoulder).

RAVENS:
QUESTIONABLE: T Jared Gaither ( neck).
PROBABLE: QB Joe Flacco ( ankle), LB Tavares Gooden (head), K Steven Hauschka (right ankle), LB Jarret Johnson (shoulder), S Ed Reed (illness), WR David Tyree (hamstring)

I think we are pretty used to seeing Gaither not in the lineup. Facing a strong Broncos pass-rush, I am wondering if the left side is better served with a 100% Michael Oher over a recovering Jared Gaither.

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. Read more »