The Denver Broncos once again lost in disappointing fashion in Sunday’s road game against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite strong defensive play for most of the game, Denver’s defense was unable to make a final stop as the offense continued to do what it does best. Any.
Denver Broncos defense has good first half, Lamar Jackson exits
After a week of gossip and drama surrounding quarterback Russell Wilson, the Broncos opened Sunday’s game against the Ravens with a sense of urgency and pace on defense. Denver’s first offensive drive was promising as they crossed midfield, opening up the passing game by setting up the run early on. A 52-yard field goal by Brandon McManus gave Denver an early 3–0 lead.
Denver’s defense would have the difficult task of trying to limit the Ravens’ star quarterback Lamar Jackson. Denver’s first two drives against Jackson were strong, holding the Ravens to 20 yards on their first two drives, forcing them to punt each time. Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero sent the pressure early and often on Jackson, with DeShawn Williams getting a sack on Denver’s second defensive drive, and Essang Bassey forcing the pressure with a nickel blitz that forced Baltimore to punt. .
The Broncos’ offense was unable to generate anything after receiving the ball back, and promptly handed it back to Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. Denver’s defense, which had trouble rushing quarterbacks for two straight weeks, found a way to build the rush early and often when running back Jonathon Cooper sacked Lamar Jackson on the left edge. This would change the dynamic of the game because Jackson left the game with an injury.
On the ensuing drive, Wilson and the Broncos’ offense couldn’t find a way to hold on despite the running game getting going with Latavius Murray and Mike Boone rattling off several solid runs. Wilson found Dulcich on third-and-3, but the Ravens’ defense rallied to force the stoppage, adding to Denver’s continued third-down struggles.
With Jackson leaving the game with a knee injury, Denver’s defense would have to account for Tyler Huntley, who came on to replace him. Huntley had no trouble marching the Ravens’ offense down the field, capitalizing on several big plays, including going after tight end Mark Andrews wide down the left sideline for a 22-yard gain. The Broncos defense held its own, forcing Baltimore to settle for a field goal to tie the game 3–3 with 5:55 remaining in the first half of the game.
Unfortunately, the Broncos offense couldn’t do much against the Ravens, who stacked the box to stop the run, forcing another quick three-and-out to get the ball back to Baltimore with just four minutes remaining in the first half. Led by strong plays from Josey Jewell, DJ Jones and Patrick Surtain, Denver’s defense forced Huntley and the Ravens to go three-and-out, which would give Denver the ball back once again with 2:55 remaining in the first half. .
On Denver’s first play of the drive before the half, Wilson uncorked a pass deep to midfield and found Jerry Jeudy wide open for a 40-yard gain, his first catch since suffering a left arm injury. ankle in Week 10. Several plays later, Wilson used his legs to extend a play when he connected with Dulcich for a 22-yard gain in a deep crossover pattern to put Denver in field goal range. With 42 seconds remaining, McManus made a 41-yard field goal that extended Denver’s lead to 6–3 in the first half.
Broncos defense fails to hold in second half, offense falters
The Broncos defense would continue their second half against Tyler Huntley after Lamar Jackson was ruled out for the remainder of the game during halftime. Huntley and the Ravens tried to build rhythm through pass rush play, but Denver’s defense quickly buckled, forcing Baltimore to punt after Justin Simmons torpedoed Devin Duvernay on a jet sweeping to the outside.
Wilson and the Broncos’ offense took over on their first drive of the second half. As in most games Broncos fans have witnessed this season, Denver’s offense was unable to move the ball past midfield and was unable to convert on third down yet again, leading to Denver to a perennial clearance.
Denver’s defense needed a big play to fuel momentum and it came courtesy of Justin Simmons, who hauled in an interception from Huntley after Jonathon Cooper pressured him. Simmons’ interception was Denver’s first interception in four games.
Wilson and Co. took over midfield but struggled to move the ball once again, not being able to do much with what Denver’s defense gave them. McManus connected on a 50-yard field goal that extended the Broncos’ lead to 9-3 late in the third quarter. Huntley and the Ravens offense pushed to midfield but tried to get creative on a trick play, but Justin Simmons intercepted the pass, his second steal of the game.
Leading in the fourth quarter and in possession of the ball, the Broncos offense looked to reward the defense for getting the ball back. Wilson connected with Kendall Hinton on an out route for a first down, but that would serve as the only positive play Denver would generate in the series. Waitman’s leg received constant training as he would be forced to carry it back to Baltimore.
Denver’s defense played Huntley and the Ravens even more, leading to Baron Browning going over the edge, sacking the Ravens’ quarterback and forcing Baltimore to punt for the sixth time all afternoon.
Just when Denver needed a big offensive play, Wilson found rookie tight end Greg Dulcich downfield once again, this time for a 30-yard gain. One step forward, two steps back, though, after Wilson failed to connect with Dulcich or rookie receiver Montrell Washington on back-to-back deep ball attempts. Madden ball. Another Waitman punt pinned the Ravens inside their own 15-yard line with the defense aiming to hold their ears with the lead.
Facing a third and fourth with 2:00 remaining, the Ravens’ offense was eager for a chance to move beyond midfield to make things interesting. Huntley targeted Mark Andrews down the right wing with Patrick Surtain in cover, but the officials flagged Surtain for pass interference to give them a first down. Denver would need to prevent a touchdown to preserve the game.
Huntley converted on a 4-and-1 play and found Kenyan Drake for a big gain that pushed the Baltimore Ravens offense to the 2-yard line. A play later, Huntley spiked from two yards to give the Ravens a 10-yard lead. 9.
The game would fall on the leg of Brandon McManus once again from 63 yards out to win the game, but his kick fell just short. Denver falls to an abysmally disappointing 3-9 on the season, officially being knocked out of the playoffs.
Third down woes continue for Denver offense
The Broncos’ offense continued to struggle Sunday on third down against the Ravens. Denver finished the game 2-for-12 on third down attempts in their road loss. Nearly every one of Denver’s losses this season has had a wash, rinse, and repeat.
News and notes of the Broncos vs. Ravens
Inactive list.
The following players were inactive for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. Cornerback Michael Ojemudia, safety Anthony Harris and tight end Albert Okwuegbunam were all healthy scratches Sunday. Cornerback K’Waun Williams, defensive lineman Jonathan Harris, fullback Andrew Beck and linebacker Dakota Allen all missed Sunday’s game with injuries.
Injury report.
Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton suffered a hamstring injury in the first half against the Ravens and did not return.
Source: news.google.com