When a season’s schedule is first released many will look through it and begin to predict wins and losses. Most probably pegged yesterday’s clash in Denver as a loss for the Ravens.
Initially I marked an “L” next to this Broncos game but later revised it, based upon what I’d seen from Peyton Manning during the preseason, and predicted a 26-24 Ravens win on a last possession score.
Like most of you I had no idea that Wade Phillips’ defense would stymie Marc Trestman’s offense the way it did. When Eugene Monroe left the game it was like a jailbreak. DeMarcus Ware and Von Miller pinned back their ears and terrorized Joe Flacco, James Hurst and Rick Wagner throughout the game.
If there were one thing to point towards in this contest that made a difference in the outcome it would be speed. The Broncos have it and the Ravens don’t. And that unfortunately isn’t something that can be fixed overnight or even this season. The Ravens lack explosiveness in a league that requires it. One only needs to look at the punt returner during this game – 36-year-old Steve Smith, Sr.
Despite it all, there were some good things that emerged yesterday and that should be of some comfort given the team’s lackluster preseason.
THE GOOD
Buck Allen rebounded a bit and showed flashes of what he’s capable of. He was able to make something out of nothing on a couple of occasions and ran with determination while pile-driving defenders…Crockett Gillmore is a big target and Sunday’s effort is clearly something that Trestman can build upon.
Brandon Williams was a beast as a run stuffer with 6 solo tackles (7 total), 5 of which resulted in gains of 1, 2, 0, 1 and 2…Sidekick Carl Davis also had a fine professional debut. He may prove to be the best Ravens draft pick in a long time…C.J. Mosley was explosive, contributing two sacks while Daryl Smith was effective as a pass defender, particularly adept at reading passing lanes. His would-be pick 6 would have changed the game’s outcome…
Will Hill was physical and played well particularly in run support…After a sluggish start Lardarius Webb started to get in a groove and play well, save the holding penalty that kept a Broncos drive alive in the 4th quarter. It was an effort to build upon. Let’s not forget he missed the preseason and encountered a baptism by fire in the forms of Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders…Sam Koch netted 51.7 yards on 6 punts…Overall the defense’s tackling was much improved over the preseason…Save for the Broncos 17-play, 81 yard, 10:56 4th quarter drive that started on the Broncos’ 4-yard line, Dean Pees called a great game and effectively disguised and mixed coverages while confusing the cerebral Peyton Manning…
THE BAD
Steve Smith, Sr. lost the anticipated battle with Aqib Talib and it wasn’t even close. That was a tough catch to make on an awkwardly thrown pass next to the left pylon during the Ravens final drive but your playmakers have to find a way. Senior didn’t…The Ravens receivers could get as much separation as Siamese Twins and this gets back to team speed or the lack thereof. The Broncos completely disrespected the Ravens receivers and squatted on their routes with strong press coverage. This will be the blue print to beat Trestman’s offense until Breshad Perriman returns…
Before his injury Terrell Suggs was a non-factor. He failed to register a single statistic and on one play whiffed at setting the edge only to be saved by an excellent tackle from Jimmy Smith…Courtney Upshaw will be looked upon to pick up some of the slack for Suggs but that’s like asking Asa Jackson to pick up for Jimmy Smith. Upshaw is a one-trick pony and that was evident in Denver. He’s an edge-setting, run stuffing OLB. No more, no less…Kyle Arrington had a couple of effective pressures as a slot-corner blitzer but he took some poor angles on receivers resulting in a couple of first downs.
THE UGLY
Granted he didn’t have time to throw throughout the afternoon, but Joe Flacco was a bit punch-drunk and continually threw off his back foot. The interception by Talib was a horrific decision by Flacco, one you might expect from a rookie. The ugliness is supported by his 38.2 passer rating…The running game was very 2013-like producing just 73 yards on 23 carries (3.2 ypc)…James Hurst was a turnstile and Rick Wagner played like he got a brand new pair of roller skates. How bad was it? Pro Football Focus had only ONE offensive tackle during the entire 2014 season register a (-10) grade in a single game (Jake Matthews, Week 7). On Sunday both Hurst (-10.1) and Wagner (10.4) received the upside down 10…Marc Trestman’s play calling was extremely suspect and never used the Broncos sell out to stop the run on first down against them with play action. Trestman did nothing to slow down Ware and Miller with delays, screens or chipping with RB’s, TE’s and WR’s.
THE MEGAN FOX
Jimmy Smith has worked diligently throughout the offseason to become the star corner that he’s capable of being. Sunday was proof of this burgeoning shutdown corner’s potential. He manned up often on Pro Bowler Thomas who regularly hit the century mark in yardage during the 2014 season (10 times). Smith made the defensive play of the game with his pick 6 and he has become and outstanding tackler using his physicality and length to achieve desired results. His play affords Dean Pees with freedoms missing from 2014.
