The Baltimore Ravens held their own for the most part against the Denver Broncos in the first half, as the teams are locked in a 21-21 tie. However, there is one glaring aspect of the game where the Ravens are flirting with disaster.
Peyton Manning is getting all day to throw, and he is absolutely picking the Ravens’ defense apart.
Manning is 14-for-22 for 168 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, as the Broncos’ offense has been operating like a well-oiled machine. Manning is only 36 yards shy of his total of 204 he had against the Ravens less than a month ago.
After an early interception returned 39 yards for an interception by Corey Graham, Manning has settled in masterfully. That interception occurred on the Broncos’ first offensive possession, and it gave the Ravens life after Trindon Holliday returned a punt for a touchdown just two and a half minutes into the game.
After the special teams and defensive touchdown, things settled down and Manning settled in. The 12-year playoff veteran found seven different receivers in the first half, keeping the Ravens’ defense totally off-balance.
The Ravens have no sacks nor quarterback hits, and Manning is guiding the league’s second-rated scoring offense up and down the field. Manning’s comfortability in the pocket is allowing him to run the offense to perfection, and it is giving the Ravens major issues.
Manning’s success throwing the ball has opened up the Broncos’ rushing attack, as the Broncos started to run the ball at will as the half went on. The Broncos have more than twice as many rushing yards as the Ravens, so their production in the running game is keeping the Ravens’ defense honest.
Regardless of the rushing game, the Ravens stand no chance in the second half if the likes of pass rushers like Paul Kruger and the rest of the defense don’t step up.
The Broncos get the ball to start the second half, and the Ravens’ defensive confidence can’t be too strong right now. If Manning continues to get all day to throw, this game will slip away from the Ravens and Ray Lewis’ career will be over.
