Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) against the Denver Broncos during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens meet up with the Denver Broncos again. The last time these two teams met up was during the AFC Championship game. That is the game where Joe Flacco tossed that deep ball over the Broncos secondary for that ridiculous touchdown. It was a game to remember for the league… a game to forget for Broncos fans. Time for the rematch.
Where: Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, CO
When: September 5 2013, 8:30 PM ET
Watch: NFL Network, NBC
Live Stream: NFL Game Rewind
Ravens Player to Watch: Joe Flacco
Aug 15, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at M
Joe Cool has to follow up his Super Bowl run with a big time performance against this year’s Super Bowl favorite. Flacco and the Ravens knocked them out of the playoffs last season and will be looking to knock them out to start off the year. Flacco had the big time shot in that game when he tossed the bomb over the Broncos secondary.
Broncos Player to Watch: Peyton Manning
Aug 29, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) on the sidelines during first quarter of the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Peyton and the Broncos offense have some big time expectations this year. He has new weapons with Wes Welker and rookie Montee Ball. The offense is expected to put up a ton of points on the board again.
Matchup to Watch: Peyton Manning vs Ravens Defense
Feb 3, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Arthur Jones (97) celebrates a tackle as teammates Terrell Suggs (55) and DeAngelo Tyson (93) look on against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore defense gets their first chance to defend their title and they will be walking onto the field without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed on their side. They have a new cast of characters on that side of the football, but still are expected to be a strong unit. Let’s see how the defense gels against one of the best in the business.
Prediction
Aug 22, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Marshall Yanda (73) congratulates running back Ray Rice (27) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at M
Von Miller is out. Champ Bailey likely will be out. The Broncos defense will have to hope for Manning to put up a ton of points for a short while, because they won’t be able to put a ton of pressure on quarterbacks. With some key players on the Broncos sidelined, Joe Flacco should be able to find Torrey Smith and the rest of his receivers. The Ravens offense doesn’t have some of the key players from last season, but there is enough there to start out the title defense on the right foot. It will be a slug fest though.
Ravens 20, Broncos 16.