Broncos Pound Ravens With #2 Seed in Sight

As the Broncos continued to pile up win after win the past eight weeks, a lot of skeptics around the league were questioning the quality of the teams that the Broncos were beating. The Broncos needed a statement win over a quality opponent to really solidify their contender status. Well, they got that statement win as the Broncos pounded the Ravens in Baltimore 34-17 on Sunday to run their record to 11-3. The Niners defeated the Patriots on Sunday night, and the Broncos now are in the driver's seat for the number 2 seed in the AFC. Granted, the Ravens are really beat up on defense, and Ray Lewis didn't play in this game. The Ravens also fired offensive coordinator Cam Cameron during the week, and the Ravens offense looked very shaky throughout. The Broncos were able to jump out to a 10-0 lead, and then a play that might be the highlight of the season occurred: Chris Harris perfectly stepped in front of a Joe Flacco pass and picked it off and raced 98 yards down the sideline to give the Broncos a 17-0 lead near the end of the half. The Ravens were finally moving the ball effectively, and a score there makes it 10-7 with Baltimore getting the ball in the second half. Harris' return was a great play on his part, and it completely took the life out of the Ravens and that building. The Broncos kept the pressure on in the second half, and Peyton Manning put the game away with a gorgeous 51 yard touchdown pass down the sideline to Eric Decker to make it 24-3. Denver's defense got the ball back to their offense, and Knowshon Moreno capped off that drive with a walk-in 6 yard run to make it 31-3. When the dust settled on the game, the Broncos completely dismantled the Ravens on offense and defense, and it looked like two teams going in the opposite directions. It was nice to finally see Denver go into Baltimore and completely dominate the Ravens for a change Here are my thoughts and observations from the game.....

1) It was apparent early on that the Broncos were going to be able to run the ball at will on the Ravens defense. Knowshon Moreno finished with 118 yards on 22 carries and a touchdown. He ran hard all day, and his leap over Ed Reed was the highlight of the afternoon. It was eye-opening to see how the Broncos just mowed down the Ravens front seven.

2) Manning did what he had to do in this game. He was asked basically just to manage the game. He picked up key third downs, and his numbers won't tell the story of how well he played (17-28 204 yards and 1 touchdown). His throw to Decker was perfect to put them up 24-3, and his throw up the seam to Joel Dreessen was a perfect throw. That throw set up the Moreno touchdown to make it 31-3.

3) It is nice to see Eric Decker back into the fold. Decker had his second straight big game. He finished with 8 catches and 133 yards and a touchdown. Manning constantly went to him in key situations, and he was open all day long in his matchup against Cary Williams.

4) The best defensive player not named Von Miller on the Broncos is Chris Harris. What a find this guy has been? Last year, he was really solid as a nickel corner. This year, he steps in as the starting corner and has been playing at a Pro Bowl level. His pick-six of Flacco was a great play, and could be one of the biggest plays of the year for the Broncos. He continues to play at a high level each and every week.

5) The Broncos defense completely just shut down the Ravens all day long. Forget about the garbage touchdowns from Flacco and Dennis Pitta. The Broncos defense is legitimate and once they get a lead, then they seem to tee off. They also seem to get turnovers and even score touchdowns to add to their lead.

6) The statement win on Sunday leaves the Broncos in the driver's seat for the number 2 seed in the AFC. I don't want to look too far ahead, but it is clear that the Broncos and Patriots are heading for a showdown in the divisional round of the playoffs. If Denver can win their next two at home, then they will have the bye and the chance to host the Pats instead of having to travel to Foxborough. The Broncos host the feisty Browns this Sunday at home, and it is the first step to getting that all important bye and home game.