Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Torrey Smith (82) celebrates a touchdown against the Denver Broncos in the first quarter during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Ravens and Broncos are giving us the game we all expected a few weeks ago, its just coming a little late.
Here is what I saw
-Torrey Smith is absolutely dominating Champ Bailey right now. He has 2 easy TDs and has beaten Bailey on at least 4 plays, once he was underthrown and pushed out of bounds and once he was overthrown on a sure TD.
-The Flip side of this is that Flacco is having a big game. he isnt playing perfect mind you, but he is playing very well. he is 10-17 for 175 yards and 2 TDs, the average of over 10 yards per attempt is stellar and 17 yards per completion is even better.
-The Ravens tight ends are also playing very well. The numbers they are putting up arent huge but they are consistently playing well and finding holes and making plays to pick up first downs.
– The Ravens need to shape up in the redzone. both of the Broncos 2 offensive TDs have come in the redzone. it is worth saying that both throws were near perfect, but there is no good reason Danell Elerbe should be covering Moreno in man coverage outside of the numbers. That is a TD every time for the Broncos and the Ravens cant make things so easy for Manning.
-Can we talk about that last drive? with things starting to look bleak for the Ravens trailing by 7 with the Broncos driving in Ravens territory, the Ravens managed a huge stop to force an ill fated FG attempt and set up Flacco and the offense with excellent field position not far from half field. Flacco led a tremendous and lightning quick drive capped off by a 32 yard pass to Torrey Smith who walked into the endzone after tricking Champ Bailey into over-running the play. If the Ravens keep playing this well on offense and can manufacture a run game, they will win this game.
-Speaking of the rushing game. where is it? the Ravens have only ran the ball a handful of times for 27 yards. They need more than that in the second half to slow this game down and keep the red hot manning off the field.