Ravens vs. Broncos: Keys to Victory

Sep 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) prepares for a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Could the Baltimore Ravens’ 2015 schedule be much tougher? Well, yes, it could be. But make no mistake, the road to a Super Bowl this season is not going to be a smooth one for the Ravens, who would consider anything less to be a failure.

It all begins with a brutal opening stretch, when the Ravens must become road warriors for 5 of their first 7 games. They begin the season with a trip to Denver to take on the Broncos and a familiar face – Gary Kubiak.

Kubiak is entering his first year as the head coach of the Broncos following a very successful one year stay as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. He resurrected the Ravens’ downtrodden offensive line and running game, and guided Joe Flacco to a career best season in one fell swoop.

Now, Kubiak must work some similar magic along the Broncos’ offensive line if he hopes to guide Peyton Manning to what could be his last run at a Super Bowl title. What he already has in place is a stellar defense and loads of skill position talent.

These two teams are quite familiar with each other as well. They last played a season opener against each other in 2013, when Manning torched the Ravens’ defense for 445 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. It was a tiny bit of retribution for their 2012 AFC Divisional Title game loss which catapulted the Ravens to a Super Bowl title.

For the Ravens to go on the road and open 2015 with a victory, a few things must fall into place. As we do each week, we’re identifying those crucial items in our keys to victory segment. We’ll begin with the most important catalyst for offensive success.

Next: Will 2014's strength be 2015's strength?

Ravens vs. Broncos: Keys to Victory

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