Ravens vs Broncos grades, week 1

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Sep 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prepares to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In a game filled with offensive superstars, it was the stout defenses of the Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos that owned their week 1 matchup. Both offenses found that yards were going to come at a premium, both through the air and on the ground.

Both Peyton Manning and Joe Flacco looked pretty rough Sunday afternoon, absorbing sacks while watching their receivers struggle to separate. Neither team’s running backs could find any holes to run through as both defensive fronts dominated the line of scrimmage.

In fact, the biggest splash plays came on defense, with cornerbacks Jimmy Smith and Aqib Talib recording pick sixes of their own. They were the only touchdowns of the game, amazingly. For those who are fans of punts and kicks, this was your day.

But hey, defensive battles are fun to watch too. And if the Ravens’ performance against the Broncos on that side of the ball is any indication, they might just be even better than they were last season. We just need Marc Trestman to get things together on the other side of the ball.

And speaking of offense, that’s where we’ll begin as we hand out our report card grades for week 1.

Next: Offense

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