The Baltimore Ravens went to the mountains to battle the Denver Broncos for the right to go to the AFC Championship game in the 2012-2013 NFL season. The Ravens were underdogs that most people had written off. The Broncos were the number one seed and were expected to stampede to the Super Bowl.
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In the frigidly thin Denver air, the Ravens had one of football’s finest battles. The Broncos struck first with a Trindon Holliday punt return for a touchdown. The Ravens did not flinch and scored the next 14 points. The first Ravens touchdown was scored Flacco hit Torrey Smith, who had torched Champ Bailey for 59 yards. The next was when Corey Graham picked off Peyton Manning and took it back for a touchdown.
In true back and forth fashion the Broncos scored the next to two touchdowns. Peyton Manning’s two touchdown passes were an intimidating sign. An all-time great quarterback had finally found his groove.
The Ravens once again stood up to the Broncos. Flacco threw a perfect touchdown pass to Smith with little time remaining in the first half. At half time the score was 21-21. It was a heavyweight fight all the way until the end.
The second half began with a kick return for a Broncos touchdown. It was a disastrous start to a half that would have a triumphant finish. At the end of the third quarter, the Ravens were able to tie the game up at 28-28.
After a Demaryius Thomas touchdown reception the Broncos took a 35-28 lead. This epic game ultimately came down to the final drive in regulation. With just 31 seconds remaining, Flacco hit Jacoby Jones for a miraculous 70 yard touchdown. Many people have focused on Rahim Moore letting Jones get behind him. This is fair but make no mistake that was one of the greatest throws in NFL history. The score was35-35
It took two overtime periods but the Ravens ended up victorious. It may have been the greatest football game anyone has ever seen. I have never seen any sporting event that provided more drama and emotion. Words cannot do this game justice because the moment is something that if you saw it, the victory resides in your heart forever. It was a special moment that gave Ravens fans pure joy. It was at that moment I knew the Ravens were finally going to go all the way!
Next: Baltimore Ravens Greatest Moments: 92 Yards In Pittsburgh
Nobody gave the Ravens a chance. The Ravens proved the world wrong, on their way to a Super Bowl championship. Ebony Bird is your go to place to relive your favorite Ravens moments. We are doing a post on each of our 20 favorite moments from the 20 years of Ravens football.