Ravens Grades: Defense Thrives In Denver, But Offense Can't Make The Grade
By Kevin McGuire
The Baltimore Ravens (0-1) opened their 2015 season on a sour note in Denver. Despite keeping Peyton Manning and the Broncos offense out of the end zone all day long, the Ravens ended the day on the losing end of a defensive battle. Both teams brought strong defense to the season opener in a game that can always be considered a potential playoff preview. If that is to be the case, the Ravens will have to iron out some wrinkles on offense in order to have much success this season.
Offense: F
There was not much offense to speak of on either side of the football. Baltimore scored just three points in the first half and the offense was unable to score a late touchdown to steal a victory on the road in the closing moments. Baltimore converted just two of 13 third-down conversions. At the end of the game, Baltimore managed to put together just 173 yards of offense against Wade Phillips' defense. That total came on 57 plays, for an average of just three hard fought yards per play in the loss. Quarterback Joe Flacco was picked off two times and completed just 18 of his 32 pass attempts for 117 yards. One of his two interceptions was returned by Aqib Talib for a 51-yard touchdown late in the third quarter. That gave Denver the lead heading into the fourth quarter (16-13)
Baltimore got nothing out of the running game either. Justin Forsett rushed 14 times for 43 yards, and 20 of those yards came on one rushing attempt. Veteran wide receiver Steve Smith caught just two passes of the seven targeted passes in his direction. No miss was as important as a late shot in the end zone, when Smith was unable to come down with what could have been a game-tying touchdown (the pass may have been tipped).
Defense: A-
Baltimore's defense was dealt a nasty blow when linebacker Terrell Suggs went down with a torn achilles in Sunday's game at Denver. But the defense rallied and performed admirably. Baltimore's defense did just about everything it could to give the offense a chance to win the game. Baltimore kept Peyton Manning and the Broncos out of the defense. Manning was able to complete just 24 of his 40 pass attempts for 175 yards and he was held without a touchdown pass and sacked four times. He was also intercepted once, with Jimmy Smith doing the honors and returning the intercepted football 24 yards for a Baltimore touchdown in the third quarter, giving the Ravens a 10-9 lead. It was the only touchdown scored by the Ravens all day.
The Ravens made Denver settle for four field goal tries in the game, which to Denver's credit ended up playing a huge role in the game's final decision. But when Manning is lining up on the other side of the field, that should be considered a huge win for the defense. Baltimore held the Broncos to fewer than 20 points, which normally means the chances are good of getting a win. Not on this day, as the offense did not hold up its end of the bargain.
Special Teams: B
Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker did his part when called upon, kicking two field goals and converting his lone extra point attempt on the afternoon for a total of seven points. Punter Sam Koch did his part two with six punts for an average of 51.7 yards per punt. He pinned two inside the Denver 20-yard line as well. The coverage teams were good too, with just 13 punt return yards allowed. But it was Denver's special teams effort from kicker Brandon McManus that led the way for the Broncos in this one. McManus kicked four field goals and one extra-point for 13 of Denver's 19 points. If a kicker beats you on a day like that, that is hard to pit on the Baltimore special teams.
Coaching: C
On the bright side, the defense was about as good as you could ask on the road against a team as talented as the Denver Broncos. There was not much more the defensive staff and head coach John Harbaugh could have done on that side of the field. The offense, however, was a much different story. Credit to Denver for being able to match Baltimore every step of the way, but nothing seemed to be working for Baltimore's offense and nothing Baltimore tried seemed to work. Sometimes that happens. It is far from time to push a panic button in Baltimore or suggest Harbaugh needs to make some drastic changes. The best thing that can be done now is regroup, learn what worked and what did not and see what can be improved in Week 2.
So, who's next for Baltimore?
Baltimore will stay on the road to open the 2015 season for a second straight road contest. After Sunday's game in Denver, the team traveled to San Jose, where they'll practice and prepare for their next matchup against an AFC West opponent in Oakland when they face the Raiders next Sunday afternoon. The Raiders got roughed up by the Cincinnati Bengals in their home opener, with quarterback Derek Carr suffering a hand injury, forcing the Raiders to play with Matt McGloin at quarterback.The Raiders also saw safeties Nate Allen and Charles Woodson suffer a knee and shoulder injury, respectively. Baltimore's offense may be in position to take advantage and find their groove.
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
