Ravens at Broncos, Divisional Playoffs: 3 Reasons Denver Will Win
January 08, 2013 11:35 am
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Baltimore Ravens' Revamped Offensive Line vs. Miller Time
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Tackle Bryant McKinnie came into the season overweight and out of shape.
For whatever the reason he had little playing time this season. Last week against the Indianapolis Colts, McKinnie was inserted into the starting lineup.
The reshuffle of the offensive line resulted in their best performance of the season.
Joe Flacco enjoyed time in the pocket. According to Pro Football Focus, Flacco had 24 passing plays with only six of the plays experiencing pressure.
Flacco was sacked only once versus the Colts. That was then this is now. It is Miller Time.
Second-year linebacker Von Miller has 18.5 sacks for the season. The Denver Broncos stand atop the NFL with 52 sacks.
Will the revamped offensive line be enough to slow down Miller and defensive end Elvis Dumervil?
Not likely.
The Broncos' defense is formidable. Known for both speed and strength, McKinnie, shifted tackle Michael Oher and center Matt Birk will have their hands full.
The announcement of the retirement of linebacker Ray Lewis was an emotional boost to the Baltimore Ravens. Last week's Wild-Card matchup, pitted ChuckStrong vs. Lewis' retirement parade.
Yes, there was the sensational rookie Andrew Luck versus the traditionally good Ravens' defense. But in the end the game should have been a mismatch from the beginning. It wasn't. The Ravens won the battle 24-9. But it wasn't the mismatch the score indicates.
The Colts and their rookie quarterback proved inept in the red zone.
The Ravens battled and eventually won. Lewis lined up in victory formation to show his signature moves. Talk centered around elongating the career of Lewis one more game.
Now the Ravens must travel to Denver Colorado, to meet the Denver Broncos. The Ravens will need to rely less on emotion and more on their play on the field.
The Ravens have a short week against a well-rested Broncos squad powered by Peyton Manning and Von Miller.
Do the Ravens stand a chance?
Read more: Andrew Luck, Baltimore Ravens, Bernard Pierce, Bryant McKinnie, Denver Broncos, Elvis Dumervil, Joe Flacco, NFL, NFL Divisional Playoffs, Peyton Manning, Ray Lewis, Ray Rice, Von Miller, Week 19
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