Three keys to the Broncos beating the Ravens on Sunday at Empower Field

The Denver Broncos are one of five undefeated teams in the NFL after three weeks. After beating up on three awful teams (Giants, Jaguars, Jets), the Broncos get their first real challenge of the year with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4.

The Ravens are beatable, but this win is going to be tough to come by. While the Baltimore defense is no longer the elite unit it used to be, the Ravens offense has the most unique set of challenges that you’ll face in the NFL. Add in a quality special teams unit, and you can see how Baltimore is going to be a tough out.

As per usual on Mondays and Tuesdays during the regular season, I have broken down the coach’s film of the Broncos upcoming opponent. Here are three observations from the Ravens film that could be the keys for a Broncos victory on Sunday.

***

Heavy is an Understatement

Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is a rare athlete. His running ability is going to be the first and most important thing the Broncos defense needs to curtail. The Ravens can spread the formation and Jackson can take advantage of space provided by that formation. However, they can also tighten the formation and go with a “heavy” look.

Utilizing two or three tight ends can be a game plan for the Ravens. It’s something they’ve used successfully in the past, and it might be the best way to slow down the Broncos pass rush. Essentially, the Ravens can use their ground game – with multiple tight ends, running backs and H-backs to keep the rush away from Jackson.

Here’s a look at what the @Ravens can do offensively. 3 TE’s, 2 FB’s, no WR’s, and no RB’s. And they still run it down your throat. Lamar doesn’t throw 40 times, because he doesn’t have to. pic.twitter.com/k13sWmuIqQ

— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) August 25, 2021

This is going to be one of the most-physical contests of the 2021 season – for any team. The Ravens can use 13 personnel and even 23 personnel to pound the Broncos defense and soften them up as the game goes on. They must maintain their discipline and stand strong against the physicality the Ravens could implement on Sunday.

***

Speed Please

The Ravens have speed on their offense at the wide receiver position. Marquise Brown, a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, is one of the fastest players in the league. Add in guys like veteran Sammy Watkins and second-year wideout Devin Duvernay and you can see how speed is the name of the game with the Ravens receiving corps.

Brown dropped three would-be touchdowns against the Lions in Week 3. Two of those passes were on him and just bad drops. One of those was a tipped pass but there was an opportunity for him to snare the ball. Add in those scores and the Ravens may not have “barely” beat the hapless Lions – but instead it could have been a big win.

Watkins is injury prone, but the veteran can still get to top speed in a hurry. He’s got the ability to take the top off the defense and has been a trusted target for Jackson in 2021. The Broncos had better be prepared for his long speed.

Speaking of speed, Duvernay might be the fastest receiver for the Ravens if we’re talking just pure speed. Not only is he fast, Duvernay has the build of a running back and the mentality of a running back after the catch. He’s the type of player who can take a short pass and flip the field, turning it into a long gain.

TOUCHDOWN, @Dev_Duv5 ❗️❗️

Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/IOl5ZUtTTz

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 26, 2021

Denver’s defense will have to account for these receivers every time they line up. The Broncos can “mush rush” Jackson, but this type of strategy can backfire on them if they’re not careful. Again, discipline comes into play in a big way against a quarterback like Jackson. If they make a mistake in coverage, one of these speedy receivers can breakaway for a big gain.

***

Kickers Are People Too

I rarely talk about kickers. However, this week against the Ravens their kicker Justin Tucker could come into play in a big way. Last week against the Lions, Tucker hit an NFL record 66-yard field goal to win the game.

This week, playing in the thin air of the Mile High City, Tucker might try one from 70 yards he could hit.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there have been only seven go-ahead field goals of 60-plus yards in the final minute in NFL history, and Tucker is the only kicker with multiple ones. Both of Tucker’s 60-plus yarders to go ahead have happened at Ford Field.

Chills.

Back in action at Denver Sunday at 4:25 p.m. on CBS!
🎟: https://t.co/pE8pOsgd9A pic.twitter.com/CPa6h7UDRq

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 27, 2021

Don’t let this game come down to a kick for the Ravens. If this game is close, the Ravens can win with a long-distance kick from one of the must clutch kickers in NFL history.

Related

Dr. Ramos & Zach Bye Discuss Patrick Mahomes’ Return from an ACL InjuryESPN: ‘Don’t be surprised’ if a slow Broncos start leads to Payton calling playsBracing for who gets ranked ahead of Bo Nix on the NFL’s Top 100For Broncos running back RJ Harvey, second-year improvement starts with film studyFormer MLB GM tosses out trade idea for Rockies to deal Hunter GoodmanRockies bombed early and late on a heated night at Coors Field