Baltimore Ravens aim win to protect perfect home record versus Denver Broncos – NFL Preview
The Baltimore Ravens maintain a perfect home record versus the Denver Broncos who are visiting them in search of ninth straight victory led by quarterback Peyton Manning this Sunday (Dec. 16), and although the game is expected to be very competitive the
number of injuries that the Ravens have on the defensive line can hold them back.
All five games previously played between the two sides at M&T Bank Stadium have been won by the Ravens but this time a major plus for the visitors is that they have the most successful quarterback in the league – Manning – as their offence leader.
He will be up against Ravens offence leader QB Joe Flacco who has been trained and groomed by Manning’s former coach Jim Caldwell, who after being sacked by the Indianapolis Colts joined the Ravens as QBs coach. He has recently been promoted to full time
offensive coordinator.
Since sacking of offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Flacco will hit the field under reign of Jim Caldwell for the first time.
A particular concern for the Ravens in front of Manning is that they do not possess the same old defensive strength. All their key defensive stars, linebacker Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, are uncertain and to an extent affected in form with triceps and biceps
injuries. So while Manning is raring to run havoc through the opponent’s defences, the Ravens lack strength to stop him and others.
The best strategy might be that the Ravens should ply offensive attack of their own, and Flacco remains a key player to do that on the weekend. Caldwell is confident of performing impressively well on the day. He has spoken high of the QB’s talent and ability
and hopes he will lead the team to a win.
It will be a great boost to their defensive line if Terrell Suggs manages to join in this weekend, and although Ray Lewis is not closer enough to stage a comeback, his surprise return can catch the Broncos by surprise.
Coach John Harbaugh has boasted preparedness of the Ravens, saying they know what is at stake.
He said:
"It's a big game - we don't really need an incentive. The fact that us and Denver are both kind of in the mix for seeding and for division championships and those kind of things, that makes it really interesting. This is a game that everybody should be excited
about."
A win is more important for the Ravens than Broncos. The hosts are held back on edge of the playoffs for last two games, which they unexpectedly lost and are desperate for a win now to be through to the second round.
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