NFL Week 3: Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens Recap

Photo credit to Maryland GovPics via Flickr

NFL

Denver Broncos vs Baltimore Ravens Recap

Week 3 of the 2018 NFL season wasn’t a pretty one for these AFC foes. A 95% chance of rain brought forth a wet matchup between two teams looking to secure an all-important win. This matchup was previewed by TSJ earlier in the week.

Notable inactives for the game include: LB C.J. Mosley, QB Robert Griffin III, CB Adam Jones, DE Demarcus Walker, TE Hayden Hurst, & DT Michael Pierce. The Baltimore Ravens looked to sure up a defense that was missing its leader in all-pro linebacker C.J. Mosley. The Denver Broncos looked to continue to gash defenses with its two-headed monster in the backfield. So how did this week 3 matchup play out?

1st Quarter

It didn’t take long for the fireworks to get started in this matchup. With the Baltimore Ravens starting the game with a three and out, Sam Koch lined up to punt. Broncos player Joe Jones would surge towards Koch and get a huge block to start the game. On the very next play, rookie Royce Freeman churned for an effortless 6-yard rushing touchdown.

Baltimore would respond with a 37-yard return from Tim White. The return along with an unnecessary roughness penalty would have the Ravens in great field position. A huge 30-yard connection from Flacco to Oklahoma product Mark Andrews would set up a 6-yard touchdown by Alex Collins.

The Denver Broncos didn’t panic after giving up a quick score. They would instead respond with an 8 play, 70-yard drive. A 3rd and 11 conversion by Cameron Sutton along with a holding penalty from safety Tony Jefferson would lead to a 30-yard end-around touchdown from Emmanuel Sanders. A 52-yard field goal and a sack by Za’darius Smith on 3rd down would finish off the 1st quarter.

2nd Quarter

After a Broncos three and out, the Baltimore Ravens would proceed to embark on a 9 play, 52-yard scoring drive. Michael Crabtree and Javorious ‘Buck’ Allen would be the catalysts for the drive, with Allen scoring a 12-yard receiving touchdown to finish the drive.

After another three and out from the Broncos, Baltimore would have another explosive drive, 5 plays, 47 yards.  The drive was highlighted by an explosive 44-yard catch from John Brown. A controversial field goal block by Justin Simmons would, unfortunately, stymie the Ravens drive.

The next drive would lead to even more controversy. A 12-yard strip sack by Terrell Suggs was followed by a huge pile. While in the pile, explosive rookie Phillip Lindsay would throw a punch, getting him disqualified from the game. Tucker would nail a 52-yarder at the end of the half, putting the Ravens up 20-14.

2nd Half

The Denver Broncos would begin the 2nd half with their 6th straight punt, continuing the team’s offensive frustrations. Baltimore would respond with a 14 play, 69-yard drive, highlighted by a great pass threaded into triple coverage by Joe Flacco. Buck Allen would finish the drive off for his 2nd score of the game.

That would be the last score of the game. Denver would try to put together a 2nd half surge, but a Patrick Onwuasor interception, followed by a 4th down stand with 3 minutes remaining would end up sealing it for the Baltimore Ravens. Denver takes their first loss of the season as Baltimore moves up to 2-1.

Fantasy Implications

Emmanuel Sanders would finish with 5 catches, 73 total yards, and a receiving touchdown, putting together a nice day at the office in PPR and Standard scoring leagues. Tailback’s Alex Collins and Buck Allen would each put together +15-point performances in PPR leagues. Justin Tucker would also put together a 12-point performance.

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Photo credit to Maryland GovPics via Flickr