Broncos Game Preview: vs. Ravens Week One

Aug 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball during the first half against the San Francisco 49ers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Key Matchups

Broncos defense vs. Ravens offensive line

The Denver Broncos have been really impressive this preseason on the defensive side of the football. The unit as a whole limited opposing offenses to an average of 16.5 points per game.

If that is any indication, the Broncos defense will be relied upon quite a bit this season. Perhaps win a few games for the team. The Ravens goal is to keep them out of the backfield. That of course will be no easy task.

The Ravens offensive line is solid, but not without a few hiccups. They are solid in run protection, but are a bit below average on pass protection. Players like Von Miller and Demarcus Ware will have solid games if the Ravens can’t slow them down.

All that aside, I look forward to this matchup and see which side of the ball comes out on top. Orange Crush or the Purple Wall?

C.J. Anderson vs. Ravens defense

C.J. Anderson made himself known during the second half of the 2014 season, rushing for over 800 yards. Had he started the entire season, it would not be surprising at all if he finished around 1,500 yards rushing.

Anderson has done a solid job at doing well during the preseason to solidify the starting job. He escaped the curse of the Bronco running back to start training camp as the starter and become a backup after preseason.

Now, barring any injury, C.J. Anderson enters his first full year as the starter. His first test will not be an easy one. The Ravens front seven on defense are no joke with Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumerville, and C.J. Mosley part of the linebacker core.

It will be a challenge for C.J. Anderson, but if he does well against the Ravens, it will be a moral victory for the third year running back.

Next: X-Factors