The Denver Broncos trail 20-14 going into the half against the Baltimore Ravens. Offense has looked solid. Defense is a different story.
The first road test of the 2018 season puts the Denver Broncos in a territory where they have struggled in their history. However, the team has looked good despite the history and the less than ideal weather.
Starting on defense, Bradley Chubb recorded his first full sack in the NFL as he got to Joe Flacco early in the game. The ideal start would continue on special teams as Joseph Jones would block the ensuing punt that would set up the Broncos at the Baltimore six yard line. Royce Freeman would answer immediately with a rushing touchdown.
The good start would follow with Emmanuel Sanders taking a sweep and running 35 yards for the touchdown. It was an excellent response after Baltimore took their second possession all the way down for a touchdown.
After the second touchdown, the Broncos offense went quiet. One big issue for the defense is that the secondary is playing so far off. There is at least five or seven yards between the corners and wide outs. Joe Woods needs to fix that.
Denver is also still having a hard time covering tight ends. Mark Andrews was wide open for a 31-yard reception early in the first quarter.
Some injury news for Denver. Tramaine Brock left the game with a groin injury and is out. That is not good news for the secondary. Remember that Adam Jones is inactive already. The cornerback position is thin.
The defense has been sleep walking since the Broncos took the lead. And thanks to that, the Ravens took their first lead of the game. The run defense has looked good. But the pass defense looks lost. Joe Woods needs to change something quick.
Denver will get the football to start the second half. They will be without Phillip Lindsay. The star running back was ejected from the game.