In a game not as close as the final score indicated, the Baltimore Ravens jumped out to an early lead, then used a well balanced ball control offense to put the game out of reach in fourth quarter to win 31-17. If the Broncos had not scored what was pretty much a worthless late TD, my prediction of a 27-10 Ravens win would have looked pretty good. However it was only that final long TD pass for Denver that once again put QB Kyle Orton over the 300 yards passing threshold for the fifth game in a row.
Despite his prolific passing performance, Denver's one-dimensional offense was no match for the balanced offense that the Ravens showed all game long. with QB Joe Flacco throwing for almost 200 yards and RB Ray Rice running for well over 100 yards, the Ravens pounded Denver inside and outside for gashing runs and an overwhelming advantage in the tie-of-possession battle.
The final score could have been even worse, had the Ravens scored from inside the one yard line on their first possession of the game However, regardless of the Broncos holding them on forth down Baltimore came right back the next two times they touched the ball to drive dwn the field and punch it in for touchdowns. Four rushing touchdowns were just part of the over 200 yards running the ball for the Ravens.
So much more will be discussed and debated this week while we get ready for what should be a real tough test when the Ravens go into New England for a showdown with the 3-1 Patriots, who will be fresh off their Bye week as they await us. For now, revel in the fact that a win pushes us to 4-1 and leading the AFC North and with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a Bye, plus the Cincinnati Bengals losing at home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers today, as well as another Cleveland Browns loss, Baltimore is well in control of the division after five weeks of the 201 NFL season.