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The Ravens jumped out to an early 17-0 lead over the Broncos, but allowed a late Denver touchdown and have just a 10 point lead at the break.
Here are a few quick-hit notes on the first 30 minutes of play:
- After coming out of the tunnel on fire and scoring on three of their first four possessions, the Ravens went three-and-out on their last three full possessions of the half (their final drive came to an end after just two plays because of the end of the half). Joe Flacco and company can't sit back and rely on the 17 points they put up early, they need to get back into a groove and make something happen here in the final two quarters.
- I wrote this week how the Ravens' opponents have been flagged for the most penalties and penalty yardage in the league this season. That trend is continuing today. The Broncos have been whistled seven times for 70 yards through the first half of play, while the Ravens have only committed two penalties for 15 yards. Yet again, John Harbaugh's group is remaining composed while their opponents are racking up the penalty yardage.
- It's good to see Ray Rice start to hit his stride a bit. The Ravens' Pro Bowl running back has 48 yards on 10 carries, and he reached the end zone for the first time this season. Rice has been running with a purpose, and looks fully healthy after suffering a bruised knee two weeks ago. He ripped off a nice 18-yard run which showed the 2009 Rice form, as he cut through the line and
- Despite the late scoring drive by the Broncos, the Baltimore secondary has held up well today against a Denver offense which has spread them out wide and looked to air it out often. The Ravens have allowed Kyle Orton, who is the NFL's leading passer, just 129 passing yards so far today, and they've done a good job getting pressure in Orton's face and not allowing him a chance to set his feet and really step into some of his throws. Denver didn't cross into Ravens territory until that final drive of the half.
