Notables of the Night
- Peyton's New Partners: Talk about breaking out! Prior to this game Julian Thomas, who hadn't seen much action in Denver for the pass 3 years due to injury, had only recorded one career catch. ONE! He ended the night with 5 receptions for 110 yards. Wes Welker finished the night with 9 receptions, two of which were for touchdowns from Manning. Granted, it was just the first game but these are targets that can turn into cash money for Denver as this season progresses. Not to mention the Broncos were without Von Miller (suspended for 6 games) and Champ Bailey (sprained foot).
- Jacoby Jones: One of the Ravens star receivers Jacoby Jones was shaken up in the second quarter after a collision during a punt return by his own teammate (see clip below). Jones left the game with a right knee sprain and did not return. Scary moment for Baltimore fans. This new Ravens team has a lot of new and young guys. They will need as much veteran experience and reliable targets for Flacco as they can get.
- Ravens' Readiness: Joe Flacco was just not on his game. Frankly, he got a good ole fashioned beating. He completed only 34 of his 62 passes, only 2 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions. The Ravens defense eventually was worn out by Denver. Thankfully for them having a Thursday night game means they won't see their week 2 opponent in Cleveland until next Sunday. That's enough time to implement many adjustments.
Along with his record setting touchdown passing games, Manning threw for 462 yards which is the second most in his career. The rumors of his strengthened arm seem to be true so far. If this offense continues to catch fire, especially after the return of some of their key receivers, things can get scary for the AFC.
Hopefully Jones makes a speedy recovery but this will be the Not Top Play for the weekend brought to you by Ravens rookie safety Brynden Trawick.
Sources: SB Nation, NFL
IDK, I'm kind of in the middle on this topic. It's either that Peyton Manning is back or Baltimore defense just sucks that bad. I mean it IS Peyton Manning and we all expected him to be back and have one of the most potent offenses with the acquisition of Wes Welker; BUT the Ravens are starting six new players on defense; in particular the secondary. So, I do not know if the Ravens starters on defense are new to the aptitude of Denver or Peyton Manning is still that damn good. We will find out as the season progress I guess.
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