After 13 games of the 2012 NFL season, the Denver Broncos, riding an eight-game inning streak and sporting a 10-3 record, had established themselves as a legitimate playoff contender. But because they had lost three games to teams who have since claimed division titles -- Atlanta, New England, and Houston -- earlier this season, there was some question as to whether they could also be considered a Super Bowl contender. Would the Broncos become just another "one-and-done" team?
On December 16th, the Denver Broncos answered that question authoritatively, and yes, they can now be anointed as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. The Broncos went into the back yard of the Baltimore Ravens, a first-place team in the AFC's North Division with one of the NFL's toughest defenses, and thrashed the Ravens 34-17. And the game wasn't really as close as the score indicated; at the end of three quarters, the Broncos were leading 31-3.
The Broncos dominated the Ravens in every facet of the game. They possessed the ball 17 minutes longer than the Ravens. They had nine more first downs than the Ravens, They outgained them in total yardage, 350-278. The Broncos converted five of 16 third down opportunities. And yes, they got the big defensive play of the game -- a 98-yard interception return by Chris Harris with just 15 seconds left in the first half to give the Broncos a 17-0 halftime lead; it was the longest regular-season interception return in Broncos history. The defense pressured Joe Flacco all day so he only completed 50 percent of his passes, although his game score of 76.5 was not much worse the Peyton Manning's game score of 94.9.
It's impressive enough that the Broncos could beat the Ravens by this magnitude in the first place. But to do it on the road - IN BALTIMORE -- clearly shows they have the ability to win anywhere at anytime this season. And that marks them as a true Super Bowl contender, able to defeat New England and whoever represents the NFC. Chris Harris echoed that theme after the game when he said "You come to the Ravens' house and beat them handily, it's definitely a statement game. We definitely wanted to show to everybody that we're an elite team." Some purists might even consider an AFC conference championship game between Denver and new England to be the real Super Bowl this year. Denver's next objective is to end up one of the two playoff teams with a first round bye, allowing them to rest up from their aches and pains for an extra week. Currently, New England and Houston occupy the top two AFC spots which would give them the bye.
Reaction: ESPN blogger Bill Williamson says the turning point of the game was Chris Harris' interception return. Considering he ran it back for 98 yards, I would have to agree. Williamson adds that although Manning continued his MVP pace by completing 17 of 28 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown, the Broncos great defense and the ground success makes them more than a one-man team. Another ESPN blogger, Jamison Hensley, fears the Ravens could miss the playoffs altogether, although it would require they lose their last two games. Their performance against Denver today makes that a possibility, particularly if the resurgent Indianapolis Colts win or tie any of last three games.
It's a great day to be a Bronco fan. The wreckage of the Josh McDaniels era is behind us. John Elway knew what he was doing when he romanced Peyton Manning.
