Sean Payton has put the Denver Broncos in a much better position than expected. They are 5-3 overall and have won five of their last six games. The head coach, however, keeps his team from getting ahead of the Baltimore Ravens.
Sunday is a 5-3 team battle. However, he looks past Baltimore’s record and disappointing loss to the Cleveland Browns as Payton spoke to the media Wednesday.
“This will be by far our toughest challenge yet,” Payton said via Andrew Mason of Denver Sports 1043 AM. “And they’re a very, very good football team. So going back to last week, we’re not going to be able to afford a few of those mistakes against a good team like this.
Payton is likely referring to the Broncos’ ground game struggles in the Carolina Panthers game. Denver only managed 102 yards rushing, an average of just 3.2 yards per carry. Defensively, Payton’s team gave up two receptions of 20+ yards and two touchdowns from Bryce Young. Denver still won 28-14.
The Ravens, however, present a much different obstacle, as Payton described to the media.
How Sean Payton’s Broncos Compare to the Ravens
Sunday’s AFC opener appears to be becoming a defensive battle.
The Ravens have long been known for establishing a defensive identity. It dates back to the early years of NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. Now, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike and cornerback Marlon Humphrey lead the Ravens’ new generation of defenders.
Baltimore’s 2024 unit has the league’s No. 1 run defense, allowing just 69.87 rushing yards per game. Payton and Denver already face a dilemma in restoring the run against the Ravens.
However, Denver brings the third-ranked defense in the league in tow. Led by Vance Joseph as defensive coordinator, the Broncos allowed just 12 touchdowns. Denver has also given up just 11.6 points per game in its five wins. Additionally, the Broncos rank in the top 10 in run and pass defense.
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Even Ravens head coach John Harbaugh told reporters that Denver would be a challenge.
“We’re ready for a very tough game on Sunday against the Broncos at home,” Harbaugh told the media. “We’re looking forward to the challenge and we’re excited to play this game.”
Of course, the biggest star to draft on the Denver side is Lamar Jackson. The two-time Most Valuable Player threw for 2,099 yards, 17 touchdowns and just two interceptions in 24. But more egregious for the Broncos? They have yet to defeat a Jackson-led Ravens team, as they are 0-3 lifetime against him.
Payton and the Broncos are huge 9.5-point underdogs for this crucial matchup between the AFC playoff contenders.
