Broncos passing game vs. Ravens pass defense

A few months ago, we might have expected the Ravens secondary to shut down a Denver passing offense that struggled last season. That’s no longer close to a given. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has delivered high efficiency in his first season as the Broncos’ starter, completing 76.8% of his passes with no interceptions despite frequently throwing downfield. The Broncos rank 20th in attempts, but Bridgewater has made good use of his opportunities against a trio of unimpressive pass defenses. Injuries have thinned out a talented Denver receiving corps, with 2020 first-round pick Jerry Jeudy (high-ankle sprain) shelved for at least six weeks and KJ Hamler gone for the season. That leaves the burden on top deep threat Courtland Sutton (15 catches on 20 targets, 210 yards) and veteran Tim Patrick (12 catches on 13 targets, 174 yards, 2 touchdowns), both of whom have played well. Bridgewater also likes to look for tight end Noah Fant (12 catches on 17 targets, 110 yards). The Ravens rank 30th in pass defense and have allowed opponents to average 7.7 yards per attempt, but they are getting healthier, with veteran cornerback Jimmy Smith back in the lineup and outside linebacker Justin Houston expected to return from a one-week absence on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Rookie safety Brandon Stephens could play a big role in Denver with starting safety DeShon Elliott sidelined by a quad injury. On the other side of the ledger, safety Chuck Clark has played the best football of his career; he led the Ravens with 12 tackles and a sack against the Lions. The Broncos could be without starting guards Graham Glasgow (knee) and Dalton Risner (ankle), so don’t be surprised if Ravens defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale tests them with blitzes. EDGE: Broncos