Despite Sloppy 4th Quarter, Broncos Edge Ravens In OT

by Lindsay Jones

Baltimore -- Before Sunday's season opener Coach Jason Griffin said he wanted to see what thype of character and resolve his team had. After four plus quarters of football he may have his answer. After taking a commanding 26-7 lead into the fourth quarter, the Broncos surrendered 23 straight 4th quarter points before scoring a touchdown with 22 seconds left to force overtime. Denver had the only posession of the extra frame as they drove the ball down the field and set up Jason Elam's game-winning 35 yard field goal for a 33-30 victory. The Broncos had a uneven performance, but free agent acqusition Nnamdi Asomugha starred. Asomugha had 3 interceptions and returned one 55 yards for the games first points. Jay Cutler, on the other hand, did little to inspire confidence in Bronco fans as he matched Asomugha's 3 int's with 3 picks of his own. Cutler was responsible for a td pass and a 12 yard touchdown run at the end of the game that forced overtime. The running game was only able to produce 49 yards and continues to be a sore spot for the team. Rookie WR Naji Warner caught 6 passes for 71 yards and a touchdown. He was among 8 different Broncos to record a reception. Defensively the Broncos dominated the first three quarters before falling apart in the 4th. Along with Asomugha's 3 picks, DE Julius Peppers forced and recovered a fumble. the Ravens were led by Kerry Collins 354 yards passing and 2 td's. Defensively safties Kenny Phillips (2) and Ed Reed (1) were able to intercept Cutler. As a team the ravens defense also sacked Cutler 5 times. "I have to do a better job of putting this team in positions to win and not make it harder than it has to be," said Cutler. The Ravens host the Browns next week, while the Broncos travel to Kansas City.

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