Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
Josh McDaniels became famous in his early days as a head coach for his amazingly effective halftime adjustments.
It didn’t work Sunday as the Denver Broncos suffered their first loss of the season. Baltimore outscored Denver 24-7 in the second half. Going into the game, Denver had outscored its opponents 76-10 in the second half.
Yet, Sunday, the Ravens pulled away from Denver in the second half after leading 6-0. Denver was actually competitive this game until the Ravens pulled away late in the third quarter.
The key for Denver’s loss was it couldn’t get its offense going. Losing right tackle Ryan Harris with a toe injury hurt. Quarterback Kyle Orton was never comfortable and couldn’t get into a groove.
While the adjusting for the Ravens is over, McDaniels has to find a way to stop the bleeding and beat Pittsburgh on Monday Night Football next week. The biggest key will be getting his quarterback and offense back into the groove. Denver’s defense was solid for much of Sunday’s game, but the offense and special teams were subpar as McDaniels tasted defeat for the first time as an NFL head coach.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
AFC WEST SCOREBOARD
Sunday, 11/22
Final/OT Pittsburgh 24 Kansas City 27 Final San Diego 32 Denver 3 Final Cincinnati 17 Oakland 20