Baltimore Ravens vs. Denver Broncos Recap

+Baltimore Ravens -38
Denver Broncos-35
2OT


If you didn't see this game, you missed out on an instant classic. It's going to be tough to put into words the excitement of these plays but ill try. Lets begin with the first Raven's possession in which Anquan Boldin's drop forced a Sam Koch punt. The result of this, the longest punt return in postseason history. Trindon Holiday took the punt up the right side and wasn't touched for 90 yards. Holliday would later take back the opening kickoff of the second half for 104 yards, another postseason record. Holiday has the longest punt/kick returns in NFL postseason history and is the only player ever to return both kicks in a playoff game.
With the return, Peyton Manning did not take the field until after the score was knotted 7 apiece. Just three plays later, a tipped pass intended for Eric Decked resulted in Corey Graham's hands as he waltzed into the endzone. In about 8 minutes, their had been a 90 yard punt return, 59 yard bomb to Torrey Smith and an INT return by Graham.

Peyton responded easily by marching down the field and finding Brandon Stokley on a beautiful touch pass in the corner of the end zone. Each team then added a score before half. In the first half, it is important to note that 12 time pro bowler, Champ Bailey, was being eaten alive by Torrey Smith.
As I mentioned before, the 2nd half began with the kick return at which point you though the Broncos had grabbed all momentum. After a great defensive quarter, Ray Rice found the end zone from 1 yard out with 23 seconds remaining in the quarter.

A Demaryius Thomas touchdown mid way through the 4th pushed the Broncos ahead. Joe Flacco and company then had 3 minutes around the Denver 30. They faced a 4th and 5, in which, the Denver defender made an excellent play that broke up a pass intended for Dennis Pitta.

The Broncos took over on downs and this is when it hit me. Could Ray Lewis really be taking the field for the last time ever? Denver runs for a first down, is it all over. With limited timeouts and the two-minute warning, Baltimore did stop the Broncos and got the ball back. This is it Joe you have one minute to take your ravens down the field to tie the game. First down-nothing, second down-7 yards, clock running, 30 seconds remaining, stop the clock. No, Joe steps up in the pocket launches it 55 yards down the field. Safety Raheem Moore for the Broncos completely whiffs the ball as the ball travels and lands perfectly into Jacoby Jones hands as he runs 15 more yards to tie the game at 35 a piece.

Unbelievable, play of the year, instant classic! And we still have overtime. 

Overtime began with a Raven's possession but after drives stalled for both teams, OT became a field position battle. Finally, on his own 30 yard line, Peyton Manning makes an ill advised pass as Corey Graham gets his second interception of the day. Baltimore runs Ray Rice for the 28th, 29th, and 30th time of the day as they scamper inside the 30. And here comes rookie Justin Tucker. All Baltimore fans quickly flashback to last years AFC Championship game. Billy Cundiff no more as JT knocks through the 47 yarder and Ray Lewis' career continues. What a game!!