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D meets D when Ravens play Broncos

Week 5 in the NFL will have the unbeaten Baltimore Ravens fly into Denver to meet the Broncos. For many, the match-up is all about defense. While the Ravens are a consistently strong defensive team, the Broncos too took to improving at that end of the field. As a matter of fact, their emphasis on improving their red-zone defense has proved fruitful, with only one touchdown yielded in opponents` nine trips to the 20-yard line.

Still the Ravens are in a league of their own when it comes to defense. They allow only 68 yards per game on the ground and 156 in the air, making them the top rated team in total defense and explaining their unbeaten 4-0 record. No wonder talk about a championship run like the latest in 2000 is back in vogue around the league.

The Ravens, who lead all teams in turnover margin (plus 8, compared to Denver`s minus 4), owe much of the season`s success to their off-season acquisition of quarterback Steve McNair. The former Titan has repeatedly proven his poise and leadership by orchestrating scoring runs in the team`s last two games to bring them the wins. The Broncos defense will nevertheless try to pressure him for the full length of the game and walk away with a third win of the season.