From the Press Box: Denver Broncos can confirm they are either contenders or pretenders on Sunday

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I have been one of the more “wait and see”-type of Denver Broncos (3-0) fans during their 3-0 start. Mostly because the teams they have beat have not won a game and they all have terrible offenses.

But this Sunday, I will either have my skepticism confirmed, or my excitement ignited as they host the Baltimore Ravens (2-1) in what is sure to be one of the premiere games of the weekend.

The Broncos defense enter Sunday’s game having not allowed a score, field goal or touchdown, in 19 straight drives. The defense has only allowed 8.7 points/game (best in the NFL) and 221 yards/game (second best in the NFL). They are seventh in the League with five turnovers and have a +3 turnover differential.

Offensively, they are middle of the pack in total offense at 387 yards/game and tied for seventh in the NFL in rushing yards/game (127 yards/game).

Perhaps most impressive about the numbers and record is the fact the Broncos are missing key components in edge-rusher Bradley Chubb and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, among other names.

Enter the Baltimore Ravens.

The perennial playoff powerhouse is first in the league in rushing (185.3 yards/game) and fourth in the league in total offense (424 yards/game). Their defense has been somewhat questionable, as the ninth worst in total yards/game and seventh worst in points/game.

They have one of the most explosive players in the NFL in former MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson. The Ravens will be coming off of an emotional roller coaster of a game at Detroit where they won off of an NFL record 66-yard field goal by Justin Tucker.

The Broncos are currently one-point favorites in the contest, but on paper, they should be underdogs.

If the Broncos are going to win, it might come off of the right arm of quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. The Ravens give up 314.7 yards/game, third-worst in the NFL.

Bridgewater has been a pleasant surprise for Broncos fans who were clamoring for Drew Lock to start over him in camp.

Bridgewater has not thrown an interception and has completed 76 percent of his passes (second in NFL) and has posted a passer rating of 116.4 (fifth among active starters).

The Broncos priority should be to contain Jackson, and not let him escape the pocket. The Ravens depleted backfield has forced Jackson to take more of the rushing attempts.

If Denver is able to pull off this win, the NFL may have to take notice and recognize them as contenders and a legit threat in the AFC.

But if they lose, especially if it’s ugly, it will confirm the pundits suspicion that the Broncos are pretenders.

John Lee is the editor of The Pampa News and can be reached at pampanewseditor@gmail.com or find him on Twitter @jcl1987.