PLAYER NOTES
–QB Case Keenum has a 13-3 record as a starting quarterback over the last two seasons and his win percentage of .813 ranks second only to Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz (11-2, .846 win percentage) in that span.
–C Matt Paradis has played every possible snap for the last three-plus seasons. His streak is second among active players to that of Kansas City T Mitchell Schwartz, who is in his seventh consecutive season of play every possible snap on offense.
–RB Phillip Lindsay is leading all NFL rookies in the first two weeks of the season with 178 yards rushing (6.1 average) on 29 carries. Teammate and fellow rookie RB Royce Freeman is not far behind, ranking fourth with 99 yards rushing on 23 carries.
–Denver’s defense has allowed only a 22.7 percent conversion rate (5 for 22) by the opposition on third down in the first two weeks of the season. The Broncos have been even tougher in the first half, shutting down all 10 third-down conversion tries.
–Von Miller’s 87.5 career sacks are the most by any NFL player since entering the league in 2011. Houston’s J.J. Watt is second in that span with 76.
PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Undrafted free agent RB Phillip Lindsay. He has exceeded expectations to become one of the top playmakers on the Broncos’ revamped offense. He’s the first undrafted rookie to exceed 100 yards from scrimmage in his first two career games. And as strongly and as quick as he hits the hole on a running play, he has shown a knack for catching the ball out of the backfield. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said Lindsay certainly has the Ravens’ attention. “You’d probably have to be surprised when any rookie — probably doesn’t matter whether he’s a free agent or drafted highly — puts up the kind of production he’s put up,” Harbaugh said. “That’s pretty unusual and very impressive.”
MATCHUPS TO WATCH
–Broncos CB Chris Harris Jr. vs Ravens WR Michael Crabtree. There’s a history between the Broncos and Crabtree, though it was former Broncos CB Aqib Talib who was at the center of it. But it was a heated rivalry and one that remains intense, though Crabtree has moved on from the Raiders to join the Ravens this season. Crabtree has become a key target for Joe Flacco and Harris figures to draw him in coverage plenty of times come Sunday as the tip of the spear in the Broncos’ secondary.
–Broncos TE Jake Butt vs Ravens SS Tony Jefferson. After missing all of last season with an injury, Butt has moved quickly to establish himself as a reliable third-down option for Broncos QB Case Keenum. He has shown speed and strength in his route-running and an ability to find the gaps in zone coverages. But he’ll be facing one of the tougher, quicker safeties in the league in Jefferson.
