Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense looked like they might have some extra Mile High magic left in the tank.
But a late-game rally came up short, as wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. dropped a touchdown and then a third-down pass intended for tight end Crocket Gillmore got picked off in the end zone. The interception by Denver safety Darian Stewart, a former Raven from last season, sealed Baltimore’s fate, handing them a 19-13 loss to open the season.
The defeat spoiled a stellar effort from the defense, which stymied future Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning throughout the afternoon.