The defining moment of the Broncos' offseason makeover came on the third play of the third quarter Sunday afternoon. Peyton Manning took a shotgun snap and fired into the left flat toward receiver Jordan Norwood. Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith broke early, seeing no reason to stay deep with Demaryius Thomas. He ricocheted into Norwood, tipped the ball skyward and returned it for the game's first touchdown.
Two hours into the season opener at Sports Authority Field, the Ravens had bloodied the Broncos' nose. On this same field last January, under similar circumstances and bigger stakes, Denver cowered into the fetal position, getting bounced in the playoffs by Indianapolis.