[Tommy]

Tony Adams previews the Monday Night Football game of Baltimore (+5.5) at Denver. After missing the playoffs the last two seasons, the Ravens have taken a huge step towards the post-season this year thanks to new quarterback Steve McNair.

Signed from Tennessee over the summer, the 33-year-old McNair has steered the Ravens to wins in their first four games, the best start in franchise history.

But that record faces its greatest test at Invesco Field tonight, where the Broncos were undefeated in the regular season last year (they eventually lost to the Steelers there in the AFC Championship game).

On the strength of that home record, the Broncos start as favorites in what is shaping up as a showpiece MNF clash.

The Broncos haven’t started the year quite as well as the Ravens, and are 2-1 coming into the game off a bye-week.

After a couple of years in the wilderness under struggling quarterback Kyle Boller, the Ravens look like a different team with former league MVP, McNair at the helm. McNair has been cutting it close though, a one point win at Cleveland two weeks ago followed by a thrilling 16-13 win over previously undefeated San Diego last Sunday.

Against San Diego, McNair came up with the winning play with 34 seconds left on the clock, connecting with tight end Todd Heap for a 10-yard touchdown pass.

The Broncos beat the Patriots, 17-7 in their last outing before the bye, but were more convincing than that score indicates. Both teams come into the game with their defenses in brutally efficient form.

The Ravens rank second in the NFL with just 219 yards allowed per game, including just 63.2 on the ground. That is the best in the league. Denver went a franchise-record 11 quarters without allowing a touchdown before the Patriots finally broke through in the last quarter two weeks ago.

Broncos’ quarterback, Jake Plummer has had his critics in the early-season, but took some pressure off his back with a strong showing in the win over New England.

A big reason for Plummer’s improved performance is his combination with receiver Javon Walker. Walker has been a great acquisition for an offense that needed another receiver opposite the aging Rod Smith.

Walker bagged two touchdowns against the Patriots and the Ravens’ defense will need to watch this former Packer. Rod Smith and running back, Tatum Bell are the two other big weapons for Denver who must be neutralized if Baltimore wants to keep their impeccable defensive record intact.

Summing Up: The Broncos won last year’s clash between the teams, 12-10, and there won’t be much between them this time either. Watch out for McNair again as he is capable of tipping the balance of power the Ravens’ way.

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