Broncos fall to Ravens 10-9 after ugly defensive struggle

Tyler Huntley replaced an injured Lamar Jackson on Sunday and led the Ravens to a win over the Broncos.

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The Denver Broncos lost to the Baltimore Ravens 10-9 on the road in an ugly defensive battle in Week 13.

Broncos kicker Brandon McManus converted 52- and 41-yard field goals in the first half to give Denver a 6-3 lead over Baltimore at halftime.

The Ravens’ first score of the game came in the second quarter after quarterback Lamar Jackson left the game with a knee injury. Tyler Huntley replaced Jackson in the second quarter and led a 10-play, 62-yard drive that ended in a 26-yard Justin Tucker field goal to give Baltimore three points.

In the second half, pressure from Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper forced a Huntley interception thrown to safety Justin Simmons. That turnover led to a third McManus field goal — this one a 50-yarder — to extend Denver’s lead to 9-3.

Simmons later intercepted another pass when the Ravens ran a trick play in the fourth quarter on an end-around pass thrown by receiver James Proche. The Broncos weren’t able to score after that turnover, but it stopped a Baltimore drive and helped Denver eat up about three minutes of game clock.

The Broncos ultimately left too much time on the clock as Huntley later led a 16-play, 91-yard drive that ended with his two-yard touchdown run that gave Baltimore a 10-9 lead late in the game.

Denver had enough time to get into range for a 63-yard field goal attempt, but McManus’ kick fell short, ending the game with a 10-9 loss.

Up next for Denver is a showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High in Week 14. The game was originally scheduled for Sunday Night Football but was flexed to the afternoon slot last week.

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