FIRST DOWN: Avoiding negative plays

A big reason why the Broncos are averaging 427.5 yards per game (fourth in the NFL) is their ability to avoid minus-yardage plays and produce explosive plays.

The Broncos have allowed only two sacks (tied for second fewest), which keeps them out of long-yardage situations, and their six negative plays are tied for the league’s fewest with Arizona, Detroit and Tennessee.

On the flip side, the Broncos’ 15 plays of at least 20 yards lead the NFL, as do their 14 completions of at least 20 yards.

Evidence of staying on schedule is the Broncos’ third down work. Against Oakland, the Broncos were 8 of 16, but seven of those plays required only three or fewer yards (they converted six).

Baltimore’s defense has forced 15 negative plays during its 1-1 start.

SECOND DOWN: Mosley potentially big loss

During the preseason, the Ravens had rookie Kenny Young compete with third-year veteran Patrick Onwuasor for the starting inside linebacker spot alongside C.J. Mosley.

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Young, a fourth-round pick from UCLA, is second on the team with 11 tackles and also has three quarterback hits.

“He’s a guy that’s a really good processor after the ball is snapped and that’s not easy,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said on Wednesday. “You kind of worry about that with young defensive players. Are they going to be able to process the defense first and understand what their assignment is? And then once the ball is snapped, make the right reaction? He does a good job of that and, when he doesn’t, he plays fast and makes tackles.”

The Broncos targeted rookie outside linebacker Shaquem Griffin in the win over Seattle and tight end Jake Butt had success down the middle of the field against Oakland. Expect them to challenge Young.

THIRD DOWN: Run games in opposite states

Fueled by rookies Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman, the Broncos are second in the NFL in rushing (157 yards per game) and fourth in yards per attempt (5.2).

The Ravens’ run game has yet to fire, which is a good sign for the Broncos, who have allowed only 3.6 yards per carry.

The Ravens’ 3.3-yard rushing average is 30th in the league. Kenneth Dixon (quad) is on injured reserve, leaving the duties to Buck Allen and Alex Collins.

“We need to pop some (long) runs,” Harbaugh said. “That’s the biggest issue. When you hit some long runs, that average goes to where you want it to be. … We’re not in any way pleased with the numbers. We’re very determined to run the ball well because we think it fits our offense and it’s something that opens everything else up.”

FOURTH DOWN: Right call at right time

The Broncos unveiled the “Wildcat” formation for one play against Oakland. Lindsay took the shotgun snap, faked a hand-off to Freeman and ran left.

Tight end Matt LaCosse, who lined up on the right side, moved laterally along the line of scrimmage to serve as Lindsay’s lead blocker.

Problem was, two Raiders — linebacker Tahir Whitehead and safety Erik Harris — had the play read well.

“They had the best look for that play,” LaCosse said.

Since Whitehead was identified as the “first threat,” (closest to the football), LaCosse tried to block him. That allowed Harris to stop Lindsay for a one-yard loss.

“If (Whitehead) isn’t scraping and it’s just 25 (Harris) out there, I’m blocking him and Phillip’s in the end zone,” LaCosse said.