NFL Game of the Week
by Luke Paul Chandler
The Ravens and Titans go to battle Sunday in what will be a physical standoff.
Tennessee Titans vs Baltimore Ravens
Both teams come into this matchup as surprises in the 2008 season. Both teams were expected to struggle heading into this season, but they have instead been at the top of their respective division. In what will surely be a physical football game, the Ravens take their top-rated defense against the Titans, who are ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense. Both teams are making their mark with power running systems.
For the Ravens it has been a retreat back to a power running game, led by a trio of running backs in Le’Ron McClain, Willis McGahee and rookie Ray Rice. McClain, who splits between fullback and halfback, leads the team in rushing with 215 yards and three touchdowns. McClain is used mostly to preserve leads, on the goal line and in short yardage situations. McGahee’s injuries (ribs, knee, eye) have given McClain more reps. When he does get healthy, McGahee is the physical one-cut running back needed to thrive in the Ravens’ zone blocking scheme. A second-round pick out of Rutgers, Rice has been used sparingly, but the coaching staff loves his upside and potential as key backup to McGahee.
In Tennessee, the story has been Chris Johnson, a first-round draft pick from Eastern Carolina in April. Johnson is a quick and decisive runner, and he runs with more power than he is given credit for. He makes most of his yardage between the tackles then looks for space once he hits the second level. Behind him is last year’s thousand-yard rushe, LenDale White. White has graciously taken a backseat to Johnson, taking on goal-line carries. He currently leads the team with five rushing touchdowns.
The story of this game will be who can capitalize on the mistake of the other team. With two opportunistic defenses, there is no room for error for either the Titans or Ravens.
Titans keys to victory
1. Make Flacco push the ball vertically - The Ravens rookie signal caller has played well in a very controlled offense. He’s not been asked to do much besides protect a lead. The Titans defensive line has been dominant as a pass rushing unit this season and could put Flacco in uncharted waters.
2. Let Albert Haynesworth work - For the past two seasons, there has been no more dominant defensive tackle against both the run and the pass than Haynesworth. Haynesworth has five sacks this season and should be able to beat the Ravens lighter interior offensive line with ease.
3.Don’t be confused - The Ravens have many exotic looks up front, but, if they are neutralized, the rest of their defense is exposed. Controlling the line of scrimmage will be the difference.
Ravens keys to victory
1. Beat the run game - The Ravens have so many looks and so much movement on defense that teams can capitalize on this with power running. They have done better against zone blocking offensive lines, but the Titans are very physical up front.
2. Contain Justin Gage - The aerial assault has improved with Kerry Collins under center for Tennessee, but Gage is the only wide receiver who can gain separation. He is a big target, but he’s not the most physical receiver. Chris McAlister is a great man coverage cornerback, and he should be able to take Gage out of the game.
3. Throw away from Cortland Finnegan - Finnegan is a one-man turnover machine this year and has made many highlight reel plays in coverage. He has been playing with great awareness this season. It would be safer for Flacco to avoid him, but that would leave him open to the veteran Nick Harper.
Key Matchup
Albert Haynesworth, DT, Titans vs Jason Brown, C, Ravens
Brown is drawing the most difficult assignment this season. Haynesworth is fast off the snap and has amazing agility for a defensive tackle. Blocking him one-on-one is nearly impossible, but double teaming him frees up the rest of the line in one-on-one matchups. Brown is quick to engage a defender, but does he have the lower body strength to anchor against Haynesworth?
Players to Watch
1. Haruki Nakamura, SS, Ravens - A special teams ace who is a big hitter.
2. Justin Bannan, NT, Ravens - A backup who is filling in for the injured Kelly Gregg.
3. Tony Browns, DT, Titans - The best defensive tackle who gets no publicity.
4. Chris Carr, RS, Titans - Speedy returner who sets the table for the offense.
Prediction
Titans-17
Ravens -6
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.