Prior to the formation of the AFC North, one forgets just how intense the the Ravens games vs. Jacksonville, and Tennessee were in the AFC Central. Baltimore has faced the Houston Oilers / Tennessee Titans 19 times, and holds a 10-9 record (8-8 regular season, 2-1 playoffs) in those previous games. This Sunday in Nashville, the Ravens and Titans get to renew this rivalry in the home opener for Tennessee.
Here are 10 things to look for from the Titans:
1) Fans of the Titans (and Fantasy Football fans everywhere) were not excited by Chris Johnson’s lack of production last week against Jacksonville (9 carries, 24 yards, 6 receptions 25 yards). By Sunday, he will have had another week of practice and be that much closer to his normal self. You have to avoid Johnson hitting any ‘home runs’ and ripping off big gains. The improved speed and athleticism of the Ravens defense should help to contain him.
2) The offensive line in-front of Johnson is led by the well regarded David Stewart at RT, and Michael Roos – a 2x All-Pro – at LT.
3) Prior to last week, Jeff Fisher had been the Head Coach for every Titans game since the inception of the team in ’97, and with the organization since becoming the Head Coach with Houston in ’94. Fisher’s replacement is Mike Munchak who had been on Fisher’s staff that entire time. Munchak was a 10x All-Pro as a player (Offensive Guard), was named to the NFL’s ’80s All-Decade Team, and voted to Hall of Fame in 2001.
4) Lots of excitement in Tennessee about TE Jared Cook. Cook was drafted in the 3rd round of the ’09 draft out of South Carolina. Last year Cook had 29 catches, and averaged 5.6 yards after the catch. This past week in Jacksonville, Cook had just 1 grab for 7 yards. With Hasselbeck comparing Cook’s abilities to Antonio Gates, I’m expecting Cook to be targeted more often this weekend.
5) The Titans first pick in the ’09 draft was Kenny Britt out of Rutgers. The 6’3 215 lb WR started 2011 out with a bang, with 5 grabs for 136 yards and 2 TD’s. For his career, he has averaged 18.1 yards per reception. He has 11 TD’s in his last 10 games. If you gear up to stop Johnson by placing 7 or 8 guys in the box, Britt figures to face a lot of single coverage outside. Obviously would have liked Smith to be available for coverage against Britt, but that is just how things go.
6) Opposite of Britt is Nate Washington. Washington is not a name that is going to evoke a lot of fear, but with a career average of 15.2 yards per reception, he should be respected.
7) Hasselbeck is a 3x Pro Bowl QB, but he is also turning 36 (September 25th) and was incredibly mediocre over his last three years with the Seahawks. After battling shoulder and back issues in recent seasons, it will be interesting to see how much arm strength he still has.
8) Tennessee is hoping that DE Derrick Morgan, a 2010 1st round pick out of Georgia Tech, is ready for Sunday. Morgan had his knee scoped a few weeks ago, and is currently listed as doubtful. Another interesting player up-front is DT Sen’Derrick Marks, who played at Auburn and is in his 3rd year in the league. The former 2nd round pick was a recipient of numerous awards at the College level.
9) Akeem Ayers is a name that received attention from Baltimore fans this past Spring, as a possible draft selection for the Ravens. The 2nd round pick out of UCLA, is starting at OLB for the Titans in their 4-3 alignment. Opposite of Ayers is Will Witherspoon, who was the team MVP of the St. Louis Rams in ’07, and released by the Eagles prior to last year.
10) Free Safety Michael Griffin was an All-Pro last year, finishing with over 100 tackles, and 4 picks. CB Cortland Finnegan was very aggressive in his play against the Ravens in 2008. The 5’10, 198 lb Finnegan would be named an All-Pro that year.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.