Pre-Game Thread - Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans (1 Viewer)

[Jeff Pasquino]

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

My guess at the line:

Baltimore +3

O/U 37

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

First lines are up:

Ravens getting 2.5

O/U is 34 <_<

 

[Bri]

My guess at the line:Baltimore +3O/U 37

best team in NFL wouldn't be favored?

 

[Bri]

Two awesome defenses, should be close. One INT or fumble could be all that's needed to turn the tide in this one

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Tennessee lost to the Jets, Indy(meaningless), and someone else...the Ravens have lost 5 games all to playoff teams. They beat Miami twice, and Philly once.

I think the Titans will be well rested, ready to battle, I like the Titans although they have not been good traditionally at home in the playoffs. I seem to remember them losing to Jax when they were good, Baltimore in fact, but I tink the TItans will get that running game going.

Tennessee 21...Baltimore 13

 

[Bri]

Tennessee lost to the Jets, Indy(meaningless), and someone else...the Ravens have lost 5 games all to playoff teams. They beat Miami twice, and Philly once. I think the Titans will be well rested, ready to battle, I like the Titans although they have not been good traditionally at home in the playoffs. I seem to remember them losing to Jax when they were good, Baltimore in fact, but I tink the TItans will get that running game going. Tennessee 21...Baltimore 13

texans, who they beat as they did the Ravens

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

My son and I were in Baltimore for the game earlier in the season. Both teams are playing much better now than they were then.

Can't wait, although I really wanted San Diego.

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

Tennesse was handed the game early in the season by the officials after being dominated. If the Ravens O can resemble a functional unit, Tennessee will be upset. This is a pick 'em game at best with an over/under of 30.

 

[Bri]

Tennesse was handed the game early in the season by the officials after being dominated. If the Ravens O can resemble a functional unit, Tennessee will be upset. This is a pick 'em game at best with an over/under of 30.

following that foolish logic the Ravens were handed an earlier touchdown in that game as they got 2-3 penalties in a 3rd Q drive by the Ravens

 

[Bri]

AP recap

BALTIMORE (AP) -Facing a rugged Baltimore Ravens defense that still conjures unpleasant memories, Kerry Collins trotted onto the field needing to mount an 80-yard touchdown drive to keep the Tennessee Titans unbeaten.His first big play was to get hit in the helmet. Soon after that, Collins threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:56 left to rally Tennessee to a 13-10 victory Sunday.The last time he started against the Ravens, Collins was thoroughly ineffective for the New York Giants in a 34-7 loss in the 2001 Super Bowl. This win didn't serve as revenge, but it sure helped ease the pain of that humbling setback."It's hard to forget that one. Obviously, it wasn't one of my better days," Collins said. "Sure, I wanted to beat them, (but) I wanted to go 5-0 most of all."The Titans trailed 10-6 in the fourth quarter before Collins engineered the pivotal 11-play scoring drive. The march was extended by a penalty against Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, who was flagged for a blow to Collins' helmet - although the hit appeared to be little more than incidental contact.At least that's how Suggs saw it."If anybody can go back and show something I did illegal, then I would be happy to say I messed up and got what I deserved," he said. "We hit arms. It just goes to show the referee has too much power."It was the last of several personal foul calls in a game marred by numerous skirmishes. Tennessee was penalized 10 times for 78 yards, including a pair of 15-yard infractions that fueled both Baltimore's scoring drives.The Ravens (2-2) were assessed 11 penalties for 91 yards in a matchup between two teams that once were, and seem to still be, bitter rivals."We are the bad boys of football. They are always going to look at us like that," Suggs said. "From the way the game was going, I think the referee just probably wanted to feel important."The third-and-10 play began with a false start call against Tennessee, but play continued and Suggs' hit trumped the 5-yard penalty against the Titans."He got him on the side of the helmet," referee Bill Carollo said. "We're blowing the whistle, blowing the whistle. He may not have heard that ... but he still can't hit the quarterback on the helmet."Collins threw an incomplete pass on the play, but was provided with a new set of downs and coolly directed Tennessee into the end zone.Frustrated by Baltimore's top-ranked defense for much of the game, Collins finished 17-for-32 for 163 yards and two interceptions."Obviously, they're a tough defense. It wasn't always pretty today. It wasn't my best game," Collins said. "But at the end of the game we found a way to win."After Tennessee went up 13-10, Baltimore rookie quarterback Joe Flacco was intercepted by Nick Harper, assuring the Ravens a second straight defeat.Flacco, who went 18-for-27 for 153 yards and two interceptions, was 10 years old when Collins launched his NFL career in 1995."I like how, with 6 minutes left, Kerry came in and commanded the game," Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck said. "He showed his poise and his leadership qualities in that last drive when we scored. Being a 14-year vet, with all the things he's done, I don't care how much talent a young quarterback has, they don't have that. They haven't played enough games."The Ravens took a 10-3 lead with a 71-yard touchdown drive at the start of the second half. Flacco threw a 22-yard pass to Demetrius Williams and the Titans received two personal foul penalties before Le'Ron McClain scored from the 1. Tennessee also received a 15-yard penalty on the conversion.It was the first points scored in the third quarter against the Titans this season.Tennessee closed to 10-6 with 12:49 left when Rob Bironas kicked a 26-yard field goal to end a 13-play, 81-yard drive that featured three completions to Brandon Jones for 54 yards.The Titans made only four first downs and 68 yards in a penalty-filled first half, which ended 3-3.

 

[Bri]

quick stat recap

KC 17-32 163 1TD 2 INT

Lendale 3-4

CJ 18-44

Gage out injured

Titan TEs 9-87-1TD

Brandon Jones 3-54

Flacco 18-27 153 0TD 2 INT

McGahee 22-64

McClain 11-51-1TD

Heap 4-41

Mason 5-38

Clayton 4-37

No sacks or fumbles by either squad, both 2 INTs

 

[Bri]

The Titans made only four first downs and 68 yards in a penalty-filled first half, which ended 3-3.

IMO This is why the Ravens lost. The O didn't get points when they had the chance to put this away. Well if not why, it's a big key. I think the Fins held the Ravens to 30-40 yards for much of the 3rd Q but well you know how that worked out. I'm fairly confident each D is going to control the game at some point, but will it amount to points?Titans allow 14.6 ppg, Ravens allow 15.3ppg; there can't be any gimme TDs off of returns or INTs or fumbles.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

AP recapBALTIMORE (AP) -Facing a rugged Baltimore Ravens defense that still conjures unpleasant memories, Kerry Collins trotted onto the field needing to mount an 80-yard touchdown drive to keep the Tennessee Titans unbeaten.His first big play was to get hit in the helmet. Soon after that, Collins threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:56 left to rally Tennessee to a 13-10 victory Sunday.The last time he started against the Ravens, Collins was thoroughly ineffective for the New York Giants in a 34-7 loss in the 2001 Super Bowl. This win didn't serve as revenge, but it sure helped ease the pain of that humbling setback."It's hard to forget that one. Obviously, it wasn't one of my better days," Collins said. "Sure, I wanted to beat them, (but) I wanted to go 5-0 most of all."The Titans trailed 10-6 in the fourth quarter before Collins engineered the pivotal 11-play scoring drive. The march was extended by a penalty against Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, who was flagged for a blow to Collins' helmet - although the hit appeared to be little more than incidental contact.At least that's how Suggs saw it."If anybody can go back and show something I did illegal, then I would be happy to say I messed up and got what I deserved," he said. "We hit arms. It just goes to show the referee has too much power."It was the last of several personal foul calls in a game marred by numerous skirmishes. Tennessee was penalized 10 times for 78 yards, including a pair of 15-yard infractions that fueled both Baltimore's scoring drives.The Ravens (2-2) were assessed 11 penalties for 91 yards in a matchup between two teams that once were, and seem to still be, bitter rivals."We are the bad boys of football. They are always going to look at us like that," Suggs said. "From the way the game was going, I think the referee just probably wanted to feel important."The third-and-10 play began with a false start call against Tennessee, but play continued and Suggs' hit trumped the 5-yard penalty against the Titans."He got him on the side of the helmet," referee Bill Carollo said. "We're blowing the whistle, blowing the whistle. He may not have heard that ... but he still can't hit the quarterback on the helmet."Collins threw an incomplete pass on the play, but was provided with a new set of downs and coolly directed Tennessee into the end zone.Frustrated by Baltimore's top-ranked defense for much of the game, Collins finished 17-for-32 for 163 yards and two interceptions."Obviously, they're a tough defense. It wasn't always pretty today. It wasn't my best game," Collins said. "But at the end of the game we found a way to win."After Tennessee went up 13-10, Baltimore rookie quarterback Joe Flacco was intercepted by Nick Harper, assuring the Ravens a second straight defeat.Flacco, who went 18-for-27 for 153 yards and two interceptions, was 10 years old when Collins launched his NFL career in 1995."I like how, with 6 minutes left, Kerry came in and commanded the game," Tennessee linebacker Keith Bulluck said. "He showed his poise and his leadership qualities in that last drive when we scored. Being a 14-year vet, with all the things he's done, I don't care how much talent a young quarterback has, they don't have that. They haven't played enough games."The Ravens took a 10-3 lead with a 71-yard touchdown drive at the start of the second half. Flacco threw a 22-yard pass to Demetrius Williams and the Titans received two personal foul penalties before Le'Ron McClain scored from the 1. Tennessee also received a 15-yard penalty on the conversion.It was the first points scored in the third quarter against the Titans this season.Tennessee closed to 10-6 with 12:49 left when Rob Bironas kicked a 26-yard field goal to end a 13-play, 81-yard drive that featured three completions to Brandon Jones for 54 yards.The Titans made only four first downs and 68 yards in a penalty-filled first half, which ended 3-3.

Cliff Notes?

 

[Bri]

AP recapBALTIMORE (AP) -Facing a rugged Baltimore Ravens defense that still conjures unpleasant memories, Kerry Collins trotted onto the field needing to mount an 80-yard touchdown drive to keep the Tennessee Titans unbeaten.His first big play was to get hit in the helmet. Soon after that, Collins threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:56 left to rally Tennessee to a 13-10 victory Sunday.The Titans trailed 10-6 in the fourth quarter before Collins engineered the pivotal 11-play scoring drive. The march was extended by a penalty against Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, who was flagged for a blow to Collins' helmet - although the hit appeared to be little more than incidental contact.At least that's how Suggs saw it."If anybody can go back and show something I did illegal, then I would be happy to say I messed up and got what I deserved," he said. "We hit arms. It just goes to show the referee has too much power."It was the last of several personal foul calls in a game marred by numerous skirmishes. Tennessee was penalized 10 times for 78 yards, including a pair of 15-yard infractions that fueled both Baltimore's scoring drives.The Ravens (2-2) were assessed 11 penalties for 91 yards in a matchup between two teams that once were, and seem to still be, bitter rivals."We are the bad boys of football. They are always going to look at us like that," Suggs said. "From the way the game was going, I think the referee just probably wanted to feel important."The third-and-10 play began with a false start call against Tennessee, but play continued and Suggs' hit trumped the 5-yard penalty against the Titans."He got him on the side of the helmet," referee Bill Carollo said. "We're blowing the whistle, blowing the whistle. He may not have heard that ... but he still can't hit the quarterback on the helmet."Collins threw an incomplete pass on the play, but was provided with a new set of downs and coolly directed Tennessee into the end zone..

Cliff Notes?

 

[(unwelcomed)GUEST]

AP recapBALTIMORE (AP) -Facing a rugged Baltimore Ravens defense that still conjures unpleasant memories, Kerry Collins trotted onto the field needing to mount an 80-yard touchdown drive to keep the Tennessee Titans unbeaten.His first big play was to get hit in the helmet. Soon after that, Collins threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to Alge Crumpler with 1:56 left to rally Tennessee to a 13-10 victory Sunday.The Titans trailed 10-6 in the fourth quarter before Collins engineered the pivotal 11-play scoring drive. The march was extended by a penalty against Baltimore's Terrell Suggs, who was flagged for a blow to Collins' helmet - although the hit appeared to be little more than incidental contact.At least that's how Suggs saw it."If anybody can go back and show something I did illegal, then I would be happy to say I messed up and got what I deserved," he said. "We hit arms. It just goes to show the referee has too much power."It was the last of several personal foul calls in a game marred by numerous skirmishes. Tennessee was penalized 10 times for 78 yards, including a pair of 15-yard infractions that fueled both Baltimore's scoring drives.The Ravens (2-2) were assessed 11 penalties for 91 yards in a matchup between two teams that once were, and seem to still be, bitter rivals."We are the bad boys of football. They are always going to look at us like that," Suggs said. "From the way the game was going, I think the referee just probably wanted to feel important."The third-and-10 play began with a false start call against Tennessee, but play continued and Suggs' hit trumped the 5-yard penalty against the Titans."He got him on the side of the helmet," referee Bill Carollo said. "We're blowing the whistle, blowing the whistle. He may not have heard that ... but he still can't hit the quarterback on the helmet."Collins threw an incomplete pass on the play, but was provided with a new set of downs and coolly directed Tennessee into the end zone..

Cliff Notes?

It's water under the bridge in that the Ravens lost and could have made a number of plays that would have led them to W instead of a L. The Titans made plays when they needed to. The 15 yd blow to the head call was a bad call, Suggs hit Collins' shoulder on a third and long in the second half when the Titans hadn't done anything offensively for the entire game. That penalty initiated a sustained drive for the Titans that led to a TD. There were also two no calls on the Titans D that could have drawn pass interference calls in the fourth. Again, it's water under the bridge as far as records go; however, the Ravens could have easily won that game without that call or a call or two in their favor.

 

[Die]

Over the last 7 games the Ravens defense has given up 7, 3, 10, 13, 24, 7, and 9. 73 points over 7 games. That's strong. The truth is, the Ravens controlled the first meeting and would have won if not for a lot of penalties. I think the Ravens are the better team plus they are playing at a higher level than their first meeting. I thought this was the matchup when I picked my playoff games, and picked the Ravens to win. Still do.

 

[Bri]

Over the last 7 games the Ravens defense has given up 7, 3, 10, 13, 24, 7, and 9. 73 points over 7 games. That's strong. The truth is, the Ravens controlled the first meeting and would have won if not for a lot of penalties. I think the Ravens are the better team plus they are playing at a higher level than their first meeting. I thought this was the matchup when I picked my playoff games, and picked the Ravens to win. Still do.

The Ravens scoring drives came when the Titans were penalized a bunch. One could argue neither team could score a TD without the aided yardage from penalties. I don't think it's reasonable to keep saying(2nd person) the Ravens would have won if not for penalties. Re-read the AP recap, they too benefitted from penalties.Also the Ravens aren't the better team. 13-2 and giving away the last game to be 13-3 gave the Titans the best record in the NFL. No one is technically a better team.

Bottomline for me is neither offense is good enough to move the ball well against the opposing defense. That was proven last time and each QB regularly throws 130-160 yards is very uninspiring. Kerry is the vet and makes less mistakes than a rook but then the Ravens have been a bit of a nemesis for him in his career. On and on this is a super-close matchup.

Neither team is very good in passing yardage and consequently receiving yardage.

Ravens 4th in rushing yardage Titans 7th

Titans 2nd in rushing TDs Ravens 5th

Titans 2nd Ravens 3rd in giveaway/takeaways

Ravens were lowest(32nd) in tackles but can't make sense of that with a stout D-Titans were 7th

Titans 5th Ravens 11th in sacks

Ravens 1st Titans 6th in INTs

Titans 1st in KR avg(25.4) Ravens 32nd at 20.1. ****This seems to be the only clear advantage(thus far) but see the next stat

Yards allowed Ravens 2nd (261.1) Titans 7th (293.6)***it's as if they made up any yardage lost in above stat

PR average 14th Titans and 18th Ravens

Offense PPG 24.1 Ravens 23.4 Titans

Defense points allowed Titans 14.6 Ravens 15.3

offense yards per game Ravens 324 Titans 313.6

This is a great matchup.

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

Tennesse was handed the game early in the season by the officials after being dominated. If the Ravens O can resemble a functional unit, Tennessee will be upset. This is a pick 'em game at best with an over/under of 30.

Did the refs make Stover miss the 2nd qtr field goal or force Flacco to throw it to Harper in the 4th?

 

[The_Man]

Ravens homer here, who thinks the great run comes to an end Saturday.

The Ravens have played 17 straight weeks (their bye got moved to Week 2 because of the Houston hurricane), they are banged up, and now have a short week vs. a team that's been resting for two weeks. Also, they've been playing on emotion for a month straight and seemed to wear down in the Florida heat yesterday.

Also, I think the shine is off the 3 Tackles and unbalanced line offense. For the first time in a long time, yesterday made me feel like I was watching a Billick offense -- lots of deep shots instead of pounding the ball, going 3 and out after a tired D forces another turnover, failing to cash in for points after turnovers provide great field position.

The Ravens D does match up pretty well with the Titans O, but I'm worried about CJ getting the ball in space. The Baltimore secondary are not stout tacklers and the front 7 is starting to look pretty slow -- look what Cobbs did to them out of the backfield.

So I think the Ravens will hold the Titans to around 17 points. But the Baltimore offense we saw yesterday won't be able to top that -- it's going to be up to Flacco if the Ravens are to win.

 

[Gold Plated Nails]

My son and I were in Baltimore for the game earlier in the season. Both teams are playing much better now than they were then.Can't wait, although I really wanted San Diego.

Just wait one more week

 

[msommer]

It'll be a great defensive struggle no doubt. Good playoff football, won in the trenches.

I'm looking forward to it...

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

I have this feeling that the score turns out to be higher than expected. I'm thinking Titans 30-20.

 

[roadkill1292]

Ravens homer here, who thinks the great run comes to an end Saturday. The Ravens have played 17 straight weeks (their bye got moved to Week 2 because of the Houston hurricane), they are banged up, and now have a short week vs. a team that's been resting for two weeks. Also, they've been playing on emotion for a month straight and seemed to wear down in the Florida heat yesterday.Also, I think the shine is off the 3 Tackles and unbalanced line offense. For the first time in a long time, yesterday made me feel like I was watching a Billick offense -- lots of deep shots instead of pounding the ball, going 3 and out after a tired D forces another turnover, failing to cash in for points after turnovers provide great field position.The Ravens D does match up pretty well with the Titans O, but I'm worried about CJ getting the ball in space. The Baltimore secondary are not stout tacklers and the front 7 is starting to look pretty slow -- look what Cobbs did to them out of the backfield.So I think the Ravens will hold the Titans to around 17 points. But the Baltimore offense we saw yesterday won't be able to top that -- it's going to be up to Flacco if the Ravens are to win.

I'm not optimistic, either, for all the reasons you listed plus one more after listening to the national media slurp up the Ravens all day today (not undeservedly so, though). If I'm a tough bunch of winners like the Titans, all this talk about how great our upcoming opponent is puts a little more steel in our collective spines. Nobody on the home sideline will blink at the combat that's coming; they've got the better resume and they know it.Makes me wonder if the Ratbirds shouldn't pull out all the stops this week, throw it around and take some chances. I know the conservative call is to play things close to the vest and hope for a break or two to go your way but Tennessee knows how to play that game just as well as Baltimore does -- and maybe better.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

Ravens homer here, who thinks the great run comes to an end Saturday. The Ravens have played 17 straight weeks (their bye got moved to Week 2 because of the Houston hurricane), they are banged up, and now have a short week vs. a team that's been resting for two weeks. Also, they've been playing on emotion for a month straight and seemed to wear down in the Florida heat yesterday.Also, I think the shine is off the 3 Tackles and unbalanced line offense. For the first time in a long time, yesterday made me feel like I was watching a Billick offense -- lots of deep shots instead of pounding the ball, going 3 and out after a tired D forces another turnover, failing to cash in for points after turnovers provide great field position.The Ravens D does match up pretty well with the Titans O, but I'm worried about CJ getting the ball in space. The Baltimore secondary are not stout tacklers and the front 7 is starting to look pretty slow -- look what Cobbs did to them out of the backfield.So I think the Ravens will hold the Titans to around 17 points. But the Baltimore offense we saw yesterday won't be able to top that -- it's going to be up to Flacco if the Ravens are to win.

I'm not optimistic, either, for all the reasons you listed plus one more after listening to the national media slurp up the Ravens all day today (not undeservedly so, though). If I'm a tough bunch of winners like the Titans, all this talk about how great our upcoming opponent is puts a little more steel in our collective spines. Nobody on the home sideline will blink at the combat that's coming; they've got the better resume and they know it.Makes me wonder if the Ratbirds shouldn't pull out all the stops this week, throw it around and take some chances. I know the conservative call is to play things close to the vest and hope for a break or two to go your way but Tennessee knows how to play that game just as well as Baltimore does -- and maybe better.

I agree with both of my avian-rooting bretheren here. I don't have a good feeling about this one, and my natural Devil's-Advocate leaning hates the fact that the national media is playing up the Ravens this week. I know Baltimore played the Titans tough in October, they led most of the game, got a bad call on that last drive, etc....But - they couldn't score when given opportunites & couldn't make a stop when they absolutely HAD to. I heard Mike Ditka on Monday say that a short week, a veteran team, and the heat in Miami wouldn't make a difference this week against the Titans. But that D looked awful tired to me in the 2nd half on Sunday & I'm really concerned about their ability to bounce back. On top of that, Flacco (& Cameron's play-calling) left something to be desired against Miami - I wonder if the well is dry....On the other hand, I wonder if I'm too critical because I'm a fan & that the people who have no stake in the matter may have it right. In the game thread Sunday, I said something like "welcome to Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" - in other words, Baltimore's M.O.

 

[The_Man]

On the other hand, I wonder if I'm too critical because I'm a fan & that the people who have no stake in the matter may have it right. In the game thread Sunday, I said something like "welcome to Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" - in other words, Baltimore's M.O.

There was never more of a "Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" game than the 2000 divisional playoff at Tennessee. The Ravens had something like 143 yards of offense and won by 14 points -- the blocked FG return for a TD and the Ray INT where he ripped the ball away from Eddie George and showed it to him, like the guy in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ripping out the hearts of his victims, before running it back for a TD.Funny thing is -- I think there are now more Titans from that game on the Ravens roster than Ravens: L. Neal, Mason and Rolle vs. Ray and Stover (with McAlister on IR and probably never to play in Baltimore again). Any one else I'm forgetting?The Ravens and Titans had some unbelievable games. All 3 games in 2000, most notably the first loss in Adelphia when Dilfer led the team down for the winning score after seeming to blow the game with the INT for a TD. The Monday Night game where the Ravens didn't get called offside at the very end and then stuffed McNair's sneak from the 1 as time expired. The 2003 playoff game in Baltimore where Gary Anderson got the game-winning kick over the crossbar by less than 6 inches. Even the game earlier this year -- the phantom penalty on Suggs on a play that should have been whistled dead after a Titan false start, followed by the ridiculous TD drive the Ravens gave up.But I think we know more about the team than the national "experts" who have seen maybe 3 or 4 games and base their opinion mostly on last week's result. We know what happens when the run game doesn't produce (see Pittsburgh x 2, Tennessee, NY Giants) and understand that you can't count on breaking off 50+-yard runs in the 4th quarter after getting held to 3 yards per carry for 55 minutes (see Dallas x 2, Miami). We've seen teams flail vs. the Ravens all year, then suddenly drive down the field like gangbusters once they spread the defense out, go to three-step drops that negate the blitz and use speed on the outside to take advantage of a stout but less than swift offense.But -- maybe the Titans can't do that. Maybe Ed Reed is just that good. Maybe Flacco will connect on the deep balls that he hit vs. Jax but missed vs. Miami. My hope is that the Ravens will continue to run that deep cross to Heap that they hit once and missed once inside the 30 vs. Dallas, and hit again once vs. Miami. That was a welcome surprise after seeing a passing game that seems to consist of nothing but 10-yard comebacks on the outside (which are great because they take maximum advantage of Flacco's arm strength and accuracy), intermixed with the occasional fake 10-yard comeback that turns into a double move and a fly pattern down the sideline.Whatever happens, it has been a great season and bodes very well for the future. But I'm thinking something like 17-9 for the Titans.

 

[beermutts]

My son and I were in Baltimore for the game earlier in the season. Both teams are playing much better now than they were then.Can't wait, although I really wanted San Diego.

WOMI, Do you remember what section you were in?

 

[Uruk-Hai]

On the other hand, I wonder if I'm too critical because I'm a fan & that the people who have no stake in the matter may have it right. In the game thread Sunday, I said something like "welcome to Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" - in other words, Baltimore's M.O.

There was never more of a "Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" game than the 2000 divisional playoff at Tennessee. The Ravens had something like 143 yards of offense and won by 14 points -- the blocked FG return for a TD and the Ray INT where he ripped the ball away from Eddie George and showed it to him, like the guy in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ripping out the hearts of his victims, before running it back for a TD.Funny thing is -- I think there are now more Titans from that game on the Ravens roster than Ravens: L. Neal, Mason and Rolle vs. Ray and Stover (with McAlister on IR and probably never to play in Baltimore again). Any one else I'm forgetting?The Ravens and Titans had some unbelievable games. All 3 games in 2000, most notably the first loss in Adelphia when Dilfer led the team down for the winning score after seeming to blow the game with the INT for a TD. The Monday Night game where the Ravens didn't get called offside at the very end and then stuffed McNair's sneak from the 1 as time expired. The 2003 playoff game in Baltimore where Gary Anderson got the game-winning kick over the crossbar by less than 6 inches. Even the game earlier this year -- the phantom penalty on Suggs on a play that should have been whistled dead after a Titan false start, followed by the ridiculous TD drive the Ravens gave up.But I think we know more about the team than the national "experts" who have seen maybe 3 or 4 games and base their opinion mostly on last week's result. We know what happens when the run game doesn't produce (see Pittsburgh x 2, Tennessee, NY Giants) and understand that you can't count on breaking off 50+-yard runs in the 4th quarter after getting held to 3 yards per carry for 55 minutes (see Dallas x 2, Miami). We've seen teams flail vs. the Ravens all year, then suddenly drive down the field like gangbusters once they spread the defense out, go to three-step drops that negate the blitz and use speed on the outside to take advantage of a stout but less than swift offense.But -- maybe the Titans can't do that. Maybe Ed Reed is just that good. Maybe Flacco will connect on the deep balls that he hit vs. Jax but missed vs. Miami. My hope is that the Ravens will continue to run that deep cross to Heap that they hit once and missed once inside the 30 vs. Dallas, and hit again once vs. Miami. That was a welcome surprise after seeing a passing game that seems to consist of nothing but 10-yard comebacks on the outside (which are great because they take maximum advantage of Flacco's arm strength and accuracy), intermixed with the occasional fake 10-yard comeback that turns into a double move and a fly pattern down the sideline.Whatever happens, it has been a great season and bodes very well for the future. But I'm thinking something like 17-9 for the Titans.

That 2000 playoff game against Tennessee is the Mount Everest of Raven Land. The Titans were the best team in the league that year (people forget that they were ranked #1 on D over the Ravens by yardage-allowed) & there's no doubt they'd have opened a can of whip-butt on the Giants in the SB.I think your list of the 5 remaining players is correct. From this morning's Sun:"Asked whether it was funny that WR Mason, CB Rolle, and FB Neal ended up with the Ravens, Fisher said tongue-in-cheek: 'I don't think it's funny at all'".I love Fisher, even though I'm rooting against him this week. A few years ago when there was rumblings of him being let go in Nashville, I was praying it would happen so the Ravens could swoop in & get him. If Tennessee wins this week, I'm going to be pulling for the Titans to win it all - it's the only thing missing from Fisher's stellar resume. He's been a damned-fine coach for a long time, has rebuilt that team twice, and I think he deserves to get that "best HC not to win one" monkey off of his back.

 

[roadkill1292]

On the other hand, I wonder if I'm too critical because I'm a fan & that the people who have no stake in the matter may have it right. In the game thread Sunday, I said something like "welcome to Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" - in other words, Baltimore's M.O.

There was never more of a "Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" game than the 2000 divisional playoff at Tennessee. The Ravens had something like 143 yards of offense and won by 14 points -- the blocked FG return for a TD and the Ray INT where he ripped the ball away from Eddie George and showed it to him, like the guy in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ripping out the hearts of his victims, before running it back for a TD.Funny thing is -- I think there are now more Titans from that game on the Ravens roster than Ravens: L. Neal, Mason and Rolle vs. Ray and Stover (with McAlister on IR and probably never to play in Baltimore again). Any one else I'm forgetting?

The Ravens and Titans had some unbelievable games. All 3 games in 2000, most notably the first loss in Adelphia when Dilfer led the team down for the winning score after seeming to blow the game with the INT for a TD. The Monday Night game where the Ravens didn't get called offside at the very end and then stuffed McNair's sneak from the 1 as time expired. The 2003 playoff game in Baltimore where Gary Anderson got the game-winning kick over the crossbar by less than 6 inches. Even the game earlier this year -- the phantom penalty on Suggs on a play that should have been whistled dead after a Titan false start, followed by the ridiculous TD drive the Ravens gave up.

But I think we know more about the team than the national "experts" who have seen maybe 3 or 4 games and base their opinion mostly on last week's result. We know what happens when the run game doesn't produce (see Pittsburgh x 2, Tennessee, NY Giants) and understand that you can't count on breaking off 50+-yard runs in the 4th quarter after getting held to 3 yards per carry for 55 minutes (see Dallas x 2, Miami). We've seen teams flail vs. the Ravens all year, then suddenly drive down the field like gangbusters once they spread the defense out, go to three-step drops that negate the blitz and use speed on the outside to take advantage of a stout but less than swift offense.

But -- maybe the Titans can't do that. Maybe Ed Reed is just that good. Maybe Flacco will connect on the deep balls that he hit vs. Jax but missed vs. Miami. My hope is that the Ravens will continue to run that deep cross to Heap that they hit once and missed once inside the 30 vs. Dallas, and hit again once vs. Miami. That was a welcome surprise after seeing a passing game that seems to consist of nothing but 10-yard comebacks on the outside (which are great because they take maximum advantage of Flacco's arm strength and accuracy), intermixed with the occasional fake 10-yard comeback that turns into a double move and a fly pattern down the sideline.

Whatever happens, it has been a great season and bodes very well for the future. But I'm thinking something like 17-9 for the Titans.

That 2000 playoff game against Tennessee is the Mount Everest of Raven Land. The Titans were the best team in the league that year (people forget that they were ranked #1 on D over the Ravens by yardage-allowed) & there's no doubt they'd have opened a can of whip-butt on the Giants in the SB.

I think your list of the 5 remaining players is correct. From this morning's Sun:

"Asked whether it was funny that WR Mason, CB Rolle, and FB Neal ended up with the Ravens, Fisher said tongue-in-cheek: 'I don't think it's funny at all'".

I love Fisher, even though I'm rooting against him this week. A few years ago when there was rumblings of him being let go in Nashville, I was praying it would happen so the Ravens could swoop in & get him. If Tennessee wins this week, I'm going to be pulling for the Titans to win it all - it's the only thing missing from Fisher's stellar resume. He's been a damned-fine coach for a long time, has rebuilt that team twice, and I think he deserves to get that "best HC not to win one" monkey off of his back.

Fisher is great and would've been an outstanding fit in Baltimore. The fans here love his kind of toughness and no nonsense approach.I've said this before -- I think Tennessee's best game is better than Baltimore's best game and we're gonna see that play out this week. It won't diminish the fact that I like this Ravens team more than any other team they've fielded since the Super Bowl run. The intensity level they bring every week has been fun to watch.

 

[ravnzfan]

OK, rollcall:

roadkill.....check

Uruk-Hai...check

The_Man...check

beermutts..check

ravnzfan....check

just missing Mungro...

after watching that 1st game in person in Oct, let me say I wouldn't be overly shocked in there weren't an offensive TD in this game...or if so, set up by a huge return in kicking game or via turnover--these D's are that tough to move tha ball against

both D's are stout vs run, and I see both squads trying to outlast the other in not making the mistake that costs their team a TD, which should be few and far between Saturday afternoon

I'm not too concerned about the play calling mentioned against Miami---I am worried about McClain holding onto the football---we handed Miami a gift early in the game Sunday and they couldn't capitalize, to which I thought "this might very well come back to haunt them"

7 there, the missed extra point---had Penny been able to do just alittle bit w/o handing Reed & Co a couple scores and this might have been the end of the run...

...but, the bottom line is Miami didn't/couldn't get past the intensity of the D that day

which brings me to this....during the run the Ravens have been on, the opposing teams QB has been our best ally

w/o digging too far into the numbers, over the last 5 or 6 weeks, guys like McNabb, Romo, Garrard and Pennington have turned in their absolute worst games of the year

just as Kerry Collins did, circa 2000....he did come thru earlier this year and made the play needed to get the win in Baltimore, so :



does Rex have just alittle left up his sleeve, to shake the vet Collins into a game like those others over the last month?

or can Collins make it thru this one in better shape than his fellow QB's have been able to?

me...I like our chances!

Ravens 19-13

 

[Power Monster]

I like the Ravens here as they will be able to control the line of scrimmage on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. The Raven's D is just playing lights out and the running game has the ability to rock your world.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I like the Ravens here as they will be able to control the line of scrimmage on the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. The Raven's D is just playing lights out and the running game has the ability to rock your world.

Replace Ravens with Titans in your post, and your point would still stand. Plus, the Titans are more rested and have home field.

 

[shader]

It amazes me the lack of respect given the Titans. They went 13-3 (last game didn't count, as they rested everyone), so really 13-2, destroyed the Steelers, ALREADY BEAT THE RAVENS...

What else can they do?

 

[Weapon of Mass Instruction]

My son and I were in Baltimore for the game earlier in the season. Both teams are playing much better now than they were then.Can't wait, although I really wanted San Diego.

WOMI, Do you remember what section you were in?

I will check the ticket stub tonight -- but it was lower level, toward south end, on east side, about 10 yard line (across field from where visiting tunnel is). About 20 rows from the field.

 

[The_Man]

It amazes me the lack of respect given the Titans. They went 13-3 (last game didn't count, as they rested everyone), so really 13-2, destroyed the Steelers, ALREADY BEAT THE RAVENS...What else can they do?

I'm a Ravens homer that's picking the Titans, but I wouldn't point to the earlier victory over Baltimore as a reason why the Titans should be favored to win this game. Their offense got totally shut down and they eked out a 3-point win on a last second TD drive.I think a lot of people look at that game and think: "OK, the Titans and Ravens were dead even last time they played. Has any team gotten better or worse since then?" And then you could make the case that with Flacco (who was playing his 4th game back them) and the emergence of LeRon McClain in the running game, that the Ravens' O is the one unit for either team that had appreciably improved.Don't worry -- if they win this game, they will be given huge respect in the week ahead as the odds-on favorite to go to the Super Bowl. To be honest, I liked it more last week when a lot of people were overlooking the Ravens than I like it this week with all the hype they're getting.

 

[Tom Servo]

My son and I were in Baltimore for the game earlier in the season. Both teams are playing much better now than they were then.

Can't wait, although I really wanted San Diego.

Just wait one more week year

Fixed.

 

[Abraham]

I'm very nervous about this game for the Titans. I think that it will rest on whether Haynesworth, KVB, and company can make Flacco's life miserable. I think that this game is even throughout and boring until someone (Reed, Collins, Flacco, CJ) makes a play. Sort of like the game earlier this season.

Baltimore 16

Tennessee 17

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Game thread now posted.

 

[The_Man]

I agree with both of my avian-rooting bretheren here. I don't have a good feeling about this one, and my natural Devil's-Advocate leaning hates the fact that the national media is playing up the Ravens this week. I know Baltimore played the Titans tough in October, they led most of the game, got a bad call on that last drive, etc....But - they couldn't score when given opportunites & couldn't make a stop when they absolutely HAD to. I heard Mike Ditka on Monday say that a short week, a veteran team, and the heat in Miami wouldn't make a difference this week against the Titans. But that D looked awful tired to me in the 2nd half on Sunday & I'm really concerned about their ability to bounce back. On top of that, Flacco (& Cameron's play-calling) left something to be desired against Miami - I wonder if the well is dry....

On the other hand, I wonder if I'm too critical because I'm a fan & that the people who have no stake in the matter may have it right. In the game thread Sunday, I said something like "welcome to Raven Land where stats don't matter & weird stuff happens" - in other words, Baltimore's M.O.

Looking forward to spending another week with all of you in Raven Land