BLOG: Ravens/Titans Preview
The Baltimore Ravens are coming off of a 35-7 thrashing over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team had lots of questions going into the season opener against the divisional rival, but now there are other questions for them.
With such a convincing win, you have to wonder if this team is really that good. Come on, don't tell me you aren't scoreboard watching on Sunday to see if the Steelers bounce back, or if they're really as bad and as slow as they were on the 11th.
What if the Ravens go into Tennessee and beat the Titans by two or more touchdowns while the offense is looking as proficient as they did against James Harrison and company. Do not tell me that doesn't matter. If you say it doesn't, it will if the Steelers win by 20 and the Ravens then blow out the Titans. Then, the anticipation of greatness will grow even more.
The Ravens have to beat Chris Johnson and the Titans first. The last time they faced Johnson, he was on his way to having an incredible day in the AFC Divisional Play-Off game. When he left the field with an ankle injury, the pendulum swung in the Ravens direction.
Now Chris Johnson's coming off of an off-season where he held out and a season opener where he rushed nine times for 24-yards. You can say either he's out of shape because of the hold out, or he's due for a huge game because of a disappointing performance in week one. Either way, he's still Chris Johnson.
With the Ravens, they forced seven turnovers and got to Ben Roethlisberger four times. Not bad for a team who had only 27 sacks all of last year. Terrell Suggs picked up where he left off at last season as he got to Roethlisberger three times himself.
Ed Reed continued his stellar play from 2010 as well as he had two picks, fooling Big Ben in coverage. Lardarius Webb added 11 tackles and a sack for a great day.
Joe Flacco was under control with three touchdown passes. That's what has to happen against the Titans. I believe they'll plan to stop Ray Rice. Flacco can't let that happen. Whether Lee Evans is healthy or not, Flacco will have to use Anquan Boldin and the tight ends to beat the Titans secondary. He can and he will.
Final Score: Ravens 27 - Titans 10
