By: Justin Hawkins
“We have to find consistency, and getting wins under our belt. Win one, lose one, win one, lose one. We aren’t going to get success in this league. We just have to find consistency with calculating wins. “
– Titans OLB Arden Key postgame after loss to Colts
The Titans lack of winning away from Nissan Stadium continued yet again Sunday after a 23-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Indy. This week, another tough test away from home is on the docket as it’s officially Ravens week, but let’s do it in London. The Titans (2-3) travel across the pond as they host the Baltimore Ravens (3-2) in their second all-time game in the UK.
AFC SOUTH STANDINGS
Last Time Out
Tennessee
The Tennessee Titans traveled up to Indianapolis for a division matchup with the Colts and came away with another road loss.
The Titans were finally able to find the end zone in a road game in which rookie running back Tyjae Spears took a 19 yard run to the house on the opening drive of the third quarter. The Titans offense, outside of the red zone, looked fairly good. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, despite an interception on the last play of the game, completed 67.6% of his passes going 23/34 for 264 yds. His favorite target was more than clear as he connected with veteran receiver DeAndre Hopkins 8 of 11 times for 140 yards. The problem for the Titans Sunday was not driving the length of the field, as punter Ryan Stonehouse had just one punt on the day, but more converting in the red zone and scoring touchdowns. The Titans made 4 trips to the red zone against the Colts and resulted in two field goals, one touchdown, and one turnover on downs.
“I feel like we moved the ball, and we did a lot of good things offensively throughout the game. But, we got to finish with 7’s and not 3’s when we get down in the red zone. “ – QB Ryan Tannehill
The main story of the loss was the defense. On all accounts from the defensive line to the secondary, the Titans did not play well on the defensive side of the ball. The Titans managed just one sack (Roger McCreary) and were gashed by running back Zack Moss who carried the ball 23 times for 165 yards and two touchdowns as well as adding two receptions for 30 yards. Moss became the first rusher in over 20 games to rush for over 100 yards against the Titans. The Titans could not create much pressure, stop the run, or control the passing game. The Titans only saw Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson for the first quarter and half of the second as he left with an AC sprain in his right (throwing) shoulder. Backup Gardner Minshew entered the game and played game manager very well going 11/14 for 155 yards. The Titans defense allowed 236 total yards passing, 193 total yards rushing, and 429 total yards. The secondary led by 4th year cornerback Kristian Fulton were not good. Fulton committed two game changing pass interference penalties on third down that allowed the Colts drives to continue. This season, Fulton has not been anywhere close to the lockdown corner that most would have hoped for in a contract year. After the game, head coach Mike Vrabel even considered the possibility of benching the LSU product. If Fulton plays this Sunday similar to recent games, then I could certainly see Fulton finding a seat on the bench.
Baltimore
The Baltimore Ravens traveled to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers and left with a disappointing 17-10 loss that came down to the final couple minutes. As most Steelers vs. Ravens games play out, it was unexpected and close all the way down to the final moments. Offense was not a strong point in this one as the Ravens led 10-3 entering the fourth quarter. It took a safety and a late 41 yard touchdown pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens to win it for the Steelers.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson had a game he would like back as he went 22/38 for 236 yards and one interception as well as adding 45 yards rushing and a fumble (strip-sack). The Ravens had no success in the second half by accumulating just 91 total yards of offense and turned the ball over twice (both by Lamar Jackson).
The Ravens defense played stingy by sacking Kenny Pickett three times, knocking down five pass attempts, and allowing just 289 yards of total offense.
The Matchup
All-time the Titans and Ravens have met a total of 26 times between the regular season and postseason and have a tying record of 13-13. The Titans lead the way in regular season matchups with 11-10, but the Ravens lead in the postseason with 3-2. For the first time, this matchup will be played on a neutral and unfamiliar ground across the Atlantic Ocean as they meet at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, UK.
The Titans are the “home” team in this matchup. Both of their wins have come at home, while all three of their losses have come on the road. For the Ravens, this will be their fourth road game and have gone 2-1. The Ravens and Titans matchup is typically a tough matchup for both sides and brings excitement and history.
The Ravens are a solid team across all three phases of the game. On offense, behind quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens bring a heavy rushing attack with Jackson and Gus Edwards to try and build up the passing game with quality receivers in Odell Beckham Jr., rookie Zay Jones, and tight end Mark Andrews. On defense, the Ravens have stingy defensive backs in cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey, Ronald Darby and safeties Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. The Ravens also are solid in their front seven led by linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, and edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney and Odafe Oweh. The Ravens know how to get after the quarterback and limit the passing attack. On special teams, the Ravens still have the best kicker in the league in Justin Tucker who is reliable from almost anywhere inside 65 yards.
The Titans have lost all three games when Derrick Henry rushes less than 20 times and have won both games when he rushes for 20+. In a game where both teams could experience some jet lag and are playing in unfamiliar territory, the Titans should lean on Henry and the run game to balance out the offense. The Titans defense is coming off its worse game of the season, so a bounce back game could be entirely possible. The Titans defense, under head coach Mike Vrabel have done well to limit Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense in the past.
Team Rankings
Game Information
Baltimore Ravens @ Tennessee Titans
TIME: October 15 @ 8:30 AM CT
LOCATION: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London, UK)
TV BROADCAST: NFL Network & News Channel 5 (local)
TV BROADCAST CREW: Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Jamie Erdahl
RADIO: Titans Radio (104-5 The Zone)
RADIO CREW: Mike Keith, Dave McGinnis, Ramon Foster, Rhett Bryan
REFEREE: Bill Vinovich
LINE: BAL -4
OVER/UNDER: 41
Things To Watch
King Henry of London
When the Titans lean on Derrick Henry and give him more than twenty carries, the Titans are 2-0 this season. As much as the Titans want to provide a well-balanced attack on offense, the success of this team still resides with the King. Last week, Derrick Henry rushed just 13 times for 43 yards. Look for the Titans to get back to rushing the football with Henry this week.
Play-Action Madness
The Titans had a lot of success running play-action last week against the Colts especially when throwing to DeAndre Hopkins. The Ravens have a much better secondary than the Colts and may double up on Hopkins forcing the other receivers to show up. Mike Vrabel is hopeful that Treylon Burks will be healthy enough to play and will be a key part in this offense this week taking away the pressure from Hopkins. Look for the Titans to tone down the play-action this week, but still utilize it to create chunk yardage plays.
Limiting the Ravens Rushing Attack
The Titans struggled for the first time since the season opener of last season against the New York Giants, 21 games, in stopping the run. The Ravens with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Gus Edwards are efficient at rushing the football. The Titans sorely missed defensive tackle Teair Tart last week but hope to have him back this week. Stopping the Ravens rushing attack creates more pressure on Lamar Jackson to throw, which he has not been consistent this season.
Plugging the Leaks in Titans Secondary
It is no secret that the Titans weakest link on defense is the secondary. Mike Vrabel and the Titans coaching staff have thought about possibly benching Kristian Fulton. The Titans need a bounce back game from Fulton or he might be on the bench. The Titans need to find a way in not allowing X plays and play heavy coverage without biting too much on the receivers’ routes.
Tannehill to D-Hop Chemistry
DeAndre Hopkins is by far the best free agent wide receiver the Titans have brought in as of late and Ryan Tannehill clearly trusts him to catch the ball. After posting his best receiving total last week, I am looking for the chemistry to continue to grow and find themselves with Hopkins first receiving touchdown of the season.
Success on the Road
The Titans are 0-3 on the road this season, and while the Titans are the home team, this game is clearly a road game for both teams. The Titans need to find their winning ways that they have at home and execute that this weekend with smart and complimentary football in all three phases of the game.
Did You Know?
- Titans kicker Nick Folk enters this week’s game with a streak of 67 consecutive field goals made on attempts from less than 40 yards. Only Ravens kicker Justin Tucker has a longer streak with 70 consecutive field goals.
- There are just five players on the current Titans roster who were with the team for its last trip to London in 2018: running back Derrick Henry, offensive lineman Corey Levin, safety Kevin Byard, outside linebacker Harold Landry III and current practice squad defensive back Dane Cruikshank.
- The Titans have only played in london once before. It took place at London’s Wembley Stadium in 2018, Mike Vrabel’s first year as head coach. They faced the Los Angeles Chargers and were edged by a final score of 20-19 after the Chargers thwarted a two-point conversion attempt by the Titans with 31 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
