(Photo: WBAL-TV)

AFC Game Of The Week 

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans 

Ravens: Just when I think they were turning that page, they revert back to how they played throughout last season. I’m talking about having a lead, then blowing it. Sunday was a perfect opportunity for them to assert themselves further into the drivers seat in the AFC North with a possible 4-1 record. If I can be honest, they should be undefeated right now because the game against the Indianapolis Colts a few weeks back was one they let slip away from them as well. Okay, so the easy thing to do when a football team struggles is point fingers and blame the Quarterback. I get it. Everyone does it so people follow trends, right? Was Lamar Jackson the main reason why they lost? Not completely. Yes, he did throw an interception that would be costly last weekend in Pittsburgh because the Steelers were able to capitalize on the turnover and score what would be the go ahead touchdown to win the game. That was the only thing Lamar did wrong. If you want to point at someone on the Ravens, go ahead and point at Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman and Nelson Agholor. Between those four men I just listed, a total of eight passes were dropped. Mark dropped three which surprises me because he’s the Quarterback’s first read and top target, Zay dropped two and both Rashod and Nelson each dropped one. It’s these mental lapses that always seem to hold the Ravens back. As expected, they have one of the best defenses in the league. A top-five scoring defense and a top three total defense and they are second in the sacks. They will make the trip to London on Sunday for a showdown with a familiar face.

Titans: When I thought they would get back into the game on Sunday in Indianapolis, boy was I wrong. They did everything to lose that football game and deserve every piece of criticism thrown their way. I ranted about this on Monday Evening Quarterback, The Prime, The Betting Window and now, I will do it here. There was a situation in their game against the Indianapolis Colts where they had a fourth and short yardage situation. Of course, you know they will hand the football off to Derrick Henry and why not? What frustrated me was seeing them bounce the football outside instead of pounding the rock in between the tackles and up the middle. Derrick is 6’3 and 247 pounds. Utilize that! This is exactly what happens when you attempt to be too cute because the Colts ended up making the stop and would go on to win the game. The only shining point of week five for the Titans was DeAndre Hopkins who put together his best game since joining Tennessee. He caught eight passes for 140 yards. The problem I have with them is the inconsistency of Ryan Tannehill and I’ve been no stranger to saying this. I don’t trust him and he’s not the guy that can go out and win you a game. He’s shown you this time in and time out that you can’t put the ball in his hands and he takes over. I’d be starting either Malik Willis or Will Levis to get a spark first and foremost and two, use starting them as an evaluation process to see who would be better suited for them next season. Despite the inconsistent start, they are still in the mix in a very competitive AFC South division. On Sunday in week six, they will host the Baltimore Ravens in London.

Ravens X-Factor: Jadeveon Clowney– When he first broke into the league, the hype around him was high. He’s always had problems staying on the field because of the injury bug. I’ve been impressed with him on this Baltimore defense. Jadeveon doesn’t always sack the Quarterback, but he can apply pressure and force the Quarterback to move up in the pocket or even out the pocket. His specialty has always been stopping the run and he’s been a key contributor to a defense that’s yet to give up a rushing touchdown.

Titans X-Factor: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine– Nick has been one of their more consistent recievers they’ve had in years. He’s a sure handed receiver that works the middle of the field. Nick can catch screen passes and work his way up the field with the yards after the catch. As a defense if you play off of him, he will make you pay for it. You can’t give many of these receivers in this league an ounce of space at all.

Three Things I’m Watching

1. Ravens offense vs Titans defense: Baltimore has been a very efficient unit as an offense. They’ve been consistent on third downs and in the red zone. Last weekend in Indianapolis, the Colts ran the football for 193 yards and the Ravens love to run the football. It’s apart of their identity. If there are any type of possibilities to be exploited, the Ravens will do just that. However, if the Titans can clog up those lanes and force Baltimore to pass, they will have a shot.

2. Titans offense vs Ravens Defense– If you look at this on paper, the Ravens have the advantage. What do the Titans love to do? Run the football and establish Derrick Henry! Here’s the kicker though. Baltimore has been extremely stout against the run this year and they’ve yet to allow a rushing touchdown this year. I do think the Titans can find some holes in the Ravens secondary such as the secondary. I don’t trust the Baltimore secondary and if I’m the Titans, I’d attack them early and often.

3. All-time: This will be the 27th matchup between these two teams and guess what the records are? The Ravens have won 13 and the Titans have won 13. The Titans have the edge in the regular season, but the Ravens have the upper hand when it matters most which is in the playoffs. Who’s breaking the tie?

Final Thoughts: I’ve always enjoyed when these two play against one another because I know it’s going to be a grind it out type of football game. Tennessee has always appeared to play Baltimore tough and beat them at their own game which is a physical style of football. When these two last met in the regular season, Derrick Henry ran through this Baltimore defense and even scored the walk off touchdown in overtime. Weeks later that season, they met in the playoffs and Lamar won his first playoff game. Watch the Titans establish the play action in this game to create the chunk plays. They will force Baltimore to load up the box to limit Derrick and as a defense when I play the Titans, I’m daring Tannehill to beat me. Also, they must limit this Ravens rushing attack. Look for the Ravens to double team DeAndre Hopkins and make one of these other receivers to step it up. Both teams lost in disappointing fashion last week (hence the title). I like the Ravens to bounce back and get the win in London.

Prediction: Ravens 23, Titans 20