Titans vs. Ravens: 3 keys to victory for Tennessee in Divisional Round
By Ravi Konjeti
Force Ravens into a one-dimensional offense
Paired with containing Jackson is to shut down the running game. The Ravens can beat you many different ways and one of the most overlooked is Ingram’s ability to gash the middle of the defense with running back dives or out on the perimeter on option plays.
When teams focus on taking out Jackson, Ingram and the running backs are usually unleashed. Ingram is averaging five yards an attempt despite only averaging 13.5 attempts per game. Teams are too focused on giving up the big play to Jackson that they are allowing Ingram to efficiently carve up the middle of the defense.
The Titans’ run defense has been surprisingly weak this year. Defensive tackles in DaQuan Jones and Jeffrey Simmons will need to clog up the middle of the line. Jones was terrific last week in getting into the backfield against the Patriots and needs to recreate it this week. Jurrell Casey has had a mediocre season compared to his standards but will be relied on to help set the edge.
The Ravens have not been held under 100 yards rushing in a game this year. The Titans need to force the Ravens to change their game plan and try to attack the secondary. The Titans can do this either by shutting down the run or by running up the score on offense.
The Ravens haven’t had to come back in games this season. They have taken the lead early and been able to run up the score against good teams. The Titans should look to secure a double-digit lead early, which has been a struggle for this Titans team all year long.
If they can go into halftime with a two-score lead, then it’ll force the Ravens to play through the air. The Titans have enough in the secondary to weather the Ravens’ passing attack.