Titan Sized
FanSided

Titans vs. Ravens: 3 keys to victory for Tennessee in Divisional Round

By Ravi Konjeti

HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans is sacked by the New Orleans Saints defense during the third quarter in the game at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 22: Quarterback Ryan Tannehill #17 of the Tennessee Titans is sacked by the New Orleans Saints defense during the third quarter in the game at Nissan Stadium on December 22, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Protect Ryan Tannehill

Last time the Titans faced the Ravens, the Titans struggled to protect the quarterback. Last year against the Joe Flacco-led Ravens, the Titans were shut out, giving up an astounding 11 sacks.

While the Titans limited the Ravens to 21 points, it’s an impossible task to win a game giving up double digit sacks in one game. The Titans need to eliminate that at all costs to have any chance of winning on Saturday.

The Titans have given up a crazy 56 sacks this year. While the offensive line has improved as the year has progressed, the pass protection still struggles against strong pass rushes. Tannehill was sacked five times against the Saints and six times against the Colts late in the season.

Luckily for the Titans, the usually daunting Ravens pass-rush has been lacking this year.

Outside of the 9.5 sacks from Matt Judon, all other Ravens players have five sacks or less. Without Terrell Suggs or Ray Lewis to wreak havoc in the Titans’ backfield, Tennessee’s tackles in Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin need to protect Tannehill.

I expect the Titans to pass much more this game, and must be successful with the play action against a Ravens defense that will sellout to stop the run.

The Ravens’ secondary is daunting with Earl Thomas, Marlon Humphrey and Marcus Peters. Tennessee will need to get more production out of their receivers to be able to keep up with the Ravens’ offense. Tannehill will need time to sit in the pocket and throw to give his receivers time to win their matchups.

One way the Titans definitely lose is if Tannehill keeps getting sacked. If the Titans give Tannehill time, he has shown he can make a lot happen. Let’s see if he can keep the magic going.

Home/Titans News