The 2009 NFL Playoffs - AFC Divisional Weekend in HDTV on CBS
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Live from LP Field, Nashville, TN
CBS HD 1080i & DD5.1
4:30 PM ET
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Live from LP Field, Nashville, TN
CBS HD 1080i & DD5.1
4:30 PM ET
Quote:
From foxsports.com
John Czarnecki
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The Titans better hope this isn't the 2001 playoffs all over again. They were the AFC's top seed, just like this season, only to be upset by Baltimore, which went on to win Super Bowl XXXV over Jim Fassel's Giants. You can bet that Baltimore will test DT Albert Haynesworth's knee right away by running inside with FB Le'Ron McClain.
In fact, all of Baltimore's running backs are healthy. This could be a fast-paced game if both teams decide to pound away with their running backs. The Titans will be minus All-Pro center Kevin Mawae, which means Leroy Harris must make the blocking calls at the line of scrimmage. He must also move Ravens NT Haloti Ngata. If he doesn't, Tennessee will need the guards and FB Ahmard Hall to help out.
Harris is more physical than Mawae, but not as savvy as the 15-year veteran. This could slow down the day for rookie RB Chris Johnson, who has been an exceptional off-tackle all season. The Titans will see a different version of rookie QB Joe Flacco, who has been allowed to throw more and take more chances in the second half of the season. Flacco does have a strong arm, although he tends to be wild on deep out routes. The Titans intercepted him twice earlier in the season.
Tennessee DE Kyle Vanden Bosch returns from groin surgery and Jeff Fisher's team needs him to apply pass-rush pressure. It would be a huge loss if he can't finish or sustain his rush. And backup DE Dave Ball figures to be inactive.
WR Derrick Mason, a former Titan, continues to be Flacco's top target despite playing with a serious left-shoulder injury. He had four catches for 71 yards in last weekend's wild-card game. The Titans know they can't afford to fall behind and allow the Ravens' pass rush to get after QB Kerry Collins. The switch to Collins allowed a passing offense that struggled throughout 2007 with Vince Young to emerge as at least respectable. Touchdown passes improved from nine to 13 and interceptions dropped from 17 to nine (only seven by Collins in 15 starts).
Collins must be cognizant of Ravens safety Ed Reed's location at all times. Reed is a big-play safety who has eight interceptions in the past five games. The Titans don't have explosive receivers, but WR Brandon Jones can be effective in the slot. Jones is shifty with decent speed.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9...-playoff-games
