BALTIMORE RAVENS @ TENNESSEE TITANS
AFC DIVISIONAL ROUND GAME
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009 4:30 P.M.
The number 6 seeded Baltimore Ravens (12-5) roll into Nashville Saturday hoping for a repeat performance against the number 1 seeded Tennessee Titans (13-3). Eight years ago Baltimore squashed the then #1 seeded Titans in Nashville on the road to a Super Bowl win in Tampa. This year the Super Bowl is in... Tampa. The Ravens are 3 point underdogs in this one. Tennessee has every intention of not allowing history to repeat itself.
BALTIMORE: UP: The Ravens were impressive in their 27-9 wildcard thrashing of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins had just tied a league record for fewest turnovers in a season at 13. The Ravens defense caused Miami to commit 5 TO’s in the game Sunday, including 4 interceptions of QB Chad Pennington, who was only picked off 7 times all year. Ravens Safety Ed Reed returned an interception 64 yards for a touchdown. QB Joe Flacco became the first rookie quarterback ever to win a postseason game on the road since the leagues merged in 1970. He’s only the 3rd rookie QB to ever win a playoff game period. DOWN: Saturday’s game marks 17 straight without a week off, since the bye weeks were instituted. While the Titans were resting last weekend some of the Ravens were getting dinged up in the game with Miami. Several Baltimore players were limping after the game. WR Derrick Mason is playing in spite of a dislocated shoulder. Reed has been playing with a tight thigh muscle.
TENNESSEE: UP: As #1 seed the Titans got a good week’s rest. With home field advantage throughout the playoffs, they look forward to proving their 13-3 record was no fluke. Tennessee beat Baltimore in week 5 of the season this year, 13-10, at Baltimore. Titans Head Coach Jeff Fisher was third in the NFL Coach of the Year balloting behind winner Mike Smith of Atlanta and runner-up Tony Sparano of Miami.
DOWN: C Kevin Mawae is still questionable following an elbow injury Dec. 21 vs. Pittsburgh. In the Oct. 5 game against Baltimore, the Titans managed only 47 yards rushing. QB Kerry Collins threw a TD pass with 1:54 left to pull out the victory. DE Kyle Vanden Bosch is hoping to play, but is not guaranteed. DT Albert Haynesworth is probable to play after a sprained MCL injury Dec. 14 vs. Houston.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Ravens will try to dominate time of possession with a solid rushing game, as they have done all year. Their #2 rated defense will blitz Collins incessantly. Tennessee’s backs and receivers will have to secure the ball tightly with every play, as the Ravens have caused a league best 39 turnovers. Collins will have to be content to throw the ball away if he can’t find a receiver open due to the blitz he will face.
BY THE NUMBERS: Baltimore is 13-4 ATS and 10-7 O/U while Tennessee is 12-3-1 ATS and 8-8 O/U. As underdogs the Ravens are 5-4 SU and 6-3 ATS. The Titans are 11-3 SU and 10-3 ATS as favorites. At home Tennessee is 7-1 SU and 6-1 ATS. As visitors the Ravens are 6-3 SU and 7-2 ATS. In playoff games over the last 3 years Baltimore is 1-1 SU & ATS and Tennessee is 0-1 in both categories. Baltimore is coming off an impressive win in Miami and the Titans have had an impressive season. This should be a great game between two very good teams.