The Tennessee Titans face an uphill battle against the Baltimore Ravens. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way for a Titans victory, but wide is the gate and broad is the way for a Titans defeat. However, a path to bloody two-toned do does exist, so how do we get there?
Keys To Victory
SPOILER ALERT: The Titans top two keys to victory have not changed since 1960.
Mistake Free Football
No matter who the coaches are, Tennessee has a well-established brand of football that lends itself to close games. Win or lose, the Titans seem to want the final result to be within 3 points. When you’re dealing with razor-thin margins, a turnover can be crippling. But other mistakes cannot be overlooked, either. Chunk runs by Henry can’t be called back for holds behind the play, because that takes Henry off the field for 1st & 20. Multiple pass interference penalties leading to point swings can’t happen. Defenders absolutely can not abandon their responsibilities to make guesses when they’re on an island.
Dominate The Trenches
After allowing the Colts to push them around on both sides of the line of scrimmage, the boys in blue need to re-establish their identity. Jeffrey Simmons and the defense saw their identity be stolen with nose tackle Teair Tart out, and they may have to reclaim their identity without him, as well. Tart didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday but did make the trip to London and was limited in Friday’s practice. A “rowdy, but disciplined” rush will be critical on Sunday because the pass rush can’t give Lamar time in the pocket against our struggling secondary. But they also can not leave any escape routes for Lamar, who has the 11th most rushes for first downs in 2023.
God Save The King
The Titans are attempting to change their offense before our very eyes. They are leaning much heavier on the pass, and Tannehill is looking much more trustful of his O-line and receivers. You’re away from Nissan Stadium and without your #2 receiver, so lean on your largest strength available. Give the offensive line confidence early, get Henry moving forward, and let the passing game thrive off the play-action.
The Wild Card
Coach Vrabel and Shane Bowen elevated safety Dane Cruikshank from the practice squad, making him eligible for the game. Titan fans remember Cruikshank as the “TE Killer”. For years, he was used to mirror & negate elite tight ends when the Titans were finding wins against the Chiefs, Ravens, and 49ers.
