Phenomenal Previews Presents : The 2009 NFL Playoffs (Divisional Round)
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) @ Tennessee Titans (13-3)
Arguably the two best defenses in the league not playing their home games at Heinz Field meet in what projects to be a great game. The Titans made this playoff appearance happen by benching Vince Young in favor of veteran Kerry Collins.
The Ravens have ridden this far on the backs of that defense as always, and an impressive rookie Quarterback in Joe Flacco.
Let’s break down the keys to the game for the Ravens.
Ravens' Keys to the Game
Stop the Run
What a shock, who knew that you’d have to stop Chris Johnson and LenDale White to beat the Titans, right? If any team can do it, it’s the Ravens. They will be looking for that ball, so those two had better make sure they have a tight grip on it.
Get Collins Off His Rhythm
They have to hit Collins. Chances are that he falls and breaks his hip. Ok, so that was a cheap shot that should be aimed at Favre, but once again Brett finds himself watching the playoffs.
If they get pressure on Collins, he’s going to throw the ball before he normally would. Guess who’s going to be looking for that? That’s right. Ed Reed.
Titans' Keys to the Game
Get in Flacco’s Head
He’s a rookie. He hasn’t paid his dues, and he’s in the divisional round. He’s already nervous. Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch will get to him, and get to him often, and if they do the Titans will win this game. Show him different looks, blitz heavily.
Control the Clock
The Ravens defense is great. But, I don’t care how great of a defense you have, if they’re on the field all of the time, they’re going to get tired and worn down. Wear them down with Chris Johnson, and then pound it up the gut with LenDale White.
If the Titans have a significant advantage in time of possession, they’ll move on to play in the AFC Championship game.
TJ's Prediction
Ravens win 13-10 in an amazing defensive struggle. It’ll truly be a great game for the hardcore, smash-mouth football fan.
10 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jonny Solovy 6 months ago
Another great analysis. I agree this is definitely going to be one defensive struggle for the ages. I think Tennessee will actually win though. They are finally more healthy than when they even beat the Steelers and I think Flacco is going to really struggle in this game. I think Tennessee wins 16-9. But I would definitely not be shocked to see the Ravens win close either.
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TJ Jenkins 6 months ago
Just checking up on some NFL news, and the Titans Pro Bowl Center, Mawae isn't going to be playing. That's a complete green light for the Ravens to send Lewis up the gut. I hate to say that one player being out will change the complexion of the game, but it's Ray Lewis going up against a backup center haha.
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L.J. Burgess 6 months ago
You need to check Flacco's numbers in his last 9 games. Quite the turnaround from his first 8.
Joey got smart fast.
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Jonny Solovy 6 months ago
LJ: There is no doubt Flacco is an awesome young QB with a BRIGHT future! Love the guy's game and composure. However, Flacco faced a pretty good defense in Miami and was 9-23 with 135 yards... sorry I personally would not call that a good game... I will give it to him though, he didn't turn the ball over which is huge. But the Titans defense is quite a bit better than the Fins defense was and the key for Bal to win is the run... if they can't run the ball... they won't win. Flacco is a stud and will be GREAT for a long time but I just don't see him playing that well in this game... he has improved tremendously from the beginning of the season but if BAL wins its going to be the run game and defense.
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L.J. Burgess 6 months ago
Not enough details here and certainly little research done on the participants... this line tells the tale;
"He’s a rookie. He hasn’t paid his dues, and he’s in the divisional round. He’s already nervous."
Joe Flacco hasn't a nervous bone in his body. This is a guy that could have, should have started at Ohio State.
Flacco has been in playoff games before, he's been hammered before and he's won big ones before. You'll not shake this guy up, nothing does, he instantly learns from his mistakes.
Watch his games and interviews on YouTube.
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TJ Jenkins 6 months ago
Flacco's been in playoff games? I wasn't aware that the NCAA had adopted a playoff system.
Hasn't a nervous bone in his body eh? I assume that you're a close, personal friend of Mr. Flacco's?
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L.J. Burgess 6 months ago
Yeah man, the NCAA FCS has had playoffs for decades...you're not a college football guy I take it.
There's this team from Carolina, Appalachian State, they beat Michigan last year remember. They also beat Delaware for the FCS title...in the last game of the FCS playoffs.
Delaware...that's where Mr. Flacco starred as a QB.
No, I'm not his 'personal friend'...and neither are you, so I guess we're pretty even in assessing Mr. Flacco's apprehension level eh?
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L.J. Burgess 6 months ago
Research is everything for a writer;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delaware_Fightin%27_Blue_Hens_football
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_Football_Championship
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TJ Jenkins 6 months ago
Not at all lol. I'm strictly NFL. I'm aware that BCS has their own system (which I find stupid) lol. I do remember Appalachian State however lol. Just wasn't aware that the lower divisions of NCAAFB had playoff systems.
That we are. Thus, we're at square one once again haha.
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Signature Sports 6 months ago
Another upset. You're a bold man.
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