Ravens vs. Titans Week 2 Preview: Tennessee Faces Tough Test in Home Opener

The Tennessee Titans are looking to avoid an 0-2 hole to start out the 2011 season as the face off against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday afternoon.

Tennessee and Baltimore looked like teams headed in opposite directions in their regular season debuts last Sunday. The Ravens controlled every facet of the game against the Steelers in a 35-7 romping, while the Titans were upset against the Luke McCown-led Jaguars, 16-14.

The Titans will play the Ravens for the first time since their 2008 AFC playoffs loss to Baltimore in what is expected to be a very physical game.

Ahead are the areas Tennessee must control if they plan to leave LP Field right back in the mix of the AFC South.

Can CJ Get Going?

Let's be honest, Chris Johnson looked awful against the Jags in Week 1.

He didn't look any worse than he did last year though, so we can stop blaming the offseason holdout for Johnson's performance.

In his last three games, dating back to last year, CJ has rushed for 24, 39, and 58 yards. 

Johnson is expected to get around 20 carries against Baltimore, compared to the nine he garnered against Jacksonville.

The star running back has only played the Ravens twice in his four-year career, running for 44 yards in his first encounter and 72 in his second game (Johnson left the second game before the half due to injury).

The Titans need CJ to be the explosive back they drafted in 2008 if they hope to fight off the stifling Ravens defense.

Protecting Hasselbeck Has to Be Priority No. 1

Matt Hasselbeck was not under too much duress against Jacksonville, but Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger couldn't get settled against the Ravens.

Hasselbeck was sacked twice and threw one interception on a poorly thrown ball to end the game. Roethlisberger was demolished in his 2011 debut, throwing three interceptions, fumbling twice, and was sacked four times.

Matt Hasselbeck is a very injury-prone quarterback, playing in all 16 regular season games once since 2006.

The Tennessee offensive line must give the 13-year veteran time and space to throw, or it will be a long afternoon for the Titan faithful in Nashville. 

Stop the Run

Mike Munchak and new defensive coordinator put an emphasis on bolstering the Tennessee defensive line in an attempt to stop the run.

In their first test of the new system, Maurice Jones-Drew gashed the Titans for one touchdown and 97 yards rushing on 24 carries.

Their next opponent won't be any easier.

Ray Rice rushed 19 times for 107 yards and a touchdown against the Steelers normally stout defense.

The Ravens, known for their physicality, will try to pound the ball early and often against the Tennessee defense.

Tennessee must penetrate the backfield and stop the bulky Ray Rice before he gets going.

Force Flacco into Mistakes

Joe Flacco looked impeccable against the Steelers defense Sunday afternoon.

The fourth-year veteran dominated the Pittsburgh secondary as he went 17-of-29 for 224 yards and three touchdowns.

Luke McCown threw for 175 yards against the Tennessee secondary, including key third-down throws to keep Jacksonville's drives alive.

The Titans must bring pressure and force Flacco into making mistakes, thus forcing quick throws and giving their young secondary opportunities to make plays. 

Time of Possession Is Key

The Titans first six drives ended in punts as they were unable to move the ball on the ground, or through the air.

In Week 1, Tennessee had the ball for just over 20 minutes, compared to Jacksonville holding on to it for almost 40 minutes.

Jacksonville controlled their possessions leading to long, drawn out drives. Questionable play calling and the Titans utter confusion on offense made them unable to take advantage of fantastic field position through the first three quarters.

Tennessee must control the ball and keep punter Brett Kern off the field if they hope to make this a close one.

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