Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans: 3 key matchups to watch
By Joe Schiller
1. C.J. Mosley vs. DeMarco Murray/Derrick Henry
This is the most important matchup on Sunday. It’s C.J. Mosley versus the two-headed monster in the backfield of DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. It’s the run versus the run-stopper and whichever side wins this matchup is going to ultimately win the game on Sunday.
The run game has lead the way for the Titans offense this season. They rank eighth in the league averaging close to 125 rushing yards per game and it’s been thanks to Murray and Henry in the backfield. The two have basically split carries and have almost identical numbers this season.
Henry is the downhill runner while Murray is more of a threat in the passing game, but their different styles complement each other well. Henry can pound a defense for two or three straight plays, which opens up a screen or wheel route for Murray. Even the top defenses have had a hard time stopping the duo this year the Ravens defense has to make them a priority.
On the other side of the ball, it comes down to inside linebacker C.J. Mosley. He’s undoubtedly the young leader of this defense and one of the best linebackers in the game right now. Mosley is a machine and is second in the league in individual tackles this season. He also covers the pass well and is a defensive coordinator’s dream. With the crew back together on the defensive line, that will open up tackling lanes for Mosley. He needs to get to Murray and Henry early and set the physical tone.
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It’s a tough ask to make the Titans a one-dimensional team but the Ravens can do their best to stop the run. If not, Murray and Henry are going to have a field day.