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Baltimore Ravens: 3 players vital to beating the Titans

By Dustin Cox

BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 20: Nose tackle Brandon Williams
BALTIMORE, MD - DECEMBER 20: Nose tackle Brandon Williams /
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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Brandon Williams #98 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Brandon Williams
BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 29: Defensive tackle Brandon Williams #98 of the Baltimore Ravens is introduced prior to the start of a preseason game against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) ***Local Caption*** Brandon Williams /

Brandon Williams

Man, we all really missed this big guy, didn’t we? The Ravens run defense was absolutely gashed without Brandon Williams for a few weeks. He is proving that he worth every penny of that massive contract he received this past off-season. Williams is one of, if not the best-run stopper in the entire NFL. He showed last week how vital he is for not only the run defense but the entire defense as a whole. The defense has been dominant in all games but one with Williams and that was his first game back.

The Tennessee Titans have a very dangerous running back duo in DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry. They will most likely look to run the ball very heavily, and Brandon Williams is the key to limiting their success. His ability to penetrate the line and get into the backfield to blow up run plays is invaluable. He is great at forcing backs to readjust and run into other Ravens defenders, resulting in a loss of yardage. He elevates the play of his fellow defensive lineman as well as the linebackers.

Next: Baltimore Ravens vs. Tennessee Titans: 3 key matchups to watch

Brandon Williams is not only a run stuffer though. His ability to bust into the backfield can force quarterbacks to leave the pocket, often resulting in a sack. He is great at deflecting balls at the line of scrimmage as well. I cannot state enough how important Brandon Williams is to this defense. With him on the field, the Ravens are 3-1 and have pitched two shutouts. I don’t think this is a coincidence.

The bottom line

If these three players all have strong performances then the Ravens could walk away with a win and greatly improve their chances of making the playoffs. A win against Tennessee would put the Ravens above .500 again. The AFC is filled with teams right at or under .500 records this year, so 9-7 could possibly be enough to make the Wild Card.

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