Here are 3 concerns for the Baltimore Ravens against the Titans:
1. Will the Baltimore Ravens’ run defense fail them against Derrick Henry a second time?
The Baltimore Ravens defense is a big concern at the moment. The New England Patriots took full advantage of the shortcomings of the defensive front without Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams. The fact is that the Ravens’ most recent playoff loss to the Titans was very much about their inability to deal with Derrick Henry. That is believed to be one of the biggest reasons that the Ravens pulled off the trade for Campbell. Should Campbell miss the game (which is very likely) the Ravens absolutely need Brandon Williams to be active.
The Sunday Night Football game against the Patriots was a battle against a team that depended on the run to function. Henry, the Pro Bowl running back, is the heartbeat of the Titans’ offense. The biggest difference this week is that the Ravens are facing a passing game that can make them pay. A.J. Brown, Jonnu Smith, and Corey Davis are better weapons than Jakobi Myers Rex Burkhead, and Ryan Izzo. Ryan Tannehill is playing at a higher level than Cam Newton is this year, it’s not exactly 2015.
Giving up about 170 rushing yards to the Patriots got the Ravens a 23-17 loss. Giving up 170 rushing yards against the Titans will lead to a much more one-sided outcome. There is almost no scenario where the Titans can gash the Ravens on the ground like that, and come out on top.
Henry is going to get his yards. He’s good, the Titans are a good run blocking team as well. He just can’t take over the game. The good news for the Ravens is that the way the Patriots beat them is a relatively new thing for them. The bad news is the concern about the Titans’ run game is going to be magnified more because of the injury status of two crucial players on the defensive line.