The Tennessee Titans are (4-3) tied for the lead in the AFC South. Tennessee sits one game better overall and in a much better position in the division than they were at this same point in 2016; nevertheless, there is plenty of room for improvement. For the entire 2016 season, the Titans ranked 1st in the NFL at 72% in red zone touchdown percentage. Currently, the Two-Tone Blue rank 31st in the league in that statistic at 41.2%, so red zone effectiveness is certainly an area where the team can improve. Quarterback Marcus Mariota, Offensive Coordinator Terry Robiskie and Tight End Delanie Walker mentioned this week that improving on 3rd downs and in the red zone go together. Being able to improve in both of those areas would certainly help the Titans offense get clicking for a second consecutive strong close to the season.
Titans Quarterback Marcus Mariota and Running Back Derrick Henry will be getting their first crack at Baltimore, but this series has a rich history. The Ravens lead the all-time series 11-10, but these two teams have only squared off twice this decade. The Ravens and Titans were division rivals in the old AFC Central and these two teams met in the playoffs in 2001, 2004 and 2009. This is not a playoff game, yet there is quite a bit on the line in this matchup. The Titans control their destiny in the AFC South and have an opportunity to maintain the division lead this week with a conference win. On the opposite sideline, the Ravens sit two full games back of the Steelers in the AFC North and Coach John Harbaugh’s team needs a win to keep pace in the division and the wild card chase.
On the injury front, the Titans used the bye week to get much healthier. Coach Mike Mularkey said that Marcus Mariota is back to 100%, and #8 should be ready with two weeks to prepare for Baltimore. Additionally, Mularkey said that first round pick Corey Davis and free agent signing Jonathan Cyprien are, “good to go”, after rehabbing hamstring injuries. Guard Quentin Spain is dealing with a difficult case of turf toe and will be out. Delanie Walker is currently listed as questionable with an ankle injury after practicing Friday, but sitting out Wednesday and Thursday.
The Ravens had a mini-bye after a Thursday night drubbing of Miami before coming to Music City. The main injury concern for Baltimore was at the quarterback position. Joe Flacco is questionable for Sunday’s action after leaving last Thursday night’s game following a big hit form Dolphins Linebacker Kiko Alonso. Flacco practiced this week, so he is likely to be available. If Flacco is not ready to play, then former Arkansas Razorback Ryan Mallett will take over as the signal caller for the Ravens.
Traditionally, the Ravens and Titans have played close hard-fought games. 13 of the 21 games in series history have been decided by a score or less, and many of the contests have been low scoring defensive slugfests. The strength of this Ravens team is again the defense which is coming off a shutout. Expect this game to be closely contested and to come down to which team is better at executing on third downs and in the red zone.
Tune to Titans Radio and 104.5 the Zone all weekend long for Titans coverage. On Sunday, the award-winning Titans Countdown is on the air at 11 a.m., followed by Voice of the Titans Mike Keith and Coach Dave McGinnis with complete coverage of Titans vs. Ravens live from Nissan Stadium.
