Turnover-Free Titans To Prevail

Titans running back Chris Johnson became the seventh rookie in the franchise's 49-year history to reach 1,000 scrimmage yards

NFL Playoffs Divisional Weekend: Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans

The top-seeded Tennessee Titans host the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Divisional Playoff matchup.

For the Titans, this marks their first home playoff game since 2003.

The Titans (13-3), owners of the AFC's best regular season record, earned a first round playoff bye and were off last week. The Titans last played in their regular season finale at Indianapolis (12/28/2008).

In a contest in which many starters either did not play or were removed early in the game, the Titans lost to the Colts by a final score of 23-0.

The Ravens, who entered the playoffs as the AFC's sixth seed, were in action last week at Miami in the Wild Card round. Against the Dolphins, the Ravens forced five turnovers in a 27-9 victory. Baltimore's takeaways included two interceptions by safety Ed Reed, one of which was returned 64 yards for a touchdown.

Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans - Saturday, CBS 4:30PM ET

Both teams excel at turnovers, finishing second (Tennessee, plus-14) and third (Baltimore, plus-13) this season in NFL turnover differential.

They are also quite similar on defense. Linemen who call for double-teams; quick linebackers who can rush or drop back into coverage; and ball-hawking secondaries.

The Titans Kerry Collins -- who can become the first QB in history to win at least one playoff game with three different clubs (Carolina Panthers, New York Giants) -- was intercepted only seven times this season.

In the 2008 regular season, Collins entered the lineup in relief during a Week 1 win against Jacksonville (9/7/2008) and started the remaining 15 games. With 242 completions, 2,676 yards, 12 touchdowns and seven interceptions on 415 attempts, his passer rating of 80.2 was the third-highest of his career (2000, 2002).

Problem is, he goes against a defense led by Safety Ed Reed that topped the league in pickoffs with 26.

The Ravens added four more interceptions in their 27-9 Wild Card Weekend victory over the Dolphins, with Reed snatching two (one for a TD) to give him two apiece in five of his last seven games.

But it certainly won't be all defense as each team packs a solid running game.

Rookie Chris Johnson teams up with Len Dale White (15 rushing TDs) for Tennessee and Baltimore brings it with the FB who could be a RB, 260-pound All-Star Le'Ron McClain (75 yards in the Wild Card game), rookie Ray Rice and veteran Willis McGahee.

In 2008, Len Dale White and Chris Johnson split time at running back for the Titans.

Together, the duo accounted for 2,001 yards and all 24 of the Titans rushing TDs. Len Dale White's 2008 totals included 200 carries for 773 yards and 15 touchdowns in 16 games. Chris Johnson (24th overall pick 2008 NFL Draft), led the Titans in rushing and was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. His regular season totals included 251 carries for 1,228 yards and nine touchdowns. Johnson's yardage total was the third-highest in the AFC and eighth in the NFL.

The Ravens totaled 148.5 rushing yards per game this season, standing as the NFL's No. 4 ground attack.

The Ravens running attack was led by Le'Ron McClain (232 att, 902 yds, 10 TDs), Willis McGahee (170 att, 671 yds, 7 TDs) and rookie Ray Rice (107 att, 454 yds, 4.2 avg.).

Baltimore Ravens rookie head coach John Harbaugh and his rookie quarterback Joe Flacco can reach two milestones when they play the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. Flacco can become the first rookie quarterback to win his first two playoff games and Harbaugh can become only the fifth rookie head coach to reach that mark.

An Exceptional Titan Tight End Tandem

During the 2008 regular season, TE Alge Crumpler ranked sixth on the team with 24 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown. That one touchdown was the winner for the Titans over the Ravens earlier this season (see below). Tight end Bo Scaife led the Titans and set a career high with 58 receptions for 561 yards and two touchdowns. His reception total ranked fifth in the AFC and seventh in the NFL among tight ends. WR Justin Gage played in 12 games this season and led the Titans with 651 receiving yards on 34 receptions and a career-high six touchdown receptions. Gage ranked 3rd in the NFL this season with a 19.1-yard receiving average. Justin McCareins contributed 30 receptions for 412 yards in 14 games

Two Impressive Defenses

The Ravens allowed the 3rd-fewest points in the NFL this season, permitting only 244 (15.3 per game). The Ravens finished the regular season ranked as the NFL's No. 2 defense (261.1 ypg). Baltimore's rush defense (81.4) ranked 3rd, while the pass defense (179.7) finished 2nd. The Ravens have now gone 6 straight seasons ranking in the top 6 in total defense.

The Ravens compiled the NFL's top scoring differential (tied with Tennessee) in 2008, outscoring opponents 385-244. Additionally, Baltimore only allowed a league-low 60 points in the 4th quarter while scoring 115 (good for a +55 differential).

The Titans finished the 2008 regular season ranked third in the AFC and seventh in the NFL in total defense. Their opponents averaged 313.6 yards per game. The Titans were third in the AFC and sixth in the NFL in rushing defense (93.9 yards per game). The Titans finished the 2008 regular season ranked second in scoring defense. They allowed opponents an average of 14.6 points per game and kept opponents to 17 points or less in 13 of 16 contests. The Titans defense allowed 25 total touchdowns during the 2008 regular season, an average of 1.6 per game. They trailed only the Pittsburgh Steelers, who allowed 21 touchdowns.

Series: Tied Up at 8-and-8 Plus 1-and-1

The Titans and the Ravens have met 18 times, including two playoff games. This game will break a 9-9 tie in a series that has been highly competitive. Of the 18 games the teams have played against each other, 10 have been decided by four points or less, with the Titans holding a 6-4 advantage in those meetings.

The two teams used to play together in the AFC Central for six seasons after the Ravens relocated to Baltimore from Cleveland in 1996. Realignment in the league in 2002 moved the Titans to the AFC South and the Ravens to the AFC North, ending their twice-yearly meetings.

In the five games since realignment, the Titans are 3-2. Most recently, the Titans and Ravens squared off in another close battle in Week 5 of the NFL 2008 regular season.

In that game, the Titans, led by quarterback Kerry Collins, took their first lead of the game on an 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. They held on for a 13-10 victory.

The Titans and Ravens have split their previous two postseason matchups.

In the Divisional Round of the 2000 playoffs, the Wild Card Ravens upended the top-seeded Titans in Tennessee during their march to a Super Bowl XXXV Championship. In the 2003 postseason, the Titans traveled as a Wild Card to Baltimore in the first round and won 20-17 on a late field goal by Gary Anderson.

Tennessee Titans 13 at Baltimore Ravens 10

NFL 2008 Week 5 (Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008)

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In Week 5 of the NFL 2008 regular season, the Titans rallied for 10 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Ravens 13-10 in Baltimore.

Trailing 10-6 with six minutes remaining, Titans quarterback Kerry Collins led an 11-play, 80-yard drive that culminated with a game-winning 11-yard touchdown pass to tight end Alge Crumpler.

Alge Crumpler's touchdown gave the Titans a 13-10 win on October 5 2008 against Ravens. Beats Safety Ed Reed

Alge Crumpler's TD gave Titans a 13-10 win against Ravens (10/5/2008). Ravens All-Pro Safety Ed Reed in Background

The drive required a pair of third-down conversions -- a 10-yard reception by Chris Davis and a 15-yard grab by Bo Scaife -- as well as a 15-yard roughing-the-passer penalty on Baltimore three plays into the series. Scaife's catch, his third of the drive and team-high seventh of the game, gave the Titans a first-and-10 at the Baltimore 11 at the two-minute warning. On the next play, Collins found Crumpler in the end zone.

On the second play of the ensuing Ravens possession, cornerback Nick Harper recorded Tennessee's second interception of the game off Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco. A three-and-out by the Titans produced one final opportunity for the Ravens, but the clock expired with the Ravens on their own 34-yard line.

The eventful closing minutes ended a defensive struggle that featured 21 total penalties, including 11 by the Titans. The Titans and Ravens combined for 495 yards of total offense (Titans 210, Ravens 285), and there were two interceptions by each team. Baltimore's 132 rushing yards on 38 carries helped them achieve a time of possession of 34:28, compared to 25:32 for the Titans.

Collins completed 17 of 32 passes for 163 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. His first interception of the game, a pass batted at the line and then caught by defensive lineman Justin Bannan, ended a promising initial offensive series in the first quarter. The Ravens, acquiring the ball at their own 34-yard line, progressed down the field. Aided by five Titans penalties on the drive, the Ravens went in front 3-0 on a 38-yard field goal by Matt Stover.

In the second quarter, Titans safety Michael Griffin intercepted a Flacco pass and returned it to the Baltimore 32-yard line. Kicker Rob Bironas eventually booted a 35-yard field goal to tie the game.

The Ravens had a chance to take the lead at the end of the first half, but a 45-yard attempt by Stover sailed wide right.

The Ravens did, however, take the lead early in the third quarter. On the opening series of the half, they went 71 yards on 11 plays and scored on a one-yard touchdown run by running back Le'Ron McClain.

The score remained 10-3 until early in the fourth quarter. Titans receiver Brandon Jones totaled three receptions for 54 yards on a drive that stalled at the Baltimore eight yard line. Bironas then kicked 26-yard field goal.

After a Baltimore punt, the Titans took over with 6:07 on the clock at their own 20-yard line, and the stage was set for Collins' late-game heroics.

Baltmore Ravens Game Notes

  • - The Ravens have now won 10 of their past 12 games
  • - The Ravens seek their 2nd straight playoff win at Tennessee.
  • - Ravens have 4-1 (.800) road record in postseason
  • - In 3 career postseason games, S ED REED has 5 interceptions. Reed can become 2nd player in NFL history to record at least 1 INT in each of his 1st 4 postseason games (AENEAS WILLIAMS). Reed tied career-high with 9 interceptions in 2008 & has 4 in past 2 games. In past 7 games (including Wild Card), Reed has 10 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries & 3 touchdowns (2 INT-TDs; 1 FR-TD)
  • - Over their past 12 games, including their Wild Card win at Miami, the Ravens are averaging 155.1 yards per game on the ground (1,861 total rush yards)
  • - Rookie QB JOE FLACCO (1st round, No. 18) can become 1st rookie QB to win 2 playoff games in NFL history
  • - In past 12 (including Wild Card), Flacco has completed 176 of 307 passes (57.3 pct.) for 2,262 yards with 13 touchdowns vs. 5 interceptions & 87.9 passer rating. Ravens have a 6-1 (.857) record in past 7 road games & Flacco has 9 touchdowns vs. 2 interceptions & 96.5 passer rating
  • - In 2 career games vs. the Tennessee Titans, RB WILLIS MC GAHEE averages 79.5 rush yards per game (44 attempts, 159 rush yards). Last week, McGahee gained 62 rush yards in 1st career playoff appearance, including long of 48 yards
  • - In past 4 (including Wild Card), FB LE' RON MC CLAIN is averaging 92.7 rush yards per game (371 total) & aims for 4th straight game with at least 1 rush TD. McClain was selected to 1st career Pro Bowl
  • - WR DERRICK MASON spent 8 seasons (1997-2004) with the Tennessee Titans & ranks 5th in franchise history with 453 receptions. WR MARK CLAYTON posted 7 receptions for 125 yards (17.9 avg.) with 1 TD in last meeting at Ten
  • - TE TODD HEAP recorded career playoff-high in receptions (6) & receiving yards (80) in last meeting against Titans
  • - Club led NFL with 26 interceptions (2nd most in Ravens history) in 2008 regular season & has 8 interceptions in past 3 games
  • - Club aims for 10th straight game with INT in playoffs
  • - The Ravens have not allowed an opposing running back to gain 100+ rush yards in 9 postseason games (tied for 3rd longest active streak)
  • - LB RAY LEWIS registered 50-yard INT-TD return in last postseason game at Tennessee
  • - CB SAMARI ROLLE posted 23 interceptions in 7 seasons (1998-2004) with Tennessee
  • - The Ravens had 5 players selected to Pro Bowl (Lewis, McClain, Reed, special teamer BRENDON AYANBADEJO & DE TERRELL SUGGS).

Tennessee Titans Game Notes

  • - The Titans make their 6th playoff appearance over the past 10 years earning their first AFC No. 1 seed since 2000
  • - Titans posted 4-1 (.800) record against playoff teams in 2008 during NFL regular season
  • - Head coach JEFF FISHER has 5-5 (.500) postseason record. Fisher joins Pro Football Hall of Famers TOM LANDRY & DON SHULA & former San Diego Chargers head coach MARTY SCHOTTENHEIMER as only coaches since 1975 to earn No. 1 seed in 15th year or later as head coach (NFL designated No. 1 seeds starting in 1975)
  • - Titans are 2-1 (.667) at home in postseason under Fisher
  • - For career, QB KERRY COLLINS has a 3-0 postseason record in home games. Collins is 13-6 (.684) as a starter with Titans
  • - Pro Bowl rookie RB CHRIS JOHNSON (1st round, No. 24) ranked 3rd in AFC with 1,228 rush yards. RB LEN DALE WHITE tied for 3rd in NFL with career-high 15 rush touchdowns. The Titans are 8-1 (.889) when White rushes for 90-plus yards
  • - WR JUSTIN GAGE averaged career-high 19.1 yards per catch in 2008 (34 receptions, 651 yards)
  • - TE BO SCAIFE led team with career-high 58 receptions. Scaife posted team-high 7 receptions for 72 yards (10.3 avg.) in last meeting against Ravens. TE ALGE CRUMPLER recorded 11-yard game-winning TD in last game vs. Ravens
  • - Titans Defense ranked 2nd in NFL by allowing 14.6 points per game
  • - S MICHAEL GRIFFIN tied for 2nd in NFL with career-high 7 interceptions
  • - CB CORTLAND FINNEGAN posted career-high 7 interceptions in 2008 & aims for 2nd straight playoff game with INT
  • - In last playoff game against Ravens (w/Colts on 1/13/07), CB NICK HARPER posted 1st postseason INT
  • - Including postseason, DE JEVON KEARSE has 9 career sacks against Ravens
  • - Rookie DT JASON JONES (2nd round, Eastern Michigan) tied for 1st among rookies with 5 sacks
  • - P CRAIG HENTRICH ranks 2nd in playoff history with 97 career postseason punts (RAY GUY, 111).

PREDICTION: Tennessee Titans 20, Baltimore Ravens 14

Last week, the Ravens thrashed a Dolphins offense. However, the Titans offense is a balanced-attack anchored by one of the top offensive lines in the NFL. In other words, their sound and solid not needing to rely on gimmick offenses.

The Titans offensive line -- tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart, guards Eugene Amano and Jake Scott, and center Kevin Mawae -- kept opposing defensive players out of the backfield for much of the 2008 season as they allowed their opponents a total of 12 sacks (tied for 1st NFL with Broncos). At one point during the season the Titans went five consecutive games without allowing a single sack.

As such, expect the Titans and Kerry Collins to be patient and mistake free. Collins is not all that spectacular, but at the same time he's no Tony Romo nor will he force the ball like Pennington did last week.

In addition, the Ravens defense will need to contain a strong set of running backs, tight ends and wide receivers. Expect, the Titans to utilize play-action to keep the Ravens defense on their toes with short dumps to their tight ends which in turn will free up their receivers and backs.

On defense, the Titans may not dominate but they will force the Ravens into more field goals than touchdowns which will make it a close game.

For the Ravens to win, it will be up to their defense to play a great game and force Kerry Collins into mistakes much like in Super Bowl XXXV when Collins was a member of the Giants.

Expect the game to be a close, but it will not be back-and-forth as the Titans will lead from the get-go. Plus the Titans know how to win as the team was 4-1 in games decided by seven points or less this season.

NFL Playoffs - Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans Preview - NFL 2008