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Home away from home Ravens will win their third in a row at Adelphia
Updated: Monday November 12, 2001 5:36 PM
Neither the Ravens nor the Titans are playing as well as they did last year at this time but both still have a chance to get to the playoffs. Both won key divisional contests last week and momentum seems to be with both, at least until Monday night is over. Steve McNair had his best showing of the season last week against the Jaguars with two touchdown runs. That's the kind of dimension the Titans offense needs against the stingy Ravens defense. Of course, with Ray Lewis hunting him down, that could prove difficult. Tennessee wide receivers Kevin Dyson and Derrick Mason have just 23 receptions between them so look for McNair to go to always reliable target Frank Wycheck in critical situations. But remember, Baltimore's linebackers and safeties have had good success against Wycheck in the past so it won't be easy for the tight end to play a prominent role in this game.
Eddie George has been playing through multiple injuries and this season has been much less effective than in years past. But even when he has been 100 percent healthy, the Ravens defense has stopped him. The past six times these teams have met George has averaged less than three yards a carry. If George doesn't break out Monday night it will mean too many three-and-out series for Jeff Fisher's team. Here's a critical stat to keep in mind: in the Week 4 matchup of these two teams, the Titans went three-and-out in five of their first six possessions. By the time they got the offense rolling, they were in a 20-0 hole. Meanwhile for Baltimore, Jason Brookins has emerged as a good inside runner. He could have a big night with Titans middle linebacker Randall Godfrey nursing both a knee injury and a broken finger, and defensive tackle John Thornton out. Shannon Sharpe could have a field day given the changes in the Titans secondary. Denard Walker and Marcus Robertson both left as free agents in the offseason and Samari Rolle and Blaine Bishop are battling injuries. That could also be good news for Elvis Grbac, who returns from injury to start. Tennessee's pass rush had been lagging until it turned in five sacks last week. Watch the matchup of Jevon Kearse against Jonathan Ogden -- it'll be a good one. On the other side, high-priced free agent Kevin Carter has been virtually invisible so far this season. But this time around he'll face either journeyman Kipp Vickers or Sammy Williams. This week there are no more excuses for Mr. Carter. So what do I think will happen Monday night? The Titans won't get embarrassed like they did in Baltimore a few weeks back when they lost 26-7. This game will be hard-fought to the end with a number of lead changes. But eventually the Baltimore defense will create a turnover and the healthier Ravens will make it three in a row at the Titans' home field. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated.
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