Ravens have test ahead versus Titans’ power rushing
Ravens Wire
The Baltimore Ravens will get a taste of their own medicine when they take on the Tennessee Titans in the AFC divisional round.
Baltimore’s prolific rushing attack has been predicated on power running from players like Mark Ingram and Gus Edwards, wearing opposing defenses down while opening up throwing lanes. The Ravens also leaned on quarterback Lamar Jackson to pick up yards in key situations as a change of pace in rushing style, forcing defenses into picking their poison.
In similar fashion, the Titans have relied on league-leading rusher Derrick Henry to carry them through the season. And with a midseason change at quarterback from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill, the rest of the offense has finally begun to flourish as well. Tannehill’s 4.3 rushing attempts per start ranked seventh among NFL quarterbacks (minimum eight starts), pointing to Tennessee’s offense also utilizing its quarterback in a less traditional role.
In order for Baltimore to secure a win, the defense will have to remain stout for all 60 minutes and shut down the run primarily. That ultimately means wrapping up and bringing down the ball carrier and not allowing them to pick up extra yards. Though the Ravens have the fifth-fewest missed tackles this season, according to Pro Football Reference, when they’ve struggled to tackle, things have gone badly for them.
Granted, it was before many of their defensive roster changes, but take a look at Week 4 for a prime example of how poor tackling has killed Baltimore just this season. Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb routinely ran through and around Baltimore’s defenders en route to 165 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on just 20 attempts. The Browns would beat the Ravens 40-25, one of just three games this season in which Baltimore didn’t own the edge in time of possession.
For the Titans, Henry punishes defenders and picks up extra yards. Henry’s 29 broken tackles are tied for third most this season among running backs. His 3.2 yards per carry after contact are the second most this season among running backs.
Against the Patriots, Henry chewed up the clock and New England’s defenders. Tennessee ran Henry to the outside most often, and he ran over and carried defenders for extra yards. This highlight is a microcosm of the game:
And with some speed to his powerful frame, Henry was able to outrun defenders as well, practically daring them to get in his way to get trucked. According to Next Gen Stats, Henry gained 167 rushing yards with a defender within a yard of him.
“We want it gritty. We want it dirty,” Henry said. “That’s the mentality we got to have.”
That sounds like something we’d hear from Baltimore. You can practically hear Ingram saying that after a game while at the podium. And in a pass-happy league, it’ll be one of a very few instances the Ravens have to go up against that type of mentality this season.