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Tennessee Titans defeated by Indianapolis Colts,…

info — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:02:18 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts avoided their first 0-16 season thanks to a quarterback who was trying to prevent his second.

Dan Orlovsky, who closed out the NFL’s only 0-16 season with Detroit in 2008, threw one touchdown pass and the key block to spring an 80-yard touchdown run Sunday and lead the previously winless Colts to a 27-13 win over playoff hopeful Tennessee.

It was the franchise’s first win in 14 years without Peyton Manning, and all it took was 14 tries and three quarterbacks.

Players and coaches celebrated by throwing their arms in the air, and Orlovsky got to close it out by taking the traditional kneel downs for the first time in his NFL career.

“I’m happy for a lot of people on this team, for a lot of people in this organization,” Orlovsky said. “It’s a lot better than the feeling we’ve had lately.”

Indianapolis (1-13) had been waiting for what seemed like an eternity, 50 weeks, since their previous win, also at home against the Titans.

For Orlovsky, the drought was even longer. The seven-year veteran was 0-9 in his previous NFL starts. He didn’t have to do too much Sunday, going 11-of-17 for 82 yards with one touchdown, but he didn’t turn the ball over.

And though the numbers looked nothing like Manning’s, they were good enough to get a win.

“I think in my career, I’ve learned not to take them [wins] for granted,” Orlovsky said, drawing polite laughter.

Donald Brown added a career-high 161 yards rushing, including a late 80-yard TD run for Indy.

The Colts will need their offense to keep playing like this in the final two games, too, after team vice chairman Bill Polian announced Manning would not be back this season, though he has started throwing to his teammates.

For Tennessee, the loss is a devastating blow.

Had Tennessee (7-7) closed out the season with three wins, it might have been able to reach the postseason without any help. Now the Titans will probably need to win their last two games and get help from some others to make it.

But Tennessee had only itself to blame for this one.

Matt Hasselbeck was 27-of-40 for 223 yards with no TDs and two interceptions before being lifted in favor of rookie Jake Locker. Chris Johnson ran 15 times for 55 yards. The Titans lost a fumble and muffed a kickoff out of bounds at their own 1-yard line.

“I never would have expected us to come out, and they’re playing like the team going to the playoffs and we’re the team that’s 0-13,” coach Mike Munchak said. “We just weren’t playing well at all. The intensity wasn’t there at the start.”

Nor was it there at the end.

Locker’s 7-yard TD pass to Nate Washington with 3:43 to go, got Tennessee within one score as tense Colts fans began to wonder if this one would slip away, too.

On the Colts’ next play, the Titans appeared to have Brown corralled in the backfield. But when Brown reversed field and got away from the defenders. Orlovsky jumped in front of the man closest to him, providing enough of an obstacle to give Brown a wide-open lane on the edge. All Brown had to do was outrun the defense 80 yards to the end zone.

The play tied Tom Matte’s record for the franchise’s longest run, set Oct. 12, 1964, against St. Louis.

Brown then enjoyed an overdue celebration with Orlovsky in the end zone.

“The O-line did a great job; somebody came free, the running back’s job is to make him miss. Dan threw a great block, Reggie threw a great block and I think [Jacob] Tamme was running down there, too,” Brown said. “It was just an all-out great effort by the guys on offense.”

Sunday’s game had a totally different complexion from the first 13.

Indy spent the past nine weeks fighting for a lead, any lead. After playing more than 500 minutes from behind or tied, the Colts finally took the lead on Adam Vinatieri’s 47-yard field goal.

The Colts gave it right back just before halftime when Rob Bironas made his second field goal to give the Titans a 6-3 lead. It didn’t last long.

Orlovsky hooked up with Reggie Wayne for an 18-yard TD that made it 10-6 early in the third quarter. The Colts never trailed again.

Jacob Lacey, the oft-criticized cornerback, returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown to give the Colts a 17-6 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Marc Mariani tried to field the bouncing ball in the end zone, but kicked it out of bounds inside the Titans 1. That mistake and Brown’s 39-yard run, set up Vinatieri for a 40-yard field goal to make it 20-6 with 12:53 to play.

Locker gave the Titans a chance with his TD pass, but Orlovsky and Brown took it away with run that ended Indy’s chase of 0-16 and the first 0-14 mark in franchise history.

“It means a lot, but we’re a proud ballclub so one game out of 13 or 14, we still have a ways to go,” defensive end Robert Mathis said. “Everybody held the fort today. We just kept chopping wood and the tree fell today.”

That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Tampa rarely plays namesake defense

info — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 11:51:06 +0000

Tampa Bay Coach Raheem Morris doesn’t typically use the Tampa-2 defense the team’s former coaching staff originated. / Chris O’Meara / Associated Press

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Two-Minute Drill with the Tennessee Titans’…

info — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 10:57:14 +0000

Talk about your decision to leave school early and enter the NFL draft?

“I think things happen for a reason. God had a plan for me. I felt like I was ready to play at the next level. I knew I could run, block and catch and be a dynamic player in the NFL. There really wasn’t one reason I left early. It was a combination of things. I wasn’t sure about the new offense they were bringing in (at Clemson), and I wasn’t sure what my role in that offense might be, so I felt like it was a good time to leave. I have no regrets about leaving early.”

Clemson certainly has turned things around offensively. How do you think you’d have done in that offense?

“That offense has been unbelievable. Those guys are my brothers and I couldn’t be happier or more proud of them. Tajh (Boyd) is having a great season, and Andre (Ellington) is running great. They are all stepping up and playing great, and I think they are finally going to get that ACC championship this year. A little part of me wishes I was back there running in that offense, but I made the right decision.”

What’s Chris Johnson really like?

“He’s a great guy. He always tries to keep things loose. He works harder than anyone on the team, and I’ve learned so much from him this year. He likes to laugh and joke around, but when it’s time for work, he wants to work and you better bring your A-game. He’s a perfectionist. He practices like he plays and that’s what makes him one of the best running backs in the NFL?

How fast is Chris Johnson? Faster than C.J. Spiller?

“They are two of the fastest guys I’ve ever been around. When Chris hits a hole, he hits it full speed and C.J. is the same way. You think a guy has an angle on Chris and he blows right past him. I’d love to see those two guys race each other. I’m not sure who’d win. They both have crazy speed. But on a track, I’d have to go with Jacoby Ford all day.”

At 6-2 and 235 pounds, you’re big enough to be a fullback. Any talk of playing some at fullback?

“Not really. They use me a little bit as a back-up to Ahmard Hall, but there’s no talk about moving me to fullback. Being a fullback is a totally different mentality. If they need me to play some fullback, I’ll do it. Whatever gets me on the field.”

You’ve got Jared Cook and Shaun Smith, both former USC players on the team. With the Clemson-USC game this week, what’s that been like?

“Shaun is a good bit older than me, so we don’t talk much, but Jared and I played against each other and we’ve been talking a little trash all week. You have to stand up for your school. Jared comes into the locker room with his South Carolina gear on and I have my Clemson gear on and we’ll go at it, but it’s all in good fun. We’re friends and teammates now.”

Compiled by Andrew Miller

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Chris Johnson Could Torch the Indianapolis Colts:…

info — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 07:27:00 +0000

There may not be a lot of aerial fireworks when the Indianapolis Colts visit the Tennessee Titans on October 30, but there should be plenty of ground-rumbling running action for fans to enjoy. The Colts enter this game with the second worst run defense in the NFL, surrendering more than 150 yards per game so far this season. The Titans’ efforts at stopping the rush have been better, but not by much: they’ve given up nearly 125 yards per game. So, both teams will have a terrific opportunity to move the ball with their feet, but the Colts have always been a target for blockbuster running backs, and you just know that Chris Johnson has had this date circled on his calendar for quite some time. As a longtime Colts’ fan, I fear that their recent string of embarrassing performances will continue and allow Johnson to reclaim his spot among the NFL’s elite rushers.

Johnson infamously held out during each of the last two training camps until the Titans finally caved to his demands and made him the highest-paid running back in the game. So far this season, he has rewarded their largess with less than three yards per carry and one measly touchdown. That is a far cry from his breakout season in 2009, when he rushed for 2006 yards (5.6 per carry) with 14 TDs. Even last year’s dropoff (1364 yards, 1 TD) was a stellar performance compared to the current debacle. For Johnson, then, a tilt against the Colts comes at the perfect time, because Indy is a bona fide star-maker for opposing backs. Just ask Arian Foster(notes) about his affinity for this defensive unit.

Normally, a game pitting the Colts against the Titans would have implications for the AFC South race, and that may still be true, but not in the typical manner. At 3-3, Tennessee still has designs on competing this year, but their recent slide puts those ambitions in jeopardy. Indianapolis is clearly playing out the string, already, and the only question is just how bad the team can get. This game represents just another afternoon to slog through for the Colts, but a chance to save the season for the Titans. Don’t be surprised if Tennessee, and especially Chris Johnson, come up really big on Sunday.

Adam Hughes was raised, and still lives, in rural Indiana. He has been a Colts fans since the team arrived in Indianapolis on a snowy morning in 1984. The Blue and White eventually replaced the Chicago Bears as his #1 team, and Super Bowl XLI was a dream come true.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

What are your opinions.

Indianapolis Colts Vs. Tennessee Titans: A Fan’s…

info — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Will this finally be the week the Indianapolis Colts can win their first game of the 2011 season? They face no easy task as they travel on the road again to face the Tennessee Titans in week eight. The Titans are currently at 3-3 and have been a relative surprise with their strong play so far. The Colts have been possibly the most disappointing team in the NFL and are off to an 0-7 start.

The Colts are coming off an embarrassing 62-7 loss to the New Orleans Saints are will likely look to come out strong and prove that they are not as bad as that loss indicated. The Colts have several veterans still on the roster that have a lot of pride and will look to rebound from the embarrassment.

As if the season could not get any worse without Peyton Manning(notes) the Colts injury list is growing every week. The Colts listed 17 players on their week eight injury report. Most concerning for fans is that the offensive line simply can’t stay healthy. The Colts appear to be without starters Anthony Castonzo(notes), Ryan Diem(notes), Mike Pollak(notes), and Joe Reitz(notes). This will leave the Colts without much experience on the offensive line who will be expected to run the ball well and protect young quarterback Curtis Painter(notes) against a solid Titans defense.

The Titans are sure to try and get star running back Chris Johnson going against an awful Colts defense this week. Chris Johnson has been one of the most disappointing players in the NFL through the first seven weeks of the season. The Colts defense as struggled stopping opponents against both the run and pass the last several weeks. The Titans are coming off of a blowout loss as well to the Houston Texans in week seven. If the Titans are smart they will take advantage of the Colts weak secondary and allow quarterback Matt Hasselbeck(notes) to air it out. If Hasselbeck plays well the Titans are very likely to win this game.

Colts fans are now at a point where they have no idea what to expect out of their team. This is a game where the Colts are capable of competing and having a chance to win the game. If there was ever a week for Jim Caldwell to turn in his finest job and get his team ready to compete, this is the week. Caldwell is certainly on the hot seat and every loss will further push fans and media for a change at head coach. While this is a game the Colts are capable of winning, I think they will compete but come up short once again.

Prediction: Titans 24, Colts 21

Kyle Rapoza is a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network and has been a lifelong fan of the Indianapolis Colts. He attended Super Bowl XLIV in Miami and follows the team closely. Follow him on Twitter @kyler11.

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That’s all for today guys, i’ll be back to blog you tomorrow.

Titans, Texans play for lead

info — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 10:00:10 +0000

Nick Wass/Associated Press

Texans linebacker Connor Barwin, hitting the Ravens’ Joe Flacco, knows that the lead in the AFC South will be on the line when his team faces the Titans today.

NASHVILLE — The Texans and Tennessee Titans have a new reason not to like each other.

The Titans, who left Houston in 1997, and the franchise that replaced the former Oilers have had an intense rivalry from the time the Texans started playing in the new AFC South in 2002. With Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning still recovering from surgery and the Colts winless, the Titans and Texans meet today for the first time with the AFC South lead at stake.

“It always has a little something special, especially when it’s Houston,” Titans coach Mike Munchak said. “The fact that we are both sitting here with a chance to stay in first place makes it a lot more fun.”

The Titans (3-2) grabbed a half-game edge in the division in their bye week when Houston (3-3) lost its second straight game last week, 29-14, to Baltimore. Texans linebacker Connor Barwin said there’s no hiding what this game means.

“This is for the division right now. It’s a huge game, and we need to win a game, too,” Barwin said. “We can’t lose any more games, so no, I don’t think it’s a secret to anybody. I don’t think anybody around here thinks it’s not that important. I think we all understand what’s at stake.”

Tennessee at least has some experience — the Titans are the only AFC South team other than Indianapolis to win this division, with titles in 2002 and 2008.

The Texans still must prove they can reach the playoffs for the first time, and they’re busy regrouping from two consecutive losses combined while dealing with injuries. Andre Johnson likely will miss his third straight game with a hamstring injury, and Matt Schaub’s chest and right hip are sore. Fullback James Casey also could be out with his chest injury.

Schaub said the Texans remain confident.

“If you aren’t confident in what you are doing, then you are not going to do it anyway,” Schaub said. “If you believe in yourself and your team that you are going to get it done, then you will. You just have to keep working at it, and good things will happen to you.”

Even without Johnson, the Texans still have former Tennessee Vol Arian Foster, the NFL’s top rusher last season. Texans coach Gary Kubiak thinks Foster is coming around after a hamstring injury limited him early. Foster is a big reason Houston is averaging 126.2 yards rushing per game.

The Titans spent their bye week after a 38-17 loss at Pittsburgh studying their own run game. Chris Johnson has 250 yards rushing this season, and Tennessee is averaging 66.6 yards rushing, last in the NFL. Left tackle Michael Roos said they looked at every run play, which helped the Titans realize everyone has a share of the blame.

“It was on us as an offensive line at times different guys not doing their job and as a whole it is a whole offensive team thing,” Roos said. “Whether a tight end missed a block or Chris a bad read, but there were a lot of bad blocks by us. We weren’t playing up to par.”

The Texans have seen enough of Johnson not to overlook him. Johnson ran for 130 yards in Nashville last December as the teams split the season series for a third straight year. Barwin said the Titans paid Johnson his $53 million extension for a reason.

“I’ve played him when he’s had nobody blocking for him, and he’s gone 80 yards,” Barwin said. “I remember my rookie year, he went 99 yards on a draw play, so the guy can make anybody look stupid and can take it all the way in a second, so I’m not really looking at three yards a carry right now.”

If anybody needs tickets to games, remember to click the tickets link at the top.

Titans coach increase practice intensity

info — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:21:11 +0000

Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says practice has become more intense after the team’s bye week. / GEORGE WALKER IV / THE TENNESSEAN

Written by

John Glennon and Jim Wyatt | The Tennessean

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What do you guys think about this.

What the tape saw: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh…

info — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:40:58 +0000

A few film notes from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 38-14 Week 5 win over the Tennessee Titans…

Tennessee Titans

– Tennessee’s offensive line did an outstanding job of blocking the Steelers’ front seven and providing an escort for running back Chris Johnson, who rushed for 51 yards on just 14 carries. The Titans couldn’t keep the ground attack going because they fell behind, but that doesn’t negate the efforts of their line. They used slide protection to get the Steelers’ line going one way, and Johnson would then either hit the gap to that side or read the cutback and go opposite. Left guard Leroy Harris(notes) and center Eugene Amano(notes) are dynamic upfield blockers who know how to tag a linebacker and create extra space in the running game. Harris is also very good at pulling right and sealing the edge for Johnson and the Titans’ other running backs — he stoned LaMarr Woodley(notes) with one outstanding first-quarter pull-block, and that’s no small achievement.

The Titans’ line is best at establishing power at the point of attack, and then spreading its force to create other opportunities. You can definitely see the influence of head coach Mike Munchak, the team’s former O-line coach and a Hall of Fame offensive lineman himself.

– The Titans’ defensive linemen really seemed to struggle with certain assignments. When ends Derrick Morgan(notes) and Dave Ball(notes) were asked to flare out in coverage on zone blitzes, they weren’t able to do much but provide stationary targets for Ben Roethlisberger(notes) to avoid. And on Heath Miller’s(notes) first-quarter touchdown, tackle Karl Klug(notes) had Miller in his vicinity, but stayed home while Miller advanced to the goal line. Sending a bunch of zone blitzes at Roethlisberger might not be the best idea — Big Ben’s defensive coordinator is Dick LeBeau, who pretty much invented the concept. You imagine that he might see zone blitzes at a pretty high level through the week.

The Titans’ D-linemen didn’t do much better staying at home at times, either; Jonathan Dwyer’s(notes) long second-quarter run was a beautifully executed example of (take it away, Vince Lombardi): “A seal here, a seal here, and we run it IN THE ALLEY!” Left guard Doug Legursky(notes) (pulling right) and right tackle Marcus Gilbert(notes) did an incredible job of blocking out the lane for Dwyer’s first run of the season.

Pittsburgh Steelers

– Generally speaking, the Titans present an interesting set of defensive problems in that they’re multiple in their schemes, but they disguise their diversity very well by looking pretty vanilla (a lot of 4-3 or 4-2 nickel) and then, spreading out into different coverages after the snap. Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians put together a brilliant gameplan to counter this — he used a lot of pre-snap motion by receivers from side to side, sweeps and end-arounds to force the defense to pull one way, and quick throws in spread-style formations to get under what Tennessee was doing. The zone blitzes previously discussed aside, Roethlisberger also read Tennessee’s standard blitzes very well — it also helps that he’s conditioned himself to be unafraid of the blitz because his offensive lines have been so poor for so long.

The Steelers also used a lot of influence motion in their running plays — little half-motion sets by Hines Ward(notes) to draw a linebacker in and out. And as they generally are, the Steelers were very successful when they ran out of bunch formations — the formation/play they run more consistently than any other team. It’s important to note that with injuries on both sides of the ball, and facing a very good defense, Arians helped his team win as much as any player on the field.

– There were certain points where outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley absolutely took over this game — he certainly seemed to recognize the importance of his play with battery-mate James Harrison(notes) out with a fractured orbital bone (yikes). One play that really stood out was his sack of Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck(notes) with 9:39 left in the first quarter. The Titans had second-and-goal from the Pittsburgh 7-yard line, and Woodley rushed in from the defensive left side as tight end Daniel Graham(notes) released into the end zone. Fullback Ahmard Hall(notes) stayed in to block Woodley, but it didn’t matter, because Woodley just pushed Hall a good 2 yards back with his initial attack, and when Hall regained his footing, Woodley pushed Hall back into Hasselbeck and got the sack.

Woodley can do a number of things — tackle the run very well, cover in space as well as any 3-4 outside linebacker, and speed-rush around the edge — but his sheer power is the extra element that makes him a true force.

Related: , Doug Legursky, LaMarr Woodley, Ben Roethlisberger, James Harrison, Matt Hasselbeck, Hines Ward, Marcus Gilbert, Jonathan Dwyer, Derrick Morgan, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, What The Tape Saw

Gotta run!.

Cleveland Browns notebook: Center Alex Mack has…

info — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:59:18 +0000

BEREA: The Browns were as healthy as they had been all season heading into their 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but their prosperity didn’t last long.

Pro Bowl center Alex Mack reported to the team’s headquarters Monday with symptoms of appendicitis and had an appendectomy later in the day at the Cleveland Clinic, coach Pat Shurmur said. Doctors felt the surgery went well, and Mack was expected to spend the night in the hospital, Shurmur said.

Meanwhile, cornerback Joe Haden had an MRI on his left knee and was diagnosed with a sprain, Shurmur said. Haden attended team meetings Monday while wearing a brace on his leg. He is not expected to need surgery, Shurmur said.

The Browns (2-2) have a bye this coming week and won’t play again until they visit the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 16. Shurmur said he doesn’t know whether Mack or Haden will be able to face the Raiders.

If Mack can’t play after the bye, Steve Vallos and John Greco could compete to play center. If Haden must miss a game, Dimitri Patterson or rookie Buster Skrine could receive an expanded role.

Several other players also are dealing with injuries. Shurmur said wide receiver Josh Cribbs is day-to-day with a “slight knee sprain,” and wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi’s sprained shoulder is not believed to be a significant injury. Cornerback Sheldon Brown (groin) and offensive lineman Tony Pashos (ankle) did not exacerbate their injuries by playing through them Sunday, Shurmur said.

Mack was hooked up to IVs before the game against the Titans, because he wasn’t feeling well. Still, he did not miss any of the offense’s 87 plays.

“He’s tough as nails because he was feeling a little queasy during that game, too,” Pashos said of Mack. “The guy is tough. I don’t expect him to miss any time. He’s played with some injuries before, and I think he’ll be all right. I’m not a doctor, but I know Alex.”

Haden was hurt and examined by trainers on the sideline after the Titans punted with 8:38 left in the second quarter. He stayed in the game but limped off the field after catching wide receiver Nate Washington from behind and tackling him at the Browns’ 4-yard line with less than a minute left in the first half. Haden played in the second half until he left the game in the fourth quarter.

“He hurt it, and he just kept on playing,” Skrine said. “We didn’t even know he hurt it. Being the guy that he is and doing everything for the team, he stayed in the game.”

Voicing support

When Shurmur was asked Monday if he would diminish the role of running back Peyton Hillis because of the latter’s unresolved contract issues, Shurmur said: “Absolutely not. I think that’s a nonissue.”

Hillis, who’s in the final year of his rookie contract and set to make a base salary of $600,000 this season, had 10 carries for 46 yards (4.6 average) and five catches for 23 yards against the Titans. He shared the workload with running back Montario Hardesty, who had seven carries for 22 yards (3.1 average) and five receptions for 49 yards. Shurmur said he did not call more running plays, because the Browns fell behind by a large margin and needed to pass in an attempt to rally.

“I think Peyton Hillis fits extremely well [in the offense],” Shurmur said. “He played yesterday. He got the football. I’ll tell you what, I think it’s important he touches the ball and he did.”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that although Hillis said he was ill last week, some unnamed Browns players believe that Hillis’ unresolved contract situation may have contributed to his decision not to play in Week 3 against the Miami Dolphins. Shurmur addressed the report Sunday after his team’s loss to the Titans and again Monday.

“The young man was sick, and he didn’t play,” Shurmur said. “OK. That’s the end of it. He played yesterday, and I think that’s where the important thing is. Two weeks ago, he didn’t play. We played the Miami Dolphins, and we won the game. Yesterday he did. All right. He was a significant contributor yesterday, and we didn’t win.”

Rookie wide receiver Greg Little, linebacker Titus Brown and Pashos defended Hillis on Monday.

“I don’t take those sources to be very credible,” Little said. “I just think that’s coming from very thin air. I think Peyton is a big enough competitor to want to come out and play every weekend.”

“He was sick,” Brown said. “You have to be at your best to play this game, and he wasn’t at his best. … If Peyton were able to play, he would have played. He loves this team just like everybody else on this team.”

Missed call?

Titans wide receiver Damian Williams knocked into Patterson near the line of scrimmage late in the second quarter, allowing Washington to break free for a 57-yard pass play. Patterson thought Williams should have been called for offensive pass interference.

“It was blatant,” Patterson said. “But they’re going to miss calls. Referees miss calls every game, every sport, so you can’t really go into a game trying to point the finger at the ref. You’ve got to continue to play, and play through those times.”

Shurmur declined to reveal whether he has asked the league office to review the play.

“[The Titans] did a nice job with that,” Shurmur said. “There’s rules for that, though. … You’re not allowed to rub, but they executed the play well.”

Nate Ulrich can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. Read the Browns blog at http://browns.ohio.com. Follow the Browns on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ABJ_Browns and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/browns.abj.

Thanks for reading! .

Ravens-Titans Preview

info — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:09:34 +0000

With a stifling defensive effort, the Baltimore Ravens made a statement
during their opening-weekend victory.

The Tennessee Titans are trying not to panic after failing to move the ball
with much consistency in Week 1.

Baltimore tries to open 2-0 for the third time in four seasons while
Tennessee hopes to regroup during Mike Munchak’s home coaching debut Sunday.

The Ravens, who were ousted in the playoffs last season by Pittsburgh,
opened 2011 with a bang, routing the Steelers 35-7 last Sunday.

“This is just a start,” said receiver Anquan Boldin(notes), who had four catches
for 74 yards and a touchdown. “We wanted to come out and make a statement, but
we think we can only get better from here.”

Baltimore recorded three interceptions and recovered four fumbles in a
performance that resembled that of the defensive unit which led the team during
its 2000 Super Bowl run. The Ravens also had four sacks – three from Terrell
Suggs(notes), who with 71 1/2 surpassed Peter Boulware for the most in franchise
history.

“Seems like every year he hits double-digits in sacks,” Ravens defensive end
Cory Redding(notes) said. “Dudes really have to look out for him. Quarterbacks really
have to find him on the field. They have to account for this guy, because if
they don’t he’s going to put the quarterback on his back.”

Tennessee quarterback Matt Hasselbeck(notes) knows all too well of Suggs’ defensive
prowess. Hasselbeck was sacked eight times in two games against Baltimore while
with Seattle, including twice by Suggs during a 44-41 Ravens overtime victory
Nov. 23, 2003.

In his first game with Tennessee, Hasselbeck completed 21 of 34 passes for
263 yards with two touchdowns and an interception last Sunday. However, Chris
Johnson, who joined the team roughly two weeks ago following a holdout, rushed
for just 24 yards on nine carries as the Titans fell 16-14 at Jacksonville.

“Don’t over-panic,” Munchak told the Titans’ official website. “We have a
very good opponent coming in. You have to believe in everything that you’ve
done. You don’t throw everything away after one game because certain things
didn’t work out the way you wanted.

“The NFL is a tricky thing because one week it changes so much. Football can
get very humbling real fast. It’s a brand new opportunity. We’ve got 15 more of
these and we still have an opportunity to do something special.”

On what was a quiet offensive day for the Titans, Kenny Britt(notes) shined,
hauling in five passes for 136 yards and two touchdowns.

While Britt will have to worry about going up against seven-time Pro Bowl
safety Ed Reed(notes), who is coming off the 12th multi-interception game of his
career, Ravens rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith(notes) is expected to miss a few weeks
with a high ankle sprain.

Tennessee, which surrendered an average of 133.0 rushing yards en route to
losing nine of 10 to close last season, surrendered 323 total yards during its
opener – 163 on the ground.

The Titans’ inability to stop the run could mean another big day for Ray
Rice(notes), who ran for 107 yards and caught four passes for another 42 against the
Steelers, scoring twice. Joe Flacco(notes) also impressed, throwing for 224 yards and
three TDs.

While Johnson struggled in the opener, he has averaged an NFL-best 114.2
rushing yards over the previous two seasons at home.

“He is what they call their home-run hitter,” Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis(notes)
said. “He is their offense, he’s their heartbeat. And if you look at what they
did last weekend … you’ve got to know that he’s definitely going to touch the
football a lot this week. And we’re prepared for it.

“It should be a great test for us. But when you talk about just skill and
talent, he is a special, special talent.”

Tennessee and Baltimore have split 16 meetings, with the Titans taking the
last matchup 13-10 on Oct. 5, 2008.

That’s all the news for today.