MVN: Most Valuable Network

#1

Posted by questionmark, January 7, 2009 10:50 AM

The ability to stick with the run is contingent on converting on third down. The Titans were not great at converting this year, and the Ravens defense was the best in the league on third down. To convert on third down, the Titans need to complete passes, at least 4-5 yarders, on first down.

I don't really see the comparison between Jacobs and White. White has good feet, good vision, size, and some ability to carry a pile once he picks up momentum. But Lendale doesn't lower his shoulder and punish defenders the way Jacobs does, the way Eddie used to do.

From the few opportunities he's been given, Ganther appears to be a quicker, more punishing runner than White, but I doubt he'll get a single carry in this game. Still, in my opinion, mixing Ganther into the mix some could pay dividends.

Reply

#2

Posted by Drexel Perry, January 7, 2009 1:53 PM

Thanks for commenting, questionmark.

I compared White and Jacobs because they are the hammers for their respective teams' rushing attacks.

White is probably the only guy on the roster (who is actually going to play) that is capable of pounding the Ravens. CJ provides the dimension of speed but he's not the type of guy you pound into the line of scrimmage on a repetitive basis.

I agree that the conversion of 3rd downs will be crucial to the Titans' success on Saturday. Moving the chains on third down will also help prevent the defense from tiring.

Hopefully, the Titans can establish the run because I'm not too optimistic about a pass-happy attack against the Ravens' playmaking defense.

Reply

#3

Posted by Andrew Strickert, January 7, 2009 4:57 PM

Drexel, I believe you hit the nail on the head. questionmark, I also agree with you that Ganther could pay a few dividends, but I'd really like to see Chris Johnson get 12-15 touches. He's a threat to score every time he's got the ball and you never can tell when he might break one. I'd also like to see Collins get Scaife and Crumpler involved, if for no other reason than to provide some balance.

Reply

#4

Posted by Alvin Mullins, January 7, 2009 10:57 PM

Here is the rub White is no Jacobs he just isn't. Yeah you can pound him between the guards but he will get hit before he makes the line.

I think we need to do exactly what we did vs the Terrible Snot Rags. Pass when they expect runs, go for it sometimes and get CJ on the outside.

Reply

#5

Posted by Junas, January 7, 2009 11:22 PM

I say their strength is their weakness. Let it be all about Ray. Go double tight-end formations and motion CJ out of the backfield, then send Algae on a head hunting mission through the middle and keep hitting the tightends, Ray is to old to keep up after a few series of making him run....just keep going right at him. If they switch to a dime, then CJ is plenty powerful enough to hurt a DB. Pull Algae or Scaife into the backfield and let Cj comeback with a sweep after they lose their legs. Lets hope Lendale doesn't drop the ball....., I'm with you guys that Ganther seems to pack the heavier punch, and if Ray unloads on Lendale during the 1st quarter while Ray is fresh and emotional, we could be in for a long day! Somebody will need to put the team on their shoulders like Steve used to, either on offense or defense. I would be VERY surprised (and gladly eat crow) if that somebody was Lendale. I can see someone like Algae stepping into that realm. We should have NEVER let D-Mase go.... Here is to hoping Flacco gets his jersey very dirty and has to be reminded what day it is by the end of the game!

Reply

#6

Posted by Will, January 8, 2009 12:10 AM

I agree that the Titans need to be patient with the running game, but I think Chris Johnson has to be the focus. I'd take my chances with CJ having a Sproles-like performance instead of counting on LenDale to wear down the Ravens.

Reply

#7

Posted by Garland, January 8, 2009 1:11 AM

I am with Will on this one. I want the ball in CJ's hands. It doesn't matter so much who is carrying the ball when it comes to wearing down the defense. If you can keep running the ball with decent success, the defense will get tired of getting off blocks and chasing down the ball carrier. I think it's less about the tackle and more about the pursuit that takes its toll on the defense; it's more about the blocking and less about the actual running. It will be Big Country, Sarge, and Alge wearing down the defense, not so much the running back. What do you think would be more tiring: tackling LenDale or chasing CJ? In all reality, we'll probably need a good effort from both backs to get the job done, and that's exactly what I expect to see. Is it Saturday yet???

Reply

#8

Posted by questionmark, January 8, 2009 8:39 PM

I like CJ too, but if the Ravens get to the RB quickly, as they often do, the Titans will need somebody who can drag defenders to pick up extra yards. Johnson is a tough guy, and may carry a tackler a few yards, but he isn't going to push a pile. Moreover, with 70% chance of rain, I'm not sure how effective his speed will be - hopefully he's able to cut more effectively than the Ravens defense is able to react.

The more I think about the matchup with the Ravens power running game against the Titans defense, the more I wish the Titans had kept Gordon and cut Paul Williams or Chris Henry. If the Ravens go big, the Titans best response would be to bring in three DTs, but with only four on the roster, they won't be able to do it for long if they want to keep guys fresh. Maybe we'll see Tulloch & Folwer in there together on some plays.

Reply

#9

Posted by Mike Brown, January 10, 2009 8:05 AM

Let's see, during their first matchup LenDale White had 3 yards on 4 carries, Johnson had 44 yds. on 23 carries, yet everyone expects some grand turnaround in their production.

While both may be able to expand on those numbers they will have to play the game of their lives to accomplish it, and that's asking for an awful lot.

Reply

#10

Posted by Drexel Perry, January 10, 2009 10:56 AM

Mike,

This time around, the number of carries should be (somewhat) reversed. LenDale isn't going to be effective with just four carries: he's not that type of back. He's a guy who can wear down the defense over the course of a game.

I'd like to see White get about 15-20 carries, with CJ getting 10-15 touches on runs or passes.

Thanks for dropping by. Should be a great game today.

Reply

#11

Posted by Junas, January 10, 2009 11:03 PM

For anyone reading this chain, please indulge me a second, I told you double tight ends would move the ball, but they should have hit Ray more, I told you Tater-tot would drop the ball, I missed on Algae stepping up, damn-it, I was unfortunately right that D-Mase would be a difference, and I am regretful we did not put Flacco in the dirt...., but all said, it had to be the loss of CJ that killed all momentum.....

Reply