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Bulluck53 · 09-20-2005, 08:34 AM

Need to keep playing defense

SDOGO · 09-20-2005, 09:04 AM

Why To Watch

Coming into the season, every discussion about the Titans seemed to include the words "depleted," "ravaged" or "decimated" because of salary-cap problems. But Tennessee is 1-1 behind the steady play of quarterback Steve McNair and the two-pronged running attack of Travis Henry and Chris Brown.

For St. Louis, the high-flying air attack remains in place, but continued problems on defense and a lack of production in the red zone have left the Rams disappointed.

Titans Keys For Success

1. Tackle, tackle, tackle. After his team allowed the Steelers to rush for 206 yards in Week 1, coach Jeff Fisher had the defense work all week on tackling. In Week 2, Tennessee shut down Baltimore and held running back Jamal Lewis to nine rushing yards. The Titans did it by swarming to the ball and making high-surface tackles, something they will have to do against the Rams, as arm tackles will not bring down tough-running Steven Jackson.

2. Keep the defense guessing. New offensive coordinator Norm Chow does a nice job of mixing sets and formations, showcasing everything from four-receiver sets to three-tight end sets. By using different personnel groups, the Titans will be more unpredictable -- keeping the defense on its heels and forcing it to make substitutions to match up. Expect the Titans to come up with a big play because of the defense having the wrong personnel on the field.

3. Take shots downfield. Stopping the run is the Rams' primary objective; strong safety Adam Archuleta lines up frequently as an eighth run stopper at the line of scrimmage. But their plan results in a lot of man coverage in the secondary. Expect McNair to look deep for Tyrone Calico, who has a 6-inch height advantage over cornerback Travis Fisher.

Rams Keys For Success

1. Offensive balance. The Rams have been their typical pass-happy selves, throwing the ball 85 times in two games. Focusing on the pass allows teams to bring in their best pass rushers to tee off on quarterback Marc Bulger -- and the result has been 11 sacks. Coach Mike Martz must commit to establishing an interior running game, using bruising Jackson to keep the defense on its heels.

2. Convert in the red zone. Despite Bulger's talent and passing numbers, two stats remain prevalent: 76.0 and 56.3 -- his passer ratings inside the 20 and 10 yard lines, respectively, in 2004. He struggles throwing inside the 20 because of the tight quarters and the smaller margin for error. Bulger must stop telegraphing his passes, which allows defenders to get better breaks on the ball.

3. Improve field position with special teams. In Week 2, special teams gave the offense an average starting field position on its own 26, a 15-yard improvement over Week 1. This "hidden yardage" plays a huge role, and it's necessary to pin McNair deep and make the Titans earn their points.

Injuries at a glance

Titans injuries

9/19/05 Peter Sirmon LB Knee
9/18/05 Chris Brown RB Concussion Injured in Week 2
9/18/05 Courtney Roby WR Toe Injured in Week 2

Rams injuries

No injuries reported

The Bottom Line

The Rams will not have an answer for Air McNair, as the Titans veteran quarterback will take advantage of man coverage and open an early lead. Once ahead, Brown and Henry will eat up the clock to preserve the victory. The Rams will move the ball but will continue to have red-zone problems.

Pick: Titans 32, Rams 27

HawkMuscle · 09-20-2005, 12:37 PM

Go Titans!

GoGiants98 · 09-20-2005, 12:41 PM

Titans 28
Rams 24

imported_Sjack39 · 09-20-2005, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDOGO@Sep 20th '05 @ 9:04 am

Pick: Titans 32, Rams 27

I really dont see the Titans beating us at home. Its our home opener also I really dont think they will even come close.

berzerker21 · 09-20-2005, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by lilant2398@Sep 20th '05 @ 3:20 pm
I really dont see the Titans beating us at home. Its our home opener also I really dont think they will even come close.

yeah,i respect the titans as a good team,but this game being our home opener,has to be where we regroup,regain some swagger and play some rams style football,and make sure we get this win. it does help that we pulled the last game out and are coming home 1-1. (thanks cardinals

)

09-20-2005, 05:02 PM

Quote:

The Rams will not have an answer for Air McNair, as the Titans veteran quarterback will take advantage of man coverage and open an early lead. Once ahead, Brown and Henry will eat up the clock to preserve the victory. The Rams will move the ball but will continue to have red-zone problems.

Pick: Titans 32, Rams 27

One big improvement so far is the Rams' running defense. And this won't be a blundering Anthony Wright the Titans are going against. Something tells me the Rams aren't going to have redzone troubles, because they'll be scoring from outside the 20.

I don't make predictions, but watching that boring game between the Ravens and Titans.....the INT return for TD made the Titans victory look bigger than it was.