Behind enemy lines for Titans’ wild-card game vs. Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are in the postseason for the third straight season, and for the second time in a row, they must beat the Tennessee Titans in order to advance.

However, things are a bit different this time around. This game is in Nashville, and the Titans are no longer flying under the radar. Another difference is this contest taking place one round earlier than it did last season.

There’s no denying that the Titans have had the Ravens’ number the past two seasons. Tennessee has won each of the past two games against Baltimore, including an upset victory in last year’s divisional round and an overtime win in Week 11 of this season.

We wanted to get more information on the Titans’ upcoming opponent, so we asked managing editor Matthew Stevens of Ravens Wire five questions about the team. Here’s a look at what he had to say:

1. Are there any major differences between the Ravens team from Week 11 and the one the Titans are facing now?

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Stevens: I think there are some massive differences between this team now to what the Titans saw in Week 11. The biggest difference is how much healthier they are this time around. Defensive linemen Calais Campbell and Brandon Williams missed that first matchup, and while the defense as a whole did a great job of containing Derrick Henry for three quarters, the lack of depth showed itself in the fourth quarter and overtime, when the defensive line was gassed and saw Henry hit on a few big runs. It's also worth pointing to Baltimore's offense as well. Though the competition the last five weeks hasn't exactly been stellar, the Ravens offense is playing at a completely different level than any game before Week 13. Mark Ingram is out as the starting running back, with the team turning to Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins to some amazing results. The rushing attack put up 404 yards on the ground last week despite sitting the starters for the entire fourth quarter. Had they not rested anyone, there's little doubt the Ravens would have broken an 87-year-old record for team single-game rushing yards and might have hit 500 on the day. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has also returned to form, making smarter decisions and playing a far more efficient game. Whether the scheme has changed or Jackson simply found his mojo, we've seen him do a better job of taking what the defense gives him while being a little more willing to take off running when a rushing lane opens up. Jackson might not have the gaudiest stats over the last five weeks, but he's marched this team down the field seemingly at will often enough that he should be recognized for his part in it all. I think the entire mindset has also changed. This was a team that had often allowed physical teams to bully them. Though they played far better against the Titans in Week 11 than they did in last year's playoff game, there was still a certain lack of grit or heart when Baltimore got punched in the mouth. That game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 14 changed the narrative, and I think the Ravens recognize they can now handle those moments of adversity if they don't panic. Without that fear element, I'm expecting Baltimore won't let Tennessee push them around in this one.

2. How did Ravens fans react to the pregame spat in Week 11 and the supposed handshake snub by John Harbaugh afterwards?

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Stevens: Oh, fans are livid about it even still. Things got tamped down a little bit after the game simply because it's hard to be upset at the disrespect when your team loses, but it's still absolutely in the minds of Ravens fans right now. However, I find that a little funny because it's exactly the type of thing fans have loved about Baltimore in the past, so there's a touch of a double standard here.

3. On the injury front: How are things looking for cornerback Jimmy Smith and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue?

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Stevens: John Harbaugh doesn't talk much about injuries, so it's difficult to really gauge where anyone stands right now. But both Smith and Ngakoue have practiced some this week, and it's expected both will play on Sunday. Though I have no evidence to back this up, I get the suspicion Baltimore was a lot healthier than they showed last week but wanted to give a few guys with nagging ailments a little extra rest ahead of what was always going to be a physical wild-card round. That opinion is fitting with what we're seeing on this week's injury report. However, I think one of the bigger concerns right now is the health of center Patrick Mekari. Matt Skura has a case of the yips and has been launching snaps to the moon, forcing the Ravens to start Mekari. But without Mekari in the lineup, the job has gone to UDFA Trystan Colon-Castillo. Naturally, Baltimore would much rather have Mekari starting so they can have some depth at center with Colon-Castillo and use Skura as an extra lineman in certain packages. If Mekari can't go, though, it'll limit what the Ravens can do with their offensive line.

4. Name one Ravens player who could be an X-factor this Sunday.

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Stevens: The Ravens would probably deny this, but they traded for Calais Campbell for this game. Yeah, Campbell is a Pro Bowl defender and is useful in every game he's in, but after [Baltimore got] run over in the playoffs last year, Campbell was brought in to shut the run down. Not having him in that Week 11 tilt was the difference between a win and a loss in my mind, and I'd be willing to bet Baltimore feels the same way. He'll be a great anchor off the edge while Brandon Williams controls the middle of the line and Derek Wolfe has the other edge. With Campbell in the lineup, Baltimore actually has the chance to stuff the run consistently with three or four guys instead of needing to use run blitzes, linebackers, and defensive backs to get the job done. That will have massive ramifications on the secondary and pass rush, which should help temper the game Ryan Tannehill will have as well. It's also worth pointing out how Campbell has helped in other ways too. He's been a huge asset not only on the field but by using his experience and leadership to teach those under him. Because of that, we've seen guys like rookie Justin Madubuike improve things like their hand fighting and pass-rush moves from Week 1 until now. Simply put, Campbell elevates everyone on this defense.

5. Give us your prediction for this wild-card showdown.

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Stevens: Titans fans are going to hate me, and I'm really putting it on the line, but I think the Ravens win this one handily. What Campbell and Williams bring by being in the lineup this week can't be overstated. Ngakoue has played better football over the last few weeks as he's finally starting to get acclimated to the scheme, playbook and his teammates. The secondary is getting healthy again and should have all their top cornerbacks on the field for the first time since Week 9. The Ravens' rushing attack has improved so much with Dobbins and Edwards at the helm, showing more burst to and through the hole, as well as giving offensive coordinator Greg Roman so many more scheme options. Jackson is playing MVP-caliber football once again, and the deep ball is finally coming back. With so much going right for Baltimore right now, it's hard to bet against them. As long as they play up to the level they're capable of, they should dominate this game from opening whistle to the final one as they get their revenge. I'm picking the Ravens over the Titans in a rout that moves them right up to being considered the Super Bowl favorite. Ravens 35, Titans 13