Titans weren't up Jags', how about the Ravens?

By James Boswell ProFootballFanatics.com owner/publisher

Tennessee Titans Report

Eddie George carried the ball 20 times for only 79-yards against Jacksonville but had only three-yards rushing on eight carries in the second half. George averaged 3.95-ypc and his longest run of the day was 23-yards. In comparison, O'Donnell was 21 of 36 for 215-yards, hitting nine different receivers, Kinney and Dyson (Kinney, 4/53-yards; Dyson, 4/38-yards) being his main targets.

The thing that bothers me has been the under utilization of George. One reason was the absence of a full back. The other has been that Titans offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger insists on coverting this offense into a replica of the 1995-1999 Broncos teams that he was involved with. One problem, the Titans roster doesn't boast a Rod Smith and/or Ed McCaffrey caliber receiver.

The Titans passing game has been substandard at best. Whether running routes, getting open or just catching the ball, their wideouts are inconsistent. Right now, the two tight ends (Wycheck and Kinney) and maybe Dyson, have been the most most reliable targets. The Titans don't have the quarterbacks or receivers to replicate what was done in Denver, so why keep trying at the expense of losing games? Instead, why not stick to what has worked in the past and what your team is best suited for, a smash-mouth, ground game attack.

Evedentially, the Titans coaching staff has recognized this with the addition of Wes Ours, claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts. Ours is a 280-pound fullback, who upon joining the Titans said, "They made it clear they want me to come in, and be willing to lead a running back into the hole and smash a linebacker if I can," Ours said. "I'm willing to do that. I'm willing to do whatever they want me to do. I'm excited to be here." He'll get his chance against the Ravens.

Week 2 Analysis

Going down at Jacksonville was the first time since 1998 that the Titans have lost two in a row. Not utilizing the stengths of the team and ineffectiveness in the red-zone are the main resons the Titans are 2-0. The Titans were inside Jacksonvilles 20-yard line twice during the fourth quarter and couldn't score. During the game, the Titans only scored two field goals and converted only one third down.

What happened to the Titans of old? Pounding out the ground game, controlling the clock, wearing down their opponents defense and following up with a fast, aggressive, hard hitting defense. In other words, get back to the basics.

Week 4 OutlookM

Now, holding steady at the bottom of the AFC Central, the Titans will play their toughest game of the season, facing the Ravens in Baltimore.

Since 1996, the Titans are 1-3 against the Ravens when George rushes 70 or fewer yards per game. Over that same period of time, the Titans are 5-2 when George gains 70 or more yards.

With Ours on board, look for the Titans to start moving back to what got them a 13-3 record over the past two seasons. To win in Baltimore, the Titans will have to bring their "A" game to town and then some. The Ravens defense are already playing at their playoff level of last season and their offense is doing what it needs to for the win.

James Boswell owns and runs ProFootballFanatics.com, where he covers the Tennessee Titans, as well as provide commentary on the NFL.