Different Cities, Same Team

When the Ravens and Titans collide on Sunday it should be a ground and pound slug fest.  What’s most intriguing about this match-up is that these teams are almost mirror images of each other.  Let’s break it down:

QB – Despite the age difference between Kerry Collins and Joe Flacco, they are both game managers at this stage of their careers.  Although Collins has minimized mistakes thus far, he has been prone to throw an interception now and again.  Flacco has played well as a rookie, but still makes costly errors as well.

RB -Both teams subscribe to the three headed monster approach at running back.  Each have their speed backs (McGahee & Johnson), power backs (McClain & White), and seldom used situational backs (Rice & Henry).

WR – Unless you’re a fan of either team or an avid fantasy football player, chances are you couldn’t name an underachieving receiver on either squad. 

TE – Heap and Crumpler are both aging tight ends with recent injury problems resulting in minimal on field production.

O-LINE – Both teams have relatively young, with the exception of Titans center Kevin Mawae, overachieving offensive lines.

D-LINE – Albert Haynesworth and Haloti Ngata are arguably the best two tackles in football today.  Both consistently get into the backfield and disrupt plays.  Kyle Vanden Bosch and Terrell Suggs are both young, hungry defensive ends.  Meanwhile, Trevor Price and Jevon Kearse are still-productive aging veterans looking for one more chance at glory before retirement.

LB’s – Although not household names like Ray Lewis and Bart Scott, the Titans linebackers do have size, speed and athleticism.  They are excellent at stopping the run and in pass protection.

DB’s – Cortland Finnegan has come into his own after replacing Pacman Jones.  He has become a playmaker who is good in coverage, much like Chris McCallister.  On the other side, Nick Harper and Samari Rolle are both aging cornerbacks trying to fight the injury bug.    The Ravens are far superior at the safety position at both depth and talent.

SPECIAL TEAMS - For years Matt Stover and Rob Bironas have been their respective teams’ best source of offense.   This seems to be shifting this season, although we can expect to see a lot of them this Sunday.