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Baltimore offense vs. Tennessee defense

Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick made a commitment to throw the ball downfield last week and it paid dividends, as QB Stoney Case threw touchdowns of 52 and 54 yards. Baltimore boasts two speed WRs in Jermaine Lewis and Patrick Johnson, who are capable of getting behind a defense and stretching the field vertically. The natural byproduct of this approach has been an improved running game, as the Ravens' opponents are more hesitant to put 8 men in the box and load up against the run. Last week against the Falcons (an accomplished run-stopping team), RB Errict Rhett, whom many thought had seen his best days as NFL player, ran for over 100 yards for the third straight game. Much of this offense's success has stemmed from a reconstituted offensive line -- during the offseason, the Ravens added ROT Harry Swayne (FA) who has been an upgrade in both passing and running situations. LOT Jonathon Ogden is playing like an All-Pro, comfortable against the outside rush despite his huge size, and dominating against opposing DEs and OLBs in the running game. As a result of the stellar play along the offensive line, QB Case has had time to deliver the football, while Rhett has been running through sizable holes. Ogden is questionable going into this week's game, however, and his health will be integral to the Ravens continued offensive success. Case needs to raise his level of play to that of his teammates. After two weeks as a starter, he sports a 2-0 record, but his reads have been slow, and his composure in the face of blitzing defenders has been suspect. Case was 13-27 for 192 yards, which against a quality NFL team is not going to get it done. This week, Case will face a Tennessee secondary that has been solid against the air game, and a front-seven that has been able to get after the passer. Look for him to get rid of the ball early, taking the underneath if it is there. Billick will undoubtedly throw some deep balls again this week just to keep the Titan defense honest.

The Titans' front-seven has been solid to this point in the 1999 season. The only time the defensive line has been unable to get after opposing quarterbacks has been in the fourth quarter. Two weeks ago against the Jaguars and last week against the 49ers, a ferocious Titan pass rush all but disappeared in the fourth quarter. Part of the problem has been a lack of depth along the defensive line -- particularly at tackle. Reserve DT Josh Evans will return this Sunday from a four-week drug suspension, and should (if he is in shape) gives the line better depth. Evans' return will allow the team to go back to its four tackle rotation, and as a result they should be fresher as a unit, and more capable of putting pressure on opposing QBs late in the game. A push up the middle on the pass rush would force an inexperienced Case to make quick reads and get rid of the ball early, which could lead to some turnovers. This unit will have to be on top of its game, as it faces an improved Baltimore offensive line and a running back in Errict Rhett, who has run for 100 yards in three consecutive games. Rhett is not a speed guy, so the Ravens will try to get most of their rushing yards between the tackles. As a result, MLB Eddie Robinson will have to be on top of his game, using his upper body strength to shed blocks and fill holes as they develop. Rookie LDE Jevon Kearse will be expected to generate a pass rush against Baltimore's veteran ROT Swayne. Kearse has been around the passer all year, but has only had sacks in one game, against the expansion Browns, when he had three.

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