The Baltimore Ravens returned home and got a 21-7 victory over the Tennessee Titans. They were able to overcome an early surge by the Titans and get back on track in the AFC North race. Justin Forsett continued his storybook season as he had 20 carries for 112 yards including a 37 yard scamper. The Ravens defense was the key catalyst for the win despite being very thin at cornerback.
Anthony Levine was the starter opposite of Lardarius Webb and he filled in admirably. Danny Gorrer was signed after being released by the Detroit Lions and he registered the only interception by a Ravens defensive back not named Jimmy Smith. Gorrer’s interception tied him with Smith for the most interceptions by defensive backs. The interception was caused by a nickel blitz by Webb that forced Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger to rush his throw as he didn’t see Gorrer lurking.
The Ravens were able to get pressure on Mettenberger as Elvis Dumervil was able to beat former Ravens tackle Michael Oher for 2.5 sacks. Terrell Suggs met up with Dumervil to sack Mettenberger for a half of his 1.5 sacks on the day. Suggs now sits at 99.5 sacks, just short of the magical 100 sack mark.
The Titans were tough especially on their first two drives. They drove down to the Ravens two yard line and Shonn Green fumbled before he crossed the goal line. That turnover could have changed the momentum but the Ravens went three and out on their next series. The Titans drove the ball once again and this time they punched it in on a shuffle pass from Mettenberger to Leon Washington.
The two teams traded three and outs until a big hit by safety Terrence Brooks took tight end Delanie Walker out of the game. It was a clean hit but Walker was ruled out due to a concussion. Elvis Dumervil said that was the play that jump started the Ravens defense. The Ravens held the Titans to 210 total yards and forced two turnovers. They also sacked Mettenberger five times.
The offense looked like a typical Gary Kubiak coached offense as they had 151 yards rushing. Bernard Pierce ran the ball well over a three carry stretch but it was Forsett that did the damage. They achieved the balance that Kubiak craves by running the ball 31 times while passing it 27 times. Torrey Smith had another solid game. He scored a 32 yard touchdown and had 75 yards receiving on the day.
Key Notes:
- Torrey Smith scored his team leading sixth touchdown and now has scored five touchdowns in his last five games.
- Jeremy Zuttah had to come off of the field for a play after suffering an injury but according to head coach John Harbaugh it was just a little nick and he is fine.
- Punter Sam Koch tied his season long for a punt (vs Colts 10/5/14) with a 69 yard punt today. He is averaging 46.2 yards per punt.
- Rookie Timmy Jernigan had his first career sack which as a nine yard loss for the Titans.
- The Ravens only gave up one sack on the day. Derek Morgan bull rushed Rick Wagner and sacked Flacco in the third quarter.
- The Ravens now sit at 6-4 and are currently in last place in the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns are 6-3 and lead the division.
Notable Quotes:
Justin Forsett on the success he has achieved: It feels good. It’s a dream come true to be able to come out here and play and show what I can do. I feel like the sky’s the limit. When you’re running the football, you have to be physical and be tough. Keep plugging away.
Elvis Dumervil on Justin Forsett: Ever since camp I thought Forsett ran the ball well. He’s a great teammate. I am not surprised. He runs hard in practice. You play the way that you practice. It’s good for him, he’s a great guy.
John Harbaugh: Anthony Levine played really good football. I guess we won’t call him a safety anymore. He deserved it. Danny (Gorrer) got his hands on one at the end. He’s worked really hard this week and I am proud of those guys. I am proud of all of our defensive backs.
John Harbaugh: Very important victory. Coaches figured out what had to be done and made some adjustments. The defense was the catalyst. Most of the adjustments that we made were in the second quarter. We had in mind coming into halftime exactly what we wanted to do. We managed to figure out some things, hit a couple of passes and started to crack them in the run game.
The Ravens will have the week off as they enter the bye week. They will have to rest up and get back in the mix to prepare for a visit to New Orleans to take on the Saints. The defensive backs will be tested by the Saints stable of receivers and the matchup nightmare in Jimmy Graham.
