PERSONNEL NEWS

Strategy And Personnel

The Sports Xchange

October 11, 2018 at 3:02 am.

PLAYER NOTES

–CB/KR Cyrus Jones was claimed off waivers after he was released by the New England Patriots this week. Jones has an opportunity to be the primary kick returner after the Ravens released Tim White to make room for him on the 53-man roster. Jones missed all of last season with a torn ACL.

–CB Anthony Averett (hamstring) still was not able to practice this week. He has not played since Week 2 against the Bengals. He could be a candidate for injured reserve.

–DT Michael Pierce is still dealing with a foot injury and was held out of practice again this week. He has missed two games with the injury. Pierce still could come back this week, according to head coach John Harbaugh. “That’s a firm maybe. I’m hopeful,” he said.

–LB Tim Williams (hamstring) was back at practice after not playing Sunday against the Browns. Williams has seven tackles and has progressed well since his rookie season when he struggled to get on the field.

–WR/KR Tim White was signed to the practice squad Wednesday (Oct. 10) one day after clearing waivers. White was released following an uneven performance Week 5 against Cleveland when he fumbled a punt. White averaged 8.3 yards per punt return and 22.5 yards per kickoff return in his three games with the Ravens this season. To make room for White, Baltimore released offensive lineman Randin Crecelius.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: WR Michael Crabtree. The veteran was one of the Ravens’ key free-agent signings in the offseason. However, he leads the NFL with six drops. Crabtree also could not corral a potential game-winning touchdown with just under a minute to play in an eventual 12-9 overtime loss to Cleveland in Week 5. He needs to bounce back this week against the Titans.

GAME PLAN: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh dismissed the notion his team does not have enough balance on offense. In a 12-9 overtime loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, quarterback Joe Flacco had 56 passing attempts, while four players combined for 25 carries. Baltimore has run the ball 139 times so far this season, which ranks seventh in the league. However, the Ravens are only averaging 3.4 yards per carry, ranking 30th. Flacco is ranked second in the NFL with 227 passing attempts behind Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (245). The Ravens need to set the tone against the Titans by establishing an effective running attack. Tennessee is ranked 26th, allowing 123.2 yards per game.

The Ravens need to keep Marcus Mariota from establishing his momentum early in the game. Mariota can be dangerous in the zone-read offense so the Ravens need to keep him in the pocket where he is less effective. Last week against the Bills, Mariota completed 14 of 26 passes for 129 yards, no touchdowns and an interception (51.6 passer rating). Baltimore’s defense is much tougher than Buffalo so Mariota is going to face even more pressure this game. The Titans have also been hesitant to throw the ball downfield this season, and the trend could continue against Baltimore’s talented secondary, which is ranked sixth against the pass.
MATCHUPS TO WATCH

–Ravens DT Brandon Williams vs. Titans RB Derrick Henry. Henry has carried the ball 65 times for 219 yards and has yet to score a touchdown. The Ravens will focus on shutting him down and force Marcus Mariota and his team’s 27th-ranked passing offense to beat them through the air. Williams is having a quiet season so far, but he will get some help with both Willie Henry and potentially Michael Pierce back in the lineup. Baltimore is ranked 10th, allowing 3.9 yards per carry. If Henry struggles, Dion Lewis could get more opportunities.

–Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Titans secondary. Titans cornerbacks Adoree’ Jackson, Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler have performed well and are ranked fifth against the pass. Safety Kevin Byard offers solid support and had two interceptions against Flacco in Tennessee’s 23-20 victory last season. Flacco will challenge the Titans early and often, especially after a disappointing performance in Week 5 against the Browns. The Ravens were held without a touchdown and Flacco had his worst performance of the season, going 29 of 56 for 295 yards. He also had a careless interception on the Browns 2-yard line with his team leading 3-0.

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