Cam Ward hasn't had the start to his career that the Tennessee Titans would have hoped for, but he's the franchise quarterback, a.k.a. the face of the franchise. He obviously touches the ball on every offensive snap. Jeffery Simmons is Tennessee's best player on defense. The Baltimore Ravens must silence both in Week 4.
The Ravens have the talent to do it. Tennessee has some solid players too. Most know better than to think NFL games are decided by the stars alone. Winning often comes down to limiting the impact of complementary players who can flip field position, extend drives, or make one game-changing play at the right moment.
Yes, Ward and Simmons have been on Jesse Minter's staff's mind this week. Let's dig a little deeper, though. Here
are six more of Tennessee's biggest threats, a half-dozen Titans that Baltimore must account for who are not named Cam Ward or Jeffery Simmons.
Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, wide receivers
Through three games this season, Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate tie for the team lead in receptions (13 apiece). Tate leads all Titans receivers in targets (20). Tate has 13 catches for 123 yards on 20 targets. Robinson ranks second (18). Robinson has 13 catches for 104 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets. Together, they account for 227 of Ward's 504 passing yards. Robinson has one touchdown reception this season.
The Ravens' secondary has experienced some communication issues through three weeks, making these two receivers particularly important. Neither player needs many opportunities to make an impact, and both have emerged as reliable options when Tennessee needs a completion. If Baltimore allows easy throws underneath, Robinson and Tate can turn short gains into drive-extending plays.
Tony Pollard, running back
Tony Pollard leads all Titans rushers in carries (38) and yards gained on the ground (173), but he has yet to score a touchdown as a rusher. Seven of his carries have moved the chains for first-down yardage. While Pollard's numbers are not eye-popping, he remains an important part of Tennessee's offensive identity.
He gives the Titans balance and helps keep opposing defenses honest. Baltimore cannot afford to focus so much on containing Ward that it lets Pollard control the tempo of the game.
Anthony Hill Jr., linebacker
Anthony Hill Jr. has already established himself as a leader of Tennessee's defense. He has 34 total tackles, including 11 solo stops, and two pass breakups. Add the tackle total instead of merely saying he leads the team.
His sideline-to-sideline range makes him a factor against both the run and pass. The Ravens' offensive line and tight ends will likely see plenty of Hill throughout the afternoon. Limiting his impact could go a long way toward opening running lanes for Derrick Henry.
Amani Hooker, safety
Amani Hooker remains one of the Titans' most versatile defenders. He's one of two Titans to grab an interception, including one he almost took coast to coast in Week 2 before being tracked down in the red zone after a 92-yard return.
He is also tied for the second-highest tackle total (22). He leads the team in solo stops (14) and has broken up two passes. Players with a knack for creating turnovers can change games in an instant. Baltimore's offense must know where Hooker is lined up on every snap.
John Franklin-Myers, defensive end
John Franklin-Myers remains one of the more disruptive players along Tennessee's defensive front. He has six tackles and a sack. He has also broken up a pass.
If he doesn't get home via the rush, he's looking to swat one down at the line of scrimmage. The Ravens already experienced issues with pressure and short-yardage situations against the Dallas Cowboys. Franklin-Myers is exactly the type of defender who can create similar problems if left unchecked.
Final analysis
The Ravens will devote most of their attention to Ward and Simmons, but Tennessee has enough complementary talent to punish an unfocused opponent. Pollard can establish the ground game, Tate and Robinson can exploit coverage mistakes, and Hooker has already shown that one takeaway can dramatically change field position.
Baltimore is the more talented team, but that advantage will matter only if it prevents Tennessee’s supporting cast from influencing the game. Limiting these six players would leave Ward with fewer answers and give the Ravens a clearer path to their second consecutive victory.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 6 Titans players the Ravens must account for in Week 4
