Ravens-Titans scouting report

MATT STOVERFinishing kicks

Ravens on offense: Rookie Joe Flacco's numbers in his playoff debut weren't eye-popping but his poise was. Joe looked like an old pro as he consistently directed the Ravens' methodical, plodding offense. Flacco stands tall in the pocket and has almost picture-perfect release on his almost picture-perfect spirals. Once his accuracy improves, this kid will be a killer. Flacco isn't blessed with a strong corps of receivers. Derrick Mason can bolt off the line and has good open-field moves. He uses strength to gain separation but injuries and age have robbed him of his speed. Mark Clayton has deceptive speed and consistent hands. Todd Heap is an elite pass-catching tight end, but he is currently battling a cranky back. Bruising tailback Le'Ron McClain is a beast. The ex-fullback has plenty of strength and more speed than any 6-foot, 260-pound man has a right to have. McClain has above-average vision and will hit holes - and defenders - with authority. Willis McGahee is strong and quick but no longer elusive.

Titans on defense: Albert Haynesworth is a 6-6, 320-pound run-stuffing, pocket-collapsing behemoth. Dominant at the point of attack, Haynesworth has powerful hands and will toss blockers aside. He can also eat space for linebackers Keith Bulluck (he has awesome speed and range) and Stephen Tulloch (he has a nose for the ball) to inflict harm. End Kyle Vanden Bosch is a relentless pursuer. Cornerbacks Nick Harper and Cortland Finnegan are heavy hitters.

Titans on offense: Count yourself among the few and far between if you thought Kerry Collins would be playing in January. The wily veteran has tremendous leadership skills and has been just what the doctor ordered in Tennessee. He is a nice game manager and rarely makes high-risk throws. Collins still has a strong arm and can make all the tosses. Tight end Bo Scaife (he has quick feet and good hands) is the top target. The Titans feature one of the league's top 1-2 tailback punches. Chris Johnson (1,228 yards) provides the lightning and LenDale White (773) the thunder. Johnson has tremendous quickness and vision. He's a threat to go all the way on every snap. White has exceptional lower-body strength and prefers to run over defenders rather than around them. He can get lazy.

Ravens on defense: This is one frightening bunch of brutes. Massive lineman Haloti Ngata (6-4, 340 pounds) eats ball carriers and space. He ties up defenders and allows an exquisite trio of linebackers room to roam. Ray Lewis (he's a violent hitter with a nonstop motor), Bart Scott (he's tough and versatile), and Terrell Suggs (he's speedy and smart) are elite players. They control the tempo of the game by intimidating and punishing their opponents. Speaking of intimidating, safety Ed Reed is a game changer. A highly intelligent player, Reed has outstanding vision, quickness, and toughness. He has tremendous range and will seemingly come out of nowhere to make interceptions. He's a QB's worst nightmare.

Special teams: Ravens kicker Matt Stover is very consistent. He's an integral part of the offense because Baltimore doesn't have a lot of home run hitters and will run into problems getting into the end zone . . . Former Notre Dame star and boxer Tom Zbikowski had a 31-yard kickoff return vs. the Dolphins last week. He has taken over for speedy Yamon Figurs (late season fumble-itis) . . . Tennessee's Chris Carr is a solid return man. He averaged 28.1 yards on 35 kickoff returns and 10.1 yards on 32 punt returns . . . Titans kicker Rod Bironas converted 29 of 33 field goals with a long of 51 yards. Miscellany: Flacco is looking to become the first rookie quarterback to win two road playoff games . . . The Titans beat the Ravens, 13-10, in Week 5. The chippy affair featured 21 combined penalties for 169 yards. There were several personal foul penalties and several skirmishes . . . Raven defensive coordinator Rex Ryan is a candidate for several head coaching vacancies. "Rex is a great coach across the board," said rookie Ravens mentor John Harbaugh. "He's a tremendous motivator."