I am leaning towards the under tonight. I look for a lot of running plays with both QBs being banged up. Niether defense has been stopping the run very well. I think both coaches would like to shorten the game up as much as possible and try to keep their QBs healthy. Green Bay would really be in trouble if Favre goes out.
A good article from one of the Green Bay papers.
Posted Oct. 11, 2004
Five factors in today?s game
The Packers? fortunes could swing depending on how they do in these key matchups
1. Better backup
Both of these teams are built around their MVP-type quarterbacks, and both quarterbacks come into this game injured, but the Packers are in much bigger trouble if Brett Favre can?t finish the game than if Steve McNair can?t. Favre?s concussion last week was mild enough that he was cleared for practice Wednesday. But until he gets through the next few games, there always will be the concern that he could take another hard shot to the head that could sideline him for a while. Even with Doug Pederson, the Packers were in big trouble if Favre had to leave a game and weren?t ahead. Pederson?s on injured reserve, but they?re probably no better off if backup Craig Nall has to step in, though he has a better arm. The Titans say McNair will play even though he?s listed as questionable (50 percent chance of playing) because of a bruised sternum and sore ankle that sidelined him last week. If he gets knocked out of the game, Tennessee has the capable Billy Volek (88.1 passer rating last week) to replace him.
2. Tough times
The stakes are inordinately high for a Week 5 game, because both of these teams came into 2004 with seemingly legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, only to start the season 1-3. Losses in the next couple of weeks would break either one, and even the loser tonight is in a huge hole. So this will test the abilities of both Mike Sherman of the Packers and Jeff Fisher of the Titans to keep their teams together during tough times.
3. Breather for secondary
Though McNair is back, the Packers? beleaguered secondary is catching a break because Tennessee?s Desmond Mason (27 catches) and Drew Bennett (25 catches) are good receivers but lack big-play speed. Both are averaging less than 11 yards a catch. The Titans? fastest receiver, Tyrone Calico, is out with a knee injury, and Tennessee is so short-handed at the position that Justin McAddley, signed just this week, could get some snaps ahead of No. 3 receiver Eddie Berlin. The Packers rank last in the NFL in average yards allowed per pass (12.3), but defensive coordinator Bob Slowik should be more comfortable returning to his blitz-oriented philosophy without any burners lining up against his cornerbacks. The Packers also might get first-round pick Ahmad Carroll back for passing downs. He missed the last two games because of a strained groin.
4. Running men
Though Favre and McNair are premier quarterbacks, this could turn into a ground war. Both teams want to run first, and both have been bad defending the run early this season. Tennessee ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed per rush (5.5), so look for the Packers to test the Titans early with halfback Ahman Green and their U-71 offensive set with tackle Kevin Barry as a third tight end. Tennessee?s decision to release Eddie George in the offseason doesn?t seem to have hurt its ground game, because Chris Brown is a big back (6-3, 219), is averaging 5.1 yards a carry and ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (408). The Grady Jackson-less Packers gave up 182 yards rushing to the Giants? Tiki Barber last week and rank 29th in yards allowed per carry (4.9). If either team can stop the run early, it picks up a big edge.
5. Lambeau respect
The greatest indictment against the Packers this year is their 0-2 record at Lambeau Field. They are 6-6 at home including playoff games since January 2002). Not long ago, this was as difficult a road trip as there was in the NFL. That?s a huge intangible advantage the Packers have lost, because Tennessee can come into this game without doubts lingering in their minds. Can a ?Monday Night Football? atmosphere induce the Packers to make enough plays to begin rebuilding a feeling that they?re something special in their stadium?
? Pete Dougherty, PackersNews.com
A good article from one of the Green Bay papers.
Posted Oct. 11, 2004
Five factors in today?s game
The Packers? fortunes could swing depending on how they do in these key matchups
1. Better backup
Both of these teams are built around their MVP-type quarterbacks, and both quarterbacks come into this game injured, but the Packers are in much bigger trouble if Brett Favre can?t finish the game than if Steve McNair can?t. Favre?s concussion last week was mild enough that he was cleared for practice Wednesday. But until he gets through the next few games, there always will be the concern that he could take another hard shot to the head that could sideline him for a while. Even with Doug Pederson, the Packers were in big trouble if Favre had to leave a game and weren?t ahead. Pederson?s on injured reserve, but they?re probably no better off if backup Craig Nall has to step in, though he has a better arm. The Titans say McNair will play even though he?s listed as questionable (50 percent chance of playing) because of a bruised sternum and sore ankle that sidelined him last week. If he gets knocked out of the game, Tennessee has the capable Billy Volek (88.1 passer rating last week) to replace him.
2. Tough times
The stakes are inordinately high for a Week 5 game, because both of these teams came into 2004 with seemingly legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, only to start the season 1-3. Losses in the next couple of weeks would break either one, and even the loser tonight is in a huge hole. So this will test the abilities of both Mike Sherman of the Packers and Jeff Fisher of the Titans to keep their teams together during tough times.
3. Breather for secondary
Though McNair is back, the Packers? beleaguered secondary is catching a break because Tennessee?s Desmond Mason (27 catches) and Drew Bennett (25 catches) are good receivers but lack big-play speed. Both are averaging less than 11 yards a catch. The Titans? fastest receiver, Tyrone Calico, is out with a knee injury, and Tennessee is so short-handed at the position that Justin McAddley, signed just this week, could get some snaps ahead of No. 3 receiver Eddie Berlin. The Packers rank last in the NFL in average yards allowed per pass (12.3), but defensive coordinator Bob Slowik should be more comfortable returning to his blitz-oriented philosophy without any burners lining up against his cornerbacks. The Packers also might get first-round pick Ahmad Carroll back for passing downs. He missed the last two games because of a strained groin.
4. Running men
Though Favre and McNair are premier quarterbacks, this could turn into a ground war. Both teams want to run first, and both have been bad defending the run early this season. Tennessee ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed per rush (5.5), so look for the Packers to test the Titans early with halfback Ahman Green and their U-71 offensive set with tackle Kevin Barry as a third tight end. Tennessee?s decision to release Eddie George in the offseason doesn?t seem to have hurt its ground game, because Chris Brown is a big back (6-3, 219), is averaging 5.1 yards a carry and ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yards (408). The Grady Jackson-less Packers gave up 182 yards rushing to the Giants? Tiki Barber last week and rank 29th in yards allowed per carry (4.9). If either team can stop the run early, it picks up a big edge.
5. Lambeau respect
The greatest indictment against the Packers this year is their 0-2 record at Lambeau Field. They are 6-6 at home including playoff games since January 2002). Not long ago, this was as difficult a road trip as there was in the NFL. That?s a huge intangible advantage the Packers have lost, because Tennessee can come into this game without doubts lingering in their minds. Can a ?Monday Night Football? atmosphere induce the Packers to make enough plays to begin rebuilding a feeling that they?re something special in their stadium?
? Pete Dougherty, PackersNews.com
