Tennessee Titans: 3 reasons for optimism and concern vs. the Bills
By Brian Akins
Causes for optimism and concern with the Tennessee Titans.
After losing to the Indianapolis Colts 19-17 and the Jacksonville Jaguars 20-7, the Tennessee Titans are back in the win column, and they showed marked improvement against Atlanta on the road on Sunday in their 24-10 win over the Falcons.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota had his second-best game of the season against the Falcons. In week four, Mariota went 18/27, 227 yards and 3 touchdowns.
All three touchdowns for Mariota came in the first half, and his 66.7% completion percentage this week was the highest since week two against the Colts. Mariota also had a 129.7 passer rating, his highest since week one against the Cleveland Browns.
Tennessee running back Derrick Henry also shined in Atlanta, he rushed for a season-high 100 yards through 27 carries in the win against the Falcons. The Titans’ running game also had its most rushing yards in a game this season with 138 rushing yards.
The biggest improvement in their win against the Falcons was the offensive line. Going into the non-conference matchup with Atlanta, the o-line had given up 17 sacks, the most on a quarterback through three games since 2002.
In the win over the Falcons, the o-line made improvements in the running and passing games, leading its team to its highest rushing yard game so far this season and for the first time this year giving up no sacks.
With all of that being said, here are the top three reasons for optimism and concerns as they prepare to host the Buffalo Bills.