Tennessee Titans: 3 reasons for optimism and concern vs. the Bills
By Brian Akins
Bills Defense:
One of the biggest concerns facing the Titans this week is Buffalo’s defense.
The Bills’ defense is currently one of the best in the NFL. Buffalo boasts the number four pass defense allowing only 196.5 passing yards per game, the number five scoring defense allowing just 15.8 points per game, and the number seven rushing defense allowing only 84.3 rushing yards per game.
The first three opponents for Buffalo are not the most impressive, but the Bill defense proved its worth against New England by only allowing a total of 224 yards of offense. The Patriots were only able to get into the endzone one time, the remainder of their scoring came through field goals.
Buffalo’s success on defense is concerning for Tennessee because of the lack of consistency on offense. If Mariota is unable to get things going in the passing game or if the running game doesn’t prove effective the Titans could be looking at a long day on Sunday.
Much of Tennessee’s success against Buffalo’s stingy defense will start with the offensive line that will return Lewan on Sunday. If they can get great protection, then the Titans should be able to get another win at home. However, if the o-line struggles it will result in another letdown for Tennessee.
The Titans have a great opportunity to improve their record to 3-2 with a win over Buffalo, but if the bounces the wrong way Tennessee could be facing a 2-3 record and fighting an uphill battle trying to position themselves for a playoff spot come November and December.