Titans still lacking that much-needed opportunistic touch

Entering their Week 7 clash with the Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park, the Tennessee Titans own the league's top-ranked defense in terms of fewest total yards and fewest passing yards per game allowed. A year ago, the club finished 18th in the NFL in each of those categories. Coordinator Dennard Wilson’s unit is also ninth in rushing defense. All told, it’s been a good start for this unit, despite the team’s disappointing 1-4 start.

Tennessee has allowed only eight offensive touchdowns in 20 quarters, three on the ground and five through the air. The pass rush has generated only nine sacks, four by Harold Landry III, and there’s obviously room for improvement there. Landry and company were shut out in last week’s loss to Joe Flacco and the Indianapolis Colts.

No gift of grab

Despite more positives than negatives when it comes to this side of the ball, there’s one shortcoming that was a problem a year ago and has once again reared its ugly head early in 2024. It’s an aspect that would certainly help out Tennessee’s offense regardless of who is lining up behind center.

In five games, the Titans have totaled a mere three takeaways. In last week’s loss to the Colts, safety Amani Hooker recorded the team’s first interception of the season. In 2023, Tennessee picked off a league-low six passes and wound up finishing with only 14 takeaways in 17 contests. This season, the club has a pair of fumble recoveries, one on defense (Arden Key) and one on special teams (Julius Chestnut)m both of which were unforced errors.

Do some quick math and the Titans have forced only 17 turnovers in 22 games dating back to the start of 2023. Put that in a little perspective and the Green Bay Packers have a league-high 17 takeaways in six games this season.

Taking the ball away would be a big help for a club that has seen quarterback Will Levis turn over the ball 10 times in his five appearances this season. Mason Rudolph hopes to be more careful with the pigskin this week as he makes his first start of the season.

Then again, no matter their efforts on Sunday, this may not be the week to bolster that takeaway total. Keep in mind that Bills quarterback Josh Allen has thrown 10 touchdown passes this season and has yet to serve up an interception. He has lost two fumbles, the only two turnovers by the AFC East leaders in their first six games.