ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. – The Titans face the Buffalo Bills here on Monday night at Highmark Stadium.
Here’s a look at six things to watch in the contest:
The Titans need to get running back Derrick Henry rolling. Really rolling. This is critical for several reasons. For starters, a big night for Henry would allow the Titans to control the ball and the clock while also slowing down Buffalo’s pass rush. Also, the more success the Titans have running the ball, the better down-and-distance situations they’d be in. This would limit Buffalo’s opportunities to get after the QB. A good night for Henry and the running game would also potentially limit Buffalo’s possessions on offense. Henry has performed well against the Bills in recent years, including a 143-yard, three-TD performance a year ago. The Titans would gladly take those totals on Monday night.
The Bills racked up seven sacks in their opener, led by Von Miller’s two sacks. They did it without rushing extra guys on most occasions, and the pressure also contributed to Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing three picks. Well, the Titans will have to be on their game up front in this one. There were encouraging signs in the opener, as Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was sacked just once, and that was on a bootleg when he was stopped at the line of scrimmage. The challenge for the Titans offensive line – including rookie right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere – will be much different against the Bills.
The success of Tennessee’s run game could go a long way in setting up a passing attack that produced seven plays of 20 yards or more in Week One. And while that total led the NFL, the Titans were still left wanting – and needing – more. The Titans have vowed to get receiver Robert Woods and tight end Austin Hooper more involved following a week when rookies Kyle Philips and Treylon Burks made some big plays. Last week it was running back Dontrell Hilliard who produced a pair of scores, but with Hilliard out for…
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