Bills-Titans scouting report
Published: November 15, 2009, 12:21 am
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Running wild
Titans RB Chris Johnson is on a roll with an NFL-high 959 rushing yards and 1,121 total yards from scrimmage. He has topped 100 yards four times, including a franchise-record 228 against Jacksonville two weeks ago, and has seven plays of 40 yards or more. Blessed with blazing speed, vision and balance, Johnson is a threat to score any time he touches the ball. He could add to his prodigious totals against the Bills, who own the NFL's worst run defense. Five running backs have enjoyed 100-yard days against the Bills. Johnson will be the sixth if the Bills fail to control their assigned gaps and give him cutback lanes.
Of sound mind and body?
Bills QB Trent Edwards returns to the lineup four weeks after suffering a concussion. He struggled prior to getting hurt, particularly when it came to getting the ball to WRs Terrell Owens and Lee Evans. Edwards' performance and physical well-being will depend on the offensive line protecting better than it did during the first half of the season. The Titans are ranked last in the NFL against the pass, allowing 300 or more yards five times. But opponents are averaging just 182 yards during the Titans' two-game winning streak because their secondary is healthier and they are applying more pressure with blitzes, which has led to more sacks and turnovers. The Titans have more interceptions in the past two weeks (five) than the previous six games combined (four).
V.Y. is the guy
The Titans have won two straight since QB Vince Young replaced an ineffective Kerry Collins. Young hasn't put up huge numbers, but he has been efficient and isn't turning the ball over like he did as a starter in 2008, when he threw 17 interceptions. He hasn't thrown a pick in the last two games, but the Bills have feasted on poor throws. The Titans believe if their running game is working Young won't have to force the ball into coverage. The Bills also have to worry about his ability to run, so their pass rush must be disciplined and not give him a chance to escape the pocket.
Missing link
The Bills' offensive woes have had a negative impact on RBs Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson, who haven't gotten many chances to establish much of a running game. They have combined for fewer than 100 yards in each of the last two games. The Bills want Lynch and Jackson to get at least 35 carries between them, but they have to be on the field long enough for that to happen. If the Bills can extend drives, Lynch and Jackson will have more opportunities to test the Titans' run defense, which isn't as stout since losing DT Albert Haynesworth to free agency.
Give and take
Turnovers have played a role in the success and failure of both teams this season. The Bills have a plus-8 turnover margin in their three wins and are minus-5 in their five losses. The Titans' 0-6 start was due in large part to turning the ball over 18 times compared to eight takeaways. But they have not given the ball away while forcing six turnovers during their two- game winning streak. Based on these figures, it should be obvious that the turnover battle will play a major role in today's outcome.
Prediction
The Bills are catching the surging Titans at the wrong time. Titans, 24-20.
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