Bills-Titans report card
Published: November 15, 2009, 6:36 pm
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The News' football writers assign grades for different aspects of the game.
Grading the Bills
Running game
Had 89 yards, but a lot of it came late. Lynch and Jackson are running hard, but too many yards are after initial contact behind weak line.
Grade: D.
Passing game
Another brutal performance. Pulling Edwards was telling decision by Jauron. Edwards made a couple of nice throws to Owens, but melted down late. Grade: D.
Run defense
Utterly predictable. Bills gave up 168 yards, 4.8 a carry, which is actually a bit better than their average. That doesn't make it acceptable. Grade: D.
Pass defense
Didn't get much pressure on Young, who had a solid game and was effective on screens. Byrd set team record with pick in fifth straight. Grade: C-.
Special teams
Moorman had ordinary day with 36.0 yards net. Nelson's hold on kickoff return gave Titans good field position before second TD. Grade: C.
Coaching
Offense was more creative, as promised. Wildcat TD pass was a nice touch. But game got away in fourth quarter for second time in a row. Grade: C-.
Grading the Titans
Running game
Johnson is sensational, and he's even more dangerous when Young gets outside to run option. Team had 168 yards and 4.8 average. Solid. Grade: A-.
Passing game
Young seems to have rediscovered confidence after a year on the bench. Completed 68 percent for 210 yards and didn't get sacked. Grade: B.
Run defense
Made big stop on quarterback sneak. Gang-tackled Lynch and Jackson and didn't allow any run of more than 7 yards until final minute. Grade: A-.
Pass defense
Got burned by wildcat and gave up two deep balls to Owens. But got consistent pressure on Edwards and made big plays in the fourth. Grade: B+.
Special teams
Bironas made huge 51-yarder to pad lead to 10 points after Jauron declined penalty. Kern, pride of Grand Island, put two punts inside 20. Grade: A-.
Coaching
Fisher has team on roll after poor start. A lot of NFL coaches preach about the importance of the run. He commits to it. Grade: B.
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