Titans Vs. Bills, Let The Turnovers Begin

Buffalo will square off against Tennessee this Sunday in a battle of underachieving teams.  Buffalo, on a quest to finish at 7-9 again, is coming off of their bye week and should pose some interesting problems for Tennessee.  Tennessee on the other hand has switched their starting QB and are back with Vince Young.  This match-up is both good and bad news for Buffalo.

Buffalo has historically had problems closing out games with the Tennessee Titans.  From the Music City Miracle to a last second Vince Young rushing touchdown, Buffalo has played Tennessee well but have been unable to actually beat them.  Buffalo has one of the worst rushing defenses in the league and will be facing one of the best running backs this Sunday in Chris Johnson.  Johnson is a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, so it will be interesting to see what adjustments Buffalo can make in order to keep him in check. Expect to see much of the same this game as Johnson will run all over Buffalo much like opposing running backs have all year.

Although Johnson should have no problem running against Buffalo, it will not guarantee a victory by Tennessee.  Tennessee is having much of the same problems Buffalo is having in the sense that their QBs just can’t seem to get the job done.  The wild card will be Vince Young.  Although he came in to the NFL with a lot of praise he has never fully developed into the QB that Tennessee brass had envisioned.  Part of the problem is Young’s ability to grasp opposing defenses, the other part of the problem has been Young’s emotional maturity.  Whatever the reason, Young can run, but he just can’t make all of the throws.  Buffalo (and by Buffalo I mean Jairus Byrd)  should be able to force Vince Young into his share of turnovers as long as they can keep Vince in the pocket in order to keep him from running.  Much like Vick, the way to stop Young is to make him pass.

Buffalo QB Trent Edwards will be making his way back to the starting lineup for this game and hopefully he is fully recovered.  He faces a defense that is only a year removed from being dominating and the sleeping giant could be awake in time to face the inexperienced offensive line from Buffalo.  At this point it doesn’t matter who is at QB for Buffalo as it is becoming more obvious that the system in place for the offense just does not work at all.  The hope is that during the bye week Buffalo has regained interest in football and instituted some new plays in order to better utilize their weapons that have yet to be exploited.

Buffalo should win this game even though they will give up a lot of rushing yards.  If you play fantasy football it is already a given that you will be starting Chris Johnson, but if you were doubting yourself at all, rest assured a 150+ yard performance is not a dream.  Although Johnson will be running wild, I still do not see a great performance by the Tennessee offense as Vince Young will struggle as he gets used to the limelight once again.

BOLD PREDICTION – Buffalo will move the ball this week.  I am really going out on a limb as they have yet to do so since week three, but they will move the ball.  Buffalo must establish the run and start using more screens and play action.  I see Evans and Owens finally catching more than one ball.

This game will come down to the defenses.  Which team will impose their will on the opposing QB.  Which ever team can capitalize on the opposing team’s turnovers will win…and there will be turnovers.

Tags: Buffalo Bills, Chris Johnson, Jairus Byrd, Lee Evans, Terrell Owens, Trent Edwards, Vince Young