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No one knew what to expect from the Tennessee Titans this past Tuesday versus the Buffalo Bills. Little did we know that despite extremely limited practice due to a Covid-19 related facility closure, the Titans would be ready.
They were without wide receiver Corey Davis, defensive lineman Jeffrey Simmons and several key players while were facing a red-hot Buffalo Bills team. The odds were stacked against them on national television.
Tennessee would use a big second quarter to propel them to a 21-10 lead in route to a 42-16 victory and send shockwaves across the NFL. Those that thought they were not for real were sadly mistaken about them after that convincing win. However, the Titans’ offense has grown tremendously.
Last season, the Titans were a run-first team. Running back Derrick Henry was the game plan and the rest of the offense would follow behind his lead. That was a winning formula for the Titans which got them on a role and marched all the way to the AFC Championship game.
That formula was great for Tennessee until they ran into the Kansas City Chiefs last year. In that game, Henry only ran for 69 yards on 19 carries that day and with him not getting going, the Titans offense had to rely more on the passing game.
That resulted in an ugly performance offensively.
Against the Bills, the Titans running game really did not get going much as usual. Henry had two rushing touchdowns but only had 57 yards on 19 carries.
Usually this would spell doom for the Titans’ chances of winning. Unlike in time’s past, the Titans finally have a consistent passing game.
Even with Corey Davis and Adam Humphries out, the Titans still were able to control the game by moving the ball in the air effectively. Emerging stars like wide receiver A.J. Brown and tight end Jonnu Smith were big for the Titans, combining for 12 receptions, 122 yards and three touchdowns.
The Titans defense is still solid and the running game will remain the focus of the offense but quarterback Ryan Tannehill and his group of skill players along with the scheming of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith have elevated this Titans offense to one that is more balanced.
With this balance offensively, the Titans are even more dangerous if they make the postseason. So, while teams may aim to load up and stop the run, the Titans can now make them pay consistently through the air.
