Tennessee Titans at Buffalo Bills – NFL Week 2 Preview
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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) – The Buffalo Bills play their second primetime game in a row in the season home opener against the Tennessee Titans.
Buffalo Bills Gameday Basics
Teams: Tennessee Titans (0-1) at Buffalo Bills (1-0)
Time: Monday at 7:15 p.m.
Where: Highmark Stadium (Orchard Park, NY)
Network: ESPN
Bills Injury Report
- Dane Jackson, CB (Questionable)
- Ed Oliver, DT (Out)
- Gabe Davis, WR (Questionable)
- Tim Settle, DT (Doubtful)
Titans Injury Report
- Dontrell Hilliard, RB (Out)
- Jamarco Jones, OT (Out)
- Kristian Fulton, CB (Out)
- Kyle Phillips, WR (Questionable)
What’s At Stake?
Revenge.
You’ve heard it all week. The Tennessee Titans have had the Buffalo Bills’ number, winning each of the last two seasons. Last year, Derrick Henry ran through the Bills defense, going for 143 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and 13 more receiving yards. Josh Allen did throw for over 300 yards and the Bills put up over 30 points, but on 4th & goal, Allen slipped on a QB sneak to seal the win for Tennessee.
In 2020, Tennessee obliterated Buffalo, 42 to 16. Allen threw 2 TDs and 2 INT, only accounting for 263 yards through the air. Meanwhile, Henry scored twice on the ground and Ryan Tannehill threw for three touchdowns.
This year, Buffalo wants to reverse the series trend in their direction. For the second straight week, Buffalo is up against a difficult opponent in a primetime slot. Wouldn’t that be some start to the season to take both games?
Of course, Tennessee is coming off a rough 20-19 loss to the New York Giants, who ironically now have former Bills OC Brian Daboll as their head coach. Allen and the Bills are hoping to get it done and make Tennessee 0-2 against teams from New York to start their season.
Last Time Out: Bills 31, Rams 10
In the NFL Kickoff Game, the Buffalo Bills quieted whatever noise there was from the doubters.
After going into halftime tied with the Rams, Buffalo responded and scored 21 unanswered points to take the game, 31-10.
Josh Allen put up an MVP performance, despite throwing two picks. Although, the first one, a pass intended for Isaiah McKenzie, wasn’t Allen’s fault. McKenzie later made up for the mistake with a touchdown reception and gender reveal for his sister, who’s expecting.
Defensively, the Bills were all over Matthew Stafford. Buffalo came up with three interceptions and sacked Stafford seven times for a loss of 49 yards.
It was a dominating second half for the Bills, who made a perfect first impression in week 1.
Bills Player To Watch
Jordan Phillips
Buffalo is down defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Tim Settle is also doubtful. That leaves Phillips and former Titan Daquan Jones as the only DTs on the active roster. The Bills will likely activate someone off the practice squad for tonight’s game as well as shift other players out of position if needed.
Phillips had a strong week one, benefitting from the addition of Von Miller on the outside. Phillips accounted for 1.5 sacks and 4 combined tackles. He made 3 QB hits.
While Phillips should continue to feast because of Miller’s presence, he’ll also have to anchor the inside of the defensive line on Monday night. That’s usually Ed Oliver’s job, but tonight, Phillips is who Buffalo will have to look to.
In training camp, Phillips made some headlines for an albeit soft love tap on Josh Allen. Allen took exception to it and a fight broke out.
No love was lost and the Bills continued to downplay ensuing fights throughout the rest of camp and preseason practices.
On Monday Night Football, Buffalo wants that same energy from Phillips. He’s a tone setter, and with a depleted defensive line, Phillips has to bring the intensity.