The Tennessee Titans may not have to worry about beating the Buffalo Bills Sunday. Through the first four weeks of the season, the Bills have been pretty good at beating themselves.
Bills vs. Titans 2015 live stream: Game time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The biggest concern for the Bills in this Week 5 matchup is not beating themselves.
Buffalo has averaged 12 penalties per game, and were flagged for 17 infractions in their loss to the New York Giants last Sunday. The lack of discipline has gotten so out of hand that Rex Ryan will reportedly demand his players do push-ups for penalties after practice. It seems as if Ryan is singing a different tune now than he was earlier in the week, when he said the Bills' excessive penalties "make him proud."
In addition to playing within the rules, the 2-2 Bills will also have to worry about some lost weapons on offense against the 1-2 Titans. Star wideout Sammy Watkins is questionable with a calf injury, and running backs LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams are both ruled out. The Bills signed Dan Herron this week to add some needed depth at the position.
With a depleted backfield, more responsibility will fall on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who's played well this season. Taylor has completed 71.7 percent of his passes for 988 yards with eight touchdowns and four interceptions. He is also a threat on the ground, rushing for 111 yards on 23 carries.
But despite Taylor's gaudy numbers, the Bills' offense has struggled to get in rhythm at times. The team would probably like to see Percy Harvin, who only had three catches last week, get involved more often -- especially if Watkins is out for the second consecutive week.
On the other side of the field, the Titans may sense a golden opportunity to take advantage of a moribund AFC South. The top dog in the division, the Indianapolis Colts, has limped to a 3-2 record so far this season. Tennessee lost to the Colts in Week 3, but were a successful two-point conversion away from sending the contest into overtime.
Marcus Mariota’s rookie campaign is off to an impressive start --he’s completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 833 yards and eight touchdown passes in his first three games. He’s also asserted himself as a leader in the locker room already. The MMQB reported last month Mariota is respected like a veteran among his teammates.
Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt has employed a platoon of running backs to carry the ball this season. A different player has led the Titans in rushing in each of their three games.
On paper, the stout Bills defensive line should be able to quell the Titans’ running game. A defensive battle could unfold on the field Sunday between two physical clubs which are jockeying for position in the crowded middle-tier of the AFC. Both teams could compete for a wild card, and the result of this game could have significant ramifications.
But before the Bills worry about all of that, they have to focus on keeping the flags under control. If they don’t, they are in danger of falling to below .500, which would certainly be a blow to Ryan’s bluster.
How to Watch:
When: 1 p.m. ET
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tenn.
TV: CBS
Commentators: Andrew Catalon, Steve Beuerlein, Steve Tasker
Online: NFL Game Pass
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