The Buffalo Bills are back on the road for the first time since Week 2 as they're slated to face the Tennessee Titans in an all-AFC matchup.
While we're only a quarter of the way through the season and there is a lot of football left to play, the 3-1 Bills and 2-2 Titans have both shown early on that they could both very well be playoff contenders. With that being said, the result of Sunday's matchup could end up having an effect down the line on which teams make it into the postseason, making it somewhat of a must-win for both sides.
The biggest question mark going into Sunday is Josh Allen's status. The Bills' second-year quarterback suffered a concussion in last Sunday's loss to the New England Patriots at New Era Field, and has been in the concussion protocol the whole week since. Allen did take part in football activities on Wednesday and Thursday at practice, something he's allowed to do when making it to stage four in the protocol. However, as time passes and he still isn't cleared, the belief that he can take the field on Sunday continues to decrease.
Should the Bills be without Allen's services on Sunday, backup quarterback Matt Barkley appears to be more than ready to step in. The seven-year veteran filled in for Allen for one start last season, and led the Bills to a 41-10 win on the road over the New York Jets.
Sunday's contest could be a low-scoring affair no matter who's under center for the Bills. Buffalo edged-out Tennessee 13-12 when the two squads met a year ago, and with Sunday's forecast calling for rain in Nashville, there may not be a lot of points scored on Sunday.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott took some time on Friday morning to join Howard Simon and Nate Geary on WGR for his regular appearance on Buffalo Bills Football Friday.
Here is some of what he had to say heading into the Tennessee game:
McDermott on what Matt Barkley brings to the Bills offense:
"It's the veteran experience. It's the leadership, the characteristics that he brings. He's calm. He's a great communicator on and off the field in terms of what he's seeing, and getting people on the same page. He can move the football, which we've all seen. And on top of that, he's a great family man."
McDermott on how ready Josh Allen will be if he can play on Sunday:
"[Quarterbacks playing in a game after limited practice during the week] has been done, it's just about how effective they can be. Where Josh is, he's in the protocol, and I know we prepare everyone on our roster. And Josh, if he plays, we'll be prepared, and we'll just continue to take it one day at a time."
McDermott on what makes Tremaine Edmunds special:
"The first thing that jumps off I think to most people is the size, the length, the height. The thing to me that is a really good foundation for his career is the way he was brought up, the habits that he brings daily to our building, the work ethic, the integrity, his willingness to earn everything that he gets. I think that from that position [linebacker] in particular, and because of his presence, it really resonates with his teammates."
McDermott on special teams and how they could play a key role against Tennessee:
"Special teams is a big part of playing good football, and complimentary football, where all three phases link up to get the overall result. We feel really good about our special teams units. We feel really good about our kicking game. It's an area we need to continue to develop, but, it's an area that this weekend, could come into play, with respect to the type of game that we expect. We expect it to be a physical, field position-type of game. And so, special teams usually plays a big part in those types of games."
You can listen to the entire interview below:
