Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills will look to improve to 5-2 on the season when they take on the 1-4 Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon at Highmark Stadium.
To do that, here are my three keys to the game, plus notes and stats:
1.) Change up to Rudolph
News came down Saturday afternoon that Mason Rudolph would start at quarterback for the Titans in place of Will Levis.
The second-year Levis has thrown the most interceptions in the league, getting picked off seven times already. The Bills defense would certainly have their opportunities for turnovers.
Rudolph doesn't have the arm strength or athleticism of Levis, but he takes care of the football much better.
He was the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season when the Bills beat them in last season's AFC Wild Card Round matchup, so the Bills, at least, have some familiarity with him. In that contest, Rudolph completed 22-of-39 passes (56.41%) for 229 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw an interception.
With Rudolph starting, the Titans will most likely want to play a conservative game on offense with less big-play ability, but also not give the Bills the extra chances Levis would bring.
The Bills defense needs to stay patient, and force Rudolph and the Tennessee offense to work for everything they can get.
2.) Find a way on offense
This is certainly not going to be an easy game for the Bills offense.
The Titans defense ranks first in the entire NFL in total yards per-play allowed (4.32), yards per-game allowed (248.8), as well as passing yards per-game (137.0) and play (4.96) allowed. They are very stingy.
Tennessee is also fifth in the NFL in third down defense, holding opponents to just a 31.82% conversion rate.
The Bills' offense may need to grind its way to first downs, and points may come at a premium. They have to grab them whenever available, even if it means settling for field goals at times, knowing the Titans offense isn’t a juggernaut on the other side.
3.) Make the kicks
Since points may come at a premium, it's going to be very important for the struggling Tyler Bass to make kicks.
The Bills signed another kicker to the practice squad this week in Lucas Havrisik, and the team has been very upfront about needing to look for other options if Bass' struggles continue.
He could really help both himself and the team on Sunday by converting when called upon.
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