By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
One-quarter of the Buffalo Bills 2018 campaign is in the books. The team has gone through a roller coaster ride in the first four games of the year, with an upset of the Minnesota Vikings being the major bright point thus far.
The Bills take on the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, a team that is residing at the top of their division. Buffalo has a chance to know the Titans off their pedestal, though. If the Bills can gain the upper hand in some individual battles, they have a chance of being successful Sunday.
Here are four key position battles to watch during Sunday’s game:
Marcus Mariota vs. the Bills front-seven
Mariota is the midst of a solid season. The former No. 2 overall pick has been efficient, completing 66.2-percent of his passes this year. He’s connected with multiple options in the passing game completing more than 14 passes to Corey Davis, Taywan Taylor, and Dion Lewis.
The Oregon product has been effective with his legs as well. He is currently ranked seventh among quarterbacks in rushing yards. Football Outsiders ranks Mariota first in DYAR (defensive-adjusted yards above replacement) among quarterbacks, meaning leads the league in value among players rushing at his position. In addition, eight of Mariota’s 20 rushes have moved the sticks for first downs.
Buffalo’s front-seven must put a great deal of pressure on Mariota. He is returning from an elbow injury, so it’s imperative that the Bills do not allow Mariota to get into a rhythm Sunday.
Dion Lewis vs. Tremaine Edmunds, Bills LBs
Lewis has been a pest in the side of Bills defenses dating back to his time with the New England Patriots. He has been an effective option for the Titans out of the backfield this year. He’s currently second on Tennessee with 18 receptions.
Lewis has been an effective safety option for quarterbacks Marcus Mariota and Blaine Gabbert. With Mariota’s status still up in the air, Lewis will be a key component in the Titans passing game with the possibility of their backup getting the start.
The Bills need to ensure that the scat back does not get room to work from the backfield. He hasn’t been wildly effective on the ground, averaging only 3.0 yards per carry. However, his ability to find space in the passing game could pose a challenge to the Bills. Expect Matt Milano or Tremaine Edmunds, who’s played in every single defensive snap on the season for the Bills, to have eyes on the running back all afternoon.
Corey Davis vs. Tre’Davious White
White has matched up against the opponents’ top receiving option all year, and Sunday will be no different. Titans wide receiver Corey Davis has started the season strong, reeling in 22 receptions for 312 yards and one touchdown. Davis had nine receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown reception last week in Tennessee’s overtime victory over the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. It was a career day for the second-year wideout.
Now the unquestioned No. 1 option on the team, Davis will look to put pressure on a secondary which has been adequate at best thus far this year. Last week, White had a solid performance, shadowing wide receiver Davante Adams, who had eight grabs and only one big reception of 25 yards.
Bills offensive line vs. Titans pass rush
The Titans have 12 sacks on the season this year. The Bills offensive line has been a sieve allowing defenders into the backfield this year. If Buffalo has any shot at competing this week, they must win the battles in the trenches. Nine Titans players have recorded sacks this year. Their team leader, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, has been a nuisance on the interior of offensive lines thus far this season. Buffalo is dead-last in the league allowing 21 sacks through four games. They have allowed four more sacks than the next closest team on that list and Josh Allen has been sacked more times than every other rookie quarterback combined (18).
Allen seemed to be a bit gun shy last week, not making effective decisions due to the pass rush he faced against the Packers. If the Bills can keep Allen upright, he may be able to make some plays and keep the offense moving. Otherwise, the Titans system run by defensive coordinator Dave Pees and head coach (and former Patriot) Mike Vrabel will find exotic ways to make the afternoon miserable for the Bills.