NASHVILLE – The good news for Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill is the weapons around him are getting healthier.
A.J. Brown returned to action this past Sunday against the Jaguars, along with receiver Marcus Johnson. On Wednesday, receiver Julio Jones was on the practice field for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury against the Colts on September 26.
The not-so-good news? On Monday night, the Titans will face a Buffalo Bills defense that leads the NFL in fewest points allowed (12.8) and takeaways (15), and they're first in yards allowed (251.8) per game.
"They do just about everything well," Tannehill said of the Bills defense. "You see them getting after the quarterback, see them solid in the run game, tight coverage on the back end, great in the red zone, great on third down. Really just an all-around solid defense."
The Titans see room for improvement for themselves.
A return to good health helps, and Tannehill hopes that will continue in the right direction.
But there's more.
While the Titans are ranked 10th in the NFL in total offense (yards) and points per game (26.4), the team is ranked 26th in red zone percentage and 31st in sacks allowed. Tannehill has been sacked 20 times in five games this season.
And while Derrick Henry leads the NFL with 640 rushing yards, the Titans have seen too many drives stalled.
"We have a lot of room to improve, in a lot of different areas," Tannehill said. "I think we are trending in the right direction. I feel guys are growing, as an offense we are growing, but no doubt we have a lot of room to improve. Excited to keep the foot on the gas and try to clean things up."
Adding to the excitement this week: A chance to shine on Monday Night Football.
Five games into the season, the Titans are 3-2.
The Bills, meanwhile, are 4-1 and regarded as one of the best teams in the NFL.
"Anytime you get to play a night primetime game at home, it is a huge opportunity," Tannehill said. "Guys get excited for it. You love to go out there and be able to showcase what we are about. I think guys are excited. I am excited to go out and play in front of a packed house at home. There is not much better than that."
