The Tennessee Titans were embarrassed 34-10 by the Buffalo Bills Sunday at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY.
This is the latest dud in what has become an extremely disappointing 2024 season. What started as optimism has quickly faded into oblivion and the Titans appear to be headed toward a downward spiral of ineptitude.
With another tough match-up on the horizon, the Titans need to find an identity and build upon. Until they do, the losses will continue to pile up, and the pressure on both the front office and coaching will reach a fever pitch.
All is not lost, though, and some players rose above the quagmire. Here’s a quick summary of this week’s stock report after the latest debacle.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Jarvis Brownlee Jr. #29 of the Tennessee Titans breaks up a pass intended for Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
Brownlee was forced into the role as the Titans top cornerback against the Bills and did not look overwhelmed. Somewhat of a question mark when he entered the starting line-up when Chidobe Awuzie went on injured reserve, Brownlee has stepped in and looked the part of a solid NFL cornerback. He recorded six tackles (five solo) and prevented at least two touchdowns with his pass defense.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Mason Rudolph #11 of the Tennessee Titans looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
It is no secret that starting QB Will Levis has struggled in 2024, and the chants for Rudolph to take over began after he came in and led the Titans to their lone victory of 2024 against the Miami Dolphins. Those chants did not last long, as Rudolph looked more like Levis in this game than the poised veteran who took the field in Miami. He completed just 25 of 40 passes for 215 yards. The Titans needed a steadying performance, and Rudolph did not deliver.
Tennessee Titans punter Ryan Stonehouse (4) punts the ball during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Nashville, Tenn.
Nfl New York Giants At Tennessee Titans
Stonehouse may have been the Titans biggest weapon on Sunday and made the most of his opportunities. The strong-legged punter appears back in form after struggling through the early portion of the season coming off injury. In all, he punted five times averaging 53.2 yards per punt forcing Buffalo to take the long field challenge. Unfortunately, the Bills’ offense was up to the task.
Sep 30, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) jumps but cannot make a catch against Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) and cornerback Storm Duck (36) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
It must be hard for Hopkins to maintain focus. Between subpar quarterback play and now swirling trade rumors, the veteran receiver does not look himself. Targeted only once, he had probably one of the worst days of his career with one grab for negative two yards. The Titans passing game is in shambles and Hopkins deserves better.
Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (15) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
In no way did Nick Westbrook-Ikhine set the world on fire. However, within his meager stat line of two catches for 10 yards was the Titans’ only touchdown of the day. This is the second game in a row he has found the end zone and is doing it with limited snaps. Now that disappointing WR Treylon Burks is on injured reserve with a knee injury, Westbrook-Ikhine should see a larger role moving forward.
Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (0) warms up before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Calvin Ridley did bounce back after being shut out in Week 6, but that doesn’t mean he made an impact. In all, he pulled in three passes for 42 yards on nine targets and has not shown any dynamic playmaking abilities over the past four games. For a player who has been outspoken on his usage, his performance does not match the banter. Though it’s been a small sample size, Ridley has not been worth the $92 million price tag.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Baylon Spector #54 of the Buffalo Bills tackles Chig Okonkwo #85 of the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Okonkwo finished the game as the Titans’ leading receiver in yardage, pulling in four balls for 50 yards in a game plan that featured the tight ends. Amidst the offensive ineptitude, Okonkwo accounted for almost a quarter of the team’s receiving yards and was a solid blocker in the run game.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Julius Chestnut #36 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Looking to take on a larger role with Tyjae Spears inactive, Chestnut made little to no real impact in the game. He did record three carries for 15 yards and one reception for nine yards, but he was nowhere near the explosive change-up that Spears provides. This was only one game, but there is a noticeable dropoff from Spears.
