Tennessee Titans host UTC alumni Terrell Owens and the Buffalo Bills on Sunday (Game Preview)

Titans starting QB Vince Young (Photo By: Jonathan Mohan / 09)

The Tennessee Titans play host to the Buffalo Bills this Sunday live from LP field in Nashville. Kickoff will take place at noon acknowledging the third time this season that Tennessee will participate in an AFL legacy match up. The Titans and Bills will be wearing their respective throwback uniforms in honor of the 50th anniversary of the American Football League.

For the 2-6 Titans, football has seemed to come naturally as of late, as opposed to their horrific 0-6 start. In the first six games of the year, Tennessee failed to play as a cohesive unit while being outscored 198-84, coming away each week empty handed. Upon the teams return from the bye week, they have now won two consecutive contests against AFC South division rival Jacksonville and San Francisco, scoring 64 points and rushing for over 400 team yards in the process.

The call from Bud Adams has paid off for the previously winless Titans. Former backup to Kerry Collins, Vince Young, who took over the starting job in Week Eight, has managed the team nicely during these two wins, but will need to continue his patient play to avoid mistakes if he wants to keep this streak alive. Young has thrown for 297 yards and rushed for 49, compiling an 105.3 rating over the past two weeks with two touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing) and allowing only one sack.

The Titans defense has come on strong as of late hauling in five interceptions and forcing eight sacks over these two consecutive wins. Tennessee was only able to record four picks in their first six losses but have been able to reak havoc on opposing offenses the past two games. Courtland Finnegan, who recently returned to the lineup from his injury has two picks in two outings along with newest Titan and former Auburn Tiger, Rod Hood.

Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards, who has missed the last two games due to a concussion, is expected to return to the starting lineup. Edwards has thrown for 943 yards with five touchdowns on the year, but has tossed six interceptions. The Bills have had a hard time scoring in his absence as they have averaged only 15 points per game over the previous two weeks.

Bills wide receiver and recent VH1 reality television star Terrell Owens has had a ‘quiet’ season for a change. The usually colorful trash taker is on pace for his lowest production total since his rookie season in San Francisco. Owens, who played his college football at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC), has mustered only 23 receptions for 281 yards and two touchdowns this season. (1 Rushing TD)

Ranking 79th in the NFL in receiving, T.O. finds himself in unfamiliar territory, looking up at players such as Colts rookie receivers Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Even Titans first round draft pick Kenny Britt, who ranks 71st in the NFL in receiving, is ahead of the star receiver. Owens, along with the Tennesee Titans, is without a doubt one of the biggest disappointments of the 2009 NFL season.

Crunching the Numbers

Total Yards Per Game: Titans: 326.2 Bills: 264.8 Edge: Titans

Passing Yards Per Game: Titans: 165.2 Bills: 154.8 Edge: Titans

Rushing Yards Per Game: Titans: 161.0 Bills: 110.0 Edge: Titans

Points Per Game: Titans: 18.5 Bills: 15.4 Edge: Titans

Third Down Conversions: Titans: 38.1% Bills: 26.0% Edge: Titans

Time of Possession: Titans: 27:36 Bills: 27:18 Edge: Titans

Final Thoughts

Although Tennessee may fair better statistically against Buffalo, the Bills have one more win than the Titans through Week Nine of this dismal NFL season for both franchises. This game should be won on the ground with Chris Johnson, LenDale White and Vince Young going up against the leagues worst rush defense. On the other hand, with Trent Edwards returning as the starting quarterback for the Bills, facing the leagues worst pass defense should suit him well. In the end I feel the Titans will be able to wear down the Bills defense with the rushing game. [ Prediction: Titans 27, Bills 17 ]

Sunday's Statistic

While Tennessee may boast the leagues worst pass defense, the Titans also have the number two overall ranked NFL rushing offense behind Chris Johnson’s league leading 959 yards. With that being said, the Buffalo Bills ironically have the worst rushing defense in the NFL. With all eyes of Johnson's blazing speed, could this be the game where he breaks AP's NFL single game rushing record of 296 yards?

Rookie Watch

Buffalo Bills rookie cornerback out of Oregon Jairus Byrd has 32 tackles on the year and is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with seven. (D. Sharper, CB Saints)

Food Drive

The Titans are asking fans to bring nonperishable food items such as canned goods and peanut butter to drop-off locations at LP Field on Sunday to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.

Did you know...?

- The Titans have won five of the past six games against the Bills and hold a 25-16 overall series lead, including the playoffs.

- The Titans and the Bills were involved in one of the most historic and controversial moments in Titans/Oilers history. The January 8th, 2000 Music City Miracle play (Frank Wycheck to Kevin Dyson lateral) against the Bills in the AFC Wildcard game carried the Titans down the NFL Playoff road and eventually to Super Bowl XXXIV where they ultimately fell to "The Greatest Show on Turf" the St. Louis Rams.