The Buffalo Bills trail the Tennessee Titans 21-10 after two quarters of football. In five games this season, it’s the first time the Bills have trailed heading into halftime. Although the Bills started on offense, their fortunes turned on their third play from scrimmage. Josh Allen’s throw bounced off of Andre Roberts’s hands, right into the arms of Malcolm Butler. It was Allen’s second interception of the season, and also his second interception that came off his receiver’s hands. The Titans quickly capitalized on their excellent field position to take an early 7-0 lead, after a perfect throw from Ryan Tannehill to A.J. Brown.
The Bills returned the favor with a surgical, 15-play drive. Allen converted four third downs to lead the Bills to the end zone, where Isaiah McKenzie took a shovel pass in for the score.
After a Corey Bojorquez punt was met with a 40-yard return, the Titans were gifted with stellar field position again, and they turned it into another touchdown.
The Bills responded with a 50-yard, five-minute drive, but sputtered just short of the red zone. Tyler Bass overcame a poor hold to kick a 43-yard field goal and bring the score to 14-10.
The Titans then put their foot on Buffalo’s neck at the end of the second quarter. Starting from the 10-yard line with just under three minutes left, they drove 90 yards in 12 plays, kicked the Bills around, and scored one more touchdown with Ryan Tannehill prancing into the end zone, completely untouched.
The Bills’ offense is definitely struggling without John Brown on the field. Cole Beasley, held catchless, doesn’t seem to be 100 percent. Bills receivers have dropped several passes, and Allen’s been focusing on Stefon Diggs to a fault.
The Bills need to make a comeback in the second half, but it won’t be easy. The defense is down Tre’Davious White, Matt Milano, and Levi Wallace. They have no killer instinct. They’re struggling to contain Tennessee in the clutch. The Titans will start the second half with the ball, giving them a chance to open up a bigger lead. Like we’ve heard a lot this year, the Bills will be counting on Josh Allen to bring them through to the other side.
On the injury note, Dion Dawkins was mysteriously replaced by Ty Nsekhe in the second quarter. Linebacker Tyrel Dodson also cramped up, or possibly strained his hamstring, at the end of the half.
Here’s your second-half open thread. Go Bills!