3 under-the-radar x-factors for the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 against Titans
Buffalo Bills X-Factor: Taron Johnson
Speaking of slot cornerbacks, the final x-factor for the Buffalo Bills is their primary slot corner in Taron Johnson. The Bills typically play a majority of the defensive snaps in the nickel formation and this week it wouldn’t be surprising to see them use more 4-3 defensive fronts to account for the power running game of Derrick Henry and the Titans.
However, last year against the Titans the coaching staff elected to remain in nickel. Johnson would play 94% of the defensive snaps and was second on the team in tackles with six. However, Henry had an excellent game with over 140 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
The reason that the Bills likely remain in a nickel formation for most of the game is that the Titans do have some players who they could line up there that will keep Taron Johnson on the field.
The most notable is former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Robert Woods. He was traded to the Titans this offseason by the Rams and is a player that can line up both outside but also inside at the slot.
In addition to Woods, rookie wide receiver Kyle Phillips who had six receptions on nine targets for 66 receiving yards. He is another player that could line up inside but he is dealing with a shoulder injury, according to Jim Wyatt.
If the Titans have either of those players on the field, it makes sense to have Taron Johnson out there in coverage. If Johnson can help stop Henry from getting outside and push him back to the middle, it should help limit his impact this week.
