NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Six things standing out for the Titans after Sunday's loss to the Bills, and heading into this week's game against the Ravens.
Shaky Run Defense
The Titans are ranked 7th in the NFL in total defense, which isn't too shabby. The defense is tied for 3rd in the NFL in points allowed, which is good, too. But what's up with the run defense? The Titans are allowing 123.2 yards per game on the ground, and the Bills racked up 144 yards on the ground. It has the Titans in the bottom third (26th overall) in the league in run defense. Mike Vrabel counted 14 missed tackles against the Bills, including four on one play. The Titans have to improve here with the Ravens headed to town. Getting linebacker Wesley Woodyard back would sure help.
Succop's Accuracy
Titans kicker Ryan Succop was money on Sunday, converting field goals of 25, 39, 50 and 54 yards. Against the Bills, Succop reached 100 successful field goals with the Titans. In doing so, he hit the minimum number to qualify in the team record books for career accuracy. Since joining the Titans, Succop has made 103 of 118 field goal attempts. His 87.3 percent success rate puts him in first place in franchise history, topping the previous record holder, Rob Bironas, who made 85.7 percent of his attempts with the Titans. Punter Brett Kern was solid once again as well, averaging 53.0 yards on his two punts.
Quiet at Tight End
The Titans have missed veteran tight end Delanie Walker more than I even thought they would. Five games into the season, the Titans have just seven catches combined from tight ends Luke Stocker (5 catches, 63 yards) and Jonnu Smith (2-21). They've rarely been targeted in games, and Smith had the bad drop against the Eagles. A tight end hasn't caught a pass since Week 3. The Titans promoted Anthony Firkser from the practice squad on Monday, and he'll bring a pass catching threat to the position. If the Titans are going be more effective as a passing offense, they're going to need to rely on all position groups.
Vrabel's Demeanor
Titans coach Mike Vrabel has been pretty even-keeled during his Monday pressers. He hasn't been too glowing after wins, and he hasn't been defensive or on a rampage after losses. I think it's a good look for the first-year head coach, who sets a tone with his players by his approach during the week, and after games. Now that doesn't mean Vrabel doesn't get worked up. If you saw his reaction to the questionable roughness penalty called on linebacker Kamalei Correa in Buffalo, well, you know he's not always PG-13 with his language.
The So-So Running Game
It's a mix of good and bad here. For starters, I thought running back Derrick Henry looked better in Buffalo. He averaged 5.1 yards per carry on his 11 attempts, and he had a run of 14 yards. Dion Lewis added a 15-yard run himself. But take away those runs and the average per carry for both guys isn't very impressive. If the Titans are going to have consistent success on offense, they're going to need to run the ball better. The Titans are averaging just 3.7 yards per carry – compared to 4.4 for their opponents – and that's aided by Marcus Mariota's 5.5-yard average. Overall, the Titans are in the bottom third (26th) in the NFL in average per carry, and just 17th overall in rushing offense. Things won't get any easier this week -- the Ravens are ranked 5th vs. the run.
Jayon Brown
I've been writing about linebacker Jayon Brown among the standouts since May. Brown continues to play at a high level for the Titans, and he now leads the team in tackles with 38. He's also recorded two sacks, eight quarterback pressures and four tackles for a loss. Against the Bills, Brown recorded 11 tackles for the second game in a row, and he's also recorded a sack in back-to-back weeks. While the Titans missed Woodyard, Brown certainly stepped up and performed well. Again.
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series against the Baltimore Ravens. (Photos, Donn Jones, AP)

Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens Game on September 16, 2005 in Nashville. TN.

















































































































































































Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) celebrates with free safety Kevin Byard (31) after Byard made his second pass interception of the game against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) catches a 16-yard touchdown pass ahead of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to throw the ball against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks over the defense of the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) sets to block against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) slaps hands with fans after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/James Kenney)

Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) sets to block Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches an 11-yard touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)

The Tennessee Titans defense brings down Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins (34) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talks with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gets past Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) as Henry scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)