Billieve: Amari Cooper Deal and Thoughts on the Titans
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In their first game since acquiring talented wide receiver Amari Cooper, the Buffalo Bills (4-2) are returning home to Highmark Stadium following a grueling three-game road trip, where they will take on the Tennessee Titans (1-4) in a matchup of teams heading in opposite directions. This week on the Billieve podcast, host John Boccacino previews Buffalo's first home game in nearly a month and offers up his thoughts on GM Brandon Beane trading for Cooper. The deal adds more firepower to Buffalo's offense, as the four-time Pro Bowl WR possesses three traits the team was sorely lacking in the wide receiver room: someone who can create separation, win battles versus man coverage, and is a vertical threat. Cooper, who has posted seven seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards in his NFL career, is an elite route-runner who has a penchant for working himself open on those short- and intermediate pass routes, which made him an ideal fit for the Bills’ wide receiver room. Plus, for a cash-strapped team, the Bills will only have to pay Cooper a little more than $800,000. The trade represents a low-risk, high-reward rental of a talented receiver. Now onto the matchup with the Titans, who boast the league's top defense, allowing 248.8 yards per game. But QB Will Levis has been Tennessee's biggest problem, as the offense is averaging only 135 passing yards per game, second-worst in the league despite having WRs DeAndre Hopkins and Calvin Ridley. They've also struggled to score (only 30.5% of drives) while averaging only 19.2 points per game (21st).  Tennessee’s rushing attack, led by former Cowboy Tony Pollard, is averaging 118.2 yards per game. Look for Buffalo’s defensive front to attack and get after the Titans offensive line, with Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and the return of Ed Oliver hopefully creating more pressure up the middle. Buffalo benefited greatly from the return of nickel cornerback Taron Johnson and safety Taylor Rapp, who made three of the biggest plays to fuel last week’s win. I predict Buffalo's corners Christian Benford and Rasul Douglas will successfully neutralize Hopkins and Ridley, and the front applies enough pressure to force Levis into a few more turnovers. Offensively, look for Josh Allen to deploy his new offensive weapon in Cooper, and for Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady to dial up some plays to get Cooper going from the get-go. Tennessee has the best defense in the NFL, and they're allowing only 137 passing yards per game (best in the league), while holding QBs to a completion percentage of 58.7% (3rd), a 31.8% conversion rate on third downs (5th) and allowing touchdowns in the red zone just 40% of the time (4th). This is the fifth straight week that Buffalo is facing a top 10 defense, but the Titans defense is different, as Tennessee hasn’t faced anyone close to the caliber of Josh Allen--they racked up their ranking against Bears rookie Caleb Williams and backups Malik Wills (Packers), Tyler Huntley (Dolphins), and Joe Flacco (Colts). Containing Allen will be unlike anything this unit has seen this year. While the Titans' run defense is No. 1 in stuff percentage (plays of zero or negative yards) at 28.4%, Tennessee's pass rush is below average, ranking 25th in sack percentage (5.7%), and last in QB pressures (47). I expect James Cook, Ty Davis and the rushing attack to find success behind Buffalo's offensive line, and for Josh Allen to have time to stand in the pocket and find his open receiver. I close by offering up score predictions as the Bills look to remain undefeated at home in 2024. Get involved with our show on Twitter (@JohnBoccacino) and be sure to follow the Rumblings Network and Buffalo Rumblings on Twitter, too. The new Rumblings Cast boasts a talented lineup, including Billieve, The Bruce Exclusive, In The Trenches, The Chop Up, The Code of Conduct, Leading the Charge, and Jamie D & Big Newt. You can also enjoy new shows like Unplugged with Sara Larson and The Crew
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