Episode Overview

Title: What they're saying in Nashville about Bills vs Titans with Jon Burton
Air Date: October 16, 2024
Podcast: Buffalo Plus
Guests: Jon Burton (Nashville media, ex-Buffalo journalist)
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

This episode features a deep dive into the state of the Tennessee Titans ahead of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills, focusing on organizational upheaval, offensive struggles, and what the game means for both teams. Jon Burton brings perspective from Nashville, comparing Titans trends with Bills developments and offering insider takes on quarterback Will Levis, coaching, locker room dynamics, and future implications for the franchise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Titans’ Identity Crisis

• Past Identity: Under Mike Vrabel, the Titans' offense was clearly built around physicality and Derrick Henry's running game.
  • “We're going two tight ends and we're going to pound you into submission. There's no identity right now with this Titans offense.” – Jon Burton [00:00, repeated at 02:33]
• Current State: With Henry gone and Calvin Ridley underperforming, the offense is directionless.
  • Ridley: 9 catches all season, 0 in previous week despite 8 targets.

2. Will Levis: The Quarterback Dilemma

• Performance Concerns: Levis has increased completion percentage but leads the NFL in interceptions (7 INTs to 5 TDs), and has a turnover in every game.
  • “He's turning the ball over way too much… The offense doesn't seem to have an identity right now and it's hurting the team.” – Jon Burton [02:04]
• Comparison to Josh Allen: Levis has Allen-like arm strength and “arm arrogance” but lacks decision-making and leadership.
  • “I don't know if the other 10 guys in that huddle right now truly believe in him. And that's a huge problem.” – Jon Burton [04:13]
  • “With Josh, we've seen it...This is Josh's offense, this is Josh's team, and everybody's in line.” – Jon Burton [04:50]

3. Brian Callahan’s Coaching Challenge

• Quarterback Development Mandate: Hired for his QB work (notably with Joe Burrow), Callahan was expected to groom Levis.
  • “That's a big reason why he was hired, Mike...to work with our young quarterback.” – Jon Burton [06:01]
• Early Tension: After promising a more dynamic offense, Callahan’s press conference sounded resigned about failing to deliver.
  • “When a head coach says, ‘I don’t know,’ it’s got potential to get ugly down here.” – Jon Burton [08:38]

4. Locker Room and Leadership Struggles

• Leadership Vacuum: Lacking veteran anchors, leadership feels scattered. Simmons, a star DT, isn’t the steady captain figure needed—recently berated a media host on-air.
  • “There's not that guy...this is where leadership has to emerge.” – Jon Burton [10:22]
• Calvin Ridley’s Frustration: Publicly (and profanely) demanded more targets.
  • “Bleep is getting crazy. I need some targets at the beginning of the bleeping game...” – Mike Catalana, quoting Ridley [09:41]

5. Personnel and Future Moves

• Trade Rumors: DeAndre Hopkins is expected to be on the trade block after Detroit game, contract up after the season.
  • “I would think...he's probably not in their future plans.” – Jon Burton [11:46]
  • On landing with the Chiefs: “He’d be an outstanding weapon for Patrick Mahomes. Scary.” – Jon Burton [13:14]
• Running Game: Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears split time. The left side of the O-line (Skaronski, Latham) is a bright spot, but run game is inconsistent.
  • “They can run the ball as long as they're running to the left side...whoever gets hot will get the majority of the carries.” – Jon Burton [14:36]

6. Defensive Analysis

• Solid vs. the Run: Strong DTs (Simmons, Sweat) and effective linebackers.
• Pass Rush Weakness: Couldn’t sack Joe Flacco; potentially worrisome vs. mobile QBs like Allen.
  • “The Titans couldn't register a sack. I mean, a tree is more mobile than Joe Flacco.” – Jon Burton [17:29]
• Turnover Deficiency: Only 2 forced turnovers all season, both described as “lucky.”
  • “They will need to generate some turnovers on Sunday if they hope to win or stay in it.” – Jon Burton [18:03]

7. Fan Base Sentiment and Future Outlook

• Impatience and Uncertainty: Fans are missing Vrabel’s clear identity and questioning long-term management since the ownership change.
  • “At least we have an identity ... We were physical... Now, I think a lot of people are questioning what is going on with this team.” – Jon Burton [18:59]
• New Stadium Meme: With a new stadium coming, the pressure is on to build a winning team fast.
  • “You want to be winning...or people are going to be [frustrated]...Complaints about PSLs, ticket prices, all that's going up.” – Jon Burton [21:11]
• Quarterback Timelines are Shortening: Teams aren’t hesitating to move on if a QB isn’t "the guy."
  • “Teams make these decisions on their quarterbacks quick...the Titans need to realize that.” – Jon Burton [22:50]

8. Game Plan vs. Bills

• For Titans to Upset Bills:
  • Offense: "Be ugly and boring. Run the ball, keep third downs manageable, take pressure off Levis." – Jon Burton [24:20]
  • Defense/Special Teams: “Gotta get some turnovers and maybe a big play on special teams...all three phases.” – Jon Burton [24:56]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Titans’ Offensive Woes:
  • “There's no identity right now with this Titans offense.” – Jon Burton [00:00]
• On Levis’ Leadership:
  • “I don't know if the other 10 guys in that huddle right now truly believe in him. And that's a huge problem.” – Jon Burton [04:26]
• On Coach Callahan’s Dilemma:
  • “When a head coach says, ‘I don't know’...It’s got potential to get ugly down here.” – Jon Burton [08:38]
• On Defensive Sack Issues:
  • “A tree is more mobile than Joe Flacco. So that was kind of a head scratcher...” – Jon Burton [17:29]
• On Fan Mood:
  • “They're not angry per se...the fans aren't angry, but they're just kind of like, what the hell is going on?” – Jon Burton [19:14]
• On Quick QB Decisions:
  • “Teams make this. These decisions on their quarterbacks quick...the Titans need to realize that.” – Jon Burton [22:50]

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Titans No Longer Have Offensive Identity – [00:00], [02:33]
• QB Will Levis Assessment – [02:04] to [05:38]
• Brian Callahan’s Job and QB Development – [05:46] to [08:38]
• Locker Room Leadership, Ridley Frustrations – [09:41] to [11:41]
• DeAndre Hopkins Trade Possibility – [11:41] to [13:14]
• Titans Run Game Reliance and Weaknesses – [13:40] to [15:06]
• Defensive Analysis and Turnover Struggles – [15:36] to [18:54]
• Fan Base and New Stadium Pressures – [18:59] to [22:12]
• QB Decision-Making Timelines – [22:50] to [23:53]
• Keys for Titans to Upset Bills – [24:20] to [25:22]

Conclusion

This episode offers a frank, insider look at the Titans’ systemic struggles and the high stakes entering the Bills matchup. Takeaways include: a lack of offensive identity post-Vrabel, Will Levis' uncertain prospects as franchise QB, leadership and locker room challenges, and pressure to succeed with a new stadium on the horizon. For Tennessee to compete with Buffalo, they’ll need to execute a conservative, mistake-free game, lean on their run defense, and find special teams magic. All eyes are on Nashville to see whether the franchise’s course corrects or chaos deepens.