Sunday's game an opportunity to size up changing of the (left) guard
Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills will serve as a referendum of sorts for one of the Tennessee Titans’ most prominent offseason moves.
While they won’t go up against each other at any point, the respective performances of left guards Rodger Saffold (Titans) and Quinton Spain (Bills) will be measured against one another.
Saffold, a 31-year-old veteran of nine seasons, signed a four-year, $44 million deal in March. It was the largest free agent contract the Titans extended during the offseason and it was aimed to provide a significant upgrade on an offensive line that had been largely unchanged for three years.
Spain (pictured), an undrafted free agent in 2015, became a starter late in his rookie season and fought off multiple challenges and retained that spot through 2018. After 50 games (48 starts), the Titans opted not to offer him another contract.
“It’s just a regular game to me, it’s an away game, and we’ve got to try to get a win,” Spain told the Buffalo News this week. “They got a good player they signed out of L.A., and I’m here in a good situation myself.
“It’s a business. I understand.”
Saffold, a second-round pick in 2010 who has played 118 games (115 starts), will earn more money this season ($13.5 million) than Spain did in four full years in Tennessee. Spain earned $1.907 million in 2018, his final season with the Titans and will be paid $2.05 million this season on a one-year contract with Buffalo.
Thus far, the Titans have gotten – at least to some degree – the upgrade they desired.
According to Pro Football Focus, Saffold’s overall grade through the first four weeks is 71.1 while Spain’s is 63.5. In terms of pressures (combined sacks, quarterback hits and hurries), Saffold has allowed seven while Spain has given up 13.
Sunday will be the first time Saffold has played alongside left tackle Taylor Lewan, who was suspended for the first four games. If they mesh as expected, Saffold’s performance will improve of the remaining three-quarters of the season.
Whereas the Titans tweaked their offensive line, Spain was part of a complete overhaul in Buffalo that includes two other free agents and a rookie among the starting five. That transition was hindered somewhat by a rash of injuries during training camp.
In addition to new teammates, Spain also has had to adjust to a new scheme and some new responsibilities.
“They probably pull him a little more than maybe what we did,” Tennessee coach Mike Vrabel said. “I think he’s been on the edge, or pulling probably a little bit more, but he’s still got the white sleeves on and is still a big guy to get around.”
And while the Titans no longer wanted him, the Bills are happy to have him.
“He’s done a real good job,” Buffalo coach Sean McDermott. “He’s brought leadership to our locker room. He’s brought a toughness and a physical style of play. He’s off to a good start.”
Everyone can judge for themselves Sunday which team made the better move.
