New England Patriots: Tennessee provided cheers and concerns
Despite a 20+ point victory over the Tennessee Titans, the New England Patriots gave up over 350 yards, notably over 250 yards on the ground, a cause for concern.
The box score from Sunday’s 36-13 victory for the New England Patriots will allow the Foxborough Faithful to Remember the Titans.
New England (8-4) will remember how they got their revenge on Tennessee for the Wild Card playoff game just two seasons ago when the Titans sent Tom Brady out of Foxborough and down to Tampa Bay. Additionally, Bill Belichick got his first victory over his former pupil in Titans head coach and former Patriot Mike Vrabel.
On the other hand, Tennessee (8-4) will remember how their yardage total was incredible despite only mustering 13 points, specifically their ground game that was headlined by two backup running backs, each going for over 100 yards. Sure, the lack of Derrick Henry and A.J. Brown didn’t help, but it’s part of the game.
The good news for the Titans is that Dontrell Hilliard (137) and D’Onta Foreman (109) ensured that Monday’s film room session would be a long one for the Patriots defense, specifically for the run defense. The bad news is that New England’s inefficiencies in their run defense were masqueraded by turnovers by the Titans’ offense.
Ryan Tannehill was below average. That’s it. Below average, and that’s probably being kind. 11/21 for 93 yards and a touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, along with an interception to who else but All-Pro Patriot J.C. Jackson.
Mac Jones, meanwhile, had a career day passing, going 23/32 for 310 yards and two touchdowns and no picks. While New England’s running game was largely ineffective, at least by the box score, the receivers had a better day, especially Kendrick Bourne, who scored both passing touchdowns.
The New England Patriots are getting hot at the right time, but there are eminently issues that need addressing
In the past six weeks, the New England Patriots have scored 211 points and given up 63 points. However, what matters most is that they are 6-0 in their last six contests and currently sit as the 2nd seed in the AFC, behind only Baltimore.
That said, this isn’t a time to kick up the feet, crack open a Samuel Adams, pull out the Boston Creme Pie leftovers from Thanksgiving, listen to Sweet Caroline, and take the foot off the gas. Given Belichick’s pedigree as a defensive coach, allowing over 250 yards rushing combined from two running backs not named Derrick Henry is a concern that can be fixed if addressed immediately.
Moreover, given how the rest of the AFC has looked, particularly Baltimore on Sunday Night against Cleveland, there is a possibility that New England may be able to jump into the top spot of the conference, which would serve them well come postseason time. Additionally, Kansas City is not that far behind, and if they are as good as Nick Wright says they are, they will be in the mix.
The home stretch is approaching as Week 13 of the NFL season will soon commence. For all the Patriots fans out there, in a season where Belichick’s boys went on a six-game winning streak, they ended up playing in the final game of the NFL Season. Is 2021 looking to be the same? Only time will tell. For now, though, they are on to Monday Night and Buffalo.