The New England Patriots are often viewed by the naysayers as the Evil Empire. The critics were happy to see the Patriots fail last season to make the playoffs and end with a losing record. Many laughed when they saw the team start 2-4 this season after Bill Belichick had spent a record amount in free agency. Yet, the players and coaches did not give up on the season. For the past five weeks, the Patriots have found their identity as a team while other teams in the conference dropped their performances. At 7-4, the Patriots now lead the AFC East and have a real opportunity to be the number one seed if they keep the momentum going. Up next is a clash with the Tennessee Titans in what promises to be a mouthwatering contest. The following is a deeper look into the matchup and a prediction of its outcome.
1. The Titans- Ryan Tannehill will face a difficult task facing a Patriots defense that has harassed the quarterback and taken the ball away at an extraordinary level. Last week, the Patriots’ defense had four interceptions, and ironically Tannehill had four interceptions against the lowly ranked Texans’ defense. The Patriots also had four sacks against the Falcons led by Matt Judon, who has proven to be one of the leading pass rushers in the league. Tannehill was sacked twice and hit eight times in the shocking loss to the Texans. It spells trouble for Titans signal-caller without Derrick Henry in this matchup because his offensive line has given up 31 sacks on the season which ranks 28th in the league. Tannehill also is struggling to get the ball to his number one target, A.J. Brown, who has just 11 receptions on 24 targets in the last three games. His struggles will likely continue because of the presence of JC Jackson who has six interceptions this season and has been shutting down number one receivers.
2. The Patriots- The Titans’ defense has gotten better as the season progresses. Last week’s loss was due to the turnovers on the offense. The defense held Tyrod Taylor to 107 passing yards and no touchdowns. The problem is that their usually vaunted defensive front had 0 sacks and one quarterback hit. The Patriots’ offensive line will have to contend with the dangerous duo of Harold Landay, and Jeffrey Simmons who have 10 and 7.5 sacks respectively in the season. Mac Jones will rely on Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris to run the football and slow down the pressure he will face. Look for Jones to continue his efficient distribution in the short passing game. However, Vrabel will test his ability to get the ball down the field by playing physical man-to-man defense at the line of scrimmage.
3. Head to Head- The Patriots and the Titans have faced each other 44 times in the National Football League dating back to when the Titans were the Houston Oilers. The Patriots lead the matchup with a 25-18-1 record. The Patriots have played the Titans 10 times during the Bill Belichick era and have a 7-3 record against the opponent. However, the Titans have won the last two matchups against the Patriots including a loss in the wild card round in January 2020 which ended the Tom Brady era in New England.
4. Teacher vs Pupil-Mike Vrabel was a special linebacker for the New England Patriots. He made legendary plays in big moments including touchdown catches in Super Bowl 38 and 39. Vrabel knows the Patriot Way, the system, and how Bill likes to operate. Vrabel, the pupil, has won the two games he has come up against his teacher, Bill Belichick. Belichick’s record is 14-12 versus former Patriots players/assistant coaches as head coach. His record from 2006-2017 was 10-4 against his former associates. However, from 2018 to 2021, his record is 4-8 against his former players and coaches.
5. Prediction-I think this will be a tough matchup. The teams are built similarly to run the football, and the quarterbacks need to make plays on third down while protecting the football. I think Mac Jones will be able to do his job better than Tannehill. I think the Patriots have the advantage in rush attack and on defense.
Final Score-Patriots 23-Titans 17
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