Going into the game, the Patriots held the advantage in terms of healthy personnel. The Titans were without their two top receivers Juilio Jones and A.J. Brown, as well as their top running back and MVP candidate Derrick Henry. While the Titans sat at 8-3 and a top the AFC standings, the Patriots simply had more good players available in this one.
After a punt by the Titans on the game’s opening drive, both teams traded with a score of their own. The Patriots marched 75 yards and capped their drive with a Mac Jones’ four-yard touchdown pass to receiver Kendrick Bourne, who continues to be a top player for the Patriot’s pass catching group. The Titans responded with a near eight minute drive of their own to answer, missing the extra point and leaving the game at 7-6 as the second quarter began.
The rest of the first half was field goal heavy. The Patriots attempted a field goal on their next four drives following the opening touchdown. Nick Folk went ¾ and continues to perform well for a Patriots team that calls on him a lot. The Patriots led 16-6 with about a minute left in the half when Titan’s running back Dontrelle Hilliard broke off for a 68 -yard touchdown on a third and three. It was the biggest mistake of the half for the Patriots, who were able to limit the Titans in terms of big plays until this point.
Aside from the chunk play that soured a solid first half for the Patriots, the defense was able to make some difference making plays beforehand. On a Titans run inside of Patriots territory, defensive tackle Davon Godshaux forced a fumble that was recovered by safety Kyle Duggar. This play ended a threatening Titans drive, and was a factor in the Patriot’s narrow halftime lead at 16-13.
The Patriots opened up the second half on theme with yet another field goal. On the Titans responding drive, Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson forced a fumble on what would have been another big running play, recovered by fellow cornerback Jalen Mills. While the Titans had success running the ball in this game, the two lost fumbles really killed their ability to score points.
However, the Patriots were unable to capitalize and punted after the forced turnover. Another defensive stop gave the offense the ball back, and resulted in another Bourne touchdown from Jones, a developing connection for the Patriots offense. This 42-yard score was Bourne’s second of the day, but wouldn’t have been possible without a great pick from receiver Jakobi Meyers who opened up space for Bourne after the catch.The lead bloomed to 26-13.
The Titans took over possession with about six minutes to go in the third quarter, and led a drive that lasted eight minutes. The Patriots were able to force yet another turnover while the Titans were threatening to score. After being stopped on the goal-line on multiple running plays, a fourth down try led to a tipped interception for J.C. Jackson, who has had a nose for the ball this year, making huge plays for the Patriots defense. Here it was a big and almost clinching spot for the Patriots, who had the Titans against the ropes and desperate for points.
The Patriots added another field goal and a Damien Harris touchdown before the game ended, and walked away with a 36-13 victory against the AFC’s top team. Jones had some misses today on a couple throws, but 22/33 overall with over 300 yards and two touchdowns is not a bad day at all. The running attack was not explosive and dominant like we’ve seen during this Patriots winning streak, but was good in spots and helped open up play-action for the passing game.
The Patriots did struggle to contain the run in this game, allowing 231 yards and two Titans running backs to eclipse 100 yards on the day. However, it was good in spots including a goal line stand and the two key fumbles by Titans running backs. Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill finished with only 93 yards on the game, and struggled to gain anything significant in the passing game. The turnovers really made the difference, and ended some promising Titans drives which were the number one reason the score was dominated by the Patriots.
Now six in a row for the Patriots, they sit at the top of the AFC conference at 8-4. There was little to be upset about in this game for the Patriots. Other than getting exposed on the run a few times and a few missed throws from Jones, the team played a near perfect game. While the Titans were banged up and missing a good amount of key players, a dominant win over a Mike Vrabel coached team is still an encouraging outcome. From playoff hopefuls, now to AFC leaders.
For more NFL coverage, click here.
