That actually happened.
After a week full of stories regarding the connections between these 2 teams, and the flashing realization that this could’ve been Tom Brady’s last game as a New England Patriot, the Titans came out of Foxborough with a 20-13 win.
I’ll be real with you, I didn’t expect the Titans to win this game.
I don’t care how little Brady’s outside wide receiver talent has accomplished, nor do I care that Brady’s talent was clearly on the decline, you just can’t bet against Brady and Belichick in January.
You just can’t.
They always pull something new out of their hat, or even stick with the usual and sail away to another chance to win a Super Bowl ring.
But the usual didn’t happen.
Much to my own surprise.
Ryan Tannehill didn’t even have 80 yards passing, Mike Vrabel got his first career postseason win against his old coach, and the rather leaky Titans defense held the Patriots to only 13 points.
Let’s just discuss it all, we have a lot to talk about.
1. Derrick Henry Carries The Titans’ Offense
Coming into the game, we all knew Bill Belichick was keen on stopping one of Derrick Henry or AJ Brown.
It’s an important key to how the Patriots’ run has been so sustainable for so long, take away what your opponent does best.
With Brown, his explosiveness after the catch is a red flag for any defense. So it was understandable to see the Patriots place their Defensive Player of The Year candidate on Brown throughout the game, Stephon Gilmore.
Gilmore held Brown in check, in fact, Brown only had 1 catch for 4 yards through the entire game.
Now you can give a lot of attention towards stopping the explosive plays that come from Brown and others, while still keeping your linebackers and safeties engaged in the run game.
But despite the Patriots throwing everything at Henry, including the kitchen sink, they just couldn’t stop the 247 lb. Alabama product.
Henry finished with over 200 yards from scrimmage on 35 touches, showing you once again why he’s in the conversation as one of the best backs in all of football.
It was evidenced on the very first offensive drive for the Titans, as Henry ran through arm tackles and running over anyone in his path, ripping off 4,5,6, even 7 yard gains at a time.
It wasn’t so much of a spectacle, but just a sheer impressive feeling that a running back can just be this dominant through the game.
“We were just locked in. We wanted it. I think that was our mindset, just coming in here, doing what we need to do in all 3 phases.”
Derrick Henry on The Titans’ win against the Patriots via CBS
Henry’s dominance didn’t just stay attached to the first half either, he continued his tear in the 2nd half, physically breaking down the mighty Patriots’ defense while keeping Brady and that offense on the bench.
It all circled back around to a win, moving the Titans on to Baltimore where he’ll definitely be heavily leaned upon once again.
2. Ryan Tannehill Doesn’t Play Well, But Makes Clutch Throw to Burn Clock
I think we all know the deal.
Unlike the last month or so of Tannehill’s run, he didn’t have the fortune of having open receivers due to sticky coverage by the Patriots’ secondary.
That’s of course a cap on offensive success in itself, but Tannehill made plenty mistakes in this game.
Tannehill threw a terrible interception in the 4th quarter, which shot a stream of life into a rather lifeless Gillette Stadium.
Tannehill also dropped a snap on a 3rd and short in the fourth quarter. It was on a drive in which the Titans were in plus territory, and Derrick Henry was continuing his own personal beating of the Patriots
That dropped snap did give us 3-4 minutes of Mike Vrabel out-Belichicking Bill Belichick, which was absolute comedy by the way.
But still, it was a crucial mistake at the time.
Even through all the struggles the passing game had last night, Tannehill still put on his big boy pants, and delivered an absolute dart to Anthony Firkser to burn even more time off the clock down the stretch.
Credit the @Titans for going up to Foxboro and winning. And the run game was huge no doubt-but the QB @ryantannehill1 made a big throw in a massive moment 👇🏼👇🏼. @PaulKuharskyNFL @ClayTravis @jwyattsports @TDavenport_NFL @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/gQ6Nh1s0h3
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 5, 2020
That throw isn’t easy in the slightest, neither is the fantastic route Firkser ran.
Both players put on their best for one play in the clutch, and ultimately ended up celebrating a win.
3. Titans’ Defense Holds Brady & Company to 13 Points
The Titans haven’t been the best lately on the defensive side of the ball.
Injuries in the secondary led to opponents gashing the Titans in the passing game, linebackers were missing tackles and mishandling running backs, and the pass rush was nowhere to be found.
Although only 1 of those issues was corrected last night, the Titans still somehow found a way to limit the Patriots to only 13 points.
The secondary took advantage of the lack of athleticism on the outside, and was a big reason in why Tom Brady only threw for 209 yards.
Julian Edelman was held to only 30 yards receiving on 3 catches(!).
Mohamed Sanu only had 1 catch.
N’Keal Harry mustered 2 catches for 21 yards.
James White was the Patriots’ leading receiver, gaining 62 yards on 5 catches.
It was an improved defensive performance. Definitely nothing like the recent string of stinkers the Titans defense has put out on the field.
I haven’t even included the goal line stop from the Titans in the first half, in which Rashaan Evans put all of his 1st round talent on display.
What a goal line stand by the @Titans 😮 pic.twitter.com/8GWBDKd1R9
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 5, 2020
Neither have I included Logan Ryan’s pick 6 to seal the deal.
LOGAN RYAN WITH THE REVENGE PICK SIX 🔥 @RealLoganRyan
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/qvoZ5dfEeF
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 5, 2020
What a night for the Titans.
Bonus: Brett Kern’s Late Punt Downed at The 1
I don’t give Brett Kern the credit he’s due sometimes, which is a shame considering without him, the Titans would be in boatloads of trouble regarding field position.
Late in the game, the Titans had to punt with around 25 seconds left, clinging to a 14-13 lead.
Even though Tom Brady isn’t the same, he still has the habit of making January magic, so giving him absolutely no favors is a top priority.
That’s exactly what Brett Kern did with this beautiful punt.
WHAT A PUNT IN CLUTCH TIME 😱 pic.twitter.com/6Uu8L2soKd
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) January 5, 2020
He’s an All Pro for a reason.
UP NEXT: Baltimore Ravens
The Titans’ next opponent is far scarier than the Patriots.
They employ the likely league MVP, an improving defense, and loads of old bad blood that many in the Titans organization are familiar with.
It’ll be a tough challenge for the Titans, but I believe they’ll make it interesting.
They’ll have an easier time offensively , but will have much more of a challenge on the defensive side of the ball.
Lamar Jackson is an absolute handful, a handful no one in the league has put a stop to just yet.
It should be a fun game.
We’ll have more on that game as the week progresses.
