Best & Worst
of last night’s game
BEST SENSE OF TIMING: Stephon Gilmore read the play perfectly and deftly reached around Titans wide receiver Corey Davis to deflect a pass away midway through the first quarter.
WORST SIGHT IN THE TRENCHES: Titans right tackle Jack Conklin went down after Malcom Brown accidentally rolled into his left knee in the first quarter. The former first-round pick left the game and never returned.
BEST TIME TO CATCH YOUR FIRST CAREER TD PASS: Titans rookie wide receiver Corey Davis got a step on Malcolm Butler to haul in Marcus Mariota's 15-yard TD pass for the game's first score.
BEST RESPONSE: The Pats needed just seven plays to march 73 yards to tie the score at 7 on a 5-yard TD pass from Tom Brady to James White.
WORST TIME TO GET HAPPY FEET: Tennessee safety Brynden Trawick made a neutral zone infraction on fourth down, giving the Patriots a first down at their own 19. They made the Titans pay for it by driving the length of the field for a score to take a 21-7 lead
BEST BLINDSIDE BLOCK: Chris Hogan showed he was healthy, drilling an unsuspecting Wesley Woodyard to allow Dion Lewis to run for a few extra yards early in the second quarter.
BEST HOLE: The Pats' interior line opened a gaping hole and fullback James Develin sealed off linebacker Wesley Woodyard, allowing Brandon Bolden to trot into the end zone untouched for a 2-yard touchdown.
BEST SPIN OF AN OLDIE BUT A GOODIE: As several Titans defenders were jumping around trying to stay warm during a long commercial break, the PA began playing Foreigner's “Cold As Ice” to the delight of the crowd — many of whom joined in on the refrain.
BEST USE OF LEGS: Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota scrambled for two 11-yard runs for first downs on their way to the opening score.
WORST MESSAGE TO SEND YOUR TEAM: Trailing by 28 points early in the fourth quarter, Titans coach Mike Mularkey decided to punt on fourth-and-8 from the Tennessee 40-yard line. The ultimate concession speech to his floundering team.
WORST EXECUTION: The Titans decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 from the Pats' 46. Rather than bull up the middle, Derrick Henry tries to bounce it outside and was engulfed by a host of Patriots for a 5-yard loss.