5 KEYS TO VICTORY
Since the Patriots and
Titans met in that historically cold playoff game 14 years ago this week, they’ve been relative strangers, which adds some mystery to the divisional round matchup tonight at Gillette Stadium.
They’ve only met four times since that night, once every three years due to the divisional rotation, because the Titans fell into a long lull. Interestingly, the Titans’ victory last week against the Chiefs marked their first playoff win since the 2003 postseason, which had preceded their divisional round loss to the Patriots.
The Pats would like to keep that trend intact, and here are their five keys to a victory:
Gronk o’clock
Rob Gronkowski paced Brady's passing attack for the majority of the season with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games, and it'd be a shock if he didn't have a big night against the Titans. The visitors surrendered 76 catches for 853 yards and five touchdowns to tight ends in the regular season, and the Bills were the only playoff team that was worse covering tight ends. They consistently lost track of Travis Kelce (four catches, 66 yards, touchdown) last week before his concussion, so there'd have to be a major heel turn for the Titans to figure out a way to contain Gronk.
Protection plan
The Titans allowed 22.3 points per game, which is the worst among remaining playoff teams, and were ranked 25th in pass defense. But the Patriots have to keep that overbearing pass rush off Brady's back. The Titans' 43 sacks were the fifthmost in the NFL, while Brady's 35 sacks were the fourth-most of his career. Derrick Morgan (7.5 sacks) and Brian Orakpo (seven sacks) lead the charge off the edge, and defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (six sacks) is a load in the middle. The Patriots need Nate Solder to win one-on-one matchups because they'll probably have to devote extra help to the right side, where either Cameron Fleming or LaAdrian Waddle will start. The Pats also have to communicate effectively to combat the Titans' assortment of stunts and blitz patterns. This is a vital matchup.
You won’t like him when he’s angry
Tom Brady's character was assaulted last week, which really isn't anything new to the Patriots' 40-year-old quarterback. No, he doesn't need any additional motivation with his 35th playoff game on deck, but remember the emotion the Patriots displayed for Brady during the “on to Cincinnati” game in 2014 and his first home game after his Deflategate suspension in 2016. This is Brady's stage for a host of reasons, and it's where the five-time Super Bowl champion has defined his career. With another crack at the defense of Dick
LeBeau, whom he has beaten on six of eight tries, more playoff wins (25) and records than any quarterback in history and an even greater chip on his shoulder, this could be another memorable postseason performance for Brady.
Born to run
Dion Lewis had a career season with 1,110 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns, and he'll be important to help ward off that Titans pass rush. However, the Titans had the fourthranked run defense, so this is strength against strength. On the other side, the Titans will again load up on Derrick Henry, who just had the best game of his career with 23 carries for 156 yards and a touchdown. DeMarco Murray is out with a knee injury, so Henry better stay healthy because the Titans' next three leading rushers are a quarterback, cornerback and wide receiver. Quarterback Marcus Mariota didn't have a great season, so it's worth wondering if he'll succumb to the big stage if Henry can't help him with a big performance. The team with the better running back will have a great chance of moving to the AFC Championship Game.
Point taken
The Titans are heavy underdogs, but they're 7-4 in games that were decided by one possession, including last week's comeback against the Chiefs after trailing 21-3. So the Patriots have to play a full 60 minutes and score when the opportunities present themselves because the Titans are tough and confident in close situations. They're also ranked 10th in red-zone defense, where the Pats offense is ranked fifth. That'll be a key element because it's hard to imagine the Titans having a chance if it's a shootout. And if that Titans' pass rush leads to a turnover in Patriots territory, the visitors will create added scoring chances. This game will be all about maximizing opportunities. If the Pats do that, they'll win by multiple scores.