Divisional Round Playoff Preview: Patriots v.s. Titans
And here comes another postseason for the Pats! The Patriots are playing the Titans for their divisional round matchup. With the way the Titans played near the end of the season, they should stand no chance in this one. But after last week it seems like they have a little bit of luck on their side. They’re going to need a whole lot more than a little bit of luck to come through with this one though.
No defense seems like an issue for the Patriots this season. The way they have been running the ball lately is something we haven’t seen since Corey Dillon. Dion Lewis never goes backwards, James White is like a wide receiver in the backfield, Rex Burkhead is a fantastic duel threat, and when he plays Mike Gillislee has been a great downhill runner. Those guys are going to be the key to this playoff run. I’m not saying I have no faith in Brady, and I’m really not worried about him. But if the backs can take some pressure off of him, and really open up some deep balls. Don’t expect it this game though. This will be a tedious grind it out game, especially with the rain that is coming this weekend.
When the Titans have the ball, the only worry should be Derrick Henry. If he can be stopped, the team can be stopped. DeMarco Murray being out is almost a blessing for the Titans, he has been god awful this year, and Henry is a monster. He is not easy to tackle, he’s huge, and he’s fast. If they find a way to stop him, Marcus Mariota will make mistakes. He is not ready for a game of this pressure, and he has thrown the third most interceptions this year. They do not need to do anything crazy to make him make mistakes. Take away the running back, take away the offense.
As much as I don’t want to count the Titans out, I don’t see this being close. The bye week seems like it definitely did the Patriots some good, helping them nurse many injured players back to full health for this playoff run. But the Pats will control the clock and there won’t be too much scoring. 27-13 Pats.
Written By: Jake Kobierski (@TheRealKobe83)