The Patriots take on the Titans and triumph!

T’was the night before… actually it’s a little bit early for that, let’s get down to business on this chilly Monday morning shall we!? The Patriots hosted the Titans and got themselves a sixth straight win!

Not only is it the sixth win, Sunday saw the sixth undefeated November that the Patriots have completed under Coach Bill Belichick. 

And, whilst we are talking numbers, the Patriots spent the game against the Titans, driving. Ten drives to one punt. Not a bad ratio, huh?

But, whilst all those numbers are rather good, we can’t ignore some of the facts. The stats might look attractive, with a 36 to 13 win, but it wasn’t exactly an easy match up.

Even with an overall depleted crew the Titans didn’t just roll over and let the Patriots take the win. Their defense was still reasonably strong against the run and held the Patriots to 105 rushing yards. 

Contrast to that, the Titans managed 270 rushing yards, which in all fairness shows the lack of “picture painting” statistics can do sometimes. The Patriots defense generally played well. Kyle Van Noy batted down passes,  Devin Godchaux went fists in to knock a ball loose, and Kyle Dugger was quick on the recovery, and that was just in the second quarter! The third saw JC Jackson punching the ball loose, and Jalen Mills with the recovery to shut down a big run by the Titans.

Whilst Hunter Henry provided some good blocking, he was plagued by tight coverage, and only managed 2 receptions for 16 yards. Mac was not dropping dimes all game and his first quarter throw to Hunter in the end zone was just too high. 

Meanwhile, Jonnu Smith had perhaps one of his better games as a Patriot, with 49 receiving yards. His best since the Jets game at Gillette, and second best in yardage for the whole season. Although it wasn’t a roaring success, it was still glimpses of what the guy can do, and a chance to show that he is worth his two cents (okay his many, many cents but you get my point). 

Star of the show has to be Kendrick Bourne and his dainty feet! His 41 yard after the catch run was rather pretty, and in stark contrast to such prettiness, was the savage and awesome block Jakobi Meyers put down to assist Bourne in the touchdown resulting run!

So, if you’re keeping note, the Patriots are presently at 8 – 4, top of the AFC East, and second in the AFC. And we are on to Buffalo!

Go Pats!