New England Patriots team grades vs Tennessee Titans Divisional Round

It was a mixed bag of sorts for the Patriots passing defense. The Titans stats aren’t horrible, which knocks down the grade some. However, at certain points of the game, the pass rush was just too much for the Titans offense to overcome.

It should be noted that the Patriots did have some injury luck. Marcus Mariota injured his quad in the first quarter, limiting his mobility, arguably his biggest strength. The Titans offensive line also got decimated by Jack Conklin tearing his ACL. Tight end Jonnu Smith also injured his knee, tearing his MCL.

Mariota did the best he could given the injury, completing 22-of-35 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Eric Decker led the way with six receptions for 85 yards, while rookie Corey Davis ended the season on a high note, catching five passes for 63 yards and his first two career touchdowns.

However, the Patriots pass rush crushed the hampered Mariota. New England had eight sacks, with six different players registering one. Geneo Grissom and Deatrich Wise Jr. each had two, while Marquis Flowers, Trey Flowers, Ricky Jean-Francois and Adam Butler all had one.

Mariota was hit 10 total times and had two passes defended. It was a difficult evening with his injury, and the Patriots took full advantage.