Patriots' keys to defeating the Titans in Week 10

The New England Patriots undoubtedly quieted a lot of naysayers by beating the New York Jets last Sunday in Foxborough, and in doing so responded to coach Jerod Mayo labeling his team as “soft” after a Week 7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London.

What made this win over the Jets all the more impressive is New England did so after quarterback Drake Maye left the game in the second quarter with a concussion. His status for Sunday’s game in Nashville is still up in the air.

But as we all know, even after a win, you’ve got to turn the page quickly, and that next chapter in the story of the 2024 Patriots is a road contest against the 2-6 Titans, a team just as hungry for a win.  Can the Patriots get out of Tennessee with a victory and start - gasp - a winning streak? Most certainly. But only if they execute these three crucial factors. 

Patriots must run the football effectively

Yes, Rhamondre Stevenson played the role of hero in the win over the Jets, scoring the game-winning touchdown and catching a crucial two-point conversion. But he was held to 42 yards on 20 carries, and when you’re trying to develop a young quarterback, that’s not good enough. 

Tennessee’s run defense has been solid through eight weeks, yielding 113.9 yards per contest and only seven touchdowns on the ground. Stevenson needs to have a better output than he did against the Jets if New England’s offense is going to move the football. 

If the ball comes the Patriots' way, they best catch it

I’m looking at you, wide receiver room. For all the talking this group does on social media, they’re sure not backing it up on the field on a consistent basis.  That needs to change, especially with the trade deadline coming Nov. 5 and the Patriots likely to be shopping guys and looking to upgrade certain positions. 

Kayshon Boutte made a clutch catch on the winning drive against the Jets on a 3rd and long, so look for him to potentially have a big game, along with Demario Douglas. Kendrick Bourne, a veteran, needs to emerge as a leader among this group. 

Patriots must be stout on the defensive end

This Tennessee offense doesn’t exactly resemble the early 2000s group that featured Eddie George and the late Steve McNair running over opposing defenses. The Titans have been dreadful offensively, averaging 17 points per game while putting up 300 total yards per contest.

The Patriots’ defense cannot afford to make Will Levis look like the second coming of McNair. It’d be very easy to have a letdown after stopping Aaron Rodgers and company, so this much-maligned Patriots’ defense has to have another strong outing.