The New England Patriots enter this week's game against the Tennessee Titans as heavy favorites, but they can't overlook any opponent with a first-round bye on the line. Recent injuries will cause the Patriots to adjust, as well, which could possibly lead to some struggles.
The Titans are in contention for the No. 1 overall pick, but tanking isn't in the cards. They'll look to spoil the Patriots' outstanding season and come away with the biggest upset of 2015. Getting pressure on Tom Brady is something the Titans must do.
Here are three keys to the game for both the Titans and the Patriots.
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1. Play with some urgency
The Titans put forth a listless performance last week against the Jets, with tight end Delanie Walker suggesting some members of the team were taking plays off. While that's never acceptable, playing with anything less than a total effort against the defending Super Bowl champions will get Tennessee blown out once again. The Titans need to be engaged from the outset, or last week's 27-0 halftime deficit may seem reasonable by comparison.
2. Help the secondary by generating a pass rush
The Titans pass defense, while still ranked in the top 10 thanks to its early-season strength, has been particularly weak of late. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 263 yards and threw touchdowns last week, while Titans allowed Jacksonville quarterback Blake Bortles to throw for 322 yards and five touchdowns a week earlier. Tennessee's secondary has suffered in the absence of cornerback Jason McCourty, who is out after having season-ending groin surgery, but those who remain would benefit from some assistance from the team's pass rush. The Titans have a combined three sacks over the last two weeks with Derrick Morgan out of the lineup. That has to improve. Putting pressure on Tom Brady will help to alleviate some of the burden on Tennessee's corners.
3. Establish the threat of the run with Mariota
The rookie quarterback has demonstrated he can be an effective runner, as evidenced by his 87-yard touchdown run against the Jaguars two weeks. Beyond him, the Titans, who ran for 24 yards on 13 carries last week, don't have anyone who will make New England remotely nervous. The Patriots will try to keep Mariota in the pocket to make him one-dimensional, but if he can break free for a few decent gains early in the game, it should open things up in the passing game.
1. Determine who will take over for LeGarrette Blount
The Patriots lost yet another key player this week, placing LeGarrette Blount on season-ending injured reserve with a hip injury. Now, it'll be up to Brandon Bolden and James White to step up and fill in. Bolden is the bigger back and is more likely to carry it between the tackles, but the Patriots need to determine who will step up in the backfield. The Titans aren't the biggest threat to New England, so it's a good chance to figure out the running back situation.
2. Generate pressure with just four pass rushers
Only the San Francisco 49ers have allowed more sacks than the Titans this season. The Patriots, on the other hand, have sacked the quarterback more than every team other than the Denver Broncos. It's a recipe for disaster for the Titans and it could be a long day for Marcus Mariota. The Patriots should be able to generate plenty of pressure with four pass rushers, allowing seven to drop into coverage.
3. Protect Tom Brady with extra blockers in the backfield
The Patriots' offensive line has dealt with its fair share of struggles, allowing the 11th-most sacks in the league. The Titans can also get after the quarterback, so New England will need to use Bolden and their running backs to block for Brady. Additionally, going with two tight end sets can help, leaving Scott Chandler in to block while slipping Rob Gronkowski out as a receiver. Keeping Brady upright is key in this one.
