Eight takeaways from the Patriots’ Week 9 overtime loss to the Titans

In the running game, outside runs were once again an issue for the Patriots defense. All three of Pollard’s explosives were used on outside-of-the-tackle runs, with a game-planned crack-toss scheme in the Titans’ opening script going 32 yards on an opening touchdown for Tennessee.

After the game, the defense seemed satisfied that they had gotten the ball back to the offense and had a chance to win in overtime. But that ignored the context that the Titans had to settle for a field goal after botching a snap on third-and-2 from the NE 7.

Overall, the numbers don’t look as bad as they did in Week 7, as the Titans only managed a 32% success rate on 39 rush attempts. But there was still a London-like feeling in overtime, watching Tennessee win the game in 13 plays.

5. CB Christian Gonzalez shadows Titans WR Calvin Ridley

Another standout matchup in this game involved Christian Gonzalez, the Patriots’ top corner, shadowing the Titans’ number one receiver, Calvin Ridley. Gonzo shadowed Ridley on 24 passes, with the Titans catching three passes for 51 yards and Gonzalez in coverage. The Pats CB recorded a pass breakup in the first half due to a perfectly covered slot fade, but Ridley converted a crucial third down in overtime against Gonzalez’s man coverage. Yes, leverage rules apply. Still, one would like to see Gonzalez make a play on third-and-5 with the game on the line.

6. LB Jahlani Tavai plays best game of season in Nashville

Tavai’s play has come under fire this season without his partner Ja’Whaun Bentley on the second level of defense, including from this writer. However, Tavai was great on Sunday. The Pats linebacker led the team with 11 tackles, had a tip-drill interception, a five-yard TFL and a key QB hit. The Patriots defense needs this version of Tavai for the rest of the year.

7. The Patriots’ end-of-half offense needs work, starting with the coaches

My assessment of Van Pelt is that the Patriots offensive coordinator has moved in the right direction. Mainly, the AVPs had rookie quarterback Drake Maye on an upward trajectory, which is his top priority over in-game coaching. However, they still have to deal with the end of the first half and overall the game planning in the first half left a lot to be desired.

At the end of the first half, Maye completed two consecutive throws to WR Kendrick Bourne for 23 yards – the rookie got them moving. Then, on 2nd-and-1 with 1:38 left from the NE 38, Van Pelt prioritized first downs over gaining yards in the two-minute drill. From a philosophical point of view, I disagree with this approach. If you keep your foot on the gas on a 2nd and 1 pass, moving the chains will take care of itself. The clock and field position are your enemy there, not a new set down.

Instead, Van Pelt went off with a shootout on second down (stuff), followed by a loaded third down run with heavy personnel. If you want to prioritize the first one down there, you better get the yard. We’ve seen Maye lead successful two-minute drills before, and he’s been cooking, so putting him on hold at this point is a mystery.

And what does the cycle management plan look like? After the second down, the Patriots didn’t call a timeout, even though they had all three, so the third-down run came with 52 seconds left. Even if you get the first down on third down, you have about 47 seconds to cover another 30 yards or so. This is theoretically possible, but the entire sequence was poorly trained and executed.

The Patriots have routinely botched end-of-half scenarios this season. It either cost them chances to score points or even gave the other team points before half time.

8. Special teams take advantage of clear advantage over Titans

The Patriots’ special teams had an advantage in this game and made the most of it. Tennessee was the league’s worst special teams unit in DVOA this week and historically has poor punt coverage. The game began with an illegal formation penalty as the Titans jumped into action early on the first kickoff. Then Pats returner Marcus Jones had a 44-yard return and gave his offense great field position on a 25-yard return to set up the game-winning drive that took it to OT. The latter was also almost blocked by Ochaun Mathis, and Marcellas Dial also forced a fumble on a punt return. Jeremy Springer’s group won the field position battle.