The Tennessee Titans are in the Playoffs with a 9 -7 record. They have won 5 of their last 7 games and lost those two games by a combined 13 points. Not bad.
Earlier in the season, however, the team seemed to be in the sea without a sail. That’s until Ryan Tannehill asserted himself as the starter.
Since starting, Ryan has thrown for 22 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Throwing for over 20 touchdowns is a feat Ryan hasn’t achieved since 2015.
The stats don’t lie: Ryan has 3 games throwing for 3 touchdowns and 6 with 2 touchdowns. It’s important to note that last year he was playing with the Dolphins who finished the season 7-9.
This week, the Titans face the New England Patriots (12-4). The Patriots, with a stout defense, have accounted for 47 sacks and 25 interceptions (Pro-Football-Reference.com). It’s common sense to know that they’ll try to overwhelm a resurgent Ryan Tannehill with blitz (he’s been blitz 104 times this year). Bill understands that Ryan will have gaps in his play with his new team. He will definitely exploit this.
But. Derrick Henry.
Derrick Henry is a grown man amongst boys. This year he has rushed for 1,540 yards and 16 touchdowns. His rushing ability will be taxing on the Patriots’ defense. Henry has only went 4 games, out of those in which he played, without a touchdown (15 games).
The Titans last 5 matchups with the Patriots:
- Jan 13, 2018. @NWE 35, TEN 14
- Nov 11, 2018 NWE 10, @TEN 34
- Dec 20, 2015 @NWE 33, TEN 16
- Sep 9, 2012 NWE 34, @TEN 13
- Oct 18, 2009 @NWE 59, TEN 0
(Pro-football-reference.com)
What’s your Prediction?
I’m going with the Patriots 27 – Titans 24. This a shaky prediction in that the Titans may become that unwelcomed guess that won’t leave without a fight.
Photo: . (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski)
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