NFL: New England defense bullies Tennessee in 36-13 win for sixth straight win
Bill Belichick’s specialty has long been the defense of the game, and it was on full display when the Pats were forced to move into four turns to win.
Faced with a Titans team that lacks 2020 Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry as well as their two best players – Julio Jones and AJ Brown – New England ended the game with three fumbles along with Interceptor by Ryan Tannehill.
Though the game was tight going into the first half – when New England had a slight 16-13 lead – with the Patriots struggling to contain Tennessee’s ongoing game. Even without Henry, the Titans’ defense still has many holes in the New England defence. Belichick was asked after the game about the first half and gave a clear, concise answer on defense.
“They did a better job coaching than us. We had to coach and play better,” Belichick said.
The Pats’ defense turned the game around after the break, though, as they knocked the Titans out in the second half and successively regained the ball for rookie defender Mac Jones and fouled.
The Jones-led foul came in the Patriots’ six-game winning streak as his pass catchers became more accustomed to offensive behavior – New England took the lead over their opponents by the scoreline. 211-63 in a winning streak.
The arrival of wide receiver Kendrick Bourne has become a story worth watching as he and Jones are finding their way. QB threw Bourne two touchdowns in the win, and that connection has become clear to many more than just Patriots fans.
“KB is like an energy bunny, man,” Andrews of the Patriots said of Bourne. “I think it’s like a Labrador. Like a Golden Retriever. I’ve had those dogs before. They’re always happy, you know? Even if you fix them or catch them, they’re the same.” Okay. YES. YES. I will finish. ‘ KB is awesome. “
While Pats’ trademark, steadfast defense has remained prominent throughout the series, rookie QB Jones’ evolution has been a major reason for the team’s optimism so far. Tom Brady’s heir has limited his mistakes as he continues to learn and rely on the team’s opportunistic defense.
“It was fantastic. I think they played great, and they always get the takeaways,” Jones said after the game. “It’s only a matter of time. Once that happens, it changes the dynamics of the game and they’ve been doing it all year.
“The goal is not to turn the tide of attack and do what they did today and get the four drawn. You can see how much they play together and celebrate, and that’s exciting. We have to take advantage of that and score them and not overturn the ball as well.
“It’s a kind of ups and downs and flows. They’ve done a great job and we have a great defence, and it’s nice to have those guys with us.”
With a record of 8-4, the Patriots are in second place in the AFC rankings after the Baltimore Ravens with a score of 8-3.
Both the Patriots and the Bucs are on eight wins, and that has many fans and pundits wondering: is fate ready for a potential reunion at Super Bowl 56?
Only time will tell.
