Kickoff: The Patriots will look to make it two in a row today when they visit the Tennessee Titans. New England will have rookie quarterback Drake Maye back who has been cleared after being in concussion protocol. He will face a defense that brings a lot of pressure and is tough to deal despite their record. 

Here are four keys for the Patriots.

1st Down: Blitz pick-up: Tennessee’s defensive line is tough to deal with. Add to that their pressure packages and they put a lot of stress on opposing offensive lines. The offensive line will need to communicate and they must be on the same page or else the Patriots will struggle to throw the ball. 

2nd Down: Smart throwing the ball: The Titans have the best pass defense in the NFL. They lead the league in pass defense, allowing 151.6 yards per game, and rank third at 5.6 yards per pass play. They will be without L’Jarius Snead today but their secondary is still talented and they ball hawk. Quick passes, play-action passes that cut the field in half and moving the pocket for Drake Maye are the safest ways to make plays in the passing game.

3rd Down: Throw Rudolph off his spot: The Patriots have to get consistent pressure on veteran quarterback Mason Rudolph and get him off his spot. The Titans passing game has been awful despite Rudolph’s quality play. Only the Patriots average fewer yards through the air than the 161.9 that Tennessee puts up. The Patriots should have no problem defending Rudolph and Tennessee’s limited passing game.

4th Down: Hold up against the run: The Patriots run defense was better last week but stopping the run has still been an issue. The Titans racked up 158 yards on the ground last week against the Lions. Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are a potent one, two punch and they are the center piece of Brian Callahan’s offense. Run fits, getting off of blocks and getting multiple hats to the ball will be key today for the Patriots.  

Extra Point: The Patriots lead the overall regular season and postseason series 26-18-1. They are 19-7-1 in home games against the Titans but are 7-11 in road games, including 2-2 in games played in Tennessee after the team moved from Houston.

Final Drive: The Patriots have a golden opportunity to make it two in a row. They need to get off to a good start and sustain that quality play for four quarters. This game will be won along the line of scrimmage. The Patriots must win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball or they will lose. It is really that simple.