The Patriots take on a Tennessee Titans team that just fired their head coach earlier in the week and will be without their best receive, Calvin Ridley.
On paper, the Patriots are the better team and they should take care of business. Executing early and winning one on one match ups will once again be the key.
Here are five match-ups to watch in today’s game.
Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson vs. Titans offensive tackles: The Titans offensive line has struggled to protect rookie quarterback Cam Ward this season. The Patriots will have distinct advantage in this area and should get consistent pressure on Ward.
Patriots secondary vs. Cam Ward: Disguising is the name of the game today. The Patriots have to move around pre and post snap in the secondary and confuse Ward. He has been holding the ball a lot thus far and he tends to take sacks. The Patriots have to get him on the move and force him into bad decisions.
Stefon Diggs vs. L’Jarius Sneed: Sneed is an elite level corner and a player who can match up against the other team’s best receiver. He will mostly be matched up on Diggs today, especially when Diggs lines up at the X. The Patriots will have to move Diggs around to get him away from Sneed at times if they want him to have a big game.
Interior offensive line vs. Jeffery Simmons: Simmons has been one of the bright spots for the Titans this season. He is tied for the league lead in sacks by a defensive tackle with 4.5. He routinely gets pressure and he can impact both your running game plan and your passing game plan. He is truly a game wrecker. The interior offensive the offensive line will have to play well today and hold up against one of the elite interior defensive lineman in the NFL.
Drake Maye vs. the Titans secondary: Despite having Sneed, the Titans secondary has struggled to defend the vertical passing game this season. The Titans defense has allowed 222 yards and a 50% completion percentage on deep passes this season, tied for the 4th-highest of any defense. The Patriots could once again be aggressive in the vertical passing game again this week. Look for Josh McDaniels to call shot plays early.