Patriots Put the Titans in a Timeout
October 21, 2025
The 4-2 Patriots visit Tennessee with a goal to embarrass the 1-5 Titans. The Titans have been at the bottom of the leaderboard, just above the Jets who sit at 0-7, struggling to keep their momentum alive. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been taking down top 10 teams, an unexpected twist since Tom Brady’s departure, so they weren’t exactly feeling threatened heading into week 7.
The Titans received the ball to start the game and fired the ball downfield before getting trapped, forced to kick a field goal from 49-yards away. Not a great start for them. The Patriots replied with a good start on the ground with Stevenson and Maye, able to get the snap off with 1 second on the play clock. Unfortunately, he was immediately sacked, which forced the Patriots to settle with a field goal as well. Ward then fired downfield to Chimere Dike, twice, for a total of 56 yards and a touchdown. The Patriots come back with more yards on the ground before being forced to punt. By the end of the first quarter, the Titans were only able to get a few yards in and it was starting to feel like they would never gain any traction.
When the second quarter rolls around, the Titans are stopped and are forced to punt the ball away yet again. The Patriots gained some momentum averaging 11 yards a play this drive before Maye found Austin Hooper in the corner of the endzone for an easy 6 points. The Titans try to push their way downfield as well, but get stopped and have to kick their second field goal of the day. At the end of the second quarter, Maye finds Kayshon Boutte open downfield for a touchdown. Again, an easy 6 points.
To open the 3rd quarter the Patriots find themselves in the red zone with a clutch one-hand catch from DeMario Douglas, which allows Rhamondre Stevenson to find his way in for a touchdown. Right after, the Patriots defensive line worked their way into the backfield and sacked Cam Ward, forcing a scoop and score midway through the 3rd quarter. The very next drive Cam Ward is sacked yet again, killing any fire they were attempting to build. Lucky for him, the defense retaliated during the next drive, sacking Maye, and forcing a punt. But it didn’t really matter because the Titans struggled for the remainder of the 3rd quarter and weren’t able to get into the endzone or field goal range.
Early in the 4th quarter, the Titans sacked Maye, making for a quick 3-and-out. The Titans are able to finally make it downfield, but are stopped at 3rd&14. They’re given the crucial decision to punt again or go for a desperation attempt late…it goes nowhere. They’re feeling good when the Patriots find themselves in a similar situation, deciding to punt. Cam Ward then comes in, throws an interception that will seal that game.
I was personally expecting this game to be back and forth punts after how things started, but the Patriots proved me wrong early enough. With New England moving up to 5-2 and Tennessee down to 1-6, how will this affect both teams going into week 8?v
Chris, Guest Author
The Goal Line Grind 