5 things you need to know about the Titans vs. Patriots in Week 9

The ninth week of the 2024 NFL season is already underway, and the Tennessee Titans got smattering good news when the AFC South leading Houston Texans fell to the New York Jets, 21-13, on Thursday Night Football. The Jets are one of nine team that entered Week 9 with at least six losses. Both the 1-6 Tennessee Titans and 2-6 New England Patriots are on that list, and they clash Sunday in Nashville.

While Jerod Mayo’s team looks to build off last week’s 25-22 come-from-behind win over the Jets, Brian Callahan’s Titans will look to not only snap a three-game losing streak, but the unpleasant memories of last Sunday’s 52-14 loss at Detroit.

All-Time Series Record

These are two of the American Football League’s original eight franchises. Back in 1960, the Houston Oilers and Boston Patriots squared off for the first time. Of course, these clubs both have different overall names, and in the case of the Oilers, a totally new nom de guerre and city. It’s worth noting that these teams have split a total of four postseason games.

As for the modern spin, dating back to realignment in 2002, the Patriots have prevailed in eight of the last 10 overall meetings. That includes a 36-13 win at Gillette Stadium when these team last squared off. The Titans are hosting this series for the first time since 2018. Including playoffs, the Pats own a 26-18-1 lead in the series standings.

Quarterbacks: Tale of the Tape

Veteran Jacoby Brissett began the season as the team’s starting signal-caller, but Mayo opted for the switch in Week 6 and gave Drake Maye, the third overall pick in April’s draft, the nod. Maye cleared concussion protocol and will start versus the Titans. Brissett orchestrated last week’s game-winning drive vs. the Jets in the fourth quarter, but should return back to the bench as Maye's backup.

There hasn’t been much of a difference behind center between Will Levis and Mason Rudolph in terms of production. Both quarterbacks have had their share of problems taking care of the football and staying out of harm’s way. The duo has combined for seven touchdown passes and 10 interceptions, to go along with four lost fumbles, and have been sacked a combined 20 times. Rudolph is expected to start his third straight game with Levis still nursing a shoulder injury.

Defensive Analysis

Early in the season, the Patriots looked like a stout team against the run, but had their issues when it came to their secondary. It's been pretty much the opposite as of late as New England's run defense has hit the skids. All told, the Pats have allowed 20 offensive TDs in eight games, 10 rushing and 10 through the air. Even more disturbing is that more than half of those touchdowns (11) have come in the last three games.

How does a team that lost by 38 points (52-14) still own the number-one ranked defense in terms of fewest yards and fewest passing yards allowed per game? The biggest issue for the Titans last week was their punt and kickoff coverage units which gave up a combined 262 yards. Tennessee’s defensive unit allowed only 225 total yards. This team still has only three takeaways, zero in four of their seven outings.

Keys to the Game

Patriots: If Mayo’s team is to win its second straight game and second this season on the road, the Pats need to make life uncomfortable for Tennessee’s quarterback. New England may also be able to take advantage of a team that has had its issues in the second half. The Titans have allowed 196 points in seven games, 111 after intermission. Tennessee has been outscored 57-12 in the fourth quarter.

Titans: Regardless of who starts at quarterback, Callahan and offensive coordinator Nick Holz can’t afford to go ultraconservative despite the turnover issues behind center. This is a New England defense that has given up 158.2 yards per game rushing in their last six outings, so balance is the key for the Titans. Tony Pollard has had a solid year. He and the rest of the running back corps have not fumbled at all this season.

Titans Player to Watch

Dennard Wilson’s 3-4 defense features Arden Key at right outside linebacker. A one-time third-round draft choice of the Raiders back in 2018, he joined Tennessee a year ago and has found his niche. In last week’s losing effort at Detroit the game in which the Titans’ defensive unit surrendered only 225 total yards (albeit six offensive touchdowns), Wilson’s pass rush totaled a season-high four sacks. Key had two of those quarterback traps, and is now second on the team behind Harold Landry III (4.0) with three sacks.

The Titans are Key’s fourth NFL stop, and in 24 games with the franchise he has totaled 47 tackles, nine sacks, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery. Meanwhile, the Patriots have given up a disturbing 27 sacks in eight games. The seven-year veteran could create plenty of havoc in the New England backfield.