New England Patriots vs Tennessee Titans NFL Preview for Sunday Plus Latest Football and Racing News
The New England Patriots are set to face the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, marking a significant matchup in the NFL season. Head coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee, where he previously coached from 2018 to 2023, sets the stage for an intriguing narrative. This game comes shortly after the Titans dismissed Brian Callahan, making him the first head coach fired this season.
Recent Coaching Changes and Their Impact
In the last ten seasons, 23 NFL coaches have been fired or resigned in-season. The outcomes for the teams after these changes have been mixed, with a record of 10 wins and 12 losses straight up, and a slightly better record of 11 wins and 11 losses against the spread (ATS) in their next games. Home teams in this situation have an underwhelming 4-5 record straight up and 5-4 ATS.
Struggles of the Titans
- Tennessee has a dismal 1-5 record this season, with 0-2 at home.
- The Titans’ last 25 games show a staggering 5-20 ATS record, with Callahan achieving the worst mark under any head coach in the Super Bowl era.
- They are currently averaging 232.3 yards and only 13.8 points per game.
Interim coach Mike McCoy faces a tough challenge. An upset win over the Patriots as more than a 5-point underdog could be monumental. This matchup contrasts with Vrabel’s record of 4-2 for the Patriots, including an impressive 3-0 on the road. Notably, Vrabel aims to secure the team’s first three consecutive regular-season road wins since 1961.
Quarterback Performances
Drake Maye, the second-year quarterback for the Patriots, is gaining momentum in the MVP conversation. He recently tied his career high with three touchdown passes against the New Orleans Saints and has five consecutive games with a passer rating exceeding 100.
- Maye has a clear advantage with a 67.8% completion rate on long throws (over 10 yards).
- The Titans allow a 58.7% completion rate on similar throws, ranking 31st in the league.
On the other side, rookie Cam Ward, the Titans’ No. 1 overall pick, has struggled to find form. He has more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three) and faced challenges behind an ineffective offensive line. Last Sunday, he completed a career-high 68.4% of his passes but averaged only 5.8 yards per attempt. The Titans have also had issues sustaining drives, scoring just one touchdown in 37 first-half possessions this season.
Defensive Matchup
The Patriots boast a formidable run defense, allowing only 3.5 yards per carry and ranking third in that category. The Titans are permitting 4.5 yards per carry, which may provide an opportunity for the Patriots to exploit their run game.
- Tennessee’s offensive struggles include averaging 31% of plays reaching third and long situations.
- The team has not given a running back over 50 yards this season.
Game Outlook
As the Patriots prepare to visit the Titans, the revenge narrative surrounding Vrabel’s return could fuel a strong performance. New England’s offensive strategy may adapt based on situational flow, but the offensive woes of the Titans bolster their chances. The Patriots appear poised to capitalize on advantageous field positions due to Tennessee’s inability to maintain drives.
This game could solidify New England’s progress as they try to further distance themselves from past seasons. With Maye’s current form and the Titans in disarray, expectations are high for a significant Patriots victory this Sunday.
