In an impressive return to Tennessee, Mike Vrabel led the New England Patriots to a convincing 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on October 19. This win improved the Patriots’ record to 5-2 for the season, showcasing a mix of solid offensive play and critical defensive stops.
Game Overview
The showdown took place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, with a kickoff time set for 1 p.m. ET. After a sluggish start from both teams, it was Drake Maye’s performance that ignited New England’s offense. The game also featured a pivotal scoop-and-score touchdown by K’Lavon Chaisson in the third quarter, which pushed the lead out of reach for the Titans.
Scoring Summary
- First Quarter:
- Titans: 49-yard field goal by Cam Ward – 3 : 0
- Patriots: 36-yard field goal by Andy Borregales – 3 : 3
- Second Quarter:
- Titans: 38-yard touchdown pass from Ward to Chimere Dike – 3 : 10
- Patriots: 5-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Austin Hooper – 10 : 10
- Titans: 50-yard field goal by Joey Slye – 10 : 13
- Patriots: 39-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Kayshon Boutte – 17 : 13
- Third Quarter:
- Patriots: 4-yard touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson – 24 : 13
- Patriots: K’Lavon Chaisson scoop-and-score – 31 : 13
Key Players
- Mike Vrabel: Head coach of the Patriots, returning to Tennessee.
- Drake Maye: Quarterback for the Patriots, instrumental in moving the offense.
- K’Lavon Chaisson: Key defensive player with a touchdown recovery.
- Rhamondre Stevenson: Running back who contributed significantly on the ground.
- Cam Ward: Titans’ quarterback who struggled against the Patriots’ defense.
Game Highlights
The Patriots deferred the kickoff, placing their defense on the field first. Ward’s initial completions helped the Titans secure an early lead, but Maye responded decisively to keep the Patriots competitive. Key plays included:
- A 39-yard touchdown catch by Boutte just before halftime.
- Stevenson’s touchdown in the second half that extended New England’s lead.
- Chaisson’s scoop-and-score that effectively sealed the game for the Patriots.
Conclusion
This 31-13 victory marks a successful return for Mike Vrabel, affirming the potential for the Patriots this season. With an improved record, the team looks ahead to upcoming challenges as they continue their quest for postseason success.
