Key Takeaways from Patriots Preseason Finale vs. Titans

Description

Discover vital insights from the Patriots vs. Titans preseason finale. Learn about run defence, pass protection, standout players, and more.

Introduction

The New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans just ended their preseason games in a clash dominated by reserve players and those vying for a roster berth. 

The Titans won the game 23-7, leaving the Patriots with a preseason record of 1-2. The emphasis now moves to the regular season, which begins in less than two weeks.

This preseason finale, however, was crucial for numerous Patriots players vying for berths on either the 53-man roster or the 16-man practice squad. 

Players like Calvin Munson, Ronnie Perkins, and Sam Roberts made strong arguments for themselves with notable performances.

The following are the important takeaways from the preseason finale:

1. Run Defence Arrives Early

Following a dismal performance against the Packers the week before, the Patriots' run defence got off to a solid start in the last preseason game. 

Among those who stood out were Anfernee Jennings, Calvin Munson, and Daniel Ekuale. The Patriots limited the Titans to -1 running yards on eight tries in the first two possessions. 

They controlled the line of scrimmage and played with remarkable energy, which was undoubtedly fuelled by coach criticism after allowing 119 running yards in Green Bay.

While the majority of the standouts in run defence were backups, players like Christian Barmore and Carl Davis, who will be part of the starting defence, saw early action as well. 

Sam Roberts was very disruptive, recording a sack, two tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. 

Munson, known mostly as a core special teamer, demonstrated unexpected defensive playmaking abilities, potentially winning him a spot on the roster.

Although the defence was unable to maintain its early pace, allowing three 10-play drives that culminated in two scores, the early success against the run was encouraging

2. Pass Protection Issues Continue

While the run defence improved, the pass protection exhibited issues similar to those experienced in the game against Green Bay. 

The Titans recovered a strip sack on the Patriots' second possession of the game. Andrew Stueber was beaten on the edge, and Bailey Zappe originally avoided the pressure but was forced to fumble by a Titans defender. 

This turnover was comparable to one from the prior week.

With a stop inside the red zone, the Patriots' defence held the Titans to a 6-0 lead in the first half. 

On the Patriots' following play, though, pass protection troubles returned, resulting in another sack on Zappe and forcing the team to punt.

Riley Reiff's injury in the second quarter may have exacerbated the offensive line problems. The offensive line is a major concern as the regular season approaches, with many injuries stacking up.

3. Marte Mapu's Debut

 Rookie Draft Pick Marte Mapu made his debut in this game with four tackles. Mapu had been wearing a red jersey at the start of camp while recovering from off-season pec surgery. 

He was held out of last week's game but got his chance against the Titans, largely as a safety.

Mapu had both ups and downs in his debut NFL game, as predicted. He missed an early tackle but came up big on third down in the red zone, preventing a touchdown. 

While it's difficult to envision Mapu overtaking the top four veteran safety in terms of playing time, his size and instincts make him a valuable asset for the future.

4. Backup Offence Has Limited Success

With the exception of a 23-yard catch-and-run by Thyrick Pitts, Bailey Zappe and the Patriots' backup offence struggled to generate any productivity in this contest. 

Trace McSorley took over for Zappe momentarily in the second quarter, but he returned for more shots in the third.

Despite Malik Cunningham taking quarterback snaps, the Patriots' offence remained static for the majority of the game. With so many starters absent, it's difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. 

Cunningham, Pitts, and Raleigh Webb were the team's receivers, although they only combined for three catches. 

Zappe ended the game 8-of-15 for 57 yards and four sacks after entering the game in the fourth quarter. In total, the offence only had eight first downs in the game.

5. Getting Ready for the Regular Season

The Patriots' focus now moves to the Week 1 start against the Philadelphia Eagles in just over two weeks, following the conclusion of their third preseason game. 

The extra time will be beneficial in getting important players, particularly those on the offensive line, healthy and ready. Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu, the projected starting guards, returning would considerably boost the offensive line. 

However, with injuries hurting the depth chart, the right tackle position remains doubtful.

Despite these obstacles, the Patriots had a successful summer. The defence, which has some new faces, appears to be ready for the season, while the offence appears to be revitalized under Bill O'Brien's direction. 

The regular season will be the ultimate litmus test for how these components fit together when the games start to matter.

To summarize, while the Patriots fell short in this preseason finale, the attention now shifts to the regular season, where the team will have the opportunity to exhibit its full potential.

FAQs

 When does the Patriots' regular season begin?

The Patriots' regular season begins in just over two weeks.

What players stood out the most in the preseason finale?

Calvin Munson, Ronnie Perkins, and Sam Roberts were among the players that stood out in the preseason finale.

What were the Patriots' primary problems in this game?

The Patriots struggled with pass protection, and the offensive line was hindered by injuries.

Marte Mapu made his debut, how did he fare?

Marte Mapu made an impression in his debut, recording four tackles and demonstrating good coverage skills.

What can we expect from the Patriots this season?

During the preseason, the Patriots defence and offence both showed potential. The regular season will put their abilities to the ultimate test.