Patriots lose stunner to Titans, 20-13, in first round of NFL playoffs

Washington Post ^ | January 4, 2020 | Sam Fortier

[EdnaMode]

A team quarterbacked by Ryan Tannehill beat Tom Brady’s Patriots in the playoffs in Foxborough. It was the second straight shocking loss for the Patriots, and it ended a season that started with so much promise and hope behind a historically good defense.

The Titans rode the NFL rushing champion, Derrick Henry, to the win. His 178 yards on the ground were the most for a player in the playoffs since Colin Kaepernick had 181 as the San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback in 2013.

This home loss in the wild-card is uncharacteristic for the Patriots. It prompts questions about the continued viability of a dynasty that began in 2001. One of the main characters, Brady, is now a free agent, and though it seems unlikely, it’s possible one of the greatest quarterbacks ever has played his last game with the only franchise he’s ever known.

[taterjay]

I know Brady has accepted things salary wise to accomodate having better players in the past. And you can say that it was beneficial for him. 3 more Super Bowls.

I just think at some point regardless of how good of shape he is in physically, he is increasingly limited by his age. A split second here with a pass, a split second dodging a lineman or blitz. He doesn’t have to get hurt or anything, it just comes down to the lines are that fine in the NFL.

[Vermont Lt]

Well, his piss pissed him away.

[Dr. Sivana]

Edelman was so clutch for so many years and so many big games. Eay better than Moss.

I actually agree, but an argument can be made by others for numbers crunching. But Jerry Rice was at least as clutch. As a Rams fan I saw it live. You could KNOW what the play was going to be, and it didn't matter. Jerry Rice would be open. He would catch the ball thrown by Montana or Young. He would get a few or a whole lot of yards depending on what the team needed. Maddening, and worthy of respect.

[kearnyirish2]

Yes, other players in other sports have done the same - forego some salary to keep some good players together.

Age is definitely a factor, as is understanding the opposition; he may have just played so long he can be countered with good coaching. That is primarily how the Giants beat the Patriots twice; they reduced Tom Brady to a very average quarterback. He himself complained about the Giants defense; they had his number (both times), and kept the score low.

[inchworm]

It’s just tough sports talk.

[taterjay]

Yes, I agree with that. Throw in a miniscule less velocity on a throw, a millisecond more in decision making, and a quarter step less quickness and he would be very very average. As defenses sense vulnerability, they begin to lick their chops.

Does Tom want that?? How long would fans tolerate that??? It comes down to that.

If not for an offsides on KC, Tom would have ended last season with an interception and 3 for that game. Didn’t I see the stat late in the game yesterday, that of his last 92 passes in the playoffs, none were for touchdowns?

[Berlin_Freeper]

Titans vs. Patriots Wild Card Round Highlights | NFL 2019 Playoffs

[Berlin_Freeper]

If Brady had his deflated (in the bathroom) cheater purse instead of a regulation NFL football, then he could of drilled it to where it needed to be.

[kearnyirish2]

I only saw the last few plays, so I didn’t see the stats in question - but I wouldn’t be surprised.

I believe it was the second Super Bowl in which the Giants beat them where Gronk was playing injured (with a large bandage on one ankle; the Patriots offense just didn’t work.

[ilgipper]

AB may be getting railroaded by this lady, but he still acted out two weeks into his time in NE. He did himself no favors, and continues to do himself no favors on social media.

That said, given what Belichek saw the at the time in terms of a lack of receiving talent around Brady, I am surprised they cut bait so quickly. The cake on their season was nearly baked with that move as you can’t find talent of AB’s caliber mid-season.