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.

[pepsi_junkie]

When the Pats lost to the Eagles Brady didn’t sign Nick Foles hand, he just ran off. Bad sport.

[Dr. Sivana]

And yet give the Patriots the only chance to still win the game, albeit the chances were remote.

Think of all the fourth down Hail Mary interceptions that were caught instead of batted down. At a primal level, you pick off the ball, and go to the end zone.

[eyedigress]

Sounds like your pissed the Patriots lost.

[Dr. Sivana]

Fred Biletnikoff was better.

I'll throw in the Rams' Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (who ran up 1980s all-pro numbers in the 1950s) to stay with a west coast theme.

[dfwgator]

I admit I would have liked to have seen Brady prove the doubters wrong, like he’s always done. But eventually everyone reaches the end of the line.

[yldstrk]

Not good.

[eyedigress]

He didn’t lose it. It was a defensive struggle and his targets were much less than some years.

TN has very good defense and Henry is a one man wrecking crew.

[clintonh8r]

I predict he’ll be back.

With the Pats.

Kraft will want him to stay even if Grumpy Lobster Boat Captain doesn’t.

[Mariner]

White, Gordon & Dorsett.

[Robert DeLong]

lost should be loss. 8>) One of those nights I guess. 8>)

[pepsi_junkie]

When the Pats lost to the Eagles Brady didn’t sign shake Nick Foles hand, he just ran off. Bad sport.

Had to fix that/

[dp0622]

He’s gonna go somewhere and do very well next year.

The first thing to go is speed. He NEVER had any.

The last thing to go is strength. He has plenty still.

Not many good receivers this year.

No one wins a game alone.

2 or 3 years at another team that hasnt been to playoffs in forever might be fun for him.

[dfwgator]

I would go as far to say, if Edelman doesn’t drop that pass, the Patriots at least take the lead, if not win the game.

[yldstrk]

Yes

[GnuThere]

Yes, I also saw him shake hands.
Then he didn’t hang around, can’t blame him.

[dfwgator]

He didn’t want it to be about him. He wanted the Titans players to have the spotlight, which they deserved.

Some people just can’t get over their BDS.

[yldstrk]

Me too.

[eyedigress]

Maybe so. It was that spectacular pass from South Carolina’s Tannehill that clinched it, IMHO.

[DHerion]

Excellent receivers? Seriously? No TE and your best WR is a 34 yr old slot receiver.

[dfwgator]

I certainly hope it doesn’t end like Unitas’ career in San Diego.