Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
It's been fairly obvious that Tom Brady and the rest of the New England offense has not been firing on all cylinders. They head into the game tomorrow sporting a very mediocre 3-2 record. They've been involved in tight games for every game so far except the 26-10 win over the Atlanta Falcons in week 3. By most accounts, you would be getting ready for another barn burner when you originally looked at the schedule and see that they're playing the Tennessee Titans, but you'd be wrong. The New England Patriots, along with Tom Brady and the rest of the offense, will finally bust out of their shell and put up great offensive numbers.
Tennessee Titans:
The Titans enter the game 0-5 and fully deserve that record. While the Titans may be middle of the pack, 17th overall, in offensive yards per game, they are nearly at the bottom, 24th overall, for points scored with 16.8 per game. Chris Johnson is having a very good sophomore season rushing for 468 yards for 6 yards per carry. What hasn't been great are the meager two rushing touchdowns so far. Rushing the ball isn't the problem on offense. They're putting the ball in Kerry Collins hands far to much as he's already thrown 7 interceptions and an awful 67.4 passer rating. He's been so bad, many people are already looking to bench Collins and put Vince Young back in as starter.
What's been killing the Titans the most is their defense. They rank 23rd overall in team defense. They rank next to last, 31st overall, in pass defense allowing a whopping 287.6 yards per game through the air. They have zero pass rush, thanks in part to the departures of Albert Hayensworth and former defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. They've also been hit hard by the injury bug. Already they've had Nick Harper, Courtland Finnegan, Michael Griffin, Jevon Kearse, Jason Jones & Vincent Fuller miss time. Courtland Finnegan, the Pro Bowl corner back, and Michael Griffin, the Pro Bowl safety, may both miss the game against the Patriots. If that's the case, and Brady is allowed the time in the pocket every other QB taking on the Titans has had, then watch out. Brady could easily top 400 yards and 3 touchdown passes.
New England Patriots:
The weather in Foxboro is supposed to be pretty nasty for the 4:15 start tomorrow, which could mean a heavy dose of the ground game. I fully expect Sammy Morris to get the bulk of the action while Kevin Faulk & Lawrence Maroney get more playing time in the absence of Fred Taylor. I still expect the Pats to come out throwing, regardless of the weather because of the Titans deficiencies on the defensive side of the ball. That should mean good games for Moss, Welker and Ben Watson. The most interesting development for tomorrow's game is the play of rookie tackle Sebastian Vollmer. The beast will be starting at left tackle in place of the injured Matt Light. If you know me, then you know I've been looking for a replacement for Matt Light for some time now. I've never been a fan of Light and feel like him being named to Pro Bowl is just as bad as Derek Jeter winning a gold glove. It's just something that should never happen.
The Patriots defense should be a good play if you have them in fantasy. Don't be surprised to see the Pats stack the box with 8 men and dare Kerry Collins to be them through the air. Chris Johnson is the only offensive weapon the Pats need to worry about, so why not take him out of the game. This should be a good game to start working Junior Seau back into football shape as he'll be able to get some garbage time in the second half.
Prediction:
Patriots win 38-17
