Titans @ Patriots: Tale of the Tape

Tennessee Titans (0-5) at New England (3-2) 4:15 EST.

Both teams are coming off demoralizing losses last week. Tennessee lost to division-rival Indianapolis at home, while New England blew a lead to former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and his upstart Denver team. The Titans are searching for the first win of the 2009 season. The Patriots are trying to avoid losing back-to-back games for the first time since late 2006. You know Jeff Fisher wants to get his first win of the season today. You know Belichick won't get beat up on his own field. Who has the edge? Who will walk off the field victorious?

Let's go to the tape:

Tennessee Titans offensive rankings:

• Points-84 (24th)


• Yards-1,434 (14th)


• Passing Yards-886 (17th)


• Passing TD-5 (17th)


• Yard per attempt- 5.6 (19th)


• Rushing yards-548 (7th)


• Rushing TD-4 (9th)


• Yard per rush- 5.5 (2nd)

New England Patriots defensive rankings:

• Points-91 (11th)


• Yards-1,150 (7th)


• Passing Yards-769 (7th)


• Passing TD-5 (12th)


• Yard per attempt-5.9 (14th)


• Rushing yards-381 (9th)


• Rushing TD-1 (3rd)


• Yard per rush-4.5 (21st)

Strength meets strength as the Titans tandem backfield of Chris Johnson and LenDale White goes against the Patriots stout front seven anchored by whale of the DT Vince Wilfork. The key matchups will be found in the trenches. And with a 100% chance of rain with tempertures in the mid-forties, expect both teams to go to the ground game.

The Patriots lack of big plays of defense will have to end today or the Titans run game will lull the D to sleep. Kerry Collins will slip up with a lackluster cast of WR's and a slick ball.

EDGE: Titans.

Titans Defensive Rankings:

• Points-139 (29th)


• Yards-1,448 (21st)


• Passing yards-1,129 (30th)


• Passing TD-10 (30th)


• Yards per attempt-7.1 (28th)


• Rushing yards- 319 (7th)


• Rushing TD-2 (7th)


• Yards per rush-2.8 (2nd)

Patriots Offensive Rankings:

• Points-104 (18th)


• Yards-1,504 (10th)


• Passing yards-1,095 (6th)


• Passing TD-4 (24th)


• Yards per attempt-6.2 (16th)


• Rushing yards-409 (19th)


• Rushing TD-4 (9th)


• Yards per rush-3.7 (25th)

Obvious mismatch with the Patriots passing offense and the Titans passing defense. Tom Brady, frustrated after last week's choke against Denver, will look to rebound in MVP-type fashion rain or shine. Having WR Wes Welker back opens up the whole field for Brady to pick apart the defense. Patriot receivers must hold on to the ball this week.

As for the Titans, their defense has been a bigger fraud than the kid lost on the hot air balloon. They are visibly hurting from the off-season departure of DT Albert Haynesworth.

EDGE: Patriots.

Coaching:

C'MMMOONNN. In Belichick we trust! AND he's at home. AND he won't let his team lose two straight.

EDGE: Patriots.

The Patriots have not been manhandling teams like they were in 2007, but that's o.k. The teams that grind it out are battle-tested and it builds character. Just ask the Steelers about that. Patriots grind it out in the rain, 24-17.