Patriots rout the Titans 31-13 in coach Mike Vrabel’s return to Tennessee – Boston News, Weather, Sports

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Mike Vrabel greeted his New England Patriots with a celebratory hug simply as he did with the Tennessee Titans not distant in Nissan Stadium and never too way back.

That’s why his Patriots knew simply how a lot profitable Sunday meant to Vrabel even when the coach tried to maintain the eye on his present workforce.

Drake Maye threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns and the Patriots beat the Tennessee Titans 31-13 Sunday in Vrabel’s first recreation in opposition to the franchise that fired him in January 2024.

“He downplayed all of it week, which we recognize,” Maye mentioned. “I believe he’s targeted on us and frightened about us, and that’s what issues. However I do know that it feels good for him.”

Followers chanted “Vrabel, Vrabel” because the clock ticked down. One Titans’ fan held up an indication apologizing to Vrabel.

“I didn’t get that many tickets, I don’t know …,” Vrabel mentioned of the chants. “I’m completely satisfied for our gamers. I believe these guys they’re determining how you can win, they’re determining how you can follow. I suppose it’s humbling to have these individuals whoever that’s cheer for us whether or not that’s the Patriots or Drake Maye or me or anyone else.”

The Patriots (5-2) received their fourth straight total and third consecutive on the highway. That retains them atop the AFC East and spoiled Mike McCoy’s debut as Tennessee’s interim head coach. The Patriots final received this many consecutive video games throughout a seven-game streak within the 2021 season.

“An emotional recreation, emotional stretch for us,” Vrabel mentioned. “One thing that this workforce and group hasn’t achieved, and it’s achieved lots.”

Maye accomplished 21 of 23 passes for a 135.9 passer score. He now’s the third participant beneath the age of 24 with a minimum of 200 yards passing and a passer score of 100 or increased in six straight video games in NFL historical past becoming a member of Patrick Mahomes (seven consecutive in 2018) and Professional Soccer Corridor of Famer Dan Marino (six in 1984).

Linebacker Ok’Lavon Chaisson had two of the Patriots’ 5 sacks and returned a fumble 4 yards for a landing. Harold Landry III had the ultimate sack in opposition to the workforce that launched him in March, and Marcus Jones had an interception within the remaining minutes.

The Titans (1-6) turned of their finest begin to a recreation this season with Cam Ward wanting just like the No. 1 decide total.

They scored their fourth TD this season and have been up 10-3 after the primary quarter. That was extra factors than that they had via six video games mixed as they have been outscored 47-9.

That additionally marked Tennessee’s biggest lead since Week 16 of final season when the Titans led the Colts by seven.

“We’re going to stay collectively right here,” McCoy mentioned. “We’re going to combat our tails off and discover a approach to go win the subsequent one. That’s crucial factor.”

Ward additionally accomplished 10 of his first 11 passes for 144 yards for extra yards by halftime than he managed in two video games this season. He completed with 255 yards.

Maye gave the Patriots a 17-13 lead at halftime, tossing a 39-yarder to Kayshon Boutte for his second TD with 49 seconds left. He discovered Austin Hooper for a 3-yard TD earlier within the second quarter.

New England blew open the sport within the third.

Maye missed three performs on the opening drive of the third. He went to the sideline after his head bounced off the turf on the finish of a 6-yard run and he shook his head as soon as he sat up. The Patriots quarterback to assist end the 88-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run by Rhamondre Stevenson.

Simply 11 seconds later, Chaisson picked up a ball fumbled by Ward on a sack on the Titans 4 and took it into the tip zone for a 31-13 lead.

Candy payback

Vrabel and Landry aren’t the one Patriots with ties to the Titans, and Chaisson mentioned their teammates wished to ensure this was a recreation to take pleasure in enjoying in Tennessee.

“Undoubtedly with some further juice on the defensive finish to make it possible for our guys, anyone that … got here from this workforce or simply was part of this group in anyway, man, they bought their revenge and so they got here out on prime,” Chaisson mentioned.

Accidents

Titans three-time Professional Bowl defensive sort out Jeffery Simmons damage a hamstring early and didn’t return. CB L’Jarius Sneed damage a quad within the third quarter and didn’t return.