Topic: Rob Gronkowski
The teams met 20 times as part of the AFL (1960-69), with the Patriots earning a 10-9-1 advantage. Upon the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Oilers moved to the AFC Central Division, and the Patriots began play in the AFC East. They officially became the New England Patriots in 1971. ![]() Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) throws under pressure during the second half of the New England Patriots 33-16 win over the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium on December 10th, 2015. (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports) «Read the rest of this article» Sections: Featured Story, Football, NFL, Professional Teams, Sports, Sports Leagues, Tennessee Titans | No Comments
Titans Travel to Miami to face the DolphinsTennessee Titans (2-2) vs. Miami Dolphins (1-2)Sunday, October 8th, 2017 | 1:00pm EDT/Noon CDT
This is the third consecutive season in which the Titans and Dolphins have played and the second straight year the Dolphins have hosted the meeting. In 2015, the Dolphins took a 38-10 decision at Nissan Stadium, and the Titans returned the favor with a 30-17 win in South Florida in 2016. Miami leads the all-time series 19-17. ![]() Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) makes a reception during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadiumon Oct. 1, 2017. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports) «Read the rest of this article» Sections: Featured Story, Football, NFL, Professional Teams, Sports, Sports Leagues, Tennessee Titans | No Comments
Tennessee Titans hire Robinson as General Manager
“We are thrilled that Jon has agreed in principle to become our general manager,” said Titans Controlling Owner and Co-Chairman of the Board of Directors Amy Adams Strunk. “As we visited with Jon and researched his career, his proven track record for scouting talent, leadership skills, and ability to build relationships make him an ideal candidate to lead our football operation. Jon is a proud Tennessean who is excited to be coming home, and we look forward to the future of our football team under his leadership.” ![]() Tennessee Titans announced Jon Robinson as new General Manager Thursday. (Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports) «Read the rest of this article» Sections: Announcements, Featured Story, Football, NFL, Professional Teams, Sports, Sports Leagues, Tennessee Titans | No Comments
Tennessee Titans Travel to New England to face PatriotsTennessee Titans (3-10) at New England Patriots (11-2)Sunday, December 20th, 2015 | Noon CST
This week’s game will be televised regionally on CBS, including Nashville affiliate WTVF NewsChannel 5. Play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle and analyst Dan Fouts will call the action, and Evan Washburn will report from the sidelines. ![]() Tennessee Titans tight end Phillip Supernaw (89) is tackled by New York Jets linebacker Jamari Lattimore (54) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) and safety Marcus Gilchrist (21) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Titans 30-8. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports) «Read the rest of this article» Sections: Featured Story, Football, NFL, Professional Teams, Sports, Sports Leagues, Tennessee Titans | No Comments
Titans-Patriots Postgame QuotesTITANS HEAD COACH MIKE MUNCHAK(on if he thought the outcome of the game showed a gap between the two teams) I think it just shows you, I mean, I think we are disappointed obviously how the game ended turning out. I think we are happy how it started with the offense taking the ball, making plays. Unfortunately (we got) three points rather than seven, and then when you play a good football team as we knew the Patriots are, as they have been for quite a few years now, you cannot not mistakes. You cant blow opportunities. When youre down there, you have to score points, and you cant have a turnover and give them a touchdown, things like that, that are going to come back to haunt you in a game. They are going to make plays. They are going to make their share of plays which we knew, we just couldnt help them, and unfortunately along the way, we helped them. They ran the ball much better than we thought they would against us, which makes it easier for their quarterback. So, yeah I think overall, disappointed. As far as measuring gaps, I dont know. When you dont play well, again, like I said its a loss and I dont think its necessarily how far apart we are. Its just a matter that it just shows you that you cant afford to make mistakes, and its all about making plays. (on Jake Lockers performance) I thought he handled himself well. I thought he came out and made some great throws early in the game. The turnover deal was a sack and a fumble. You wish those things dont happen, which ended up being seven points. The kid threw well. Hes so competitive. He was fun to watch. If it wasnt for the injury, he probably finishes up with a very strong football game. (on Jake Lockers shoulder injury) He should be OK. We would rather him not go in there and tackle anybody. But he did because he is so competitive, I guess. But he wanted to go back in. It is his non-throwing shoulder. We just thought at that point we wanted to be sure he got checked out before we did something like that. And the way the game was at that point, we thought we would pull him out, which we did. Assuming that he will get checked out (Monday), he should be OK for next week. (on the whistle not being blown on what proved to be incomplete pass to Nate Washington) I dont think it matters who the officials are as far as replacement, regular officials. I think there were some calls in that game that obviously we werent happy with. You know, you wish obviously that a whistle was blown there that the ball wasnt completed. It didnt happen and leads the something else. You can go through the game in a lot ways, things that we missed that were unfortunate and change games around. Thats the disappointing thing about the game in general, when you have things you think are missed in the first series, going down and scoring. I thought there were call their probably missed. Its hard enough. Its just frustrating when things dont get called that probably should. (on teams rushing game) I thought coming in, obviously we thought (Chris Jonhson) would have more than 12 or 13 carries, whatever he ended up having. There is no doubt, again, we knew they were coming in, they were going to make sure he didnt get going the best they could, I would think. They did a good job with that. As far as some of the runs we had, they werent as successful as we hoped. We saw we were having success throwing the ball and Jake (Locker) was getting the feel for it. The receivers were doing some good things, so obviously we leaned more in that direction, and I think that is why his numbers werent large. (on holding call on G Steve Hutchinson) Yeah, thats my point. You cant do those things against these types of teams. The Patriots are a great football team, thats a huge play of the game, on a draw for first down, its field position, its all kinds of things and we get the call and after that we punt and (they) score points on that drive. So, thats how quickly a game you talk about a gap, a team with the scoreboard the gap got bigger obviously, but those are the things that good teams dont do and right now, were making plays like that, that hurt you, a holding call here, a turnover for a touchdown, a pick, a missed tackle, those are the things right now that they exploited, the mistakes we made. They didnt make many mistakes; they didnt turn the ball over, they didnt do some of the things we did, have crucial penalties that hurt them like we did. Thats what the separation is, is us consistently getting better and making plays and not helping the other team, and thats kind of where the gap is right now. (on defensive players execution) I think it was missed tackles. They ran the ball better than they shouldve been able to. That usually is all we talk about them running the football and made (Tom) Bradys job obviously a lot easier when they were having success running the ball on the edges and making plays when they needed to. It was disappointing to see that, theres no doubt and I know the players are disappointed, you want to play better in key spots. We got some stops but notwhen we tried to get back in the game in the second half, we couldnt get stops where we needed them. They were having success, and again, they make plays and they make tough catches and give them credit for that. Thats a very good football team, theyve got some very good football players and they converted a lot. Our defense did a nice job on first and second down quite a few times, and they made some great catches and great throws on third down to keep drives going. We couldve had a chance to change that game and credit to them. They played well, better than we did and you saw the outcome. (on todays performance going into the rest of season ) I think you just look at it that its one football game. Like you say, theres no doubt you want to win every game when you play but 15 other teams are going to lose today also unfortunately. Its how you handle what happens, how are we going to handle this one going forward, to how we take this to San Diego and decide whats going to happen there. Disappointing? Definitely. Do you want to play better, especially at home? Yes we do. Were there parts that we looked like we were doing some good things? Yes, theres a lot of good things in this football game, but not enough good things. So thats the part, that again, you watched the tape and you find out what kind of team you are. You find out how you handle some adversity. Unfortunately were getting some in the first game. You dont win your first game, theres adversity to some of the things, theres going to be some things that we obviously can do better, that could have made this game much closer and more competitive towards the end. We didnt do that, we had some opportunities to do that and like I said, they made the plays and we didnt. (on injuries) Well see. (Colin) McCarthy had the ankle, came back in, went back out, so well need to see exactly where he is and how sore he is after playing the game. Nate (Washington) got the play that the non-catch that they thought was a fumble and got his leg hit there and I think hes sore, but again, well have to wait and see how he is tomorrow. (Javon Ringers) elbow I think was sore during the week, obviously we didnt think it was a big deal, I think it gradually got a little worse and started swelling last night on him. Then this morning, it swelled up pretty good, so it could be some type of infection, so obviously he couldnt play with that. Thats kind of something that happened unexpectedly and again, we assume hell be OK going forward but not able to play in the game. (on turnovers by QB Jake Locker) Yeah, I think that making a decision to throw the ball deep on the one again, we were moving there right about midfield, until you go back and see what he was really thinking when he threw the ball, you hoped that we couldve roped that ball up. Hes trying to make a play there, its just off the drive. Thats another spot where if that doesnt happen maybe again we have a chance to go down there and score points. The other one again, hes holding it, trying to make a play, gets hit and loses the ball. We should protect a little better so that doesnt happen or the time clock should roll off in his mind and run or get rid of that ball, especially when youre down there around the goal-line area where something bad can happen if you do get captured a safety, a sack, a fumble, and unfortunately we gave them a gift that we couldnt afford to do in the game, at that time its 7-3. Its a whole different ball game when you give up seven points to a very good football team. There are things that those couple of plays we just talked about really make a difference in a game. Those are things hell, as far as what he can do to prevent them, yeah, I think the more you do things, you can be a 14-year vet and do the same exact things he did though. You watch games today with a quarterback that have been around for a long time make the same throws and try to make plays. Thats just how quarterbacks are, theyre competitive, theyre trying to make plays all the time, they dont want to take the check down sometimes and they learn from it. The more he plays, the better hell get at it. We are very proud of how he played. I thought he made some great throws on the run, moving in the pocket, buying some time, you saw his legs, all things that you should be really excited about going forward. (on Jake Locker starting next week) Yeah, Im hoping that the injury is not something that would keep him out. I know how competitive he is, so its probably going to be hard to keep him out. It was hard to keep him out the game in the fourth quarter when he wanted to come back in. Yeah, we are hoping for the best obviously, were hoping he should be OK. TITANS QB JAKE LOCKER(on the shoulder injury) It just got banged up a little bit, but it was something that I felt like I could go back into the game. I will get some treatment on it and feel good about being able to play Sunday. (on coming back into the game) I felt like I could go back in and I let them know that. The medical staff made the decision they did. (on if they told him that he was not supposed to make tackles) Nobody told me that. I thought it was football. (on getting off to a good start) I think that obviously, getting seven is a better start at that point. We moved the ball, sustained the drive and had a chance to put seven points on the board. It was a good way to start the game. Its why we took the ball first and what we wanted to do with it. (on his two turnovers) The first one was a bad decision. They were just in a soft coverage. I shouldnt have thrown it. The fumble, I have to take better care of the ball in the pocket. (on how this game compares to his previous NFL experience) It was different from the standpoint of knowing you were going to be playing going in. The preparation stayed very similar to what its been in the past. Overall, I thought that we were able to execute offensively and move the ball. (on his frustration of not being able to get the running game going and having to pass more in the second half) It was what was working for us and I think that week-in and week-out that changes. We were able to move the ball a couple of drives early in the second half. We obviously got the scoring drive and we were able to do that through the air. Its just what was working for us today. (on the offense not being able to run the ball) I think that you guys know as well as I do, its always easier when you are two dimensional. It makes them respect that for sure. We did a good job of adjusting and finding ways to continue to move the ball. (on if the shoulder injury will require a brace) Its really early and its hard to tell. I will just get some treatment throughout the week and make that decision closer to Sunday. (on if its a shoulder bruise more than structural damage) Yeah, dont say anything like that. (on if it bothers him that the play he was injured on never should have happened) Again, thats not something that I can control. The play went on as it did. I played it out as if it was live. Looking back on it, unfortunately, it was an incomplete pass. Just because of the circumstances, its tough, but you cant control that. (on if he wont go to make a tackle next time there is a defensive return) Like I said, its the game of football. I know that I play on offense, but Im not going to let a guy run into the end zone. (on the touchdown pass to Nate Washington) We were on the other side of the ball to start, but we didnt get what we wanted over there. I felt a little pressure so I was just trying to get outside of the pocket and I saw Nate (Washington) kind of slip in behind him. It was kind of a dangerous throw, I guess, but it ended up working out for us. (on the two no-calls of pass interference on the Patriots) Thats not something that we can control. We had opportunities down in the red zone and we didnt take advantage of them and didnt find ways to score. You cant count on that. (on the play that he checked to on the fourth-and-one conversion) We just didnt have what I thought was going to give us a chance to get that first down. They stacked everybody on the line of scrimmage and we had one-on-one coverage. I thought at that point it was our best shot. We got into a play that gave us that opportunity and we were able to convert on it. (on what Kendall Wright brought to the offense) I have said it before, he is a difference maker when the ball is in his hands. He caught a lot of underneath routes where he had the opportunity to run with it after he caught it, and thats where he is dangerous. Thats what he was really able to help us with today. (on if a game like this shows him that the Titans have a long way to go before they are on the level of the Patriots) I havent had an opportunity to look at the film. Reliving it, I felt like we moved the ball on offense well today. We just have to find ways to put more points on the board. That will be our focus going forward, I believe. TITANS RB CHRIS JOHNSON (on having a tough day at running back) Yes, tough day especially after the first week of the season. We were trying to make some plays and trying to get a victory. We had some nice catches and things like that, but overall, a tough day. (on what New England was doing that made it hard to execute) I cant say what they were doing, but we didnt execute as a team. On the chances earlier in the game where we tried to run the ball, we just didnt execute basically. TITANS WR NATE WASHINGTON(on the overall offensive summary plan when playing the Patriots) You cant turn the ball over and you have to get touchdowns. Of course, against a team like this, you have to make sure you are putting up points. Of course, they are going to make some plays. Unfortunately today, we came up short. You have to do a better job offensively to put some points on the board. This is not what we worked for all training camp. We were looking for a little better performance than we gave today. (on Jake Lockers first start at quarterback) He did a good job. Of course, hes a young guy so hes going to learn some things from this and get better. But, I think he did a pretty good job all around. From now on, we have to make sure were making the plays for him. I think there were a couple of times we could have made some plays for him and we didnt. So we have to make sure we are accountable for him. TITANS QB MATT HASSELBECK(on coming in later in the game) Thats the nature of the job. Youve got to be ready and be loose and ready to go. I kind of knew what the fourth-and-one call was going to be. It was a rollout. So I tried to get loose as I could, without giving it away. But CJ (Chris Johnson (on the Titans effort to make a comeback against the Patriots.) I think that the lesson for us, really for all of us, when one of your guys, one of your good friends goes down, youve just got to re-focus and make it happen. We had a number of guys go down Youve got to re-focus and you cant let it deflate you at all. Youve got to execute and make plays and score touchdowns. The effort was great. Were just playing one of the best teams in the world, and you cant do the things that we did. They didnt turn it over, and we did. They ran the ball, and we didnt. All the things Coach Munchak says in the locker room were not inventing anything new. Its just the things we did today against a great team. TITANS DT JURRELL CASEY(on Titans defensive efforts today) I dont know what the deal was up front. We didnt get to the quarterback enough. We had to get there faster and give our corners some time. Keep him from getting comfortable back there and not let him stretch out. Next week, thats something weve got to work on getting to that quarterback. We knew they were going to come out in a fast tempo. We practiced on it all week. Nobody was really tired. Just missed hitting gaps on the run, and not getting pressure on the quarterback in the pass. We missed hitting gaps, and they were executing. Thats it. TITANS S JORDAN BABINEAUX(on the Patriots throwing so much to their tight ends) The challenge was there for us. Its really hard to say what kind of coverage we playing against those guys. Half the time I was anticipating one to be in the game. We had a great understanding of what these guys like to do offensively. Its not like we didnt know our opponent today. We just didnt do a good enough job of out-executing what they like to do, compared to what we were playing defensively. Its kind of tough right now, because Im kind of lost for words. I guess personally and obviously, I wish I had more opportunities to be out there and be a better contribution. (on losing against a quality team like New England) I dont care. It doesnt matter. The thing is, too, is we get caught up so much about worrying about our opponent and really, the only thing that matters is us. As long as were executing our checks, and able to play the type of technique the defense calls for, it doesnt matter who we play. TITANS CB ALTERRAUN VERNER(on the Patriots completing big plays against the Titans defense.) I mean, they are a good team. They went to the Super Bowl, and so we knew they had that capability. And we knew we just couldnt get down on ourselves when things like that happened. There were a couple of times they did make those plays and we held them to a field goal, or we stopped them the next three downs. So there were a couple of times we did make some stands and there were a couple of times they made some plays on us. Overall, we did what we could. We tried our best against a very good team, and like Ive said, were going to look at it, were going to get better and, you know, the rest is going to be uphill for us. PATRIOTS HEAD COACH BILL BELICHICK(opening statement) Quite a good win by our players. Those guys did a really good job. We did a good job running the ball offensively, did a decent job stopping the run defensively, made some big plays, turned the ball over and had good field position, so it was a good team win. All three units contributed. We had a lot of guys step up and if we can play that way we will be alright but it was good to see everyone contribute and all the units do a good job for us. Its nice to get off to a good start but we have got a long way to go. (on Stevan Ridleys running today ) Of course it always starts up front. The offensive line did a good job. We had some good holes, the backs ran hard. Stevan (Ridley) ran hard, broke some tackles. Our tight ends, our offensive line and our receivers blocked so it was good. A good complimentary game. We had good balance offensively. (on the play of rookies, especially Chandler Jones and Tavon Wilson in their first professional game ) We will see how it looks on the film. Im sure they had some good plays and Im sure that had some other plays that werent so great. We will see how it goes. They have a long way to go. They both have done a good job for us and if they keep working hard I think they will have a chance to be good players. (on the defenses performance ) We didnt give up a lot of points. We had a couple of red area stops, and that was important. We gave up that drive at the start of the third quarter which was well and good but otherwise we were able to keep them out of the end zone. That was positive. Its hard to win in this league kicking field goals. If we can play good red zone defense and not give up big plays then we shouldnt be giving up a lot of points. (on big plays by the defense) Those were big. We had a couple other ones that we could have had. We didnt hang on to the ball or whatever. That was a good play. Kyle (Arrington) went up and made a play on the ball, and Tavon (Wilson) was there to get it and of course we had Chandler Jones with the strip sack and fumble recovery so that was a huge play in the game. Those seven point swings, defensive scores, are always enormous plays in the National Football League. When you get bonus points like that it normally tips the scale, good team defense. PATRIOTS TE ROB GRONKOWSKI(on if todays game was a good way to start out the 2012 NFL Season) Oh yeah, definitely. You always want to start out with a win, thats always a great way to start and the Tennessee Titans are a good teamit was a good, hard fought battle out there. (on using a lot of different offensive formations today) Coaches whatever they call, weve got to go out there and do our job. Whatever the coaches call were running the ball, were passing the ball, we had a balanced attack and thats always good. You want to be able to have the run game, you want to be able to have the pass game and today we preformed pretty well in both. (on how Patriots RB Stevan Ridley performed today) He had a great game, he was running hard and the o-lineman were doing a great job you have to give them credit too. Just overall, it was a good game and we have a lot to improve on still, a lot of mistakes and thats what this practice week is for to fix your errors and move forward. (on his miscue on his touchdown spike) The thing slipped right out, but I played it off pretty well. (on the performance both he and TE Aaron Hernandez had today) Hes just a great player. I love playing with him. Overall, as an offense as a whole everyone is a great player and if everyone is doing their job and were clicking we can accomplish everything. We just have to be out there with everyone doing their own job and having good chemistry. PATRIOTS RB STEVAN RIDLEY(on his performance today) Personally, it was a blessing to be out there on a Sunday and Im just very thankful to start the game off with a good game. The offensive line is doing a tremendous job up front, coach had the game plan and told us what it was going to be and how we were going to be able to run the ball effectively and we just kept it pretty simple during the week. He just told us to go out there and do our job, so thats what I did, I just did my job. If there was green grass to run to I just tried to hit it hard and get downhill. (on if he was in the zone today) When you get days like today and youre running the ball well you can definitely feel it. There were some runs that were there and there were some that werent. The coaches just did an exceptional job of finding the ones that were doing well and they just kept calling them until they stopped them. The offensive line was just blocking and getting on people and there were bodies on bodies and I just had to hit my creases and run. I didnt do anything out of the ordinary, I was just the player that I was and went out there and played ball. (on the offense being able to pass the ball effectively out of obvious run formations) Yeah, Coach (Offensive Coordinator Josh) McDaniels did a good job of mixing that up. We dont want to be out there and be predictable, so all of our backs can run and all of our backs can catch so if theyre going to try and game plan it that way they might have a long year ahead of them. Were going to do a good job of changing it up and just trying to be a well-rounded offense. (on it being a while since hes shouldered the load as a running back) Of course, its a dream come true to be out there playing on Sunday like I said, Im very blessed. To just get out there and play is all I want to do. 25 carries is more than I was expecting, but Im okay and I came out of the game injury free so thats all I can ask for Im just grateful my teammates were out there doing a great job for me. PATRIOTS TE AARON HERNANDEZ(on how they opened the 2012 regular season) I thought we started better than the past two years that Ive been here. Good start, a lot to learn from and we have to get better every week. (on the Patriots passing game today) I felt like we did a great job, and like I said we have to keep improving run game, pass game and get more dangerous every week. (on how the teams success running the ball helped the passing game today) A lot because its a lot more the defense has to worry about. When you have no running game all theyre worried about is the pass. (Patriots RB Stevan) Ridley did a good job today and hopefully he keeps playing like that, and the line keeps doing what theyre doing so we can have an effective year. (on how offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels did calling plays today) Hes a great OC and I love playing for him and its going to be a good year with him. (on if he gave Rob Gronkowski any grief over botching his touchdown spike) No, that will be something we laugh about, but it was a great catch, great throw and we have to keep making plays. PATRIOTS LT NATE SOLDER(on what happened on the sack that hurt Tom Bradys nose) I think he got flushed and (Titans DE Kamerion Wimbley (on the offensive line opening up some big holes for the Patriots run game) I think there were some good things, definitely, and we can build off of that and improve the bad things too. I thought our run game was successful at times, and we were protecting pretty well most of the time, so as long as we keep getting better well be alright. (on why the offensive line did such a better job today than they had done in the preseason) Its hard to say, I dont know youll have to ask the coaches. I think its a work in progress. Well keep getting better and working to improve. PATRIOTS QB TOM BRADY(opening statement) Its not my usual look (laughs). Actually that was the only good one I really took so I think the offensive line played really well. It was a relatively clean game in terms of penalties and turnovers and so forth. It wasnt perfect by any stretch, but its always fun winning so that was a good feeling. (on missing WR Brandon Lloyd on the first drive of the game when he was behind the Titans defense) Yeah, we were close when theyre that open you dont want to miss those ones. He made some really nice plays on the ball. Everyone really contributed, so it was a fun game and a great way to start the year. (on the team playing well as a whole today) I tell you, theyve been playing like that all preseason the defense, and we see them in practice every day, so they are very competitive. They are competitive on the outside, they rush the quarterback, get turnovers, they do a good job covering the backside of the backfield, so there was a lot of team defense out there and I thought the special teams really complimented what we were doing. It was very much a team win. (on RB Stevan Ridley running the ball successfully today) It was great, he ran the ball extremely well. We have to continue to do that it was very balanced in terms of running and passing and thats what makes it tough to defend. Situationally, obviously there are some things we could have done better, but at least it is something to build on. (on if he was prepared to come back out on the field right after injuring his nose had the Patriots defense not scored a touchdown) Yes. (on if his nose is broken) I dont know. (on if hes ever broken his nose before) In my life? No. In a previous life? Im not sure. (on if his nose feels like it is broken) I have no idea what a broken nose feels likenot good (laughs). Itll be fine. I need some of that anyway. (on the commitment to the running game today) I think its something weve been doing all season long. All through mini-camp, training camp, regular season games, you know weve made a commitment to running the football and you saw it today. Its a lot of carries by the backs; they have a lot of opportunity. When you can control the tempo of the game, it really helps out the rest of the team it helps special teams, it helps defense. Im not sure what the time of possession was, but it obviously helps that as well. You just cant drop back and throw it 50 times a game, right around 30 passes a game is where you want to be. (on if running the ball successfully is more significant than people sometimes realize) Sure, and the toughness of your team is built around running the ball and stopping the run. The critical games and the critical situations thats the foundation of your team and thats what youre built on and thats what youve got to be able to do. Youve got to run it when they know youre going to run it, and I say that all the time. I think with what we do in the run game and play-action game and you spread them out and you run screens, you run draws, you run traps, you spread the ball to all the different receivers it really makes it hard for the defense to just key in on something and say this is what we need to do. You really have to defend everything. (on the team being comfortable offensively) Coach always talks about us going out there for one reason, and that is to score points. He doesnt expect us to go out there and punt the ball. I thought there were times when we did a good job of that, and there were times when we really didnt do a good job of that and we had an opportunity to do that. Getting off to a good start on first down and third down situations which are shorter which youre obviously going to do a better job at, so we sustained drives I dont think we had any three-and-outs, if any. We have to do a better job of sustaining over the course of the drive which is what we need to be able to do. Unless, of course, you hit a long play and when you call those you have to hit those. (on the play his tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski) They complement each other and I think Mike (Hoomanawanui), you guys probably pronounce his name better than I can, but he did a nice job filling in at that tight end position for us. Thats a strong position for us, receiver position is strong, running back position is strong and the offensive line continues to build and play well. Like I said, it wasnt all perfect but its good enough and its good enough to get a win on the road. (on the improvement of the offensive line today from their play in the presason) Yeah, its something weve been working on all preseason. It hadnt really come together until this week with Logan (Mankins) being in there a lot, Seabass (Sebastian Vollmer) coming back, there is quite a bit of depth at that position. It was a very competitive training camp. The guys that are in there really earned that spot. Nate (Solder) has been out there all camp, so he continues to improve. I am extremely comfortable and confident in those guys and they work their butt off. I just have to stand there and make those throws because thats what this team really counts on me for. PATRIOTS DL VINCE WILFORK(on his overall thoughts on the 34-13 win over the Titans) We came in feeling good and happy with the way that we practiced. The way we prepared, I think everybody was confident. It showed today. This is a good team win. You are talking about three phases of your team special teams, offense, defense coming together and getting a team victory. It is great to have that, especially in your first game, on the road, against a tough environment. I think we responded very, very well. Its definitely something to build on. It wasnt perfect. Its the start of the season. There are some things that we still need to work on to get better. The key for us now is to go back, watch film, make corrections and move forward and get better as a team. I think everybodys mind frame is that is where were at now. (on holding Titans running back Chris Johnson to just four yards rushing and the play of the young Patriots defenders) I think it is a mix of everything. I think when you put 11 guys together and you have goals, you dont want to let the guy beside you down. One of our goals every year is being able to stop the run and playing good third down defense. Today we responded well against the run. I think throughout the preseason we showed improvement each week. This is something that I think can be a backbone for us if we can go into a game and just get teams one-dimensional. That will help us tremendously. That is what we are looking forward to. We are very excited about these guys, and very, very happy with the performance that these guys came out and had as a team and as a unit, especially being a defensive lineman and coming out and holding a great back to only four yards. That is just a good team defense. It is not just the guys up front. It is the backers, the secondary at times. We all play this game together. As long as we continue to play better and get better as a team, I think we will do some special things. PATRIOTS CB DEVIN McCOURTY(on getting off to a 1-0 start) That is always the way that you want to come out. You want to try and get some things done, especially fundamentally, which is what we have been working on all preseason. I think from that standpoint we came out, we executed some things we wanted to do and most importantly you want to come out and get a win the first week of the season. (on if the defense had anything new in place for Titans quarterback Jake Locker) No, for us it was really dont make it easy for him. [We tried] to give him different looks and keep things moving on him. When you come in with a new quarterback, you dont know how he is going to adjust. You are not fully aware of what he can do. Just wanted to keep things moving, and for us, especially in the secondary, we wanted to be fundamentally sound and not let them take advantage of us trying to guess and do the wrong thing. (on his impressions of Jake Locker) I thought that he fought out there. He does a great job of keeping plays alive. Even on the touchdown, first he went left and he came back to the right and he was able to throw a pretty good pass out there. For us it was really just trying to stay on our guys and stay deep, especially once he started scrambling around back there. (on the preparation for Titans running back Chris Johnson and the job the defense did holding him to only four yards) A lot [of preparation]. He is a phenomenal player. The thing with Chris Johnson is that he goes anywhere on the field on any run. We just wanted to make sure that we bottled him up and for the most part we were able to do that today. Like I said, when you come out in week one you have certain things that you want to get done in a game, and that was certainly one of them. So to get that done, it really shows that we are working hard and coming out there and executing on Sundays. PATRIOTS DE ROB NINKOVICH(on forcing turnovers against the Titans offense) Last year I think we did a good job of getting the ball for our offense and any time that Tom [Brady] has the ball in his hands it helps the whole team. As many turnovers as you can get and let the offense work that is going to help us in the long run. (on seeing rookie defenders Chandler Jones and Donta Hightower as playmakers) That is why they are here. I think you dont get drafted in the first round if you are not. (on adjustments made after the Titans opening drive) Every team comes out and they are going to have their plays that they are going to run their best plays against us. You just have to settle down and understand what they are trying to attack on us, and go from there. I think that we did a good job of taking the first drive for what it was, adjusting to it, and playing the rest of the game. PATRIOTS DE CHANDLER JONES(on limiting Titans running back Chris Johnson to four yards rushing) It is everyone just taking care of their responsibilities. Its everyone doing their job. (on if he could sense Chris Johnson getting frustrated) Im not sure. I was just focused on what was going on on our side of the ball. Locker Debuts for Titans Facing Brady, PatriotsNASHVILLE, Tenn. Jake Locker has imagined being introduced for the first time as a starting quarterback in the NFL since he was a child. His moments finally here. Locker debuts as Tennessees starting quarterback Sunday in the season opener against the defending AFC champion New England Patriots and two-time NFL MVP Tom Brady. Locker said theres a little different feeling knowing hes the starter going into the game, but insists his preparation and approach remain the same. The great part about the game of football, although you might be playing at the highest level, the rules are still the same, Locker said. The fields the same size. Youre playing with the same amount of guys on it. Its meant to be fun. You put in all the hard work … and when you get the opportunity to go out on Sunday, you just have to go out and enjoy it. The Titans sat Locker, the eighth selection overall in the 2011 draft out of Washington, last season using veteran Matt Hasselbeck to ease the transition with a new coach in Mike Munchak and no offseason due to the NFL lockout. They responded by going 9-7 and missed the playoffs on a tiebreaker. Now its Lockers time, and Munchak said his young QB helps give the Titans their best chance to win the AFC South even if he has growing pains. They also drafted receiver Kendall Wright in the first round and expect Chris Johnson to bounce back from his worst season as a pro. He just has to do things that he should, that hes good at right now, Munchak said. Obviously the guys around him, this game isnt all on his shoulders. I think he realizes that we have a lot of weapons we have to be able to use. But that makes it exciting because I think there are a lot of things we can do with Jake. The Patriots won their sixth AFC championship since 1994 last season with Brady throwing for 5,235 yards and 39 touchdowns but missed out on a fourth Super Bowl trophy with a 21-17 loss to the New York Giants in February. Theres been plenty of changes since that loss, including acquiring Brandon Lloyd as a new deep threat for Brady. This will be Bradys 13th season opener. He cant recall his first but knows how excited he was when he started. You only get one season opener, and everything you’ve done for the last eight months is in preparation for this game, Brady said. All the spring camps, all the summer practices, training camp, preseason games. I mean this is why you work hard and prepare for opportunities like this. We all have them. Its exciting for every player that will take the field. Its the first time these teams have met since New England romped over Tennessee 59-0 in October 2009 during a freak autumn snow storm. The Titans want a better start than a year ago when they opened with a loss at Jacksonville after a frantic few weeks where coaches and players were busy just learning names. Complex offensive and defensive schemes were left until the offseason. We feel good about where were at, Munchak said. Theres no reason we should not be on the same page in all the things we’ll be doing on Sunday, and nothing should hold us back. We’ll go out there and play our best and expect to win when we play. The Patriots have won eight straight openers, the longest active streak in the NFL. They still have Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski along with Aaron Hernandez for Brady to throw to from an offense that was the NFLs second-best in 2011 rolling up 428 yards per game. How well they protect Brady could be an issue with left guard Logan Mankins limited in the preseason after offseason knee surgery and right guard Brian Waters hasnt shown up yet. Right tackle Sebastian Vollmer is on the injury report with back problems. Patriots coach Bill Belichick said the linemen who will play have experience and are working well together. It is always a challenge to block any front in the NFL, particularly an active one like Tennessee, Belichick said. I think those guys have worked hard and done a good job. We will see where we are at come Sunday afternoon. Tennessee signed Kamerion Wimbley to play end and anchor a young defensive line. He had 16 sacks in his last two seasons in Oakland, and hes ready to chase Brady. Hes done fantastic things over his career, so this will be a big challenge for us and a great opportunity to see where we stand going into the regular season, Wimbley said. Titans Defense Focuses on Middle of Field, Limiting Yards After CatchNASHVILLE, Tenn. The middle of the field will be a key area for the Titans to defend Sunday when Tennessee opens the season by hosting New England at LP Field. Titans defenders said its likely that Patriots slot receiver Wes Welker and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez will make catches between the numbers, but the primary focus will be limiting what those players do after catches. The New England trio gained more yards after catches last season than on the front of the plays to boost production. Welker, Gronkowski and Hernandez ranked first, fourth and ninth in the NFL, respectfully, in yards after catch. Titans coach Mike Munchak said he thinks the success after the catch starts with consistent throws by Tom Brady. “I think he puts it in a place where they can turn up without wasting motion,” Munchak said. “You have certain guys that just have a knack for making the first guy miss. Its a combination of that. Obviously, theyre good receivers. Theyve worked with each other a lot. I think a lot of it is that the ball placement is so good that theyre able to take it. He puts it in spots where his receivers arent going to get hit real hard. The safest spot to put it in, situations where they can run with it as theyre catching it. Thats probably the biggest part. Thats what he does so well.” Welker, who led the AFC with 1,569 receiving yards, gained 732 of those after catching the ball. Gronkowski, who had 1,327 receiving yards, gained 656 after catching the ball, and Hernandez gained 519 of his 910 yards (57 percent) after the ball was in his hands. The three players combined to gain 1,907 of their 3,806 yards (50.1 percent) after catches. They move the ball very methodically down the field, safety Jordan Babineaux said. Theyre OK with taking seven yards here and seven yards there and very seldom taking the deep shot, but Bradys a good game manager and he knows how to get their offense and manage them down the field. Obviously, theyre going to make some catches and complete some passes, but the biggest thing were emphasizing in the defensive backs room is weve got to tackle better, Babineaux added. We have to minimize the yards after the catch, which is where they are good. Cornerback Alterraun Verner has frequently practiced in the slot in passing situations this offseason. He said the combination of Brady and the options he has over the middle make New Englands offense more successful than other teams. You have Tom Brady, whos an elite guy, and then the people they have working the middle are some of the best in this league, Verner said, so when you put those combinations together and they have such a unity with each other that Tom Brady doesnt even necessarily know sometimes what his receivers are going to do but he feels it and they make it work, where some people dont have that bond with players, so thats what makes it so effective. The Titans are unanimously excited about opening up against an offense that ranked second in yards and third in points per game in 2011. They do a great job of working the middle of the field, linebacker Colin McCarthy said. We know theyre going to do a lot of short routes in the middle of the field, five, 10 yards, trying to get them mismatched against linebackers. Were ready for that. Weve got ways of defending that, and the biggest thing is getting pressure in (Bradys) face, whether its with the front four or blitzing, were going to get after that. Tennessee displayed indications of a defense more able to dictate this preseason than it was a year ago when the Titans ranked eighth in points allowed but tied for 18th in yards allowed. The Titans led the NFL this preseason with eight interceptions, including a league-best three by McCarthy, tied for fifth with 13 sacks and finished the four-game slate at plus-6 in turnover differential. Safety Michael Griffin emphasized that making one play on defense wont be enough. If you manage to make a play, theyve always got some backup plan for you, Griffin said. Youve just got to play good, sound defense. |