#TBT to the last Patriots-Titans matchup
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| Maddie Meyer | Getty Images |
*This article is part of a weekly Throwback Thursday Series that will feature key stat lines and short recaps of the last time the New England Patriots played their upcoming opponent.
Last Time Out…
Welcome to the playoffs, everyone! It’s been quite a while since the New England Patriots played the Tennessee Titans, so let’s take a look back at what happened back then.
These two teams last met on Dec. 20, 2015 at Gillette Stadium when the Patriots won in a score of 33-16. The victory helped New England hold onto the top spot in the AFC and get a first-round bye in the playoffs.
This game marked the Patriots’ sixth straight season with at least 12 wins.
Noteworthy…
This particular game was full of injuries, for both sides of the field.
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game with and knee injury in the second quarter. He did not return to action. For the Patriots, Dont’a Hightower and Danny Amendola went down with knee injuries, while Patrick Chung left the game with a hip issue.
The Stats…
Tom Brady went 23-of-35 for 267 yards and two touchdowns, while Marcus Mariota went three-of-six for 32 yards before leaving the game with a knee injury. Zach Mettenberger came in to replace him and went 20-of-28 for 242 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.
For the Patriots’ ground game, Joey Iosefa carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards, while Brandon Bolden posted 10 carries for 36 yards.
Antonio Andrews led the way for the Titans with 14 carries for 45 yards.
On New England’s receiving side, Brandon LaFell led the way with four receptions for 88 yards. James White posted seven catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Rob Gronkowski had five catches, 54 yards and one score.
For Tennessee, it was Dorial Green-Beckham who had six receptions for 113 yards. The Titans’ two touchdowns came from Delanie Walker who ended the day with two catches and 64 yards.
Although he left the game with a hip injury, New England’s Patrick Chung led the way for his team defensively, getting in on seven tackles, including five solo. Jamie Collins Sr. also added seven total tackles, three solo and one sack. Jabaal Sheard and Akiem Hicks each added a sack for the Patriots, while Chandler Jones racked up two himself.
For the Titans’ defense, Avery Williamson led the way with nine total tackles, including five solo. Jurrell Casey added a sack, while Karl Klug and Angelo Blackson came up with a half sack each.
Jamie Collins Sr. and Malcolm Butler each came up with interceptions for New England, while Keyshawn Martin posted a 75-yard kick return.
Stephen Gostkowski went four for five on field goals, while Ryan Succup was one-of-one.
And Now…
The New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans will face off in the AFC Divisional-Round Game at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Game time is set for 8:15pm ET.
Follow Megan on Twitter: @carnahanmegan
