Six Takeaways From Patriots’ Blowout Victory Over Titans

The New England Patriots followed a familiar script in their 31-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

It’s just a script that we hadn’t seen for awhile…

New England turned back the clock by taking advantage of mistakes, correcting a few persisting problems and well… looking like the team we used to watch on a weekly basis — helping head coach Mike Vrabel make a statement in his return to Nashville, Tenn.

I’ve got your takeaways:

ESTABLISH(ED) THE RUN

Rhamondre Stevenson has received plenty of deserved criticism this season, whether it be for his lack of ball security or his inability to pace what was expected to be an impactful rushing attack — but things seemed to turn around on Sunday.

The Patriots didn’t necessarily give him a choice.

Stevenson finished with 88 yards on 18 carries, helping his squad successfully establish the run for what feels like the first time this season — which was an obvious point of focus against the worst run defense in the NFL. New England got things going on the ground early, which opened things up for the passing game to take advantage on two play-action scores — which is the name of the game for this play-caller/quarterback combo.

SETTLE DOWN, GUNSLINGER

Drake Maye has been tremendous over the last several weeks, but things always start slowly for him…

Maye sailed yet another throw in the first quarter, which seems to have become the standard as the opening period has yielded his worst yardage total (339) and completion percentage (69%) of any quarter.

New England probably doesn’t mind that those are considered his worst numbers, though.

Maye has consistently improved throughout each game, with his yardage totals (549, 491, 365) and completions percentages (77%, 81%, 72%) making significant jumps in the second, third and fourth quarters, respectively.

ON HIS BEST BEHAVIOR

Mike Vrabel didn’t pull anything out of his bag of tricks, didn’t try to run up the score and didn’t really display any piss and vinegar toward his former team on Sunday — which was sort of surprising.

I guess he wasn’t lying about viewing this game as a typical conference matchup…

The Titans probably didn’t love hearing his name chanted at the end of the game, so that was probably enough of to keep him satisfied.

BOUTTE’S GROWTH

Kayshon Boutte seemingly improves by the week, and has officially earned the trust and respect of his teammates and coaches — no small feat given his past.

Boutte recently talked about his maturation process in an interview with WBZ’s Steve Burton, admitting that he wasn’t living right and had become detrimental to his own success. One Patriot Place has been the perfect spot for him to overcome that mentality and meet the expectations that were placed upon him following his first couple of collegiate seasons — and in some ways, exceed them.

Boutte is now up to 20 receptions for 356 yards and four receiving touchdowns on the season, leading the club in the latter category.