3 Up, 3 Down From Patriots 35-14 Win Over Titans

The New England Patriots continued the march of the tomato cans, defeating the Tennessee Titans Saturday night, 35-14. Let’s take a look at the three studs and three duds of the game.

#3 Down: OT Nate Solder

It was hard to find three down-trending players from this game, but Solder did not have a good game. He allowed four total pressures, including two quarterback hits, against a weak pass rushing group.

He will need to be better against the top pass rushing group in the league coming into town this Sunday.

#3 Up: TE Rob Gronkowski

What a season it has been for the finally healthy Robert Gronkowski. One of the most unstoppable weapons in the history of sports recorded six catches on nine targets, 81 yards and a touchdown. He is at the top of his game, and has my vote for MVP of the league.

#2 Down: CB Malcolm Butler

Malcolm Butler allowed seven catches, 83 yards and two touchdowns to a below average offense, including below average weapons excluding tight end Delanie Walker. The disappointing season has continued for Butler.

#2 Up: WR Danny Amendola

Big game Amendola caught 11 passes for 112 yards Saturday night, as he put on his best Edelman outfit and produced first down after first down. If Amendola can replicate 80% of what he did against the Titans the rest of the way, the Patriots offense will be unstoppable.

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#1 Down: WR Brandin Cooks

The biggest game thus far in Cooks’ short career, and he was a big dud. Three catches on nine targets for 32 yards, including a deep shot where he showed little effort to go back to the slightly under-thrown ball, is not what Bill Belichick would like to see. Cooks’ inconsistent season has continued, and they need him to start performing in the postseason.

#1 Up: QB Tom Brady

Who else? After a shaky end to the regular season, and the ESPN story that painted Brady in a bad picture, Brady came out a little shaky, but settled down and torched the Titans defense. It has been a while since we’ve seen Brady put up 300+ yards and three touchdowns, but it was a pretty sight to see.

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