Here’s a look at how the New England Patriots narrowly missed victory in their overtime clash with the Tennessee Titans.
In a gritty, back-and-forth contest on Sunday, the Patriots and Titans battled into overtime. Tennessee ultimately secured victory with an opening overtime field goal, which New England couldn’t answer. The Titans’ 20-17 triumph dropped the Patriots to 2-7 for the season, marking New England’s second overtime loss in 2024.
Quarterback Drake Maye rallied the Patriots with a late fourth-quarter drive, connecting with Rhamondre Stevenson for a touchdown to force an unexpected overtime. After a day of struggling offensively, New England’s rhythm picked up late, but their defense couldn’t deliver a critical overtime stop, and Maye’s third turnover of the day sealed the Patriots’ fate.
Here’s how this thrilling showdown unfolded!
1. Titans Strike Early with Big Plays
The Titans wasted no time establishing momentum, charging downfield with four plays of 10-plus yards on their opening drive. Tennessee marched into the end zone, highlighted by Tony Pollard’s 32-yard run on a toss. The Patriots’ run defense, ranked 29th in DVOA, proved vulnerable, as the Titans capitalized on the edges where New England has struggled all season. Tennessee capped off their drive with a nine-yard touchdown pass to tight end Nick Vannett, covering 75 yards in just eight plays to grab an early 7-0 lead.
The Patriots aimed to respond on their first drive, with Drake Maye’s 26-yard scramble providing their only first down. However, Joey Slye missed a 56-yard field goal wide right, and New England continued to search for offensive rhythm.
Both teams then traded punts to close the first quarter, though Marcus Jones energized the Patriots with a 44-yard punt return to midfield. Tennessee’s documented special teams struggles were displayed, as the Patriots exploited their 32nd-ranked DVOA kick coverage.
2. Exchanging Turnovers, Patriots Take Advantage
After a turnover-free outing against Jacksonville and a brief, clean appearance last week against the Jets, Drake Maye’s struggles returned in the second quarter. He threw his third interception of the season as Amani Hooker read his throw, jumping the route to secure the game’s first turnover.
The Titans capitalized quickly, with Rudolph connecting on a 25-yard pass to Calvin Ridley that moved Tennessee into the red zone. A horse-collar penalty on Keion White added another eight yards, putting the Titans in position to extend their lead.
Just as Tennessee threatened to go up by two scores, the Patriots defense delivered a clutch takeaway. In a play reminiscent of Malcolm Butler’s famous Super Bowl 49 interception, Jahlani Tavai broke up a quick slant, tipping the ball into the air and then snagging it himself for New England’s first takeaway since Week 6 against Houston—a crucial stop in the game.
The Patriots’ offense converted the turnover into their first points, driving 36 yards in 11 plays to set up a 52-yard Joey Slye field goal. Maye led the way with a 13-yard scramble and key third-down passes, including an underhand toss to Stevenson under pressure and an 11-yard completion to Hunter Henry up the seam.
A holding penalty on Ja’Lynn Polk stalled the drive on the edge of field goal range, but the Patriots finally broke onto the scoreboard, narrowing the Titans’ lead.
The half closed with neither team making much of their final possessions. New England’s two-minute drill stalled after losing yardage on second and third down, resulting in a 15-yard punt from Bryce Baringer that gifted Tennessee good field position. But the Titans also faltered, a holding penalty knocking them out of field goal range and keeping the score at 7-3 Titans at halftime.
3. Penalty-Filled Drive Puts Patriots Ahead
Opening the second half, the Patriots put together a scoring drive marked by six combined penalties from both teams. The most impactful was a facemask penalty on Roger McCreary on a third down from the Titans’ six-yard line, setting New England up inside the five with a fresh set of downs. Rhamondre Stevenson capitalized with a touchdown run, giving the Patriots their first lead of the game, 10-7.
Drake Maye continued to make plays with his legs, breaking off another 13-yard scramble to extend his team-leading rushing total. He also connected on a crucial 21-yard pass to Pop Douglas, perfectly lofted over the Titan’s defense on a critical late-down play.
Neither offense gained much traction, but for the Patriots, Drake Maye was the difference-maker, using both his legs and arm to extend plays, aided by timely penalty calls.
In response, Tennessee managed its most sustained drive of the game, piecing together 11 plays for 77 yards. However, a crucial penalty in the red zone forced them to settle for a field goal, bringing the game to a 10-10 tie entering the fourth quarter.
4. Heartbreak and Hope: Maye’s Turnover, Then Redemption
The Patriots’ turnover troubles resurfaced in the fourth quarter just as Maye started to drive the offense. A strip-sack from behind led to a fumble recovery by Tennessee at the Patriots’ 26-yard line—Maye’s second turnover of the day. Tennessee’s aggressive front seven had kept pressure on Maye throughout the game, and this time they capitalized.
The Patriots’ defense couldn’t hold, and Tennessee quickly scored in five plays, putting them ahead 17-10 with just over four minutes left.
New England’s offense stumbled on their next drive, punting back to Tennessee. However, the Patriots’ defense came up big, forcing another stop and granting New England a final chance.
With less than two minutes and no timeouts, Maye showcased his resilience, executing three clutch passes to move into the red zone. The offense faced a critical 4th-and-2 from the Titans’ 15-yard line, which they converted, reaching the five-yard line with just eight seconds remaining. After spiking the ball and narrowly missing Kayshon Boutte on second down, Maye faced a last-chance third down. Scrambling as the pocket collapsed, Maye threw under pressure to the end zone—and connected with Stevenson for a touchdown!
In one of the most thrilling plays of Maye’s young career, Joey Slye’s extra point tied the game and forced overtime.
The Titans opened overtime with a 13-play, 72-yard drive, resulting in a field goal after the Patriots’ defense held them at the six-yard line. Unfortunately, it would prove enough. On New England’s last possession, Maye threw a final interception, sealing the 20-17 overtime defeat for the Patriots.
6. Patriots Drop to 2-7
Following a frustrating loss, the Patriots now sit at 2-7 on the season, unable to capitalize on the momentum gained from their victory over the Jets last week. New England started the game sluggishly in all areas but showed commendable resilience by forcing overtime. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure the win, despite an impressive performance from Maye.
Ultimately, the Patriots failed to make enough crucial plays to counteract their turnovers and penalties, which plagued them throughout the game and into overtime. Turnovers proved to be the decisive factor.
Despite his mistakes, Maye kept the Patriots competitive with his rushing ability and timely passes, leading a critical drive that softened the sting of the loss. However, a stagnant running game left New England stuck in neutral, and the defense managed only one takeaway, failing to deliver the essential overtime stop needed to extend the game and give the offense a chance to clinch a victory.
Next week, the Patriots will hit the road again, heading to Chicago to face Caleb Williams and the Bears.
