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Jason Wolf and Joe Rexrode recap the loss to the Patriots. Autumn Allison|USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee
The best and worst from the Titans’ 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday in the AFC playoffs at Gillette Stadium:
BEST
The Patriots: The Titans were focused on taking away tight end Rob Gronkowski early, so Tom Brady stuck mostly to the short stuff, getting the ball to running back Dion Lewis and methodically moving the ball down the field. Eventually everything was working. And on defense, the Pats set a franchise playoff record with eight sacks. They can win, decisively, in a lot of different ways.
More: Titans get some tough luck — then the full Patriots treatment in playoff loss
A Corey Davis first: Titans fans would have preferred several touchdown catches by now for the No. 5 overall pick in last year’s draft, but Davis certainly did it with style on his first one. He snagged a perfect 15-yard pass from Marcus Mariota with his left hand, getting a knee down after beating Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler on the play. That capped an 11-play, 95-yard drive and had a quiet Gillette Stadium pondering the possibility of an actual football game. That didn’t materialize, but Davis did add his second touchdown in garbage time.
AFC Divisional Matchup: Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots
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Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) slaps hands with fans as he leaves the field following the 35-14 loss to the Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) slaps hands with running back Derrick Henry (22) in the closing minutes of the team's 35-14 loss in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Players from both teams share a quiet moment after the Pats' win in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) greet each other after the Patriots won 35-14 at the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (94) sacks Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
during the XXXXXX half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey shakes hands with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick after the Pats won 35-14 in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) walks off the field after the team's 35-14 loss in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) hugs Patriots safety Jordan Richards (37) after the Pats' win in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Players from both teams share a quiet moment after the Pats' win in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) chats with Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) after the Pats' 35-14 win over the Titans in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) brings down Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) brings down Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) brings down Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) watches the closing minutes of the team's 35-14 loss from the sideline of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) drops a pass during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is pulled down from behind during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) goes up high for a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) goes up for a touchdown catch during the fourth quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) watches from the sideline during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
during the XXXXXX half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.co
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown catch during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) gains extra yards in front of Titans linebacker Jayon Brown (55) after a catch during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) pulls in a catch during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) pulls in a catch in front of Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) goes up high over Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) for a touchdown catch during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) runs in for a touchdown during the third quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates his touchdown during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates his touchdown with running back James White (28) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) gets by Titans cornerback Tye Smith (33) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) gains yards as Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) defends during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (94) sacks Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is carted off the field after an injury during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is tended to on the field after an injury during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler (70) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) drops a pass fro quarterback Tom Brady (12) during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) breaks up a pass intended for Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots place kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) misses on a 53-yard field goal attempt during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) hangs ontoTitans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) breaks up a pass intended for Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87)during the second quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) pulls in a touchdown catch to make the score 21-7 over the Titans during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) throws the ball into the stands after his touchdown during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his second touchdown as Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) looks away during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) scores his second touchdown defended by Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) and cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his second touchdown during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey argues with referees during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Pass intended for Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) is broken up by Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) stops Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) stops Patriots running back James White (28) before his second touchdown during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) scores defended by Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown with center David Andrews (60) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates his touchdown with tight end Delanie Walker (82) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's first touchdown defended by Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores past Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) is tended to during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catach during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) stops Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles for yards during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) is forced out of bounds by Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) is stopped after a catch during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles for yards during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is stopped on a running play during the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) stops Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) directs his team early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) sets up early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards early in the first quarter of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Patriots defensive end Geneo Grissom (96) and linebacker Marquis Flowers (59) take a moment before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during warmus before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catch during warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans owner hugs former player Tim Shaw before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
A Titans fan is ready for the weather before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey kisses his wife Betsy before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.co
Titans receivers huddle during warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans head coach Mike Mularkey watches warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans players huddle before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) hauls in a pass before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans offensive line coach Russ Grimm watches warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Phillip Supernaw (89) warms up before the the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) warms up before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Darrell Conklin of New York shows his team loyalty before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) warms up before the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) makes a catch before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) pauses before the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans fans Kyle Monaco, of Orange County, N.Y., and Sal Manfredi, of Mount Olive, N.J., cheer for the team before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
The Titans receivers huddle during warmups before the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) signs autographs before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie watches warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) warms up before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs drills before the start of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans punter Brett Kern (6) gets in some kicks before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
Titans fans watch warmups before the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass.
Andrew Nelles / Tennessean.com
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5 of 107![during the XXXXXX half of the AFC Divisional Playoff]()
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13 of 107![Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) brings down]()
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20 of 107![Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates his]()
21 of 107![during the XXXXXX half of the AFC Divisional Playoff]()
22 of 107![Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a touchdown]()
23 of 107![Patriots running back James White (28) gains extra]()
24 of 107![Patriots running back James White (28) pulls in a catch]()
25 of 107![Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) pulls in a catch]()
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27 of 107![Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) goes up high]()
28 of 107![Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) runs in for]()
29 of 107![Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) runs in for]()
30 of 107![Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates]()
31 of 107![Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) celebrates]()
32 of 107![Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) gets by]()
33 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked during]()
34 of 107![Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) gains yards]()
35 of 107![Patriots defensive tackle Ricky Jean Francois (94)]()
36 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during]()
37 of 107![Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is carted off the]()
38 of 107![Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) is tended to on the]()
39 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by]()
40 of 107![Patriots running back James White (28) drops a pass]()
41 of 107![Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) breaks up a pass]()
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43 of 107![Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) hangs ontoTitans]()
44 of 107![Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) breaks up a pass]()
45 of 107![Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) pulls in a]()
46 of 107![Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) throws the]()
47 of 107![Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) celebrates]()
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57 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) celebrates his]()
58 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
59 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
60 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
61 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
62 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
63 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores the team's]()
64 of 107![Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) scores past Patriots]()
65 of 107![Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) is tended]()
66 of 107![Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catach]()
67 of 107![Patriots cornerback Eric Rowe (25) stops Titans wide]()
68 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles for]()
69 of 107![Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) is forced]()
70 of 107![Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) is stopped]()
71 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during]()
72 of 107![Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards]()
73 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles early]()
74 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) scrambles for]()
75 of 107![Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards]()
76 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is stopped on]()
77 of 107![Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) stops Patriots tight]()
78 of 107![Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes early in]()
79 of 107![Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) directs his team]()
80 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) sets up early]()
81 of 107![Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gains yards]()
82 of 107![Patriots defensive end Geneo Grissom (96) and linebacker]()
83 of 107![Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws during]()
84 of 107![Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) makes a catch]()
85 of 107![Titans owner hugs former player Tim Shaw before the]()
86 of 107![A Titans fan is ready for the weather before the AFC]()
87 of 107![Titans head coach Mike Mularkey kisses his wife Betsy]()
88 of 107![Titans receivers huddle during warmups before the AFC]()
89 of 107![Titans head coach Mike Mularkey watches warmups before]()
90 of 107![Titans players huddle before the AFC Divisional Playoff]()
91 of 107![Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) hauls in a pass]()
92 of 107![Titans offensive line coach Russ Grimm watches warmups]()
93 of 107![Titans tight end Phillip Supernaw (89) warms up before]()
94 of 107![Titans tight end Delanie Walker (82) warms up before]()
95 of 107![Darrell Conklin of New York shows his team loyalty]()
96 of 107![Titans place kicker Ryan Succop (4) warms up before]()
97 of 107![Titans wide receiver Taywan Taylor (13) makes a catch]()
98 of 107![Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) pauses before the]()
99 of 107![Titans fans Kyle Monaco, of Orange County, N.Y., and]()
100 of 107![The Titans receivers huddle during warmups before the]()
101 of 107![Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) signs autographs]()
102 of 107![Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie watches]()
103 of 107![Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) warms up before the]()
104 of 107![Titans cornerback Adoree' Jackson (25) runs drills]()
105 of 107![Titans punter Brett Kern (6) gets in some kicks before]()
106 of 107![Titans fans watch warmups before the AFC Divisional]()
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WORST
Offensive linemen getting rolled up on from behind: It happened to Titans right tackle Jack Conklin on the Titans’ first-quarter drive, a play that was no one’s fault but hard to watch. Those are the kinds of plays that wreck knees, and Conklin was down immediately holding his left knee. He walked under his own power off the field and to the locker room but was unable to return. The extent of the injury was not known as of Saturday night.
More: Patriots 35, Titans 14: Tom Brady dices Tennessee defense in AFC divisional playoffs
Pass blocking: Look, Conklin is a huge loss. But it doesn’t explain left tackle Taylor Lewan giving up consecutive sacks when the game was still a game – after a miscommunication with left guard Quinton Spain on the first one – and it doesn’t explain all the other breakdowns in the Titans’ pass protection. To his credit, Lewan took the blame afterward for two mental errors in the game leading to sacks.
CLOSE
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry kept reminding his teammates that the team will make it back to the playoffs following the loss to the Patriots. Autumn Allison|USA TODAY NETWORK-Tennessee
Yes, the officials: An offensive pass interference against receiver Eric Decker wiped out a big first-down reception with the score tied at 7. Pats corner Malcolm Butler sold the heck out of it, but it wasn’t much. And then the reversal from a Pats false start to a Titans encroachment on a punt was awful.
The whining: You can add us to the list of offenders here since we’re talking about the officials, and that also means we can’t really hammer the Titans for complaining about the officials. But Mike Mularkey also complained again about media negativity, saying the Titans did a lot of good things this season but “they probably won’t hear about it.” Linebacker Brian Orakpo chided reporters for their “dumb (butt) questions.” Emotion after a loss, especially at the end of a season, has to be taken into account. But Mularkey and some of his players seem to think they’ve been under siege this season, and that’s simply not true.
Reach Joe Rexrode at jrexrode@tennessean.com and follow him on Twitter @joerexrode.
Tennessee Titans vs. New England Patriots watch party
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Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
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Though there was excitement at the beginning of the night at the Titans’ official watch party at The George Jones in downtown Nashville, Titans fans’ hopes of a season continuing came to an end with the 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday night.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
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Titans fans cheer after a big play against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed The George Jones for the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans get excited at The George Jones as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
T-Rac made an appearance Saturday night to cheer on the Titans against the New England Patriots at The George Jones for the Titans official watch party on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Though there was excitement at the beginning of the night at the Titans’ official watch party at The George Jones in downtown Nashville, Titans fans’ hopes of a season continuing came to an end with the 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday night.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans cheer after a big play against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed The George Jones for the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Two Titans' fans, one in a kilt, were two of many who gathered downtown at The George Jones to watch the Titans take on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Though there was excitement at the beginning of the night at the Titans’ official watch party at The George Jones in downtown Nashville, Titans fans’ hopes of a season continuing came to an end with the 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday night.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
The excitement couldn't be contained as Titans fans gathered downtown at The George Jones as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Though there was excitement at the beginning of the night at the Titans’ official watch party at The George Jones in downtown Nashville, Titans fans’ hopes of a season continuing came to an end with the 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots on Saturday night.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
T-Rac made an appearance Saturday night to cheer on the Titans against the New England Patriots at The George Jones for the Titans official watch party on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans cheer after a big play against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed The George Jones for the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans packed the house for the official Titans Watch Party.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
Buy Photo
Titans fans downtown at The George Jones get excited as Tennessee takes on New England on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018. Hundreds of fans pack the house at the official watch party for the Titans playoff game.
Price Chambers / For The Tennessean
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