Titans' Henry looks to build on postseason debut vs Patriots
- by Elias Mendoza
- in Sports
- — Jan 13, 2018
For the third time in four years, reigning NFL Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots are the top seed in the AFC and have homefield throughout the playoffs.
Henry rebounded from a game in which he ran for 51 yards by setting a franchise playoff record with 191 yards from scrimmage, helping the Titans rally for a 22-21 victory over Kansas City in the wild-card round.
Tennessee head coach Mike Mularkey told reporters Sunday the 29-year-old rusher remains "day-to-day", which is the same label he used after the injury first occurred over two weeks ago.
"We're not the Chiefs".
Wise has had a solid rookie season for New England, registering 5.0 sacks - third on the team behind Trey Flowers and Kyle Van Noy. "It shows you what we can do when he's healthy". He's big. There's a lot of big backs out there.
NFC North victor Minnesota Vikings (13-3) face NFC South champion New Orleans Saints (12-5).
Fellow safety Devin McCourty sees the same attributes in Mariota. I've maintained that Mariota is at his best when he makes teams remember that he can get out of the pocket. "This is the time in the season where you've just got to lay it all on the line". He has the speed to get around the edge. Never deflecting blame elsewhere, just "I have to play better".
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The Titans hope to use Henry quite a bit Saturday to exploit some holes in the Patriots' run defense. "He can certainly run inside and break tackles, he's a tough runner, he can get tough runs. But they give you the effort each and every night". The Titans offense has struggled to put up points and has routinely settled for field goals in the red zone. "Hopefully, we can go out and play well". "I hope fans enjoy seeing what we captured".
McCourty admitted it will be odd seeing former teammate Logan Ryan in Titans colors on the opposing sideline. Interior run-stuffers Lawerence Guy and Alan Branch (who is returning from injury this week) are used on obvious run downs and early down situations. "If he runs like that, we're going to be all right". "It will be fun to talk a little trash to each other". Gillislee and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell both returned to practice after missing the first two sessions of the week. But his absence Tuesday, along with a less than enthusiastic response from Belichick didn't lend optimism.
But it's going to be a long shot anyway.
The Pats, however, are expected to get reinforcements. Expect Gronkowski and the Patriots' running backs to have huge games.
Ben Roethlisberger had the worst game of his career in that October loss to the Jags. The grand prize victor will get hotel accommodations and dinner to go along with the tickets.
I've heard some media people say it's different this time; it's infighting with the big egos of Belichick and Brady battling, and Kraft trying to mediate, as opposed to battling with the commissioner and the league office.