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Let me begin by saying that I don't have any secret sources, this is simply a gut call. The Titans will be in New England this weekend taking on one of the great NFL dynasties of all time. We all know what happened the last time the Titans played in Gillette stadium. That 59 point blowout win is tied for the largest margin of victory in the modern NFL era.
Could we see a similar outcome Sunday? I don't think this game will be close, but I do think the presence of Marcus Mariota will somewhat stabilize the game. But what happens if the Titans get blown away for the second week in a row? Will that be the final bone to break in Ruston Webster's back?
Last weekend, Ian Rappoport of NFL.com reported that Webster's job wasn't safe. It seems like an obvious statement, but we had heard virtually nothing about Webster's status before then. If anything, it felt like Webster was safe due to the lack of chatter.
However, with the outcome in New York last week still fresh on ownership's mind a trip to Foxborough is not exactly what the doctor ordered. The Patriots are banged up and have struggled in recent weeks, but so have the Titans. Tennessee will likely struggle to cover Rob Gronkowski over the middle, especially without key safety Da'Norris Searcy. The front seven will be tested up front with attacks from Brandon Bolden and James White.
Marcus Mariota will get to face perhaps one of the most complex and talented front seven units that he has faced all season. He was beaten and battered last week and should expect more of the same this week. Jamie Collins, Jabaal Sheard and Chandler Jones will have a shot to tee of on a reeling offensive line.
Mariota will once again be without Kendall Wright, leaving him Delanie Walker, Dorial Green-Beckham and Harry Douglas to throw to primarily. That didn't go well last week.
The Patriots are favored by 14.5 points in this one -- a shockingly high number by Vegas' NFL standards -- and that line still seems low. I just don't see how the Titans will be able to move the ball or stop the Patriots.
This game should highlight the gap in talent from New England to Tennessee. I'm not sure how Amy Adams-Strunk will be able to stomach back to back blowout losses. It's clear that Webster hasn't put enough talent on the field for the Titans to compete with the NFL's best. It's time for a change -- that should be evident against New England. It's been apparent throughout the season this year and last year. If you're going to clean house, you might as well clean the whole house.