NFL preseason : Patriots Fall 23-7 to Titans

Nashville, TN – The Patriots concluded the preseason with a 23-7 loss to the Titans at Nissan Stadium on Friday night.

With the Patriots sitting most of their starters and 14 active players not dressing, this game had all the feels of a preseason finale. Behind a patchwork offensive line, New England managed only 79 total yards and eight first downs on 42 offensive plays in a lackluster performance.

The Patriots defense made more plays than the offense, but very few takeaways from this game are relevant talking points for this team in the regular season. New England is rolling into a showdown with the defending NFC champs to kick off the regular season with 18 training camp practices, two joint sessions, and one preseason audition for the starting group, and that'll have to do. That's a wrap.

Bailey Zappe started at quarterback as New England (1-2) rested many of its starters. The Patriots managed just 79 yards total offense.

“Obviously, we got a chance to look at a lot of guys here tonight,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.

Tennessee (2-1) had six sacks and forced a turnover. Most of the Titans' starters played the first quarter.

With rookie Will Levis missing a second straight game with an injured left thigh, Willis made his case to back up Tannehill again this season.

Friday night’s performance was easily the worst Zappe has looked during his time in New England.

It wasn’t entirely his fault. He was playing behind a shoddy offensive line that gave up six sacks. Zappe seemed to be running for his life out there at times with the lack of protection.

Here’s where the blame does fall on him, though. He’s got to protect the ball better. Even when there’s heavy penetration in the Patriots backfield, a quarterback simply can’t fumble the ball three times.

Bailey Zappe starts the game at quarterback for the Pats. Running back Kevin Harris carries twice for four total yards and Zappe throws incomplete on 3rd and 6 from the NE 25. Bryce Baringer punts 52 yards to the TEN 23 with no return.

Malik Willis comes into the game at quarterback and throws incomplete to begin the drive. A Spears carry for a loss and another incomplete Willis pass brings up 3rd and 11. The Patriots are called for defensive pass interference at the NE 46 for a new set of downs

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Sarah H

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