I should start by saying that, unlike the rest of the country (Massachusetts excluded), I don’t actually hate the New England Patriots. Quite frankly, I’m incredibly impressed by what they’ve done as a dynasty that’s lasted nearly two decades. I’m a big fan of greatness – I love watching LeBron James play. Love watching Clayton Kershaw pitch. So on and so forth. So, watching the magic that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have created together is full-on sports porn to me.
Hopefully, the Tennessee Titans will reach such a status one day (lololololol). But, the pursuit of that is exactly why I’m eagerly anticipating this game, and why it’s been what I’ve wanted as a Titans fan all season long.
The Patriots are the best team in the NFL. They’re the reigning and defending Super Bowl champions, and they’re the top seed in the AFC yet again. They’ve won five Super Bowls, and are the favorites to win it again this year. It’s intimidating to think that the Titans have to go on the road to play this team given how much better the Patriots look (on paper – I still say there’s a chance the Titans actually win this game) than them.
But, the Titans have an obvious connection to the organization in general manager Jon Robinson, who came to Nashville by way of New England. Cornerback Logan Ryan is also a former Patriot. These men know how to win. In Robinson’s case, he’s attempting to build this Titans franchise in that same mold of excellence.
A lot of people are looking at this game as a total wash. But, I’m not one of them. There’s a lot we can learn from this matchup, even if it’s a horrendous loss.
For one, this is the measuring stick. We’re going to see just how competitive this team is ready to be with not just an elite team in the NFL, but the elite team in the NFL. It’ll show the Titans exactly what they need heading into free agency and the draft. Or, it’ll show the Titans that they do have the personnel to contend for Super Bowl titles now. Either way, this is a valuable opportunity.
Second, when Robinson came to the Titans and started wheelin’ and dealin’ all over the place, a lot of people started referencing the Titans as a “wannabe New England South.” This game will be a mark of overall progress towards that as well. Where do they match up well with the Pats? Where do they still need improvement?
‘Exotic smashmouth’ didn’t exactly work too well during the regular season. The Titans offense underachieved. But, this style of football, if executed properly, matches up pretty well against this Patriots team. So, in a way, if the Titans can win this game, it would provide a certain measure of vindication of Mike Mularkey and his philosophy.
This is the exact opportunity Titans fans should’ve been hoping for since last Spring. Tomorrow, we’re going to know how close or far away the Titans are from building a Super Bowl contender, putting together a potential dynasty of a roster, and whether or not the plan is even working.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Buy our shirt. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube. Shop our store on Redbubble.