Patriots Dominate Titans Under Vrabel's Watch

In an emotional return to Nissan Stadium on October 19, 2025, the New England Patriots (5-2) crushed the Tennessee Titans (1-6) 31-13, in Mike Vrabel's coaching debut against the team that fired him in January 2024. Drake Maye excelled, passing 21 of 23 for 222 yards and two touchdowns, completing 16 in a row after a rough start, while Rhamondre Stevenson contributed 62 rushing yards and a TD. The Patriots defense forced three key turnovers, including a fumble return TD by K'Lavon Chaisson and an INT by Marcus Jones, with five sacks led by Chaisson and Harold Landry III (former Titan). Cam Ward, the rookie No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, started strong with 144 yards in the first half but collapsed with 255 total yards, an INT, and a costly fumble, sealing another loss for a Tennessee side in crisis under interim Mike McCoy.

Quarter-by-quarter summary:

First quarter:
The Titans surprise with an explosive start: Cam Ward completes 10 of 11 for 144 yards, culminating in a 3-yard TD to Tyjae Spears after a 75-yard drive (0-7). The Patriots respond with a 50-yard field goal by Joey Slye—no, wait for it, by Chad Ryland for New England (3-7). Drake Maye suffers an initial sack, but the Patriots defense forces a punt, keeping the game close. Tennessee leads for the first time in months, with Ward looking like the high pick he promised.

Second Quarter:
New England tied the game with a 3-yard TD pass from Maye to Austin Hooper on a sustained drive (10-7). The Titans countered with a 42-yard field goal by Joey Slye (10-10), but Maye responded with a 39-yard blast to Kayshon Boutte for his second TD just before halftime (17-13). Ward racked up 144 passing yards, but the Patriots controlled the clock with Stevenson's runs, limiting Tennessee to a stalemate.

Third Quarter:
The Patriots extended the lead early with a 4-yard rushing TD by Rhamondre Stevenson after an 88-yard drive (24-13), taking advantage of a defensive penalty. Ward was sacked and threw an INT returned by Marcus Jones, but New England didn't immediately capitalize. Vrabel's defense suffocates the Titans with two more sacks, forcing punts and maintaining momentum, while Maye completes short passes to Stefon Diggs for a key 18 yards.

Fourth Quarter:
The nail in the coffin comes with 11 seconds left in the third—early fourth: Chaisson forces and recovers a Ward fumble at the 4-yard line after a sack, returning it for a TD (31-13). Tennessee threatens a long drive, but another INT from Ward to Jones in the final minutes seals the game. The Patriots take a knee to close out the game, with Maye adding 62 extra rushing yards. Vrabel, cheered by the home fans, celebrates his first victory against his former team on an afternoon of total redemption.