The New England Patriots take on the Tennessee Titans in a Divisional Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on Saturday, January 13, 2017.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and head strength and conditioning coach Moses Cabrera walk the field prior to the NFL post season AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Jan.13, 2018 in Foxboro, Mass. (Jim Mahoney via AP)
A general view of Gillette Stadium is seen prior to an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game between the Tennessee Titans against the New England Patriots on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady charges onto the field to warm up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady charges onto the field to warm up before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) yells as he makes his way onto the field prior to an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to wide receiver Brandin Cooks (14) before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick walks on the field before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, right, greets backup quarterback Brian Hoyer (2) before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The New England Patriots stand during the national anthem before an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is tackled by Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard, rear, after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota is sacked by New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise, top, during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) celebrates his sack of Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) carries the ball as Tennessee Titans defenders Avery Williamson (54), Wesley Woodyard (59) and Logan Ryan (26) pursue during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signals to the sideline during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis, right, eludes Tennessee Titans cornerback Tye Smith during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back James White, right, celebrates his touchdown with Brandon Bolden, left, during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back James White, right, runs past Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Tom Brady, right, during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White, top, celebrates his touchdown with center David Andrews (60) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a touchdown by James White during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) celebrates his second touchdown during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back James White (28) dives into the end zone for his second touchdown during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, right, talks to quarterbacks Tom Brady, center and Brian Hoyer, left, on the sideline during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates his touchdown pass to Chris Hogan during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes over Tennessee Titans defensive end Karl Klug (97) during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) tackles New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a reception during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) catches a touchdown pass against the Tennessee Titans during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, celebrates his touchdown pass to Chris Hogan during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a touchdown by Brandon Bolden during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots linebacker Marquis Flowers (59) sacks Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden scores a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden celebrates his touchdown against the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski catches a touchdown pass with Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) defending during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski catches a touchdown pass with Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard (31) defending during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) tiptoes along the sideline as Tennessee Titans linebacker Derrick Morgan (91) pursues during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola celebrates his reception during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) catches a pass in front of Tennessee Titans cornerback Logan Ryan (26) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) passes under pressure from Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard (59) during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels celebrates his team's touchdown in front of head coach Bill Belichick, right, during the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speaks to teammates on the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski stands on the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Former teammates Tennessee Titans backup quarterback Matt Cassel, left, and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Mularkey speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady watches from the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots defensive end Geneo Grissom celebrates near the end of the team's win over the Tennessee Titans during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, left, and New England Patriots defensive end Geneo Grissom, right, speak at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field after an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots players pray together at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady walks the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots players pray together at midfield after an NFL divisional playoff football game, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on during an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) tries to get the crowd involved during an NFL AFC divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 in Foxborough, Mass. New England won 35-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots defensive ends Deatrich Wise (91) and Geneo Grissom (96) celebrate on the side line near the end of the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, left, and quarterback Tom Brady speak on the sideline during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, talks to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, center, and head coach Bill Belichick, right, during a timeout in the first half of an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Tennessee Titans, Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Esta noche los Patriots de New England consiguieron una sólida victoria de 35 -14 frente a los Titans; con este resultado, los Patriots avanzan al partido por el campeonato de la AFC a jugarse el próximo fin de semana aquí en el Gillette Stadium.
Un encuentro que empezó lento para los Patriots y con un resultado en contra de 7-0, tomó un giro de 180 grados cuando, empezando el segundo cuarto, los dirigidos por Belichick empiezan una avanzada que no tuvo freno, siendo los anotadores de los siguientes 35 puntos del partido (5 touchdowns), logrando de esta manera, un lugar en el ansiado juego definitorio de conferencia.
"Al final nuestros jugadores hicieron muchas grandes jugadas, ejecutaron realmente bien, muchas atrapadas excelentes, grandes bloqueos. Simplemente fue un gran triunfo en equipo. Muy bien en defensa, sacks. Lo que quiero decir es que estuvo increíble", resumió Brady la actuación de su equipo.
Un buen juego para el mariscal de campo quien terminó su gran actuación completando 35 de 53 pases para 337 yardas y 3 anotaciones.
Vale mencionar la efectividad de la línea ofensiva de New England, la cual mantuvo a su QB libre de sacks o capturas.
Para realizar su ataque aéreo, Brady contó con el buen trabajo de sus receptores, especialmente de Danny Amendola quien, como es típico en él, guardó su mejor actuación para cuando más importaba, para los playoffs. El aguerrido receptor completó 11 atrapadas para 112 yardas -muchas de ellas en situaciones de tercer down. Esta era la primera vez en su carrera que el WR sumaba más de 100 yardas en un partido.
"Él es un gran jugador. Trabaja muy duro y es simplemente Danny 'Playoff' Amendola. Cada vez que llegan los playoffs y juegos importantes, él está siempre allí", dijo Gronkowski acerca del WR.
Iigualmente activos en el juego aéreo estuvieron los corredores Dion Lewis (9 atrapadas, 79 yardas) y James White (4 atrapadas y 29 yardas, y 1 TD).
Como se presumía, los Titans también tuvieron problemas cubriendo al gran Rob Gronkowski, el TE receptó 6 de 9 pases para 81 yardas y 1 TD).
En lo que se refiere al juego terrestre, los RBs de New England fueron el complemento adecuado, no solo con sus corredores Lewis y White sumando yardas aéreas, sino a través del acarreo, en donde el grupo de RBs completó un total de 101 yardas y 2 touchdowns.
Una defensa efectiva
Así como la ofensiva realizó un trabajo impecable, la defensa hizo su parte limitando los intentos del QB Marcus Mariota y compañía.
El temido juego de carrera de los visitantes –el bastión de su ataque- estuvo bajo control gran parte de la noche con su RB Derrick Henry sumando solo 28 yardas en 12 acarreos.
Igualmente remarcable fue el trabajo de los pass rushers quienes mantuvieron en jaque al escurridizo y peligroso QB de Tennessee. Marcus Mariota fue víctima de 8 sacks, un record de franquicia para los Patriots en juegos de post temporada.
"Cuando sabes lo que estás haciendo y te relajas, el juego se calma, y cuando logras eso, puedes ver mejor", explicó el DE Deatrich Wise, autor de 2 sacks.
El QB visitante también sumó 10 golpes y terminó su noche completando 22 de 37 pases para 254 yardas y 2 TD.
Tras la victoria, los Patriots ahora esperan a su rival del próximo domingo, el cual se conocerá en unas horas cuando los Steelers y los Jaguars se enfrenten por el derecho de venir al Gillette a jugar el partido por el campeonato de la AFC.
Este será el séptimo juego por campeonato de la conferencia en línea para Brady, el QB ya suma 12 de estos partidos en su carrera de 18 años.
"Es increíble ser parte de eso y creo que la cosa es que aquí no damos nada por hecho. Sé lo difícil que es llegar a este juego, somos bendecidos por poder hacerlo, requiere de buena fortuna, de mucho trabajo duro, y nuestro equipo ha demostrado a lo largo del año que puede ganar juegos importantes contra buenos equipos, como el de esta noche, y es por eso que continuamos", aseguró Brady.
