The adage that defense wins championships will be put to the ultimate test Sunday at Foxboro, where the AFC’s best defense (and one of the most talented of this century) faces football’s most complete and accomplished offense. The Saturday night Divisional Round game was like a short journey back in time for the Patriots. They destroyed Tennessee with the spread formations and horizontal passing of the Wes Welker/Julian Edelman years. Tom Brady was magnificent with pre-snap formation adjustments and quick post-snap decisions, exploiting Titans linebackers and safeties who had struggled much of the year in coverage.
On Sunday against Jacksonville, expect the Patriots to reclaim their 2017 identity as a run-oriented, deep vertical passing offense.