FOXBOROUGH — Patriots defensive tackle Davon Godchaux He offered a frank assessment of the team’s run defense against the Jets this past Sunday and explained why they were successful despite their struggles in previous weeks. “they cut out the (expletive) cute one” and I went back to basics.

When asked about Godchaux’s views on Thursday, New England’s defensive assistants took a different approach and instead praised the front seven’s ability to work.

Defensive coordinator “We really executed for me” DeMarcus Covington in question. “Last week we talked about being a fundamentally sound, consistent football (team).

“We also talked about how it’s about actions, not words, and that’s how I look at it. It’s not about what you say. It’s about what you do and how you do it. “How well you perform and show action on the field.”

“I think when you play better technique and fundamentals, you do your job, you play better,” the defensive line coach said. Jerry Montgomery in question.

“At the end of the day, we played better defense. We played better offense. We played better special teams. We played better Patriot football.”

Regardless of how it is executed, run defense last week beat the Jets (112 yards allowed) was a stark contrast to the Patriots’ results on the ground in five previous contests; They gave up an average of 167.2 yards in games that were all losses.

Can the Patriots point the arrow in the right direction? This weekend, they will face a Tennessee running game that is averaging 119.7 yards rushing per game; This puts it in the middle of the pack compared to the rest of the league. Tony Pollard (114 carries, 494 rushing yards, three TDs) Does the bulk of the work for the Titans.

According to coach Jerod MayoThe formula for sustained success is simple.

“It all starts with appointments, first and foremost,” he said Friday. “Really, it’s about beating the other guy, whether you’re talking about guys on the offensive line moving the defensive line or guys on the defensive line actually using block busters to go out there, get off the blocks, and make tackles. That’s what we get paid for.”

QB question for Titans

It’s worth noting that despite all the uncertainty surrounding the Patriots’ quarterback situation, the Titans are in a similar boat.

Tennessee coach on Friday Brian Callahan I didn’t give a starting name because Will Levis He is listed as questionable due to a right shoulder injury.

“He can see some strength and endurance coming back, so that was good,” Callahan told reporters. “We’ll see when we get to game day. This week is better than last week, that’s all we were hoping to see. So we’ll keep moving forward.

“We might even throw some at it tomorrow, just to see, and then we’ll make a decision.”

backup Mason Rudolph started Titans’ last two gamesand if they feel that Levis is not ready, they can return to the center on Sunday.

injury report

Shooter Joey Slye (personal/non-injury related) was the only member of the Patriots’ 53-man roster missing from Friday’s practice. New England lists eight players as questionable: cornerback Alex Austin (ankle), safety Kyle Digger (ankle), defender Christian Ellis (abdominal), offensive lineman michael jordan (ankle), offensive lineman Vederian Lowe (ankle/shoulder), point guard Drake Maye (concussion), defensive lineman jaquelin roy (neck) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee). Cornerback for Tennessee L’Jarius Sneed (quad), running back Spears of Tyjae (hamstring) and offensive lineman Andrew Rupcich (triceps) ignored… senior center David Andrews He is the Patriots’ nominee for the 2024 “Salute to Service Award” presented by USAA. This honor is given to a unit member who has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to honoring and supporting the military community.

Christopher Price can be reached at [email protected]. follow him @cpriceglobe.