Tennessee at New England.(AFC divisional playoff matchups)(Tennessee Titans)(New England Patriots)(Brief Article)

When Tennessee has the ball: Since the healthy return of NT Ted Washington, the Patriots have gotten stronger against the run each week. His presence in the middle, combined with the explosiveness of RE Richard Seymour in the team's three-man front, allows the linebackers to get free lanes to the ballcarrier. As a result, Eddie George, who played despite separating a shoulder last week, will struggle to run effectively. That means QB Steve McNair must play better, but his receivers don't match up well against the Patriots' secondary. CB Ty Law will take the Titans' No. 2 receiver out of the game in man coverage, allowing the secondary to gang up on WR Derrick Mason and freeing the Patriots' linebackers and safeties to be more active and versatile in coverage down the middle.

When New England has the ball: The Patriots might as well throw the running attack out of their game plan. The Titans' run defense ...