8 winners and losers from the Patriots' loss to the Titans

The New England Patriots lost their Week 8 contest 20-17 to the Tennessee Titans, falling to 2-7 on the year.

Here you can find out who caught our attention during the live broadcast, for better or for worse.

winner

QB Drake Maye: It wasn't a perfect game for the rookie quarterback, who threw two interceptions and lost a fumble on a strip sack – all three turnovers were his fault. But Maye took the offense and pushed it as far as he could.

Mayes' legs were once again his biggest asset, as he led the team with 95 rushing yards on eight scrambles – forcing Tennessee's defense to play mostly zone coverage after the first series. The play that tied the touchdown in regulation also came after he extended a play over 11 seconds before throwing a strike to Rhamondre Stevenson in the end zone.

As a passer, Maye completed 29 of 41 for 206 yards. After the touchdown, his best pass came on a 21-yard completion to DeMario Douglas after rolling to his right and dropping a ball into the basket along the sideline. However, in both interceptions Maye missed the defenders in the penalty area.

Again, it wasn't perfect and Maye has to learn from the mistakes. But the 22-year-old's ideas are piling up – which has attracted the attention of his teammates. Now it's up to everyone else to make life easier around him.

LB Jahlani Tavai: It's been a challenging season at times for Tavai without Ja'Whaun Bentley alongside him, but the linebacker has been playing better of late. That led to his best game of the season on Sunday, where Tavai led the team with 11 tackles and an interception after a tip drill along the goal line. Tavai also turned heads with an early TFL on a screen and a QB hit as he was disruptive as a blitzer.

PR Marcus Jones: Against a historically poor Titans special unit, it seemed inevitable that Marcus Jones would be used in the second leg. That's what happened when Jones scored a 44-yard return – with key blocks from several of his fellow defensive backs – and then recorded a 25-yard return to set up the game-winning drive at the end of regulation. Jones is an elite punt returner.

loser

Coaching staff: It was another undisciplined performance from the Patriots, who took a total of eight penalties for 58 yards. They continually made life more difficult for each other, which was notable in a game where the Titans had 10 penalties and played in overtime in such a way that they were limited to a field goal.

As for the New England coaching staff's decision-making, the game began with a questionable move along the offensive line, with Layden Robinson being moved to right guard and Mike Onwenu moving back to right tackle. Robinson played against Jeffery Simmons, the Titans' best player, and played only 21 games before returning to the bench.

Elsewhere, a recurring theme, the Patriots continued to fumble the situation at the end of the half. After Maye completed back-to-back passes to Kendrick Bourne for a total of 23 yards, Alex Van Pelt picked back-to-back runs to emphasize moving the chains on both 2nd and 3rd-and-1. However, both barrels were stuffed short as the clock continued to run. It was a puzzling decision based on Maye's start to the drive and wasted potential for points.

Run game: Another week, another trip to the losers section for the running game – both offensively and defensively.

On offense, New England's backs totaled just 15 yards on 12 carries, while Maye (95 yards) was once again the team's leading rusher. Much of that blame falls on the offensive line, which continues to generate little movement as the Patriots produced negative yards before contact for the fourth straight week.

On defense, Tennessee held the ball on the ground 39 times for 167 yards (4.3 YPA) in the win. After being beaten around the edges by the Jets last week, Tony Pollard totaled 92 yards on 19 outside throws (4.8 YPC). Overtime was then a flashback to London as the Titans marched down the field mostly on the ground.

WR Ja'Lynn Polk: After missing last week with a concussion, the rookie wideout returns to action on Sunday. Polk played a season-low nine offensive snaps and saw just one score. To make matters worse, Polk was assessed two penalties – an illegal substitution and a layup that negated a first down by Pop Douglas. At this point, it's difficult to see a role on offense for the 37th pick.

K Joey Slye and P Bryce Baringer: 56-yard field goals are no walk in the park, but Joey Slye missing the long attempt on New England's first drive proved costly. Slye has only missed three shots this season (one of which was blocked), all in a loss. As for Baringer, the punter made two kicks, including one that only reached 15 yards.

Honorable Mentions

• Not much room on the ground, but Rhamondre Stevenson caught five passes for 38 yards and the game-winning score.
• Hunter Henry continues to be Mr. Reliable. He tied Pop Douglas with a team-high seven receptions and led the team with 56 receiving yards – including a fourth down conversion on the final drive of the regular season.
• In addition to the offensive line's struggles in the run game, the pass defense fell behind as Maye was pressured on 38.5 percent of his dropbacks. Ben Brown had expected problems against Simmons as he was asked to serve twice.
• Christian Gonzalez accompanied Calvin Ridley for most of the game (24 balls), where he allowed three catches for 51 yards. Gonzalez had perfect defense against a slot fade as he recorded a PBY in the first half.