Patriots vs. Titans Preview: Position Battles; More Malik Magic?

The New England Patriots must reduce their roster to 53 players by Tuesday.

The New England Patriots close out their preseason Friday night against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.  

Following rookie Isaiah Bolden's frightening injury in preseason last weekend, the Patriots canceled the remainder of their game with the Green Bay Packers and their scheduled joint practices against the Titans this week. Good news is Bolden's health is improving and he traveled back to Foxboro with the team last week and continues to recover from a severe concussion.

The matchup between the Patriots and Titans is highlighted by a deeper look at a few preseason standouts and position battles.

The wait continues to see new offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien calling plays for the No. 1 offense. After sitting out in their first two preseason games, it is expected that starters (namely quarterback Mac Jones) will not see a lot of action against the Titans.

However, preseason is an excellent opportunity to watch players vying to make the roster, while others make a case for major playing time...

Can quarterback Malik Cunningham continue to impress and challenge for a roster spot and playing time? Who will step up behind Rhamondre Stevenson and new Patriot Ezekiel Elliott at backup running back? Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris and J.J. Taylor are all in the mix.

New England's many roster hopefuls try to earn their spot before Aug. 29, when every NFL team must reduce its roster to no more than 53 players. New England's 16-player practice squad will then begin to form.

Another storyline to follow ... Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who played for the Patriots from 2001 through 2008, will be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame this fall.

The former kings of the AFC East are still looking to capture their first division title since 2016.

FUN FACT: New England is in its 24th season under the direction of Bill Belichick, who is in his NFL-record 49th consecutive season coaching in the NFL.

RECORDS: New England Patriots (1-1 preseason) vs. Tennessee Titans (1-1 preseason)

ODDS: New England is a 2.5-point favorites vs. the Titans.

GAME TIME: Friday, August 25, 2023 at 8:15 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Nissian Stadium - Nashville, TN

TV/RADIO: CBS/WBZ, 98.5 The Sports Hub

THE FINAL WORD: Jones on his goals for this season:

“I think that’s a big thing for me, keeping it loose and going out there and slinging it. Going back to the Alabama Mac.”

So, what - and who - is "Alabama Mac?"

“When I’m in the right headspace and I can go out there and let it fly and not think too much and go play football,” Jones told Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

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