Winners and losers from Patriots’ shocking defeat to Titans in playoffs

Was that Tom Brady’s last game for the Patriots?

Winner: Patriots offensive line

In the first half, they were plowing. They created ample room for running back Sony Michel (14 carries, 61 yards) to run, particularly in the first half, when he had 10 carries for 50 yards. Michel was running well off tackle and behind fullback (and linebacker) Elandon Roberts. Receiver Julian Edelman was also helping clear out of the edges of the field.

That’s likely why the Patriots returned to those off-tackle runs on the goal line on three consecutive plays. But that’s where the offensive line (and running backs) let them down — they couldn’t get that one yard and settled for a field goal. And there should be some question as to whether Josh McDaniels shouldn’t have run a similar play on three consecutive plays.

Loser: Terrence Brooks, S

He has been a competent replacement for safety Patrick Chung during the season. When Chung has been hurt, Brooks comes in to be a versatile safety, who can cover tight ends and thump running backs at the line of scrimmage. But Brooks wasn’t sharp at a crucial moment in the game. Chung exited the game with an ankle injury — and quarterback Ryan Tannehill took note. He went after Brooks on the following play for a 12-yard touchdown to tight end Anthony Firkser.

Brooks managed a slice of redemption with a pass-breakup in the second half on third down — but it wasn’t enough to erase the score.

Then his night got worse when he allowed a catch from Firkser with three minutes left in the game for a first-down conversion on third down. The failure in coverage might have been as costly as the touchdown play.

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