I’m exhausted of seeing Marcus Mariota get hit

Given the injuries the the New England running back corps, fans may see more of this committee in the coming weeks. Even though Mariota had a 3-9 record in the 12 games, he kept the Titans in mostly every game. Mularkey and the Titans’ staff chose to err on the side of caution.

Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota has a sprained MCL in his right knee that will keep the rookie out of Sunday’s home finale with Houston.

QB Marcus Mariota will be out vs. the Texans this week. We got a win but we know we have to play better. Brady’s pass to James White in the flat turned into a 30-yard touchdown, as White weaved his way into the end zone after catching the ball on the 33 yard-line.

Mettenberger relieved Mariota and hit on 20 of 28 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. I wanted to gout there and play with the guys, but Zach is more than capable of taking over the team. He did not look ill as he had another solid day getting his 34 and 35 touchdown passes this season.

On this morning’s weekly appearance on WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan Show, Brady commented on how the team will have to adjust to the return of players like wide receiver Julian Edelman, who has been practicing with the team as he recovers from a November 15 foot injury, and Danny Amendola, who has battled a knee injury late in the year. No information about their conditions was immediately available.

“It’s tough but Mett came in and did a great job”, said running back David Cobb. “You’re just trying to do what you can to be productive”, a positive Brady said after the victory (Watch post-game press conference below).

Adrian Peterson missed some time because of an injury to his left ankle, but finished with 63 yards to maintain his National Football League rushing lead. His fifth and sixth TD catches of the season allowed him to break his own franchise record for receiving yards by a tight end (935 on a 76 catches, also a club tight end record). “He’s a grinder – hard-working kid”, said coach Bill Belichick…. Mariota’s speed has been a factor, as he has added 252 yards on the ground, including an electrifying 87-yard score in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Succop missed the extra point, leaving Titans with a 27-16 deficit.

DEFENSIVE CONTRIBUTIONS: Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins intercepted Mettenberger and ran it back 51 yards to set up the clinching field goal.