Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Patriots' INT Leads to Kevin Harris TD vs. Titans

Originally posted on FanNation Patriot Maven
By Mike D'Abate | Last updated 8/25/23

The New England Patriots yielded an early lead to the Tennessee Titans in their preseason finale at Nissan Stadium. However, they would find the end zone first on Friday night in Nashville.

Facing a 6-0 deficit early in the second quarter, Pats linebacker Calvin Munson intercepted Titans quarterback Malik Willis on a pass intended for receiver Josh Whyle, returning it to the Tennessee 38-yard line. Form there, quarterback Bailey Zappe led the Pats on a five-play drive, highlighted by a 23-yard catch and run from rookie receiver Thyrick Pitts — who dragged several defenders for the notable gain. Second-year running back Kevin Harris capped the drive with a five-yard run for the end zone and the score.

Handoff to Harris ‼️

: @wbzsports pic.twitter.com/TmkFn3PaLS
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 26, 2023

While usually serving as the ultimate tune-up before the start of the regular season, coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots approached this matchup with a degree of caution. As such, several of the Patriots starters are seeing minimal, if any, playing time — including quarterback Mac Jones, who is not playing against the Titans.

Despite some Patriots first-teamers donning their jerseys and pads on the sidelines, the following players are not in uniform: Demario Douglas, Hunter Henry, Mike Gesicki, Isaiah Bolden, Tyquan Thornton, Ty Montgomery, Matthew Slater, Jonathan Jones, Chris Board, Kody Russey, Atonio Mafi, Cole Strange, Michael Onwenu and Conor McDermott.

Player evaluations will be the theme of the night for both teams as the Patriots and Titans have to cut their current 90-man rosters down to 53 by the August 29 deadline.

This article first appeared on FanNation Patriot Maven and was syndicated with permission.

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