Patriots’ Rookie Guard Features In Key Week 7 Matchup

As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 7 clash with the Tennessee Titans, they carry a surge of confidence from recent victories. Sitting atop the AFC East at 4-2 after topping the New Orleans Saints 25-19 in Week 6, the Patriots have shown resilience on both sides of the ball, especially with quarterback Drake Maye steering a much-improved offense.

Week 7 could be a trap game for New England, however, and the Patriots need to make sure and do well in a key matchup along the line involving rookie guard Jared Wilson and Titans’ defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, a confrontation that might sway the game’s rhythm.

Wilson, a third-round pick from Georgia in the 2025 draft, brings elite athleticism—evidenced by his 4.84-second 40-yard dash at the Combine—but limited experience as a starter. He’s shifted to left guard and held up reasonably, allowing two quarterback hits and seven hurries in his starts, but facing Simmons presents his toughest test yet. The Titans’ star tackle has dominated in 2025, amassing 4.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss, and 28 total stops through six games, including a six-pressure outburst against Arizona. Simmons thrives against double teams, and his ability to disrupt plays could exploit any rookie miscues from Wilson.

On the other hand, if Wilson holds his own, the Patriots’ offense should exploit Tennessee’s vulnerabilities.

Maye has thrown for over 250 yards in four of six starts, benefiting from improved protection that has allowed the team to control the clock.

Who are your X factors for the Patriots today in Tennessee?

Jared Wilson will have to deal with Jeffrey Simmons today. Give him help and don’t allow Simmons to disrupt the game.

Stefon Diggs going to feast against Roger McCreary when he sees him. pic.twitter.com/CLmBLJEEuA

— Pats-Planet.com ???? (@patsplanetmedia) October 19, 2025

Tennessee limps into the game at 1-5, fresh off a 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that prompted the firing of head coach Brian Callahan and the promotion of Mike McCoy as interim.

The Titans’ offense ranks dead last in yards per game at 232.3, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward completing only 55% of his passes and enduring a league-high 25 sacks.

Their lone win came in a chaotic fourth-quarter comeback against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5, but defensive lapses have allowed 26.8 points per contest.