The Tennessee Titans were motivated by some bulletin-board material provided to them by the New England Patriots leading up to Saturday night’s Wild Card Game.
Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy said ahead of the game that losing to the Dolphins in Week 17 set up the Patriots for a “revenge tour.” He was alluding to the Patriots’ losses to Tennessee last season and to Kansas City this season — both of whom would be their playoff opponents.
Former Patriot Logan Ryan was pleased to end Van Noy’s “revenge tour.”
Logan Ryan on Kyle Van Noy: 'His Revenge Tour Ended Early. Hope he enjoyed it' pic.twitter.com/pY0z7e0274
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) January 5, 2020
The Titans were also motivated by a video tweeted by Tom Brady prior to Saturday’s game. Brady’s video portrayed the QB as a lion and the Titans as jackals and hyenas.
It’s too late to be scared. pic.twitter.com/Yv6GRDrqtR
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 4, 2020
The Titans mentioned “hyenas” multiple times after the game.
Tom Brady’s hype video clearly pissed off the Titans locker room. Multiple players mentioned “hyenas” including DB LeShaun Sims, who shouted, “he one of the hyenas!” over Logan Ryan, who was in the middle of saying Kyle Van Noy needs to shut up with his revenge tour and play ball
— Dale & Keefe (@DaleKeefeWEEI) January 5, 2020
“They wanted hyenas, they got hyenas!” …Titans players and coach Mike Vrabel yelling as they enter the locker room, referencing Tom Brady’s pregame hype video. “We want more,” Derrick Henry yelling as the last one in.
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) January 5, 2020
The Patriots were trying to pump themselves up with the comments/video, but the opposite happened. If they have to face a little embarrassment as a result, that’s part of the consequences. Even Bill Belichick had to deal with some embarrassment after the loss.
