ICYMI Patriots vs Titans: Best of Patriots Social Media Week 15

Heading into the New England Patriots Week 15 matchup with the Tennessee Titans, it began on a somber note as news was passed along via Rob Gronkowski’s Facebook account that a friend and trainer of his named Dana Parenteau passed away at the age of 42 , and he was going to dedicate the game in his honor.

Gronkowski has arranged to have five of Dana Parenteau's family members attend the game, including Dana's fiancee.

— Eric Macramalla (@EricMacramalla) December 20, 2015

During pregame warmups, teammate Chandler Jones did his best to lift Gronkowski’s spirits and fire him up with some chest bumps.

https://twitter.com/Chan95Jones/status/678703559328813056

It didn’t take Gronkowski long to pay tribute to his friend, Gronk would score a touchdown on a third and three play from the five yard line in the first quarter. As soon as Gronkowski crossed over into the end zone, he raised his arms and pointed to the sky. The Patriots took the early 7-0 lead.

(Courtesy @PP_Rich_Hill)

Gronk retrieved his spiked TD ball yesterday because he's going to sign it and give it to the family at his friend's funeral.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 21, 2015

Trying to find parking in Southie.
Trying to single-cover Gronk.

Two things that are equally impossible.

— Gary Striewski (@garystriewski) December 20, 2015

Rob Gronkowski's 65th touchdown catch in 66 career starts.

— Mut at Night (@MutAtNightWEEI) December 20, 2015

Following the Gronkowski touchdown pass, Chandler Jones continued his torrid pace this season after causing this strip fumble that was recovered by Akiem Hicks and returned for a touchdown giving the Patriots a 14-0 lead and the rout was on.

Chandler Jones strip ball, Hicks touchdown recovery play pic.twitter.com/CuWGeXBhl3

— Patriots Militia (@PatsMilitia) December 20, 2015

https://twitter.com/Chan95Jones/status/678779465313312768

Hicks for Hooman might be the quietest huge move of the season.

— Mike Dussault (@MikeDussault19) December 20, 2015

Hicks was asked following the game on whether or not his teammates got a laugh from his unlikely score, he told The Boston Globe, ““I’m sure somebody’s gonna get ahold of [the tape] and say, ‘rumbling, bumbling, stumbling,’ I know that’s coming,’’ he said. “I’m comfortable with that, I’ve been a big guy all my life.”

Fullback Josey Iosefa, who came off the practice squad just days before Sunday’s game, made his presence known on the field during his first game action of the season. The Patriots appear to have a growing list of finding “diamonds in the rough” for the running game despite the mounting injuries.

Joey Iosefa is a 247 pound fullback for the Patriots who will truck stick anything and everything in his way.
Wow. https://t.co/xucMZaHik8

— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2015

The Patriots defense remained stout throughout the game, Malcom Butler collected this interception at the goal line late in the first half and it the Titans defense couldn’t muster much more as the Patriots won their 12th game of the season by a final score of 33-16.

(Courtesy @PP_Rich_Hill)

Defensive end Alan Branch busted out some moves.

I didn't notice yesterday but oh my god Alan Branch is hilarious pic.twitter.com/J2Qrq5L84K

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) December 21, 2015

Patriots fans hearts briefly stopped at this moment.

https://twitter.com/BenVolin/status/679017265031806976/photo/1

A lone Titans highlight from the afternoon was this touchdown pass on a 57-yard bomb by quarterback Zach Mettenberger to wide receiver Delanie Walker after breaking multiple tackles.

No one could take Delanie Walker down on this ridiculous 57-yard TD catch.
No one. #TENvsNE https://t.co/fSmBY3bD4M

— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2015

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Denver Broncos later on Sunday evening 34-27 which ensured the Patriots a first round bye and no less than a two seed in the NFL playoffs for a record sixth consecutive season.

Great feeling on this Monday morning pic.twitter.com/MTaqSOKPjE

— Patriots Militia (@PatsMilitia) December 21, 2015

https://twitter.com/TomBradysEgo/status/678741133774733312

https://www.instagram.com/p/_iMXofAGMA/

Devin McCourty was feeling “fresh as lettuce” monday morning following the victory as he recovers from his ankle injury.

Anyone else ever crave lettuce or is it just me? (D-Mac) pic.twitter.com/R2uVYsdsc6

— Devin&Jason McCourty (@McCourtyTwins) December 21, 2015

Last but not least, we take you into the Christmas holiday with a festive singing rendition by (sort of) head coach Bill Belichick of the classic song “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”