Patriots rookie defensive end Chandler Jones came up with a huge strip-sack on Titans quarterback Jake Locker.
NASHVILLE – It was good for the Patriots to open the season with a dominating win. The Titans, despite Sunday’s 34-13 loss, are a good barometer of where the Patriots are in their quest for another Super Bowl.
Here are some things to think about post Week 1:
1) Chandler Jones is the real deal — There’s no more wondering about it, Jones has shown what he can do — and that’s cause havoc. In his first game, the rookie defensive end recorded a strip-sack, a tackle for a loss, as well as a couple of hurries. It was more than enough to make the Titans take note of his presence and the rest of the world to stop and applaud him on a job well done. What you saw on the field was a playmaker with a quick burst off the line, able to use his hands to get leverage, and a bit of tenacity to chase down a scrambling quarterback. Yes, Jones certainly has the tools to be an elite pass rusher in the NFL.
2) The Tom Brady and Brandon Lloyd connection still needs some ironing out — Just four plays into the Patriots’ first offensive drive of the season, Brady looked for Lloyd on a deep pass, a sure touchdown upon completion. But it wasn’t a touchdown, just a missed opportunity. Brady came off as if he’d thrown the ball to the wrong shoulder and Lloyd came off as if he pulled up early, misreading the trajectory of the ball before it overtook him. The two gathered themselves over the course of the game to connect on five passes for 69 yards. There’s still work to do here, but it’s encouraging that the big-play potential is there.
For the rest, see the original post on the Extra Points blog on Boston.com.
