at 
21 - 3
Week 1 NFL Game Thread
New England Patriots (0-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-0)
Titans Coverage: Music City Miracles
Second quarter thoughts:
- Story of the first half: Patriots rookies coming up with big plays on the defensive side of the ball. Kyle Arrington had a beautiful coverage on a deep Jake Locker pass down the left sideline, tipping it in the air to rookie second round pick Tavon Wilson, who came down with an acrobatic interception. The biggest defensive play came later in the second, with the Titans backed-up. Chandler Jones beat Michael Roos off the left side and strip-sacked Jake Locker. The ball was picked up by linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who fended up a couple of would-be tacklers for a touchdown.
- On offense, the Patriots were aided by the play of running back Stevan Ridley. Ridley looked strong, fast and decisive, breaking blocks and finding good yardage on his way to 58 first half yards (on nine attempts).
- Quarterback Tom Brady looked very sharp, delivering touchdown throws to his two tight ends: Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez. He could have had three, had Brandon Lloyd not hesitated on a deep route he was wide open on. Lloyd then made up for that miscue with a beautiful, toe-tapping sideline catch.
- Overall, this was the type of half that has to make you excited if you're a Patriots fan. The defense performed beyond expectations, and the offense seemed to shake off that preseason rust. There's still 30 more minutes of football to play, but the Patriots will have a chance to blow the score open if they can score to start the second half.