It wasn’t 59-0, but it was still convincing.
The Patriots went to Nashville and won by 21 points, 34-13. It was the ninth straight season-opening win for New England.
Tom Brady, despite a busted nose, was still Tom Brady, completing 23 of 31 throws for 236 yards and two touchdowns, including one to each of the team’s top tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.
Running back Stevan Ridley added 125 yards on 21 carries, plus a touchdown. As long as he stays healthy, Ridley figures to be the top option for the Pats’ running game.
For the Titans, quarterback Jake Locker injured his left shoulder while making a tackle on a fumble that wasn’t a fumble, and he didn’t return.
But at least Locker was the leading rusher for the Titans, with 11 yards on two carries. Running back Chris Johnson gained only four yards on 11 carries.