Ridley helps Patriots rout Titans

Published 11:34 pm Sunday, September 9, 2012

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tom Brady might have a broken nose, about the only damage inflicted by the Tennessee Titans against the New England Patriots who simply don’t lose season openers.

Brady threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, and the defending AFC champion Patriots routed the Tennessee Titans 34-13 for their ninth straight season-opening win Sunday. It’s the longest current streak in the league.

“I need some scars,” Brady said, joking about the white bandage covering his nose and marring his usual look.

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Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley hurt Brady in the second quarter when he got Tennessee’s only sack of the game. Brady said that was the only good hit he took all day and complimented his revised offensive line featuring a new left tackle in Nate Solder, new center in Dan Connolly and right guard in Donald Thomas.

“It wasn’t perfect by any stretch, but it’s always fun to win,” Brady said. “It’s a good feeling.”

The Patriots ruined Jake Locker’s debut as Tennessee’s starter, sacking him twice and forcing two turnovers. New England rookie Dont’a Hightower returned Locker’s fumble 6 yards for a TD in his own debut, and Stevan Ridley ran for 125 yards and a TD.

With Ridley providing plenty of help on the ground,the Patriots outgained Tennessee 390-284.

“They’re going to make their share of plays, which we knew,” Titans head coach Mike Munchak said. “We just couldn’t help them, and unfortunately along the way, we helped them.”

The Titans couldn’t match Brady’s efficiency and had to settle twice for field goals of 28 and 24 yards by Rob Bironas. Locker did find Nate Washington on a 29-yard TD in the third quarter even with Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones grabbing the quarterback.

Brady missed connecting with Brandon Lloyd for a would-be TD on the opening drive. That was among his few misses.

He put the Patriots up 7-3 with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Hernandez late in the first quarter, capping a 67-yard drive. It was Brady’s 301st career pass, surpassing John Elway for fifth in TD passes in NFL history. It also marked his 33rd straight game with a TD pass. He found Rob Gronkowski on a 2-yard TD pass just before halftime for a 21-3 lead.

The Patriots’ work boosting their defense through the draft showed early dividends. Jones sacked Locker and forced a fumble that Hightower ran in for a 14-3 lead in the second quarter.

Notes: Patriots coach Bill Belichick got his 193rd career victory, tying him for eighth all-time with Chuck Knox. … Brady became the 14th player with 40,000 yards passing in his career. He has 40,215 yards, just shy of Johnny Unitas (40,239) for 13th. … Brady now has sole possession of fifth for career wins by a quarterback with 125. … Brady is 5-1 against Tennessee and has 10 TDs with no interceptions in those games. … Titans LB Colin McCarthy had a walking boot on his right foot but said he’ll be OK.