BY NICK ST. DENIS
The New England Patriots looked pretty smart draft-wise in their season-opening victory over the Tennessee Titans Sunday.
New England received a big-time performance from its 2012 rookie class in a 34-13 win.
First-rounders Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower teamed up on a touchdown play in the second quarter. Jones sacked Titans quarterback Jake Locker and forced a fumble, which Hightower recovered and took to the end zone for the Patriots' second score of the game.
"That is why they are here," Patriots defensive Rob Ninkovich told the media after the game about Hightower and Jones being playmakers. "I think you don’t get drafted in the first round if you are not."
Jones and Hightower combined for seven total tackles.
The Patriots also got some production out of rookie defensive back Tavon Wilson, who had an interception. He also added three tackles in the game.
"We will see how it looks on the film," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "I’m sure they had some good plays and I’m sure that had some other plays that weren’t so great. We will see how it goes. They have a long way to go."
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