NASHVILLE — Tom Brady might have a broken nose, about the only damage inflicted by the Titans.
Brady threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns Sunday, and defending AFC champion New England routed Tennessee 34-13 for their ninth straight season-opening win. 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.
Titans defensive end Kamerion Wimbley, a former Florida State star, hurt Brady in the second quarter on Tennessee's only sack. Brady said that was the only good hit he took and complimented his revised offensive line featuring new pieces Nate Solder (left tackle), Dan Connolly (center) and Donald Thomas (right guard).
The Patriots ruined Jake Locker's debut as Tennessee's starter, sacking him twice and forcing two turnovers. New England rookie linebacker Dont'a Hightower returned his fumble 6 yards for a touchdown.
New England knocked Locker out of the game in the fourth quarter. He hurt his left shoulder tackling safety Patrick Chung on a fumble return that replacement officials should have whistled dead as an incomplete pass intended for Nate Washington, who also was hurt on the play.
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