Patriots' rookie Jones very impressive in NFL debut

BY NICK ST. DENIS

So far, Chandler Jones has the look of a first-round draft pick.

The rookie defensive end was very impressive Thursday night in the New England Patriots' preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints.

Jones consistently gave Saints left tackle Jermon Bushrod fits, drawing back-to-back holding penalties on Bushrod.

"I think he's going to be a good player in this league. It was a battle out there," Bushrod said, according to ESPN Boston. "I think he has a bright future ahead of him."

Jones was very quick off the line, showed very sound technique and demonstrated a non-stop motor on his edge rushes.

Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe had Jones tallied at five quarterback pressures on 14 dropbacks. Jones also helped push the pile on some tackles for losses.

The Patriots were in need of youth and increased production up front on defense, and Jones, along with fellow rookie Dont'a Hightower, look poised to provide just that.

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