By Greg A. Bedard, Globe Staff

NASHVILLE - Some thoughts at halftime as the Patriots lead the Titans 21-3:

• Extremely impressive first half by the Patriots on both sides of the ball.
• The defensive front seven continues to be stout against the run. Don’t think this was every in doubt. The Patriots are stacked up front and good luck to anybody who needs to run to beat them. Titans had 20 yards on 21 carries, and 11 yards were by QB Jake Locker. Chris Johnson had nine carries for 9 yards.
• The Patriots’ defensive rookies look like veterans, and their impact has been immediate. Tavon Wilson had an interception, Chandler Jones a strip sack, and Dont’a Hightower was all over the field and had a fumble return for a touchdown.
• Thought it was interesting that for some of the first half, Wilson was the base safety and went to his money position in subpackages, and then Patrick Chung entered as the safety. Think that is more to manage the wear and tear on Chung, who is coming back from a shoulder injury.
• Patriots also rotated at right tackle with Sebastian Vollmer playing the first quarter, and Marcus Cannon the second. Like with Chung, Vollmer needs to be managed.
• The Patriots had Tom Brady throw a lot of quick passes, and that minimized any line issues. Nate Solder gave up the sack that got Brady injured. That happens, even when Matt Light is out there.
• The run blocking by the Patriots’ offensive line was very consistent. But Stevan Ridley ran very well. Those asking why the Patriots let BenJarvus Green-Ellis walk… Ridley is why. He’s just more talented, if he can hang onto the ball.
• Great team tackling by the Patriots.
• The Titans are really challenged from a talent standpoint. They have to basically be perfect to beat the Patriots, and there have been too many dropped and missed passes.