Cardinals' Jones gets 5 sacks in 1st game since trade request
Chandler Jones asked the Arizona Cardinals for a new contract in the offseason, and he showed them why in Week 1.
The former All-Pro edge rusher recorded five sacks and two forced fumbles Sunday, helping Arizona coast to a 38-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Jones reportedly requested a trade from the Cardinals after they refused his contract requests, and Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the apparent victim of his frustrations in the season opener.
The 31-year-old posted his second career game of four or more sacks and two-plus forced fumbles, becoming the only player to accomplish the feat multiple times within the last 20 years, per NFL Research.
Jones had the home crowd booing Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan at one point when the star lineman returned from a brief bout with cramps.
Got my ass kicked today, no way around that. I let the team and the fans down. Thank you @chanjones55 for exposing me. It will only force me to get better.
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) September 12, 2021
Jones compiled 19 sacks in 2019 but managed only one last year in five outings before a torn bicep ended his season.