FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Before beginning his interview with the media on Friday, Chandler Jones had one question for reporters.

``Do I have anything on my face,'' New England's defensive end said with a grin while staring into a sea of cameras and microphones focused solely on him. ``I appreciate it, guys.''

The Patriots certainly are grateful for everything they're getting out of him, too.

Halfway through his first season, Jones leads all NFL rookies with six sacks and has bolstered a defensive line that now ranks among the league's best at stopping the run.

One year after finishing 17th in the NFL, yielding 117.1 yards rushing per game, New England is tied with Pittsburgh for seventh this season, surrendering just 88.6 yards a contest.

Jones is a major reason why.