Quarterback Tom Brady threw for four touchdowns, three to favorite target Rob Gronkowski, and Super Bowl champion New England beat undermanned and generally ineffective Pittsburgh 28-21 in the NFL’s season opener Thursday night.
His four-game league suspension overturned by a federal judge one week ago, the three-time Super Bowl MVP was in midseason — or postseason — form. He led drives of 90 and 64 yards for scores on passes to Gronkowski. The All-Pro tight end scored from the 16, 6 and 1. He also recovered a fumble by running back Dion Lewis at the Pittsburgh 1 before his final TD.
The outcome added to a festive mood at Gillette Stadium, despite persistent rain showers that didn’t bother the home team. Before kickoff, the Patriots unveiled their fourth championship banner as owner Robert Kraft and three former players carried out the most coveted prizes in the trophy case: New England’s four Lombardis.
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