Rob Gronkowski scored three touchdowns and Tom Brady starred as the New England Patriots opened the NFL season with a 28-21 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Brady, playing in the season opener after his Deflategate suspension was overturned, completed 25 of 32 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns.

Gronkowski was on the end of three of those passes as the defending champions made a winning start to their campaign.

With his 161st win win, Brady passed Brett Favre for the most wins by a quarterback with a single team in NFL history.

Ben Roethlisberger (26 of 38 for 351 yards, a TD and an interception) was unable to have the same impact as Brady.

Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams rushed for 127 yards on 21 carries at Gillette Stadium, where the teams failed to score in the first quarter.

Gronkowski and Brady combined twice in the second quarter, while Josh Scobee's field goal got the Steelers on the board.

The Steelers were never close enough, with Roethlisberger finding Antonio Brown for an 11-yard score with just seconds remaining.

The Patriots are at the Buffalo Bills in week two, while the Steelers take on the San Francisco 49ers.