Fans perform a card stunt honoring the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX championship before their season-opening game Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Foxborough.

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, center, hoists the Lombardi Trophy for his team’s Super Bowl XLIX victory as retired Patriots hold the team’s other three Lombardi trophies before Thursday night’s season-opening game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Rob Gronkowski celebrates his first touchdown of the game. Two more would follow.

Tom Brady talks with Rob Gronkowski on the sideline during the first half of Thursday night’s game in Foxborough, Mass.

Steelers cornerback Cortez Allen tackles Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman after he caught a pass in the first half Thursday night in Foxborough. The Associated Press

Tom Brady scrambles in the first half against the Steelers' defense. He ended the game with 288 yards and four touchdowns passing. The Associated Press

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, left, congratulates fullback Will Johnson on his touchdown run in the second half as the Steelers cut into the Patriots’ 18-point lead.

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski celebrates a touchdown catch in the first half.