Tom Brady moved on from any lingering off-field drama with a masterful display that helped the New England Patriots begin their season with a 28-21 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The star quarter-back dominated the build-up to the NFL's curtain-raiser after having a four-game ban for his role in 'Deflategate' quashed by a federal judge last week.
Brady was given a hero's welcome at Gillette Stadium and he rewarded the rapturous ovation by throwing for four touchdowns, which helped the Super Bowl champions see off a dogged Steelers outfit.
Three of the 38-year-old's four crucial passes found the hands of a grateful Rob Gronkowski, who scored from the 16, six and one-yard line, but it was Brady who hogged the headlines for all the right reasons.
He made 25 of 32 pass completions - including a team record 19 in a row - for 288 yards and had his 23rd game with four or more touchdown passes.
