There were pregame concerts, an on-field appearance from Robert Kraft, fireworks, the raising of a championship banner ... and after that, there was even a little football.
The New England Patriots opened their title defense in style, downing Pittsburgh on Thursday night, 28-21. Here are three thoughts on the game:
1. The Patriots cashed in all their chances. Pittsburgh did not.
A brief recap of how the Steelers shot themselves in the foot on Thursday night:
• They killed their promising first drive with an inexplicable trick play—Ben Roethlisberger threw a lateral to Antonio Brown, who then was sacked before he could throw a pass himself.