Steelers vs. Patriots: Biggest Talking Points from New England's Win

Just like that, Tom Brady was back on the field for the Patriots after what may go down as the most bizarre saga the sport has ever seen. And, as usual, he got right back to dominating opposing teams and asserting his reign over the rest of the NFL. 

It was no surprise that Brady and the Pats knocked off the defensively challenged Steelers on Thursday night, 28-21.

Here are some of the biggest takeaways from New England's victory.

1. Rob Gronkowski is unbelievable

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When you're unanimously the best tight end in football, it's hard to "wow" anyone. 

Gronkowski is so good that he wowed me last night.

His teammate Julian Edelman perfectly summed up Gronkowski's dominance over the rest of the league:

The big man had five catches for 94 yards and three touchdowns, looking explosive once again. It's actually not fair for anyone to have his combination of size, speed and strength.

His most incredible play came in the fourth quarter, when Brady connected with a wide-open Gronk down the right side for a 52-yard gain. He got into open space and put a ridiculous move on Steelers safety Mike Mitchell, causing him to stumble and crumble to the turf.

Gronkowski is undoubtedly the biggest weapon in all of football and is revolutionizing the way tight ends play the game. He's so good that even when you know Brady is going to look his way in the red zone, he still comes up with the points.

2. Patriots defensive concerns?

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On a wet and rainy night in Foxborough, the Patriots gave up 464 yards of offense to a team without star running back Le'Veon Bell or rising talent Martavis Bryant. 

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 351 yards, and fill-in DeAngelo Williams ran for 127 yards in the loss. Williams' season high in 2014 was 72 yards, and the last time he had a better output than Thursday night was Dec. 30, 2012. 

Even in a victory, the Patriots might be worried about allowing that type of yardage at home in poor weather conditions. If the Steelers were at full strength on a clear night, it would be another story, as they project to have one of the NFL's best offenses yet again. 

At least the Patriots can take solace in the fact that they managed three sacks and one huge interception.

3. Antonio Brown is going to have another huge year

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Wide receiver Antonio Brown made waves before the game with his new hairstyle, but he let his play do the talking between the lines.

By game's end, everyone was back to talking about how great he is at his job.

Coming off a career-best 1,698 yards and 13 TDs, Brown got his season off on the right foot last night. The 27-year-old hauled in nine passes for 133 yards and a score, assuring the world that he is ready to have another monster season.

His next game will be at home against a depleted 49ers defense, and with Bryant still suspended, Brown is a safe bet to fill up the stat sheet once more.