I'm just going to start this off by saying I'm beginning to write this with 8:29 left in the fourth quarter. So that's where I'm at right now.

Anyways.

BRADY IS FREE. What better way to show the world that he's back and means business than by throwing four touchdown passes and almost 300 yards. Not bad Mr. Brady, not bad. If I were Roger Goodell I'd be sitting on my couch with a hanky right now trying to subdue the tears. Not only did Brady beat him in court, but now he's essentially rubbing his nose in it.

(Duron Harmon just intercepted Big Ben. This just keeps getting better.)

I'm just going to quote myself real quick. When Judge Berman handed down his decision one of the first things out of my mouth was, "If Brady doesn't throw at least four touchdowns in the first game I'm going to be disappointed." Thank you Tom for not disappointing me and the rest of New England. Thank you for being the G.O.A.T. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Not only did Brady look great, but how about Gronk?! Three touchdowns and 94 yards? Just saying that puts him on pace for a 48-TD and 1,504-yard season. Now let's not get ahead of ourselves. I know he won't put up those numbers exactly, but who's to say it won't be close? Last time the Pats were accused of cheating, they rattled off 18 wins and some outrageous stats. Why can't they do it again?

Edelman had double-digit receptions, Dion Lewis looked better than anyone could have expected, and a very young offensive line played like seasoned veterans. It'll be exciting to watch these guys this year.

So the defense didn't play that great. They gave up a little over 400 yards. Not great. But only 14 points. That could have been worse.

The defense played a typical Patriots' bend-but-don't-break style. I'd have to admit that it's not my favorite thing to watch, but it gets the job done. The New England faithful may have been a little spoiled last season with Revis and Browner. There are a lot of young players on this year's squad. Give them some time.

Uh-oh. The Steelers just scored again. 28-21 now. Okay, maybe I'm a little more worried about this defense than I initially thought. But what does a garbage-time touchdown mean really?

Was this game a sign of things to come for the Pats? I certainly hope so! Brady looked sharp, Gronk looked healthy, and the team in general just looked like they never doubted that they would come away with the win. Sound familiar? Brings me back to, oh I don't know, seventh grade maybe? 2007? That sounds about right.

I'm not saying that this year will be a repeat of that 18-1 season. No, hopefully it will be even better.

As the final seconds tick off the clock in this game, I can't help but be excited. Excited for this season. Excited to see how Brady plays and how the Patriots handle themselves.

Oh yeah, and week six against the Colts. I'm excited for that too.