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Game Rewind: It was a banner night at Gillette Stadium as the Patriots unveiled their sixth Super Bowl banner and promptly thumped the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers 33-3. New England dominated this game from start to finish and made an early statement in the process.

Here are five thoughts on the game.

1. Big plays galore: The Patriots made several big plays in the passing game. The biggest play was a 58 yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Philip Dorsett. Dorsett caught two touchdown passes and Josh Gordon caught the other. The Patriots have so many weapons in the passing that it is almost unfair.

2. Tom was terrific: Tom Brady was terrific. What else is new? Brady finished 24 of 36 for 341 yards and three touchdown passes. It was a great night considering center Ted Karras’ issues with snapping the ball and the consistent interior pressure the Steelers were getting.

3. Defense dominates: The defense was absolutely dominant. The front seven got consistent pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and they controlled the line of scrimmage. Pittsburgh couldn’t run the football. The secondary also played well limiting JuJu Smith Schuster to 6 catches for 78 yards. We going into this season that this defense has the potential to be great. They proved it tonight.

4. Phil The Thrill: How about the night Phillip Dorsett had? Dorsett looked like the player the Colts were hoping he would be when they drafted him out of the University of Miami (Fla). Dorsett caught 4 passes for 95 yards and two touchdowns. He looks like a legitimate vertical threat and a good complement to the Patriots bigger receivers. Talks of him getting cut so that Antonio Brown can be added to the roster can be tabled for now.

5. Gordon shines: You have to feel good for Josh Gordon with everything he’s been through the last few years. Gordon played well catching 3 passes for 73 yards and a touchdown. Gordon caught a 44 yard pass and got whacked in the process. Despite getting sandwiched by the two defenders, Gordon held onto the ball. We all know what Gordon can do if he stays clean and on the field.