Patriots lose season opener
Other than their pregame ceremony to unveil last season’s Super Bowl banner, Thursday night’s opener at Gillette Stadium did not go how the Patriots had planned. At all.
The Kansas City Chiefs used big plays to fight back from multiple deficits, and walked out of Gillette with a 42-27 victory. The Patriots led, 17-7, in the second quarter and 27-21 entering the fourth, but the Chiefs took control with three touchdowns in the final period.
Kansas City quarterback Alex Smith outplayed star counterpart Tom Brady, throwing for 368 yards and four touchdowns, including a 78-yarder to rookie Kareem Hunt and a 75-yarder to Tyreek Hill.
Brady was 16 of 35 for 267 yards and was held out of the end zone.
Making his NFL debut, Hunt ran for 148 yards, had 98 yards receiving, and scored three times.
Mike Gillislee had a strong debut for New England, rushing for three scores.
Globe Sports 9/8/2017 4:22:48 AM