The New England Patriots won the opening coin toss and elected to defer to the second half. The Houston Texans went three-and-out on their opening drive and after a 33-yard punt return by Danny Amendola, the Patriots offense was in business.
Tom Brady found Brandin Cooks for a big 44-yard gain on third down...
What a catch, @brandincooks! pic.twitter.com/aD9mHNyoAd
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2017
...before finding Rob Gronkowski in the end zone for the score and a 7-0 lead.
BREAKING: Rob Gronkowski agrees to catch more than 69 TD passes pic.twitter.com/O2DwEG2tfO
— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) September 24, 2017
TD reception no. 7⃣0⃣ for no. 8⃣7⃣!
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) September 24, 2017
@RobGronkowski! pic.twitter.com/liO0SMj2xk
Gronkowski was in single coverage with a safety and Brady knew that he was going to his tight end before Gronkowski even broke his route. The safety tried to call for a penalty, but Gronkowski made a clean separation and subsequent grab.
This is Gronkowski’s 71st career touchdown, his 70th career receiving touchdown, and 69th career touchdown reception from Tom Brady. He has scored in back-to-back weeks.