FOXBORO — The Patriots have said all the right things.
With the season opener Thursday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they’ve done their best to play down the significance of kicking off the league’s season in prime time.
Sure, the organization’s first Super Bowl championship banner since the 2004 season will be unfurled.
Sure, Tom Brady will start at quarterback after months of doubt and the possibility of a four-game suspension looming.
Sure, the overall emotion of the team and fans, after a massive buildup of frustration over the Deflategate saga that distracted everyone from what should have been a celebratory offseason, will likely have Gillette Stadium as electric as ever.