Aaron Hernandez's injury
Formerly a big part of the passing game, tight end Aaron Hernandez missed the first of what is likely to be many games for the Patriots. In his absence, Rob Gronkowski was noticeably absent in the passing game (2 receptions, 21 yards), despite playing all 82 snaps. The Patriots had Gronkowski at the end of the line often as a blocker, but that seems like a waste for arguably the best tight end in the world.