Patriots’ game to cement New England’s reputation

SEEKING a third Super Bowl crown in four years, the New England Patriots made an early start to their NFL campaign last night in the American football season opener.

The Patriots return the nucleus of the club which defeated Carolina seven months ago, earning the right to host the NFL opener, this time against the Indianapolis Colts, the same club New England beat to reach the Super Bowl.

The Patriots had added running back Corey Dillon, in an April swap with Cincinnati, after 8,061 yards in seven seasons with the Bengals. That gives the Patriots a top rushing threat they have lacked for years.