New England Patriots star Julian Edelman has described teammate Rob Gronkowski as a "beast" after their win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Patriots opened the new NFL season on Thursday night against the Steelers, with Gronkowski scoring three touchdowns in the win.

"I have said it over and over, he is just a beast," Edelman told NFL Media.

"It is like watching sometimes an eighth grader play with second graders."

Gronkowski ended the game with five catches as quarterback Tom Brady started after having his suspension dismissed.