The New England Patriots take on the Cleveland Browns in a regular season game at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, October 9, 2016.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady arrives before an NFL football game against the Cleveland BrownsSunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick arrives before an before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady arrives at First Energy Stadium for an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady jogs onto the field before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots fans watch warmups before an NFL football game between the Patriots and Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels watches warmups before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo walks the field before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs onto the field in front of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) for warmups before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) yells as he makes his way onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Cleveland. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels talks to Tom Brady (12) before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
A New England Patriots fan holds a sign before an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft watches his players warm up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) runs after a catch against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) runs for s touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady celebrates a touchdown in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler is chased by New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower (54) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) avoids Cleveland Browns free safety Jordan Poyer (33) on a pass reception in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady passes against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett, center, hugs quarterback Tom Brady after they connected on a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Stephen Paea (99) tackles New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) is pressured by New England Patriots outside linebacker Dont'a Hightower in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount celebrates a touchdown against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady calls signals at the line in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett celebrates a touchdown catch against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) watches from the sidelines in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the huddle during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is tackled by Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden after a long pass in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland Browns tight end Gary Barnidge (82) catches a pass against New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Fans hold cutouts of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady in the first half of an NFL football game between the Patriots and Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett runs past Cleveland Browns free safety Jordan Poyer (33) on a touchdown reception in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady signals he's short of a first down in the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick leaves the field after the first half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung, center, is tackled after an interception against the Cleveland Browns in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is tackled by Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden after a long pass in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett (88) dives over Cleveland Browns free safety Jordan Poyer (33) for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots middle linebacker Dont'a Hightower hits Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. Kessler's pass went out of the end zone for a safety. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung celebrates after an interception against the Cleveland Browns in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) celebrates an interception against the Cleveland Browns with Devin McCourty, left, and Jonathan Jones (31) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) fights off blocks from Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) and guard John Greco in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs for a first down against the Cleveland Browns in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after running for a first down against the Cleveland Browns[ in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) makes a catch against Cleveland Browns inside linebacker Chris Kirksey (58) in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, talks with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels late in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) runs against the Cleveland Browns in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/David Richard)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) leads his team to the field prior to an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Cleveland. New England won 33-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after leading his team to a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 in Cleveland. New England won 33-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) talks with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) on the sidelines in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, center, hugs Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady leaves the field after a 33-13 win over the Cleveland Browns in an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady hugs Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson after an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)
CLEVELAND (AP) --Tom Brady, looking razor-sharp at times and relatively rust-free after serving his four-game "Deflategate" suspension, passed for 406 yards and three touchdowns to Martellus Bennett in his hyped return and the New England Patriots thumped the Cleveland Browns 33-13 on Sunday.
Brady was back - much to the relief of teammates and New England fans everywhere - following a ban for his role in the scandal in which an NFL investigation found the Patriots under-inflated footballs in the 2015 AFC championship game.
Brady fought Commissioner Roger Goodell's ruling for more than a year before he begrudgingly accepted his punishment.
He took out some of that built-up frustration on the Browns (0-5), throwing for 271 yards in the first half, as the Patriots (4-1) rebounded after being shut out last week at home by Buffalo.
Brady threw two short TD passes in the first half to Bennett before hooking up with his new teammate again on a 37-yarder to give the Patriots a 30-7 lead in the third quarter.
Brady seemed to enjoy every second of his season debut, even posing like track star Usain Bolt after a 4-yard run. Coach Bill Belichick replaced Brady with 6:02 left, greeting him on the sideline with a handshake and pat on the back.
The 39-year-old was far from perfect, overthrowing Julian Edelman for a possible long TD, but Brady spread the ball around and showed a nice touch on a few passes, including a floater to Rob Gronkowski for 37 yards in the fourth.
LeGarrette Blount added a 1-yard score for the Patriots.
Unfortunately for the Browns, a rebuilding season is spiraling out of control.
Cleveland has dropped seven straight and 14 of 15 going back to last season, and Browns coach Hue Jackson is running out of quarterbacks after rookie Cody Kessler was knocked out in the first half with rib and chest injuries.
Quarterback-turned-wide receiver Terrelle Pryor took two snaps before veteran Charlie Whitehurst replaced him, becoming the fifth quarterback to play for Cleveland in five games.
Whitehurst limped off the field with 3:57 left.
Thousands of New England fans, many wearing No. 12 jerseys, made the trip to Ohio to greet Brady. They stood and cheered loudly as he jogged into the huddle before his first snap since last season's AFC title game.
At that moment, all was right again from Cambridge to Maine's coastline.
Brady completed his first pass to his favorite target, Edelman, and he connected twice on New England's opening drive with Gronkowski, who sidestepped a couple of tacklers and looked like the indomitable "Gronk" as he bulled his way to the Cleveland 1 before Blount scored.
Brady went 4 of 5 - the incompletion was dropped - on the Patriots' opening drive and he was efficient on the second, which ended with his 7-yard TD pass to Bennett.
The four-time Super Bowl champion arrived at FirstEnergy Stadium around 9:30 a.m. and after a quick stop in the locker room, walked onto the field wearing a red Patriots sweatshirt. He looked around at the empty seats and sat for a moment on New England's bench to reflect.
Brady stretched and went down a corridor with resistance bands around his waist about an hour before kickoff. With fans sitting near the tunnel chanting, "Bra-dy, Bra-dy," the star stared ahead as he slowly walked from the locker room with Jimmy Garoppolo, who started two games in his absence.
Garoppolo's day will come.
Brady, though, is back.
BROKEN BROWNS
Kessler took a hard shot from Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower while trying to throw a swing pass to Duke Johnson at the Cleveland 10 late in the second quarter.
The pass was behind Johnson and skipped out of the end zone, giving the Patriots a safety and the Browns another quarterback headache. Kessler had to be helped up, and after being checked on the sideline, the third-round pick was taken to the locker room for X-rays and did not return.
JONES JETTISONED
Patriots rookie cornerback Cyrus Jones was ejected in the third quarter for unsportsmanlike conduct.
A second-round pick from Alabama, Jones got tangled with Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins on the opposite side of the field. The pair had jawed at each other on several earlier plays.
GROUNDED GAME
The Patriots held the NFL's top rushing team to 27 yards on 22 carries. Cleveland came in leading the NFL with 149.3 yards rushing.
Isaiah Crowell picked up just 22 on 13 attempts, a far cry from 6.4-yard average in Cleveland's first four games.
