Watching a Patriots game up close and personal with a long 800mm camera lens is better than a front-row seat.

The intensity of the players and fans is off the charts. The big lens allows details to be frozen and studied.

On the field during Sunday’s season opener against the Texans, Tom Brady seemed to be easily winning the battle against time, though there was a touch of gray on his scruffy face. As he gripped the ball, his fingers looked long, like Pedro Martinez’s. His legs were taped up like a racehorse’s, but he can kick them up over his helmet like a Radio City Rockette.