Chris Wilder’s side looked like they might stage a late fightback after falling three goals behind inside 38 minutes, yet it was too little too late.
There were also a few surprises elsewhere on the second weekend of the season.
Here are some of the main stories.
. MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 18: Chris Willock of Queens Park Rangers celebrates after scoring their side's third goal during the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Queens Park Rangers at Riverside Stadium on August 18, 2021 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
QPR's Chris Willock scored against Middlesbrough. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
. Team performance of the weekend: Sheffield United
After an opening-day defeat at Watford, the Blades produced a comfortable 2-0 win over Millwall at Bramall Lane. Lions boss Gary Rowett felt there was a foul in the build-up to Iliman Ndiaye's opener, yet the hosts added a second through Sander Berge and could have scored a third when Oliver Norwood's penalty was saved. Photo: Cameron Smith
. Individual performance of the weekend: Ellis Simms (Sunderland)
What a debut! The Everton loanee showed pace, strength and composure as he scored twice in Sunderland's 3-2 win at Bristol City. Simms, 21, could have bagged a hat-trick if it wasn't for an excellent save from goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. Photo: Ian Horrocks
1. Team performance of the weekend: Sheffield United
After an opening-day defeat at Watford, the Blades produced a comfortable 2-0 win over Millwall at Bramall Lane. Lions boss Gary Rowett felt there was a foul in the build-up to Iliman Ndiaye's opener, yet the hosts added a second through Sander Berge and could have scored a third when Oliver Norwood's penalty was saved. Photo: Cameron Smith
2. Individual performance of the weekend: Ellis Simms (Sunderland)
What a debut! The Everton loanee showed pace, strength and composure as he scored twice in Sunderland's 3-2 win at Bristol City. Simms, 21, could have bagged a hat-trick if it wasn't for an excellent save from goalkeeper Daniel Bentley. Photo: Ian Horrocks
3. Goal of the weekend: Chris Willock
Michael Beale claimed his first win as QPR boss as his side went 3-0 up inside 38 minutes against Middlesbrough. Willock opened the scoring with a stunning strike after a run from inside his own half, while Boro were unable to stage a late fightback in a 3-2 defeat. Photo: George Wood
4. A day to forget: Coventry
Coventry's home fixture against Rotherham had to be postponed after the pitch at the Coventry Building Society Arena was 'deemed unsafe and unplayable.' The club have apologised to frustrated supporters and said the fixture will be arranged in due course. Photo: Nathan Stirk