History of the New England Patriots

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Regular season winning percentage, 1960–2010

This article contains an in-depth explanation of the history of the

NFL
).

Earlier NFL experience

Boston had previously been home to several NFL teams. The first was the

Boston Braves/Redskins, from 1932 to 1936.[2] They played first at Braves Field and then at Fenway Park.[2] The team moved to Washington following the 1936 season.[2] The Boston Yanks played from 1944 to 1948 before moving to New York to become the New York Yanks.[3][4]

1960–1969: AFL beginnings

On November 16, 1959, Boston business executive Billy Sullivan was awarded the eighth and final franchise of the developing American Football League (AFL).[5] In addition to William and Joseph Sullivan, other initial investors in the team were John Ames, a lawyer,[6] Dean Boylan, president of Boston Sand & Gravel), George Sargent, an insurance executive, Dom DiMaggio, former Boston Red Sox center fielder,[7] Dan Marr, president of Marr Scaffolding Co, Ed McMann, president of the Northeast Packing Co, Paul Sonnabend, vice president of Hotel Corporation of America, and Edgar Turner, president of the 7-Up Distributors Corp.[8] Each of the founders invested $25,000 to capitalize the team.[8]

The following winter, locals were allowed to submit ideas for the Boston football team's official name.

United States of America an independent nation. Immediately thereafter, artist Phil Bissell of The Boston Globe developed the "Pat Patriot" logo.[12]

On July 30, 1960, the Boston Patriots defeated the

the 1966 season and 1,216 during the 1967 season.[19] He was named the AFL MVP in 1966.[19]

1970-1973: Post AFL–NFL merger

After the AFL–NFL merger in 1970, the league required that all teams reside in stadiums with at least 50,000 seats.[20] Prior to 1970, The Patriots did not have a regular home stadium. Nickerson Field,[21][22] Harvard Stadium,[23] Fenway Park, and Alumni Stadium, served as home fields during their time in the American Football League.[24] None of the four stadiums the Patriots had used up to that point qualified, and there was little room in Boston for a new stadium.[20] Due to this, discussions about a possible relocation to Tampa, Florida occurred.[25][26]

In 1971, the Patriots moved into a new stadium in suburban

Schaefer Stadium, was built at a cost of about $6.2 million in only 327 days.[32] The stadium was one of the first stadiums in the country to be named after a corporate sponsor, as the Schaefer Brewing Company paid $1 million for naming rights.[32]

The first event held at the new Schaefer Stadium was a preseason game against the New York Giants on August 15, 1971.[32] A massive traffic jam on Route 1 prevented many fans from getting in until halftime.[33][34]

In

1971 NFL Draft.[37][38] The Patriots also signed free agent Randy Vataha, a wide receiver.[39]

1973–1978: Fairbanks era

Hall of Fame offensive guard John Hannah, who played with the Patriots from 1973 to 1985, has been regarded among the best all-time offensive linemen.[40]

The Patriots added three players to the team from the

1973 NFL Draft; offensive guard John Hannah, who became the first career Patriot to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame;[41] running back Sam Cunningham, the team's all-time leading rusher;[42][43] and wide receiver Darryl Stingley.[44]

In 1973, the team hired Chuck Fairbanks, who had been head coach at the University of Oklahoma, as head coach.[45][46] The Patriots improved in Fairbanks's second season, 1974, finishing 7–7.[47] During the 1975 season, QB Plunkett was injured and the team ended the season 3–11.[48][49] Following the 1975 season, Plunkett was traded to the San Francisco 49ers,[50] and eventually would win two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders.[51]

The draft picks acquired in the Plunkett trade were used to select defensive backs Mike Haynes and Tim Fox.[51][52] The Patriots finished the 1976 season 11–3, their best record in team history to that point, and advanced to the playoffs for the first time since 1963 as a wild card-berth.[53]

1976 playoffs

The Patriots played the

Ray "Sugar Bear" Hamilton sacked Oakland quarterback Ken Stabler, which would have forced the Raiders into a 4th-down situation.[54] However, referee Ben Dreith called a roughing the passer penalty on Hamilton, nullifying the sack and giving the Raiders an automatic 1st down.[54] The penalty was debated later, but gave the Raiders the opportunity to score.[54][55] Stabler scored on a short touchdown run with less than a minute left, and the Raiders held on for a 24–21 win.[56]

1977-1978

The 1977 season was a disappointing one for the Patriots, due in part to contract holdouts by offensive linemen John Hannah and Leon Gray.[57] The Patriots finished 9–5, one game out of first place in the AFC East, and out of the playoffs.[58]

In a 1978 preseason game against the Raiders, wide receiver Darryl Stingley was paralyzed from the neck down from a tackle by Oakland's Jack Tatum.[59] The Patriots finished 11–5 for their first post-merger AFC East championship.[60] However, hours before the final game of the regular season, coach Chuck Fairbanks announced he would be leaving the team to become head coach at the University of Colorado.[61] Owner Billy Sullivan immediately suspended Fairbanks, and offensive coordinator Ron Erhardt and defensive coordinator Hank Bullough were left to coach the final game without a head coach.[62] Fairbanks was reinstated for the playoffs, but the team lost its divisional playoff game 31–14 to the Houston Oilers, which also was the first Patriots post-season game at Schaefer Stadium.[63]

1979–1984: Coaching changes

For the next two years, the Patriots would suffer late-season losses that denied them return trips to the playoffs. In 1979, after starting 7–3, the team lost five out of their last eight games, to finish 9–7 and out of the playoffs.[64] In 1980, with running back Sam Cunningham holding out all season,[65] the Patriots started 6–1[66] but finished 10–6, again out of the playoffs.[67] The Patriots continued to slide in 1981, finishing 2–14.[68]

Following the 1981 season, Erhardt was fired

1982 NFL Draft and selected Kenneth Sims, a defensive end from the University of Texas at Austin.[71]

In the

Mark Henderson, a convict on work release, used a tractor to clear a swath of field to aid the Patriots.[72] Kicker John Smith's 33-yard attempt was good, and they were the only points scored by either team that afternoon.[72] The win helped put the Patriots in the playoffs, but the first-round rematch in Miami was won by the Dolphins.[73][74]

In 1983, the naming-rights deal for the stadium with Schaefer expired, and the stadium was renamed Sullivan Stadium.

drafted in the first round.[76] Eason played sparingly in 1983, but became the Patriots' starting quarterback in 1984.[76][77] The team ended the season 8-8.[78]

The Patriots, with the top pick in the

1984 NFL Draft, selected Irving Fryar, a wide receiver from the University of Nebraska.[79] With Tony Eason starting at quarterback, the Patriots got off to a 5–2 start.[80][81] However, after a few losses, the Patriots fired head coach Ron Meyer and replaced him with former Baltimore Colts wide receiver Raymond Berry.[82] The team won three of their first four games under Berry.[83][84][85][86] The team lost several games late in the 1984 season, and finished out of the playoffs at 9–7.[87]

1985: First Super Bowl appearance

Main article: 1985 New England Patriots season
Craig James rushes the ball against the Dolphins in the 1985–86 AFC Championship Game.

After struggling to start the 1985 season, and Eason suffering a shoulder injury in October, coach Raymond Berry replaced Eason with Grogan.[88] Grogan broke his leg during the 12th game of the season and Eason took over as starting quarterback.[89][90] New England won six straight games and finished 11–5.[91] They then beat the New York Jets 26–14, earning a wild card berth to the playoffs.[91]

In the divisional playoff against the Los Angeles Raiders, the Patriots forced six turnovers and won 27–20.[92] Dawson started the game with a touchdown, then when the Patriots were kicking off in the 4th quarter, a fumble by the Raiders resulted in a touchdown for Jim Bowman.[92] After beating the Raiders, the Patriots were set to play the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Championship.[92] Days before the championship game, Irving Fryar was injured in a domestic incident and had to have his hand cast.[93] The Patriots defeated the Dolphins 31–14.[94] Eason threw touchdowns to running back Tony Collins and tight end Derrick Ramsey early in the game.[94] Later, a touchdown by Mosi Tatupu won the Patriots the AFC Championship of 1985.[94] They went on to the Super Bowl XX, where they faced the Chicago Bears.[94]

The Patriots' defense attempting to stop a Bears' end zone rushing play during Super Bowl XX.

In the Super Bowl, the Patriots took an early 3–0 lead after Walter Payton fumbled in the 1st quarter, resulting a field goal by Tony Franklin.[95] The Bears would scored 44 points, including a touchdown by rookie defensive lineman William "The Refrigerator" Perry.[96] The Patriots made one touchdown,[97] at the end to make the final score 46–10.[95]

1986–1992: Ownership changes and struggles

Defensive players Johnny Rembert (left) and Brent Williams (right) are members of the Patriots' All-1980s and All-1990s Team, respectively.

Soon after the 1985 Super Bowl,

marijuana users.[98][99] In May 1986, allegations surfaced that Fryar was involved in gambling of NFL games.[100][101] In July 1986, offensive lineman John Hannah retired.[102]

In 1986, the Patriots' strength was their passing game, led by Eason and receiver Stanley Morgan, who gained nearly 1,500 yards receiving.[103] The Patriots led the AFC East with an 11–5 record and traveled to Denver to take on the Broncos in the divisional playoffs.[104] A 4th-quarter touchdown pass from John Elway to Vance Johnson won the game for Denver.[105]

In 1987, the Patriots acquired

picket line to play his first game for the Patriots.[107] However, late-season injuries put the Patriots out of playoff contention at 8–7.[108][109] In 1988, the Patriots finished the season 9–7, narrowly missed the playoffs.[110]

During this time, the Sullivan family lost millions of dollars on poor investments, most notably from producing

1984 Victory Tour.[111] The Sullivans' losses from the Victory Tour impacted the operation of the Patriots.[111][112] The Sullivans had never been among the wealthier NFL owners, and had been forced to pledge Sullivan Stadium as collateral to finance the Victory Tour in 1984.[113][114] The losses from the Victory Tour were reportedly equivalent to the family's net worth, and the revenue from the Patriots was not enough to service the debt even after the team made it to the Super Bowl.[114] The losses from the Victory Tour forced the Sullivans to put the Patriots and Sullivan Stadium on the market in 1985.[111][113]

In August 1985,

Robert Tisch, Robert Kraft, Peter de Savary, and Joe O'Donnell also made offers for the team.[122][123][124][125]

By the start of 1988, the Sullivans were heading for bankruptcy and at one point had to get a $4 million advance from the league to make payroll.[112] Sullivan sought to sell 50 percent of the team's shares to the public. The NFL turned down this request out of hand.[126] Instead, it appointed a four-man committee vested with what amounted to "wartime powers" to resolve the Patriots' finances by any means necessary–up to and including selling the team. However, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle made clear that it would be untenable for the Patriots to remain under the Sullivans' control. For all intents and purposes, the Sullivan era was over.[127]

After an attempt to sell a stake in the team to

Remington Products magnate Victor Kiam in 1988 for $90 million,[128][114] though Billy Sullivan remained team president.[129] However, the stadium lapsed into bankruptcy, and Kiam was outbid for it by Boston paper magnate Robert Kraft.[114]

In 1988, the Patriots missed the playoffs by one game.[130] The 1989 season was bad for the team. Three of the team's defense players, Andre Tippett, Garin Veris and Ronnie Lippett, were injured in the same preseason game.[131] The team rotated the quarterback job throughout the season.[132] The Patriots waived Eason during the season and he was picked up by the Jets.[133] The Patriots finished the season 5–11.[134]

Following the season, Flutie left for the Canadian Football League,[135] and general manager Dick Steinberg left to take a job with the New York Jets.[136] Berry was fired and replaced by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Rod Rust for 1990.[137] The Patriots finished with the worst season in franchise history in 1990 – a 1–15 record.[138]

The day after the team's only win that year,

Robert Perryman $12,500, $5,000, and $5,000 respectively.[139] Their season finale against the New York Giants was a sellout; however, most of the fans at the game were Giants fans.[141] The team lost that game, missing a game-tying field goal in the closing seconds.[142]

After the 1990 season, the Patriots changed their front office. Rust was fired

CEO of the Patriots.[145]

The Patriots improved in 1991. Hugh Millen took over as quarterback partway through the season.[146] The Patriots ended the season at 6–10 with several upsets over playoff teams, including wins against the Minnesota Vikings and future AFC Champion Buffalo Bills.[147][148][149]

In May 1992, St. Louis businessman and Anheuser-Busch heir James Orthwein purchased Kiam's majority stake in the Patriots. Kiam was in severe financial straits and owed Orthwein millions. With most of his money tied up in either Remington or the Patriots, Kiam was forced to sell the team in order to repay Orthwein.[150][151] Rumors began swirling of a possible move of the Patriots to St. Louis, given Orthwein's desire to return an NFL team to his hometown.[150][152][153] The Patriots finished the 1992 season, 2–14,[154] leading to the departures of MacPherson and Jankovich.[155][156]

1993–1996: Parcells era

1993

Main article: 1993 New England Patriots season

In 1993, the Patriots hired Bill Parcells, a two-time Super Bowl winner, as head coach.[157] Also in 1993, the uniforms and logo were changed.[158] The old "Pat Patriot" logo was retired and replaced with a Patriot head, designed in tandem with NFL Properties that many fans would eventually call "Flying Elvis".[159][160][161] The team's primary color changed from red to blue, and the helmets from white to silver.[158]

The Patriots had the first pick in the

1993 NFL Draft, and selected quarterback Drew Bledsoe from Washington State.[162] They also drafted linebacker Chris Slade.[163] Bledsoe started the season as the starting quarterback, but was injured and replaced with former Dolphins backup Scott Secules.[164][165][166][167]

The 1993 season began with a 1–11 record,[168] but ended the season by winning their last four games in a row, over Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and over Miami in overtime in the finale, eliminating the Dolphins from the playoffs.[169][170][171][172]

1993–94 offseason: Bob Kraft Buys the Team

Throughout the 1993 season, rumors continued that the team was going to move to St. Louis. In the 1993 off-season, the issue reached its climax. Orthwein offered

hostile takeover of the Patriots, offering to buy the team himself for a then-NFL record $160 million in 1994.[173][174] Although future St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke offered more money than Kraft, Orthwein would have been saddled with as much as $20 million in relocation costs, as well as any legal expenses resulting from breaking the lease. With Kraft making it clear that he would seek an injunction that would have forced Kroenke or any other potential buyer to keep the Patriots in Foxborough, Orthwein was all but forced to accept Kraft's bid.[173][175]

On February 26, 1994, Kraft's first full day as owner of the Patriots, the team sold a record number of season tickets.[176] In September, the Patriots sold out the entire 1994 season.[177] Every Patriots home game-preseason, regular season, and playoffs-has been sold out since.

1994

Main article: 1994 New England Patriots season
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe

Halfway through the 1994 season, the Patriots were 3–6 and had lost 4 straight games when they faced the Minnesota Vikings for Week 10.[178] Drew Bledsoe started a second-half comeback by switching to a no-huddle offense.[179][180] Bledsoe set single-game records for pass attempts and completions, and the Patriots won the game 26–20 in overtime.[179] The Patriots won their last seven games of the regular season, finishing 10–6 and making the playoffs as a wild card.[181] In the first round of the playoffs, the Patriots were beaten by the Cleveland Browns 20–13.[182]

1995

Main article: 1995 New England Patriots season

The Patriots drafted

1995 NFL Draft.[183] The Patriots won their opening day match against the Browns.[184] Martin had a good season as a rookie, winning the conference rushing title and was named Rookie of the Year.[185] Bledsoe struggled with injuries,[186] the team struggled with inconsistency,[187] and the Patriots finished 6–10.[188]

During the 1995, the Patriots had their first home appearance on Monday Night Football since 1981.[189] During the Patriots' last appearance on the program, a number of fans in attendance proved to be rowdy and uncontrollable, and there were over 60 arrests at the game.[190] As a result of this behavior, the Town of Foxborough and the NFL refused to schedule Monday night home games in New England.[191] During 1995, Robert Kraft lobbied for the Town of Foxborough and the NFL to schedule the Patriots on a Monday night.[192] The NFL granted Kraft's request, scheduling the Patriots on Monday, October 23, in a game against the Buffalo Bills.[189] The Patriots won the game, 27–14, and the crowd was peaceful and orderly, with only a handful of isolated disturbances and arrests.[189]

Also during 1995, the primary home station for most Patriots regular season games changed. Since 1965, the games had aired on

WHDH-TV took on airing the NFL on NBC package locally.[194]

1996: Second Super Bowl appearance

Main article: 1996 New England Patriots season

In the

1996 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected wide receiver Terry Glenn with their first round draft pick.[195] The Patriots started out lackluster in 1996. After an early-season loss to the Redskins at home dropped the Patriots to 3–3,[196] the Patriots won their next four games,[197] and finished the season 11–5.[198] The Patriots won the AFC East and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs as the #2 seed.[199] The Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 28–3 in a divisional playoff game.[200] They then beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 20–6 in the first AFC Championship game played in Foxboro.[201] The team advanced to Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers.[201]

In the months and years after Kraft's purchase of the Patriots, relations between Kraft and Parcells were increasingly strained. This was primarily due to a struggle over Parcells' authority over football operations as Kraft wanted Parcells to yield some of his authority over personnel moves to a separate general manager.

MVP Desmond Howard gave the Packers their 12th title.[205] The final score was 35–21.[205]

1997–1999: Pete Carroll years

1997

Main article: 1997 New England Patriots season

After the Super Bowl, Parcells resigned from the Patriots.

1999 Draft in return for allowing Parcells to become the Jets' head coach.[210]

After former San Francisco 49ers head coach George Seifert turned down the job, Kraft hired Pete Carroll as the new head coach of the Patriots.[211] In 1997, the Patriots won the AFC East with a 10–6 record, but some key losses meant the team had to play in the wild card round in the playoffs.[212] After beating the Miami Dolphins 17–3 in Foxboro, the Patriots played the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pittsburgh.[213] A late fumble won the game for Pittsburgh, 7–6.[214]

1998

Main article:
1998 NFL Draft to the Patriots.[216][217] With the 1st-round pick, the Patriots selected running back, Robert Edwards.[218]

Their game against the Buffalo Bills on November 29, 1998 was controversial due to a series of questionable calls.[219] With under a minute to go and down by four points, the Patriots played a long drive.[220] However, the Buffalo defense appeared to stop the Patriots on 4th down with a juggled catch out of bounds.[220] The referees needed to determine whether receiver Shawn Jefferson was inbounds, caught the ball, and achieved first down yardage.[220] The referee on the sideline signaled first down after a conference with other officials.[221] Several Bills claimed one said "just give it to them" in the huddle.[221] Television instant replays showed that Jefferson was short of first down yardage, but the NFL had discontinued use of instant replay after the 1991 season.[221] This call was followed by a questionable pass interference decision made in the end zone on what would have been the game's final play.[222] Bledsoe hit tight end Ben Coates for a touchdown on the final untimed play of the game.[222] In protest, the Bills left the field.[219]

Drew Bledsoe and Terry Glenn were both injured later the season,[223] and the Patriots got the last playoff spot with a 9–7 record.[224] The Patriots lost 25–10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first playoff game.[225]

Although Robert Edwards had a promising rookie season, his career was derailed after he suffered a dislocated knee in Hawaii while playing a game of flag football on the beach.[226]

Also during 1998, most Patriots games moved back to WBZ-TV after a three-year absence.[227]

1999

Main article: 1999 New England Patriots season

Taking Edwards' place in

2000 NFL Draft.[235]

2000–2019: Brady/Belichick dynasty

See also: Brady–Belichick era

2000: Belichick hired and Brady drafted

Main article: 2000 New England Patriots season
Longtime head coach Bill Belichick transformed the Patriots into a perennial Super Bowl contender.

2002.[245]

Belichick restructured the team's personnel department in the offseason.[246] The Patriots finished the 2000 season 5–11 and missing the playoffs.[247] Also in 2000, the Patriots updated their uniforms.[248]

2001: First Super Bowl Championship

Main article: 2001 New England Patriots season

In 2001, Drew Bledsoe signed a 10-year contract extension and offensive tackle Bruce Armstrong retired.[249][250][251] Wide receiver Terry Glenn didn't show up to training camp in August and was suspended by the NFL for the first four games of the season due to violating substance abuse policies.[252] During the training camp, quarterbacks coach Dick Rehbein died of cardiac arrest on August 6 at the age of 45.[253]

The Patriots lost their opener to the

2000 NFL Draft, took over for Bledsoe.[256] He remained the team's starting quarterback after Bledsoe was cleared to play two months later.[257] During the season, first-round draft pick Richard Seymour anchored the defensive line[258] and Antowain Smith, a free agent signed from Buffalo, ran over 1,000 yards.[259] The Patriots won their final six games to capture the AFC East with an 11–5 record.[260] The Patriots won a first-round bye as the #2 seed in the playoffs.[261]

In the final game played at Foxboro Stadium, the Patriots hosted the

tuck rule."[263] After review, Coleman ruled that, because Brady's arm was moving forward when he lost the ball, he was deemed to have been in the act of throwing when he lost control of the ball.[263] Had the original ruling stood, the Raiders would have clinched the win.[263] Instead, the Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri tied the game with a 45-yard field goal in the final 30 seconds.[263] The Raiders did not attempt to run a play at the end of regulation and, after losing the coin toss to start overtime, didn't get the ball again.[264] The Patriots drove downfield on their opening possession and won the game, 16–13.[264]

The Patriots faced the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.[265] After Brady injured his ankle in the second quarter, Bledsoe came off the sideline and led the team to their only offensive touchdown of the game.[265][266] In the second half, with two special teams touchdowns and two fourth-quarter interceptions of passes thrown by Pittsburgh's Kordell Stewart, the Patriots upset the Steelers 24–17 to advance to Super Bowl XXXVI.[266][267]

Quarterback Tom Brady led the Patriots to six Super Bowl wins and nine Super Bowl appearances.

In the Super Bowl, the Patriots faced the St. Louis Rams, led by league MVP Kurt Warner.[268] During the game, Bill Belichick used a defensive game plan that used the blitz sparingly, but chipped the Rams receivers and running back Marshall Faulk as they went into their patterns.[269] This plan forced three turnovers.[270]

Belichick's defense held the Rams off until the 4th quarter, but after trailing 17–3 early in the quarter, St. Louis scored two touchdowns to tie the game at 17–17.

Super Bowl MVP.[272]

The Patriots' victory parade in Boston was attended by approximately 1.2 million fans.

2003 NFL Draft.[274][275]

Gillette Stadium

Main article: Gillette Stadium
Gillette Stadium

While owning the Patriots, Robert Kraft attempted to build a new stadium.

Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland to build a new stadium in Hartford, Connecticut.[276] However, after the stadium plan was approved by the Connecticut General Assembly,[277] problems were discovered with the proposed site that would delay construction.[278] At this time, the NFL announced loan incentives where teams could borrow money from the league to build new stadiums.[279]

In 1999, Kraft announced that he was abandoning the Hartford stadium project.

Gillette.[283]

2002: Narrowly missing the playoffs

Main article: 2002 New England Patriots season

Following their victory in Super Bowl XXXVI, the Patriots won their first game in the new Gillette Stadium in the NFL's prime-time Monday Night Football opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers.[284] After three wins to begin the season, including a 44–7 road win against the division rival New York Jets,[285] the team lost five of its next seven games.[286] In the final week of the season, the Patriots defeated the Miami Dolphins on an overtime Adam Vinatieri field goal to give both teams a 9–7 record.[287] The Jets also finished with a 9–7 record after a win over the Green Bay Packers.[287] Due to their record, the Jets won the tiebreaker for the division title, which eliminated the Patriots and Dolphins from the playoffs.[288]

2003–04: Back-to-back Super Bowl titles

Main articles: 2003 New England Patriots season and 2004 New England Patriots season
Patriot fans rally in front of Boston City Hall following the Super Bowl XXXVIII championship

Days before the start of the season, safety Lawyer Milloy was released,[289] prompting second-guessing of head coach Bill Belichick by fans. A report by ESPN analyst Tom Jackson stated that Patriots players "hated their coach".[290] The accusation was later denied by players.[290] Milloy signed with the Buffalo Bills, who defeated the Patriots 31–0 in the season opener.[290] After starting with a 2–2 record, the Patriots didn't lose another game.[291][292]

The Patriots had the NFL's best record at 14–2 and earned the top seed in the AFC

home-field advantage.[293] Their opponent in the divisional playoffs was the Tennessee Titans.[294] Played in a temperature of 8 °F (−13 °C), the Patriots and Titans played close until Adam Vinatieri kicked the go-ahead field goal with 4 minutes left.[295] An incomplete Steve McNair pass on 4th down with 1:40 left won the game 17–14 for New England.[295] The Patriots faced the Indianapolis Colts for the AFC Championship and won 24–14.[296] The Patriots returned to the Super Bowl, facing the Carolina Panthers.[296]

The first half of Super Bowl XXXVIII was a defensive battle between the teams.[297] The teams traded touchdowns late in the 2nd quarter, then more quick strikes by both teams made the score 14–10 Patriots at halftime.[298] The 3rd quarter was scoreless, but running back Antowain Smith scored on the first play of the 4th quarter to make it 21–10.[299] Carolina scored two more touchdowns, but failed to convert on both to take a 22–21 lead.[299] The Patriots played a trick pass to linebacker Mike Vrabel, followed by Kevin Faulk's run for a two-point conversion that put the Patriots up 29–22 with 2:51 left to play.[299] The Panthers drove downfield and Ricky Proehl's late touchdown catch tied the game, 29–29 with 1:08 to play.[299] Brady led the Patriots on a drive and Vinatieri kicked a 41-yard field goal with four seconds left.[299] The Patriots won their second Super Bowl, 32–29, and Brady was once again named MVP.[297]

Adam Vinatieri warms up prior to Super Bowl XXXIX.

Following their Super Bowl win, the Patriots traded a second-round draft pick for Cincinnati Bengals' running back Corey Dillon, who replaced Antowain Smith.[300] The Patriots set the NFL record for consecutive regular season victories after winning their first six games of the season.[301] During a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on October 31, cornerback Ty Law was injured.[302] Combined with the loss of other starting cornerback Tyrone Poole two weeks earlier, the Patriots completed the regular season and playoffs with second-year cornerback Asante Samuel, undrafted free agent Randall Gay, and wide receiver Troy Brown at cornerback.[303][304][305]

President George W. Bush poses with the New England Patriots during a ceremony honoring the Super Bowl XXXIX champions in the Rose Garden.

With a 14–2 record and the second seed in the AFC playoffs,[306] the Patriots defeated the Colts at home in the playoffs.[307] The Patriots then defeated the top-seeded Steelers on the road, 41–27, in the AFC Championship Game.[308] The Patriots' defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX 24–21 in their second straight Super Bowl victory.[309] As of 2021, the 2003–2004 New England Patriots are the most recent team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.[310]

2005–06: Playoff losses

Main articles: 2005 New England Patriots season and 2006 New England Patriots season

Two weeks after winning Super Bowl XXXIX, linebacker Tedy Bruschi suffered a stroke.[311] Also during the off-season cornerback Ty Law was released.[312] During Week 3, Rodney Harrison was injured and didn't play for the rest of the season.[313] Beginning the season with a 4–4 record, the Patriots lost their first game at home since 2002 against the San Diego Chargers in Week 4.[314] Bruschi returned to the field against the Buffalo Bills on October 31.[315] The team ended the season on a 5–1 run to finish 10–6, earning their third straight AFC East title.[316] With the #4 seed in the AFC playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 28–3 in the wild-card round.[317] The Patriots fell to the Denver Broncos 27–13 on the road in the Divisional Playoffs, committing five turnovers in the game.[318]

The Patriots entered the 2006 season without their two starting wide receivers from 2005; David Givens left in free agency[319] and Deion Branch was traded to Seattle after a contract hold out.[320] They were replaced by Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney.[321][322] Losses in November ended the team's streak of 57 games without consecutive losses, three games shy of the NFL record.[323] With a 12–4 record and their fourth straight division title, the Patriots entered the playoffs as the #4 seed, defeating the New York Jets 37–16 in the Wild Card game of the playoffs.[324][325] A 24–21 win over the top-seeded San Diego Chargers on the road set the Patriots up to face the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship.[326] Despite a 21–3 lead in the 2nd quarter, the Patriots stumbled down the stretch and the Colts emerged with a 38–34 victory.[327]

2007: 18–1 season

Main article: 2007 New England Patriots season

In 2007, the Patriots added

Spygate.[332] Belichick was fined $500,000, the maximum allowed under league rules, and the Patriots were fined $250,000 and required to forfeit their first round pick in the 2008 draft.[333]

Randy Moss caught a league-record 23 touchdowns in 2007, which greatly helped Tom Brady pass for 50, also a record.
Wes Welker (right) was known by few before becoming a Patriot.

The Patriots won the AFC East before their eleventh game, the fourth time since the NFL introduced the 16-game schedule in

NFL MVP award, while the Patriots' offense broke multiple records, including those for points scored and total touchdowns.[337][338]

With the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs,[339] the Patriots defeated both the Jacksonville Jaguars 31–20 and San Diego Chargers 21–12 before advancing to Super Bowl XLII.[340][341] The Patriots had the chance for a perfect 19–0 season with a victory over the New York Giants and analysts saw the 2007 Patriots as being the greatest team in NFL history.[342]

Despite being Super Bowl favorites, the Patriots faltered against a

Plaxico Buress gave the Giants a 17–14 lead with 35 seconds left.[343][344][345]

2008: The Cassel year

Main article: 2008 New England Patriots season
Matt Cassel throws a pass in place of injured Tom Brady in 2008.

In the 2008 season opener, quarterback Tom Brady suffered a serious knee injury and missed the remainder of the season.[346] Backup quarterback Matt Cassel replaced Brady.[347] During Cassel's first start in Week 2 he led the Patriots to a win, which extended the team's regular-season winning streak record to 21 games.[348]

The Dolphins, Ravens and Patriots all finished the season with identical 11–5 records.[349] Miami qualified for the playoffs by winning the AFC East division over the Patriots on the fourth divisional tiebreaker.[349] Baltimore qualified for the playoffs as a wild card team, defeating the Patriots on the second wild card tiebreaker.[349]

2008–09 offseason: Changes

During the offseason, the Patriots' offseason made a number of front office, coaching, and personnel changes. Vice President of Player Personnel

2011 NFL Draft.[355]

2009–10: Early playoff exits

Main articles: 2009 New England Patriots season and 2010 New England Patriots season

In the

4th and 2 situation inside their own 30-yard line but failed, setting up a Colts touchdown and the Patriots' third loss of the season.[358] After losing two of their next three games, the Patriots went on to win three in a row to secure a division title.[359][360] With the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs,[361] the Patriots faced the Baltimore Ravens at home in the Wild Card Playoffs.[362] The Ravens opened up a 24–0 lead in the 1st quarter, and the Patriots ended their season with a 33–14 loss.[362]

The Patriots went into 2010 without either a named offensive or defensive coordinator following the departure of defensive coordinator Dean Pees.[363] After beating Cincinnati in the season opener, they lost 28–14 to the Jets.[364][365] They finished the season 14–2.[366] By defeating the Bills in Week 16, New England swept that team for the sixth consecutive season, along with earning another AFC East title and the #1 seed.[366][367] Tom Brady finished the regular season with an NFL-record 335 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, while the Patriots committed an NFL-record low 10 turnovers on the season.[368][369]

[370]

The Patriots were favored to go to Super Bowl XLV, but lost to the Jets team in the divisional playoffs.[370]

2011: Return to the Super Bowl

Main article: 2011 New England Patriots season

During the 2010 off-season, the Patriots drafted Arkansas quarterback

Chad Ochocinco.[372][373]

In the first game of the 2011 season, the Patriots played the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, and New England won 38–24.[374] Brady set a personal single-game record with 517 passing yards, highlighted by an NFL record-tying 99-yard touchdown reception by Wes Welker.[374] They beat the San Diego Chargers in Week 2 in their home opener,[375] but their 15-game win streak against the Buffalo Bills ended when Tom Brady threw four interceptions, and the Patriots lost 34–31 on a last-second field goal.[376][377] The team then won three games in a row.[378][379][380] During the Patriots' bye in Week 7, an incident occurred where tight end Rob Gronkowski was seen in a photo with an adult film actress wearing his game shirt.[381] Following a 25–17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers,[382] wide receiver Julian Edelman was arrested for indecent assault following an incident in a Back Bay nightclub on Halloween.[383] The Patriots won their last eight games to take the top seed in the AFC playoffs.[384]

After defeating the Denver Broncos 45–10 in the Divisional Game,[385] the Patriots won the AFC Championship Game over the Baltimore Ravens 23–20, after Ravens receiver Lee Evans dropped a potential touchdown and kicker Billy Cundiff missed a game-tying 31-yard field goal attempt in the closing seconds.[386] The Patriots lost to the NFC champion New York Giants 21–17 in Super Bowl XLVI.[387]

2012–13: Playoff Losses in AFC Championship

Main articles: 2012 New England Patriots season and 2013 New England Patriots season
Rob Gronkowski in 2013.

In their 2012 season opener, the Patriots defeated the Tennessee Titans before losing at home to the Arizona Cardinals.[388][389] In Week 3, New England lost to the Baltimore Ravens 30–28 on a last-second field goal.[390] The first three games of the season were officiated by replacement referees, as the regular referees were locked out during a contract dispute.[391] The replacement referees were criticized, and at the end of the Ravens game, Bill Belichick made contact with a referee as he was leaving the field to argue a call, which the league fined him for.[391][392] In Week 4, the Patriots defeated the Buffalo Bills 52–28.[393] After that, the Patriots went on the defeat the Denver Broncos 31–21, but lost to the Seattle Seahawks 24–23 the following week.[394][395] The Patriots then defeated the New York Jets in overtime, 29–26, and continued on a seven-game win streak.[396][397] The Patriots ended the season as the #2 seed in the AFC.[398] The Patriots were given a bye week before they had to face the Houston Texans, who they defeated 41–28.[398][399] They then had faced the Baltimore Ravens and lost 28–13.[400]

The 2013 season saw turnover on the offensive side, as Wes Welker, signed a contract with the Denver Broncos,[401] and tight end Aaron Hernandez was released from the team due to legal issues.[402] The Patriots opened the season 4–0 before losing to the Cincinnati Bengals 13–6 in Week 5.[403] After a home win against the New Orleans Saints in Week 6,[404] the Patriots fell to the rival New York Jets 30–27 on a converted Nick Folk field goal following an unsportsmanlike penalty to rookie Chris Jones.[405] The team then had a pair of wins against the Miami Dolphins and the Pittsburgh Steelers,[406][407] but lost 24–20 on Monday Night Football to the Carolina Panthers following the bye week on a controversial end-game interception by Luke Kuechly.[408][409] New England finished as the AFC East champions, earning the No. 2 seed and a first round bye.[410]

2014: Fourth Super Bowl Championship

Main article: 2014 New England Patriots season

In 2014, the Patriots finished 12–4 and won their sixth straight AFC East title.[411] They were the top seed, had a first round bye and had home field advantage for the AFC playoffs.[411]

The Patriots defeated the

Super Bowl MVP award.[415]

2015: AFC Championship Loss

Main article: 2015 New England Patriots season

The Patriots started the year 10–0, before losing on Sunday Night Football to the Denver Broncos, 30–24 in overtime.[416] During the season, multiple players were injured; at one point nineteen players were placed on injured reserve.[417] At the end of the season, they earned a first round bye, with the second seed in the AFC.[418][419]

In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Patriots defeated the

AFC Championship game, the Patriots were matched up against the top-seeded Broncos.[421] The final game in the Tom Brady–Peyton Manning rivalry was a defensive struggle.[422] The Broncos beat the Patriots 20–18 and advanced to Super Bowl 50.[422]

2016: Fifth Super Bowl Championship

Main article: 2016 New England Patriots season

Due to sanctions on the team stemming from Deflategate, Tom Brady didn't play in the first four games of the 2016 season.[423] The Patriots used quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who helped the Patriots win their opening night game against the Arizona Cardinals.[423] After a shoulder injury to Garoppolo in the second game of the season against the Miami Dolphins, rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett entered the game and helped the Patriots win.[424] On Thursday Night Football, Brissett helped the Patriots secure a 27–0 shutout victory against the Houston Texans.[425] The Patriots lost their fourth game at home in a shutout to the Buffalo Bills.[426] Brady returned the following week and helped the Patriots win four games.[427][428] The Patriots closed the regular season winning seven straight games, along with their eighth consecutive division title and the #1 seed overall in the AFC.[429]

In the playoffs, the Patriots hosted the Texans in the divisional round.

AFC Championship game, the Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 36–17 and advanced to the Super Bowl.[431]

On February 5, 2017, the Patriots faced the

Super Bowl MVP for a record fourth time and surpassed Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw with his fifth Super Bowl victory as a quarterback, the most all-time.[434][435]

2017: Fifth Super Bowl loss

Main article: 2017 New England Patriots season

The Patriots lost several players during the offseason, including halfback LeGarrette Blount and cornerback Logan Ryan.[436][437] To fill these vacancies, the Patriots signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore and running backs Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead.[438][439][440] They also traded a second round draft pick to the Carolina Panthers for defensive end Kony Ealy.[441]

During their first game versus the

Saints and Texans.[444][445] After their loss at home to the Carolina Panthers,[446] the Patriots went 11–1 for the rest of the season, finishing 13–3.[447] In Week 15 at Pittsburgh, the Patriots came back in the fourth quarter to take the lead, 27–24.[448] On the ensuing drive by the Steelers, a short pass from Ben Roethlisberger to wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster turned into a gain, leading the Steelers to the 10-yard line with 34 seconds left.[448][449] On Roethelisberger's next throw, tight end Jesse James caught a potential game-winning touchdown, but it was overturned after a review where officials ruled that James lost control as the ball hit the ground.[449] The Patriots won 27–24, winning another AFC East title and #1 seed.[448][449]

After beating the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round,[450] the Patriots faced the Jacksonville Jaguars.[451] In the fourth quarter, Brady led the team back from a ten-point deficit to take the lead, 24–20.[451] The Patriots won and earned a trip to their eighth Super Bowl.[451] In Super Bowl LII, Brady set a Super Bowl record with 505 yards passing.[452] Brady tried to lead a comeback to win the game in the fourth quarter, but defensive end Brandon Graham strip-sacked Brady, and the ball was recovered by the Eagles.[452][453] This, along with a failed last-second Hail Mary pass, resulted in the Patriots losing 41–33.[454]

2018: Sixth Super Bowl Championship

Main article: 2018 New England Patriots season

During the offseason, the Patriots lost left tackle Nate Solder,[455] right tackle Cameron Fleming,[456] wide receiver Brandin Cooks,[457] starting running back Dion Lewis, and cornerback Malcolm Butler.[458] Also during the offseason, they added left tackle Trent Brown,[459] Bengals running back Jeremy Hill,[460] and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.[461] The Patriots also drafted left tackle Isaiah Wynn and running back Sony Michel in the first round.[462]

In September, the Patriots signed

Steelers, both on the road.[466][467] In late December, the Patriots lost Gordon, who left due to health reasons.[468] They finished the season with an 11–5 record and a first-round bye.[469]

The Patriots beat the Los Angeles Chargers in the divisional round, routing them 41–28, with rookie Sony Michel scoring 3 times on rushing touchdowns.[470] In the AFC Championship, they faced the Chiefs on the road.[471] The Patriots had a 14–0 lead at halftime.[472] Mahomes was able to rally back the Chiefs to a 21–17 lead in the 4th.[473] The score went back and forth until the Chiefs kicked a field goal, sending the game to overtime at 31–31.[474] The Patriots won the coin toss and Brady drove the Patriots down the field to score a Rex Burkhead rushing touchdown resulting in a 37–31 victory.[474]

In Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, the Patriots faced off against the Los Angeles Rams.[475] The game remained tied 3–3 until the 4th quarter, when Brady and Gronkowski completed two long passes to put the Patriots inside the Rams 5 yard line, where Sony Michel would score the game's only touchdown, winning the game 13–3.[475][476] Wide receiver Julian Edelman was named Super Bowl MVP, with 10 catches for 141 yards.[477] The sixth Super Bowl victory tied the Patriots with the Steelers for most all time.[478]

2019: The end of an era

Main article: 2019 New England Patriots season
Brady and running back Sony Michel during the 2019 Wild Card game against Tennessee. This would become Brady's final game in a Patriots uniform.

Prior to the season, Tom Brady signed a two-year extension worth $70 million, but also allowed him to become a free agent after the 2019 season.[479][480] On September 9, 2019, the Patriots signed Pro Bowl wide receiver Antonio Brown, whom was released by the Oakland Raiders following several off-the-field controversies, and a signing which some compared to the Randy Moss trade in 2007. Brown would last only one game with New England, getting released on September 22, 2019 due to more off-the-field issues. New England started the season with an 8–0 record.[481] The streak ended with a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.[482] The team won its 11th consecutive AFC East division title after a 24–17 win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, but New England didn't get a first-round bye for the playoffs.[483][484][485]

The Patriots were the #3 seed in the AFC playoffs,

2020 NFL Draft.[490]

2020–present: Post-Brady era

2020

Main article: 2020 New England Patriots season

Prior to the season, the Patriots announced a uniform change, opting to go with their former NFL Color Rush jerseys as their new home uniforms with a corresponding white uniform with blue pants as their road outfits. Both uniforms featured truncated shoulder striping as a nod to the "Pat Patriot" uniforms.[491][492] Former Carolina Panthers quarterback, 2011 NFL draft first overall pick, and 2015 NFL season MVP Cam Newton was announced as New England's new starting quarterback prior to the season.[493] In addition, several veteran players such as Patrick Chung, Brandon Bolden, Marcus Cannon, and Dont'a Hightower opted out of the season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[494][495] Later in the Season, 3 other major players as Gunner, Burkhead, & Edelman, were injured who were instrumental in winning earlier, games.

After the Buffalo Bills beat the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 14, the Patriots were out of contention for the AFC East championship.[496] They were also eliminated from playoff contention with the loss to the Dolphins in week 15.[497] This was only the 4th time since 2000 the Patriots had missed the playoffs and failed to win the division.[498][499] Cam Newton and Brian Hoyer ended their Season going 7-9. In addition, their streak of 10+ win seasons that dated back to their 2003 Super Bowl-winning season, which was an NFL record, was also snapped.[500]

2021

See also: 2021 New England Patriots season
Quarterback Mac Jones, drafted 15th overall in 2021

The 2021 season started with the Patriots signing eleven free agents from other teams on the same day, including Hunter Henry, Nelson Agholor, Jonnu Smith, and Matthew Judon.[501]

On August 31, 2021, the Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton during final preseason roster cuts. As a result, rookie Mac Jones became the starting quarterback for the team. The Patriots started the season 2–4, but went on to win seven consecutive games, battling Buffalo for the division crown throughout the season. New England finished the season 10–7 in the first NFL season with 17 games, clinching the #6 seed in the playoffs, their first without Brady since 1998. They would lose to the Bills 47–17 in the wild-card round, their worst playoff loss under Belichick.[502] Despite the playoff loss, Jones broke several rookie quarterback records for the team.[503]

Notes and references

  1. ^ "Maroons Will Become Bulldogs". Newspapers.com. September 6, 1929. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Dupont, Kevin Paul (December 29, 2013). "Redskins name debate traces to Boston". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  3. ^ Nason, Jerry (September 27, 1944). "Boston Yanks' NFL debut at Fenway is a loss". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  4. ^ "Sports Its This Way". Newspapers.com. January 4, 1949. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  5. ^ Megliola, Lenny. "Jim Nance, Billy Sullivan were mainstays in the good old days". The Enterprise, Brockton, MA. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  6. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  7. ^ "Red Sox legend Dom DiMaggio, Joe's little brother and former Atkinson resident, dead at 92". Eagle-Tribune. May 8, 2009. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  8. ^ a b "FYI". archive.boston.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  9. ^ "Seek Nickname For Boston's New Pro Team". Newspapers.com. February 10, 1960. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  10. ^ "Boston Patriots Selected as Name". Newspapers.com. February 17, 1960. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  11. ^ "Oneth Get Name, Twoeth By Land Pro Club Named Patriots; Practice On Bunker Hill?". Newspapers.com. February 17, 1960. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  12. ^ "Historical Dates | New England Patriots". June 6, 2015. Archived from the original on June 6, 2015. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  13. ^ "New England Patriots". Sports Ecyclopedia. Retrieved January 13, 2011.
  14. ^ "Denver Broncos Win AFL Opener, 13 to 10". Newspapers.com. September 10, 1960. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  15. ^ "Chargers Humble Patriots, 51-10". Newspapers.com. January 6, 1964. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  16. ^ "Babe Parilli's Best Game, Says Coach". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1963. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  17. ^ "West Pick over East In AFL All-Star Game". Newspapers.com. January 19, 1964. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  18. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  19. ^ a b "Jim Namce, 49; Led Old AFL in Rushing in 1966 and 1967". mcall.com. June 17, 1992. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  20. ^ a b "Remembering the AFL-NFL merger 50 years ago". www.boston.com. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  21. ^ "AFL Makes 'Billion Dollar' Debut This Week". Newspapers.com. September 4, 1960. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  22. ^ "20 Things You Need To Know About Championship Sunday". Newspapers.com. January 19, 2014. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  23. ^ "NFL's Boston Patriots Spent A Year in Harvard Stadium". www.thecrimson.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  24. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  25. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  26. ^ No byline (March 12, 1970). Pros in Tampa? The Evening Independent. Retrieved from Google Newspapers May 8, 2014.
  27. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  28. ^ "On this day 46 years ago, they officially became the New England Patriots". ESPN.com. March 22, 2017. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  29. ^ "Name now official – It's N.E. Patriots". Newspapers.com. March 23, 1971. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  30. ^ "It's Now The "Bay State" Patriot Squad". Gettysburg Times. February 19, 1971. Retrieved April 16, 2008.
  31. ^ "Patriots Switch Again, Adding Regional Flavor". The New York Times. March 23, 1971. Retrieved April 16, 2008.
  32. ^
    ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  33. ^ "New Englanders beat Giants, 20-14 Pats break through; fans less lucky". Newspapers.com. August 16, 1971. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  34. ^ "If you want to see kickoff, you'd better camp early". Newspapers.com. August 16, 1971. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  35. ^ Past Heisman Trophy Winners National Champs.net.
  36. ^ Pro Football Draft History: 1971 Archived 2006-01-07 at the Wayback Machine Pro Football Hall of Fame.
  37. ^ a b "Patriots' Plunkett Playing as Though He's No. 1". Newspapers.com. August 30, 1971. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  38. ^ "NFL 1970 Team Rankings". home.earthlink.net. Archived from the original on October 30, 2005. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  39. ^ "It's in the numbers: Randy Vataha, the..." Los Angeles Times. October 1, 1992. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  40. ^ "John Hannah | New England Patriots". Patriots.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2017.
  41. ^ Blackwell, Joey (March 26, 2020). "From Destroying Defenses to Fixing Fences: John Hannah". Sports Illustrated Alabama Crimson Tide News, Analysis and More. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  42. ^ All-time Leaders – Rushing Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine Patriots.com.
  43. ^ "Leading the rush catching up with Sam Cunningham". archive.boston.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  44. ^ Pierson, Don (April 11, 2007). "Stingley 'family hero'". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  45. ^ "Patriots mourn Chuck Fairbanks". Boston Herald. April 3, 2013. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  46. ^ "Chuck Fairbanks, former New England Patriots coach and more..." UPI. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  47. ^ "Dolphins Win; But Was It Important?". Newspapers.com. December 16, 1974. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  48. ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  49. ^ "Pat Fans to Savor". Newspapers.com. December 23, 1975. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  50. ^ "Plunkett Has Plans". Newspapers.com. April 30, 1976. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  51. ^ a b LaMarre, Tom (March 3, 2021). "The Resilience of Jim Plunkett, a Raiders Legend". Sports Illustrated Oakland Raiders News, Analysis and More. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  52. ^ "Fairbanks Happy With Five Pats Selections". Newspapers.com. April 9, 1976. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  53. ^ "Turning Patriots Around Earns Fairbanks UPI Honor". Newspapers.com. December 29, 1976. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  54. ^ a b c d "Stabler scrambles across in last 10 seconds for 24-21 win". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1976. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  55. ^ "Roughing the Passer: The Patriots-Raiders Game You Should Know About". Boston.com. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  56. ^ "Patriots sunk, 24-21, by Raiders, penalties". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1976. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  57. ^ "Leon Gray, 49; Star Blocker for Patriots Football Team". Los Angeles Times. November 13, 2001. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  58. ^ "Bombs Make Colts' Wins 'Nice' – Jones". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1977. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  59. ^ The amazing courage of Derek Stingley Archived 2007-04-10 at the Wayback Machine Pro Football Weekly.
  60. ^ "Cowboys pick to win 2nd straight National Football League title". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1978. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
  61. ^ "Patriots ready to put freeze on red hot Oilers". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1978. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  62. ^ "Patriots Suspend Fairbanks For Accepting College Job". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1978. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
  63. ^ Borges, Ron. "Butt of jokes to last laugh". The Boston Globe. Retrieved April 26, 2008.
  64. ^ "Celtics' story tops in New England". Newspapers.com. December 30, 1979. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  65. ^ "Trade Me". Newspapers.com. December 25, 1980. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  66. ^ "Patriots 37, Colts 21". Newspapers.com. October 20, 1980. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  67. ^ "Chargers claim last playoff spot". Newspapers.com. December 23, 1980. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  68. ^ "They'll be lucky to get 15,000 at this game". Newspapers.com. December 20, 1981. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  69. ^ "Erhardt Didn't Get Much Help". Newspapers.com. December 23, 1981. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  70. ^ "Patriots hire Ron Meyer away from SMU". Newspapers.com. January 16, 1982. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  71. ^ "Sims signs with Patriots". Newspapers.com. June 9, 1982. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  72. ^ a b c d "Snow plow helps clear path for Pats". Newspapers.com. December 13, 1982. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  73. ^ "New England's a Pats(y) In Miami's Orange Bowl". Newspapers.com. January 6, 1983. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  74. ^ "Dolphins drown Patriots, 28-13". Newspapers.com. January 9, 1983. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  75. ^ "Schaefer Named Sullivan Stadium". Newspapers.com. May 24, 1983. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  76. ^ a b "Eason's First Start Dismal". Newspapers.com. November 28, 1983. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  77. ^ "Sunday's Heroes". Newspapers.com. September 17, 1984. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  78. ^ "Patriots drop finale in Seattle". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1983. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  79. ^ "Patriots Ink Irving Fryar". Newspapers.com. April 12, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  80. ^ "Tony Eason earns Pats' starting job after performance against Seahawks". Newspapers.com. September 18, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  81. ^ "Pats hoping to breathe new life into race with win over Dolphins". Newspapers.com. October 21, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  82. ^ "Patriots fire Ron Meyer, Raymond Berry takes over post". Newspapers.com. October 26, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  83. ^ "Patriots, Eason bomb Colts 50-17". Newspapers.com. November 19, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  84. ^ "Patriots 38, Bills 10". Newspapers.com. November 12, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  85. ^ "Pats fumble Chance". Newspapers.com. November 5, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  86. ^ "Saints boot Browns:; Pats rally once more". Newspapers.com. October 29, 1984. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  87. ^ "Patriots 16, Colts 10". Newspapers.com. December 17, 1984. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
  88. ^ "Pats aim Grogan at high-flying Jets". Newspapers.com. October 20, 1985. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  89. ^ "Grogan can't seem to get past the 12th game". Newspapers.com. December 1, 1985. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  90. ^ "New England at Indianapolis". Newspapers.com. December 1, 1985. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  91. ^ a b "Ignore history; rip Jets". Newspapers.com. December 30, 1985. Retrieved March 15, 2021.
  92. ^ a b c "Patriots surprise fumbling Raiders". Newspapers.com. January 6, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  93. ^ "Shula on Berry: 'He Never Beat Me Deep'". Newspapers.com. January 11, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  94. ^ a b c d "Bears, Patriots head to a Super meeting". Newspapers.com. January 13, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  95. ^ a b "Bears come out smoking in rout". Newspapers.com. January 28, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  96. ^ "How They Scored". Newspapers.com. January 27, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  97. ^ "Super Bowl XX – New England Patriots vs. Chicago Bears – January 26th, 1986". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  98. ^ "NFL union to challenge Patriots on drug testing". Newspapers.com. January 30, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  99. ^ "Patriots now say only two players used cocaine". Newspapers.com. January 31, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  100. ^ Oates, Bob (September 5, 1986). "From Touchdowns To Turmoil". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved February 13, 2010.
  101. ^ "NFL is investigating allegations that Patriots' Fryar bet on games". Newspapers.com. May 29, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  102. ^ "Patriots' John Hannah retires after thirteen seasons". Newspapers.com. July 1, 1986. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  103. ^ "Patriots statistics". Newspapers.com. January 2, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  104. ^ "AFC Playoffs". Newspapers.com. January 1, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  105. ^ "Broncos keep Patriots offense at bay, 22-17". Newspapers.com. January 5, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  106. ^ "Bears Deal Flutie to Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 14, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  107. ^ "Flutie comes out a winner; so do Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 19, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  108. ^ "Patriots facings a no-lose situation". Newspapers.com. December 15, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  109. ^ "Patriots beat Dolphins, both end season at 8-7". Newspapers.com. December 29, 1987. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  110. ^ "Broncos find spirit in last game". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1988. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  111. ^ a b c Wuench, Kavin. "The story of the Jackson Family, NFL and the disastrous Victory tour". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  112. ^ a b "Players pleased sale finally completed". Newspapers.com. October 6, 1988. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
  113. ^
    ISBN 0-553-05167-9
    .
  114. ^ a b c d Farinella, Mark (June 27, 2009). "Jackson's part in Pats' history was real 'thriller'". The Sun Chronicle. Retrieved September 25, 2012.
  115. ^ McDonough, Will (August 16, 1985). "Sullivans Put Patriots on Block". The Boston Globe.
  116. ^ Thomsen, Ian (April 11, 1986). "Lewis group buys rights to Patriots". The Boston Globe.
  117. ^ McDonough, Will (September 10, 1987). "Sullivans seeking to void Chodorow deal". The Boston Globe.
  118. ^ Skwar, Don (February 12, 1987). "LeRoux seeks Patriots". The Boston Globe.
  119. ^ Borges, Ron (March 18, 1987). "LeRoux out; Patriots in trouble?". The Boston Globe.
  120. ^ Harber, Paul (February 17, 1988). "Donald Trump negotiating to purchase the Patriots". The Boston Globe.
  121. ^ McDonough, Will (February 28, 1988). "Trump Appears Out of It". The Boston Globe.
  122. ^ Donaldson, Jim (March 5, 1988). "Tisch hopeful on Pats". Providence Journal.
  123. ^ McDonough, Will (September 30, 1986). "Sale shifts again". The Boston Globe.
  124. ^ McDonough, Will (March 12, 1988). "Briton DeSavary is Patriots' Mr. X". The Boston Globe.
  125. ^ "O'Donnell's Near Miss". The Boston Globe. March 31, 1988.
  126. ^ Billy Sullivan, 86, Founder Of Football Patriots, Dies New York Times. Accessed 20 October 2007.
  127. ^ Gerald Eskanazi (March 18, 1988). "N.F.L. Takes Over Indebted Patriots". The New York Times.
  128. ^ "Half the time, football's best efforts go unnoticed". Newspapers.com. October 25, 1988. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  129. ^ "Kiam to take reins Closing today?". Newspapers.com. October 21, 1988. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  130. ^ "Patriots eliminated after Colts, Browns rally to win". Newspapers.com. December 19, 1988. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  131. ^ "Patriots are hurting". Newspapers.com. September 2, 1989. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  132. ^ "Flutie still likely to start next week". Newspapers.com. October 2, 1989. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  133. ^ "Glad to be ex-Patriot, Eason joins Jets". Newspapers.com. November 9, 1989. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  134. ^ "Rams 24 Patriots 20". Newspapers.com. December 25, 1989. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  135. ^ "That's how Kapp is looking at Flutie". Newspapers.com. June 23, 1990. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  136. ^ "Steinberg Bowl not a pretty sight". Newspapers.com. December 23, 1990. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  137. ^ "Patriots Fire Berry; Rust in Line for Job". Newspapers.com. February 27, 1990. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  138. ^ "Patriots end season 1-15". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1990. Retrieved March 17, 2021.
  139. ^
    ISSN 0362-4331
    . Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  140. ^ "A big year for the word-eaters". Newspapers.com. December 30, 1990. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  141. ^ "Giants' fans help Patriots get a sellout". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1990. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  142. ^ "Ol' Mo not with the Giants". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1990. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  143. ^ "Patriots fire Rust after 1-15 season". January 5, 1991.
  144. ^ "MacPherson to take over Patriots job". Newspapers.com. January 7, 1991. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  145. ^ "Patriots name Jankovich CEO". Newspapers.com. December 21, 1990. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  146. ^ "Football". Newspapers.com. September 19, 1991. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  147. ^ "Jets seeking sudden impact". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1991. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  148. ^ "Patriots recover, win in overtime". Newspapers.com. October 21, 1991. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  149. ^ "Just an off day?". Newspapers.com. November 25, 1991. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  150. ^ a b "Pats owner official". Newspapers.com. May 13, 1992. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  151. ^ cite news|title=The Family Tree: Not All Busches |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2008/06/23/story4.html |newspaper=St. Louis Business Journal |location= St. Louis, Missouri |date=June 22, 2008 |accessdate = October 9, 2015}}
  152. ^ "Patriots on course for piece of history". Newspapers.com. November 15, 1992. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  153. ^ "If St. Louis builds a stadium, will football come?". Newspapers.com. December 27, 1992. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  154. ^ "Dolphins get OT win, then capture East". Newspapers.com. December 28, 1992. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  155. ^ "Patriots fire MacPherson". Newspapers.com. January 9, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  156. ^ "Patriots Jankovich becomes the second to go". Newspapers.com. January 10, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  157. ^ "Parcells makes return – as Patriots coach". Newspapers.com. January 22, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  158. ^ a b "Patriots unveil new uniforms". Newspapers.com. April 1, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  159. ^ "Patriots retire logo". Newspapers.com. March 27, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  160. ^ "Sketchy details of logo fleshed out". Newspapers.com. October 5, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  161. ^ "Boston cursed no more". Newspapers.com. February 5, 2002. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  162. ^ "Patriots make Bledsoe top draft pick". Newspapers.com. April 26, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  163. ^ "Patriots lineback Slade intends to enter sack race". Newspapers.com. May 2, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  164. ^ "Promising start for Byrd on TV". Newspapers.com. September 19, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  165. ^ "Patriots' Bledsoe injures knee". Newspapers.com. October 11, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  166. ^ "Mistakes crop up in fourth". Newspapers.com. October 18, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  167. ^ "Secules: Backup role to leading man". Newspapers.com. October 11, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  168. ^ "Goal-line stand helps Steelers hold off pesky Patriots, 17-14". Newspapers.com. December 6, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  169. ^ "NFL Standings". Newspapers.com. December 13, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  170. ^ "Turner draws the assignment, and gets it done". Newspapers.com. December 20, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  171. ^ "Patriots' final statistics reveal day of dominance". Newspapers.com. December 27, 1993. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  172. ^ "Blesoe recognizes a winner". Newspapers.com. January 3, 1994. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  173. ^ a b c McG. Thomas Jr., Robert (January 22, 1994). "Sold! Time to Call Them the New England Permanents". The New York Times. Retrieved February 5, 2018.
  174. ^ "State to spend $10m on Foxboro access". Newspapers.com. March 3, 1994. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  175. ^ "Stadium covenant a major roadblock". Newspapers.com. January 22, 1994. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  176. ^ "Record 5,958 Patriots season tickets sold". Newspapers.com. February 27, 1994. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  177. ^ "Patriots ticketed for success – at box office, at least". Newspapers.com. September 12, 1994. Retrieved March 18, 2021.
  178. ^ "Browns". Newspapers.com. November 7, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  179. ^ a b "Can't beat Bledsoe: 45-for-70". Newspapers.com. November 14, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  180. ^ "Vikings blow 20-point lead". Newspapers.com. November 14, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  181. ^ "Patriots defeat Bears to earn playoff berth". Newspapers.com. December 25, 1994. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  182. ^ "Defense, Vinny are keys to victory". Newspapers.com. January 2, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  183. ^ "Tough call in second: Colorado's Johnson tabbed". Newspapers.com. April 23, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  184. ^ "Victory a close call by any measure". Newspapers.com. September 4, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  185. ^ "In the 1995 draft, this was the year for bargains". Newspapers.com. December 31, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  186. ^ "Marino Hurt in Miami Win". Newspapers.com. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  187. ^ "Finding it tough at home". Newspapers.com. December 4, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  188. ^ "Colts claim 1st playoff spot since '87 with 10-7 win". Newspapers.com. December 24, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  189. ^ a b c "Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 24, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  190. ^ "Tyson tripe shouldn't have aird". Newspapers.com. October 23, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  191. ^ "Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 23, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  192. ^ "Kraft's Patriots not so put-together". Newspapers.com. October 22, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  193. ^ "Networks, fans already lining up for kickoff". Newspapers.com. July 21, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  194. ^ "With an eye to remaking CBS". Newspapers.com. November 29, 1995. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  195. ^ "Pats go for receiver". Newspapers.com. April 21, 1996. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  196. ^ "Redskins beat back Pats, 27-22". Newspapers.com. October 14, 1996. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  197. ^ "Respect taking Jets only so far". Newspapers.com. November 11, 1996. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  198. ^ "Huge comeback, Giant disappointment". Newspapers.com. December 22, 1996. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  199. ^ "Patriots survive for a bye". Newspapers.com. December 22, 1996. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  200. ^ "Patriots tougher than steel, 28-3". Newspapers.com. January 6, 1997. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  201. ^ a b "Plenty of work left to do". Newspapers.com. January 13, 1997. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  202. ^ Vecsey, George (February 1, 1997). "Parcells Seeking New Kitchen". The New York Times. Retrieved June 17, 2009.
  203. ^ "Namath likes taste of Tuna joining Jets". Newspapers.com. January 24, 1997. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  204. ^ "Sunday's Summary". Newspapers.com. January 28, 1997. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  205. ^ a b "Patriots let guard down in New Orleans". Newspapers.com. January 28, 1997. Retrieved March 22, 2021.
  206. ^ "Patriot Games". Newspapers.com. February 1, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  207. ^ a b "Jacobs". Newspapers.com. February 5, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  208. ^ a b c d "Jets able to take care of the Bills". Newspapers.com. February 5, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  209. ^ "Tagliabue may have to step in". Newspapers.com. February 5, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  210. ^ a b "Parcells back on the job". Newspapers.com. February 11, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  211. ^ "Scoring a Niner: Pats hire Carroll". Newspapers.com. February 4, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  212. ^ "Pats over Dolphins: Two down, one to go". Newspapers.com. December 23, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  213. ^ "Glenn makes welcome return". Newspapers.com. December 29, 1997. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  214. ^ "Depleted Patriots can't avoid final pitfall". Newspapers.com. January 4, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  215. ^ "The risk is that Martin can run free". Newspapers.com. February 14, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  216. ^ "Martin opts for 6-year deal". Newspapers.com. April 14, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  217. ^ "Jets grab for Martin". Newspapers.com. March 21, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  218. ^ "Seau blitzes Leaf with costly pranks". Newspapers.com. August 15, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  219. ^ a b "... And Pats Keep Pace on Last Play". Newspapers.com. November 30, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  220. ^ a b c "Pats stay in playoff race". Newspapers.com. November 30, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  221. ^ a b c "Bills". Newspapers.com. November 30, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  222. ^ a b "Bills will probably file protest". Newspapers.com. November 30, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  223. ^ "This time, Glenn done for good". Newspapers.com. December 14, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  224. ^ "Davis: Surpasses 2,000 yards". Newspapers.com. December 28, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  225. ^ "AFC Wild Card Playoff". Newspapers.com. January 4, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  226. ^ "Edwards will miss season". The Standard-Times (New Bedford). Associated Press. February 13, 1999. Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  227. ^ "Patriots close to deal with Hartford". Newspapers.com. November 19, 1998. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  228. ^ "Game provided a healthy dose of give and take". Newspapers.com. October 25, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  229. ^ "Patriots 30 Jets 28". Newspapers.com. September 13, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  230. ^ a b "Patriots burn Colts". Newspapers.com. September 20, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  231. ^ a b "After Indianapolis self-destructs Bledsoe there to pick up the pieces". Newspapers.com. September 20, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  232. ^ "Only Coates Isn't Satisfied". Newspapers.com. November 1, 1999. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  233. ^ "All for Pete's Sake". Newspapers.com. January 3, 2000. Retrieved March 23, 2021.
  234. ^ "Pats fire Pete Carroll". Sports Illustrated. January 3, 2000. Retrieved June 16, 2009. {{cite magazine}}: Unknown parameter |agency= ignored (help)
  235. ^ "Patriots fire Grier". The Standard-Times (New Bedford). May 2, 2000. Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  236. ^ "Patriots fire Carroll". Newspapers.com. January 3, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  237. ^ "Pats may hurry Parcells' decision". Newspapers.com. January 3, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  238. ^ a b "Packers, Pats fire coaches". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  239. ^ "Belichick bails out". Newspapers.com. January 5, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  240. ^ "These tricks being done with mirrors". Newspapers.com. January 5, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  241. ^ "A parachute in New England". Newspapers.com. January 5, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  242. ^ "He still could land in New England". Newspapers.com. January 5, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  243. ^ "Belichick antitrust suit". Newspapers.com. January 25, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  244. ^ "Belichick gets nod as new Patriot coach". Newspapers.com. January 28, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  245. ^ "Bills for Bills". Newspapers.com. January 28, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  246. ^ Freeman, Mike (July 26, 2000). "PRO FOOTBALL; Belichick Has Patriots' Ears; Now the Hard Part". The New York Times. Retrieved June 1, 2008.
  247. ^ "Patriots-Dolphins ending an all-timer". Newspapers.com. December 31, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  248. ^ "NFL Fun Facts". Newspapers.com. September 1, 2000. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  249. ^ "Patriots sign Bledsoe to contract extension". Newspapers.com. March 8, 2001. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  250. ^ "Patriots Armstrong retires". Newspapers.com. September 29, 2001. Retrieved March 24, 2021.
  251. ^ Zimmerman, Paul (September 5, 2001). "5: New England Patriots". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on January 2, 2013. Retrieved June 6, 2009.
  252. ^ "Injuries continue to take severe toll at various camps". Newspapers.com. August 10, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  253. ^ "Pats assistant dead at 45". Newspapers.com. August 7, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  254. ^ "A false start by the Patriots". Newspapers.com. September 10, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  255. ^ "Vinny, Martin lift Jets". Newspapers.com. September 24, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  256. ^ a b "No organ damage to Patriots' Bledsoe". Newspapers.com. September 26, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  257. ^ "Brady earns start for rest of the season". Newspapers.com. November 21, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  258. ^ 1 August 2001. "Patriots' Seymour Studying Technical Studies". Newspapers.com. Retrieved March 25, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  259. ^ "Patriots sign ex-Bills RB Antowain Smith". Newspapers.com. June 8, 2001. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  260. ^ "Patriots 38, Panthers 6". Newspapers.com. January 7, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  261. ^ "Stars of show are all for fewer games". Newspapers.com. January 7, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  262. ^ "Snow boots: Patriots knock out Raiders". Newspapers.com. January 20, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  263. ^ a b c d "Pats stun Raiders in OT". Newspapers.com. January 20, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  264. ^ a b "Raiders numbed by heartbreaking loss". Newspapers.com. January 20, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  265. ^ a b "Happy Returns". Newspapers.com. January 28, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  266. ^ a b "All-around star Brown does a bit of everything". Newspapers.com. January 28, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  267. ^ "Muscle pulls defense through". Newspapers.com. January 28, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  268. ^ "Turnovers turn the Super Bowl in Patriots' favor". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  269. ^ "Inside the chess game". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  270. ^ "Brady modestly credits victory to entire team". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  271. ^ a b "Young Brady named MVP". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  272. ^ a b "Brady credits team for MVP honor". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  273. ^ "Patriots, fans celebrate title". Newspapers.com. February 6, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  274. ^ "Patriots sign quarterback Brady to contract extension". Newspapers.com. August 29, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  275. ^ "Patriots trade Bledsoe to Bills for draft pick". Newspapers.com. April 22, 2002. Retrieved March 25, 2021.
  276. ^ a b c "How Kraft's stadium dream unraveled". Newspapers.com. December 16, 1998. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  277. ^ a b "Conn. OK's Patriots stadium". Newspapers.com. December 16, 1998. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  278. ^ "In The End, Kraft Made A Business Decision". Newspapers.com. May 1, 1999. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  279. ^ "NFL gives Patriots a hand". Newspapers.com. May 27, 1999. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  280. ^ Mcmillan, Jean (May 1, 1999). "Pats call off Hartford move". The Standard-Times (New Bedford). Associated Press. Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  281. ^ "Patriots 43 of 80 Suites Sold for Proposed Stadium". The Boston Globe at Newspapers.com. June 9, 1999. p. 64. Retrieved March 31, 2021 – via Newspapers.com.
  282. ^ "Foxborough OK's Patriots stadium". Newspapers.com. December 7, 1999. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  283. ^ a b "Patriots' field now Gillette Stadium". Newspapers.com. August 6, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  284. ^ "Brady, Patriots crush Steelers". Newspapers.com. September 10, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  285. ^ "Rout 2: Patriots cruise past Jets". Newspapers.com. September 16, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  286. ^ "Raiders gain sweet revenge with win over Pats". Newspapers.com. November 18, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  287. ^ a b "Dolphins down for count". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2002. Retrieved March 31, 2021.
  288. ^ "New England 27, Miami 24, OT". Yahoo! Sports. December 29, 2002. Retrieved January 28, 2008.
  289. ^ "Ex-mates express shock". Newspapers.com. September 3, 2003. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  290. ^ a b c "Patriots say they don't 'Hate' Belichick". ESPN.com. September 15, 2003. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
  291. ^ "REDSKINS: Patriots bypass field-goal attempt to tie game". Newspapers.com. September 29, 2003. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  292. ^ "Patriots razor sharp in wrecking the Bills". Newspapers.com. December 28, 2003. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  293. ^ "Patriots win to claim top seed, home field". Newspapers.com. December 28, 2003. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  294. ^ "Patriots, Titans compete in one of the coldest games". Newspapers.com. January 11, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  295. ^ a b "Patriots squeeze past Titans". Newspapers.com. January 11, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  296. ^ a b "One More Stop". Newspapers.com. January 19, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  297. ^ a b "Supermen II". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  298. ^ "Vinatieri saves Patriots". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  299. ^ a b c d e "Every play, every down". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2004. Retrieved April 1, 2021.
  300. ^ "Bengals trade disgruntled Dillon to Pats". Newspapers.com. April 20, 2004. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  301. ^ "Pats victorious in battle of unbeatens". Newspapers.com. October 25, 2004. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  302. ^ "It's Rothlisberger on a Roll". Newspapers.com. November 1, 2004. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  303. ^ "Breakdown? This one was a system failure". Newspapers.com. November 1, 2004. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  304. ^ "Cornerback Gay happy to be given opportunity". Newspapers.com. November 12, 2004. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  305. ^ "Second-guessing the secondary". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  306. ^ "Pats end with sloppy win". Newspapers.com. January 3, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  307. ^ "Cold-clocked". Newspapers.com. January 17, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  308. ^ "Finally, Getting Back". Newspapers.com. January 24, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  309. ^ "Pat ending". Newspapers.com. February 7, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  310. ^ Soshnick, Scott (January 28, 2008). "NFL's Patriots Owe Dynasty to One Guy Named Mo". Bloomberg. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
  311. ^ "Bruschi will miss year due to stroke". Newspapers.com. July 21, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  312. ^ "Patriots release Ty Law". Newspapers.com. February 26, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  313. ^ "Jets' QB situation shaky after Pennington injury". Newspapers.com. September 26, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  314. ^ "Chargers put hurt on Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 3, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  315. ^ "Bruschi's return thrills Patriots, fans". Newspapers.com. November 1, 2005. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  316. ^ "Patriots Let It Drop". Newspapers.com. January 2, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  317. ^ "Leftwich Swarmed Under". Newspapers.com. January 8, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  318. ^ "Broncos stop dynasty talk". Newspapers.com. January 15, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  319. ^ "Waiting to catch on". Newspapers.com. March 12, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  320. ^ "Patriots trade Deion Branch to Seattle". Newspapers.com. September 12, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  321. ^ "Catching on quickly". Newspapers.com. August 3, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  322. ^ "More professional athletes carrying guns for protection". Newspapers.com. November 11, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  323. ^ Crouse, Karen (November 12, 2006). "NFL: Jets end streak of losses to Patriots". The New York Times. Retrieved June 19, 2007 – via International Herald Tribune.
  324. ^ "Belichick-mate". Newspapers.com. January 8, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  325. ^ "Patriots clinch fourth straight AFC East title". Newspapers.com. December 25, 2006. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  326. ^ "Caldwell Has A Big Second Half". Newspapers.com. January 15, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  327. ^ "AFC Championship". Newspapers.com. January 22, 2007. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  328. ^ "Patriots sign receivers Stallworth, Washington". Newspapers.com. March 14, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  329. ^ "New England trades for controversial Moss". Newspapers.com. April 30, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  330. ^ "Quite a catch". Newspapers.com. January 29, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  331. ^ "Pats complete feat". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  332. ^ a b "NFL Spygate: Belichick sorry". Newspapers.com. September 13, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  333. ^ "Spygate". Newspapers.com. September 14, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  334. ^ Young, Shalise Manza (November 26, 2007). "Pats tie earliest clinching of the AFC East". The Providence Journal. Retrieved November 26, 2007.
  335. ^ "Sweep 16". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  336. ^ a b "Patriots Overcome Giants". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2007. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  337. ^ "Turner, Chargers have new outlook". Newspapers.com. January 20, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  338. ^ "Patriots' offensive linemen are in charge of keeping Brady safe". Newspapers.com. January 31, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  339. ^ "Pats doing homework". Newspapers.com. January 7, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  340. ^ "Locked on target". Newspapers.com. January 13, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  341. ^ "Super imposing". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  342. ^ Pierson, Don (December 29, 2007). "19–0 would make Patriots best team ever". NBC Sports. Archived from the original on June 3, 2009. Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  343. ^ a b "Defense Keeps Focus On Brady". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  344. Daily News (New York)
    . Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  345. ^ Battista, Judy (February 4, 2008). "Giants Stun Patriots in Super Bowl XLII". The New York Times. Retrieved June 16, 2009.
  346. ^ Patriots' Brady out for season with knee injury-NBC Sports Archived 2012-07-12 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  347. ^ "Patriots' Cassel 'looking forward' to calling the shots". Newspapers.com. September 13, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  348. ^ "Cassel keeps Pats rolling". Newspapers.com. September 15, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  349. ^ a b c "Patriots miss playoffs as help fails". Newspapers.com. December 29, 2008. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  350. ^ "Patriots lose Pioli to Chiefs". Newspapers.com. January 14, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  351. ^ "Patriots' McDaniels lands with Broncos". Newspapers.com. January 13, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  352. ^ "Patriots trade Cassel, Vrabel to Chiefs for 2nd round pick". Newspapers.com. March 1, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  353. ^ "Pats' Bruschi retires after 13 season". Newspapers.com. September 1, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  354. ^ "Patriots' Harrison retires, joins NBC". Newspapers.com. June 4, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  355. ^ "Patriots trade Seymour to Raiders". Newspapers.com. September 7, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  356. ^ a b "Another Monday Night-Mare". Newspapers.com. September 15, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  357. ^ "Bills". Newspapers.com. September 15, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  358. ^ "Colts pull out improbable victory over Patriots". Newspapers.com. November 16, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  359. ^ "Henne runs with handoff". Newspapers.com. December 7, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  360. ^ "Patriots, Bengals clinch division titles". Newspapers.com. December 28, 2009. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  361. ^ "A loss that really hurts". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  362. ^ a b "Over and Rout". Newspapers.com. January 11, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  363. ^ "Pees won't return to Patriots". Newspapers.com. January 15, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  364. ^ "Overall, they had it covered". Newspapers.com. September 13, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  365. ^ "Fighter Jets cruise by Patriots". Newspapers.com. September 20, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  366. ^ a b "Two is Two of a kind". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  367. ^ "Pats pick off No. 1 seed". Newspapers.com. December 27, 2010. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  368. ^ "Brady hasn't thrown an interception in 335 attempts". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  369. ^ "In travels, breakdown lane avoided". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  370. ^ a b "Taken out with trash". Newspapers.com. January 17, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2021.
  371. ^ "Moss mess lands Patriots Mallett". Newspapers.com. April 30, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  372. ^ "Johnson a fan of Haynesworth". Newspapers.com. August 15, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  373. ^ "Patriots acquire Ochocinco in trade". Newspapers.com. July 29, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  374. ^ a b "New England Patriots Beat Miami Dolphins: Tom Brady Sets Records On Monday Night Football". HuffPost. July 12, 2012. Archived from the original on May 12, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  375. ^ "Brady, Patriots sharp again in home opener". Newspapers.com. September 19, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  376. ^ "Down to the wire". Newspapers.com. September 26, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  377. ^ "Patriots are shocked by Bills". Newspapers.com. September 26, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  378. ^ "Carrying the day". Newspapers.com. October 3, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  379. ^ "Cooled Jets". Newspapers.com. October 10, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  380. ^ "Riding to the rescue". Newspapers.com. October 17, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  381. ^ "Vikings' Robinson fined". Newspapers.com. October 27, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  382. ^ "Steel belted". Newspapers.com. October 31, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  383. ^ "Patriots' Edelman arrested". Newspapers.com. November 2, 2011. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  384. ^ "Patriots nap top AFC seed". Newspapers.com. January 2, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  385. ^ 2012 NFL Playoffs: Patriots Crush Broncos, 45–10, as Brady Sets Touchdown Record-Bleacher Report Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  386. ^ "Quarter by quarter". Newspapers.com. January 23, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  387. ^ Giants win Super Bowl rematch over Patriots-Boston Globe Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  388. ^ "Booming kickoff". Newspapers.com. September 10, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  389. ^ "Trouble afoot". Newspapers.com. September 17, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  390. ^ "Official nightmare". Newspapers.com. September 24, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  391. ^ a b "Refs' tweets had them atwitter". Newspapers.com. September 24, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  392. ^ "Belichick Fined For Grabbing Ref". Newspapers.com. September 27, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  393. ^ "Buffaloed Bills". Newspapers.com. October 1, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  394. ^ "Holding the horses". Newspapers.com. October 8, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  395. ^ "In one fell swoop". Newspapers.com. October 15, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  396. ^ "Recovery mission". Newspapers.com. October 22, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  397. ^ "Fumbling, humbling display". Newspapers.com. December 17, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  398. ^ a b "Rest assured". Newspapers.com. December 31, 2012. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  399. ^ "Patriots place". Newspapers.com. January 14, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  400. ^ "Family Reunion". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  401. ^ "Ex-Patriot Welker signs with Broncos". Newspapers.com. March 14, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  402. ^ "Hernandez just the latest arrest". Newspapers.com. June 27, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  403. ^ "Tamed by tigers". Newspapers.com. October 7, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  404. ^ "Faith healer". Newspapers.com. October 14, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  405. ^ "Push, Over". Newspapers.com. October 21, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  406. ^ "Third's the charm". Newspapers.com. October 21, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  407. ^ "Score". Newspapers.com. November 4, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  408. ^ "Carolina clutch". Newspapers.com. November 19, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  409. ^ "They saw yellow, then red". Newspapers.com. November 19, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  410. ^ "Hello, bye". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2013. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  411. ^ a b "Seattle top seed in NFC". Newspapers.com. December 29, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  412. ^ "Score". Newspapers.com. January 11, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  413. ^ "Score". Newspapers.com. January 19, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  414. ^ a b c d "Breaking down the quarters". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  415. ^ "Patriots' Brady adds 4th ring to Super collection". Newspapers.com. February 2, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  416. ^ "Broken record". Newspapers.com. November 30, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  417. ^ "NFL Matchups". Newspapers.com. December 27, 2015. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  418. ^ "Brady banged up, Patriots lose". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  419. ^ "No. 1 Seed Slips Away". Newspapers.com. January 4, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  420. ^ "No worries, just the norm". Newspapers.com. January 17, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  421. ^ "No. 1 issue – third down". Newspapers.com. January 25, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  422. ^ a b "They chose a beaten path". Newspapers.com. January 25, 2016. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  423. ^ a b "Garoppolo helps Patriots show they can win without Brady". Newspapers.com. September 12, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  424. ^ "LA holds a Rams homecoming party". Newspapers.com. September 19, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  425. ^ "Brissett starts, scrambles, delivers Patriots victory". Newspapers.com. September 23, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  426. ^ "Buffalo hands New England rare home shutout". Newspapers.com. October 3, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  427. ^ "Brady passes for 406 yards in return for Patriots". Newspapers.com. October 10, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  428. ^ "Brady reasserts dominance of Buffalo". Newspapers.com. October 31, 2016. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  429. ^ "Patriots finish the job this time". Newspapers.com. January 2, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  430. ^ a b "Lewis workload expanded". Newspapers.com. January 15, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  431. ^ "No running game? No problem". Newspapers.com. January 23, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  432. ^ "Falcons' Ryan earns MVP honor". Newspapers.com. February 5, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  433. ^ "The Drive aided by uphill climb". Newspapers.com. February 6, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  434. ^ a b c d e "Never-say-die Patriots win fifth title with epic comeback". Newspapers.com. February 6, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  435. ^ "Win". Newspapers.com. February 6, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  436. ^ "LeGarette Blount joins the Eagles on 1-year contract". Newspapers.com. May 18, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  437. ^ "Titans sign two to upgrade secondary". Newspapers.com. March 11, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  438. ^ "Gilmore had quite a day". Newspapers.com. March 14, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  439. ^ "New Patriot Gillislee says he's in the best place". Newspapers.com. May 3, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  440. ^ "Patriots sign ex-Husker Rex Burkhead". Newspapers.com. March 15, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  441. ^ "Pats Add Ealy, Cook". Newspapers.com. May 11, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  442. ^ "Deep Concerns". Newspapers.com. September 8, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  443. ^ "Chiefs offense comes up big". Newspapers.com. September 8, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  444. ^ "Fully recovered?". Newspapers.com. September 18, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  445. ^ "A fit and formidable pair". Newspapers.com. September 25, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  446. ^ "Indefensible breakdowns". Newspapers.com. October 2, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  447. ^ "Bills crash playoffs (with a little help)". Newspapers.com. January 1, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  448. ^ a b c "Patriots clinch East with wild win". Newspapers.com. December 18, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  449. ^ a b c "Steelers caught short by ruling on late TD". Newspapers.com. December 18, 2017. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  450. ^ "Warning: Patriots in AFC Title". Newspapers.com. January 14, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  451. ^ a b c "Way to go, Danny Boy". Newspapers.com. January 22, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  452. ^ a b "Super Bowl". Newspapers.com. February 5, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  453. ^ "QB Foles turns into unlikely Philly hero". Newspapers.com. February 5, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  454. ^ "Eagles are flying high in upset". Newspapers.com. February 5, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  455. ^ "Breaking down the Giants' offensive line". Newspapers.com. July 11, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  456. ^ "Cowboys' Collins wants to stay at offensive tackle". Newspapers.com. April 10, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  457. ^ "Patriots trade deep threat Cooks to Rams for 1st-round pick". Newspapers.com. April 6, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  458. ^ "Titans GM favors underdogs". Newspapers.com. March 26, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  459. ^ "Brown is all right with playing left side". Newspapers.com. May 4, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  460. ^ "Patriots restock with three signings". Newspapers.com. March 17, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  461. ^ "Report: Raiders trade Patterson to Patriots". Newspapers.com. March 19, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  462. ^ "First-Round Draft Recap". Newspapers.com. April 27, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  463. ^ "Out pattern: Browns trade receiver Josh Gordon to Patriots". Newspapers.com. September 18, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  464. ^ Goldberg, Rob. "Tom Brady Becomes 3rd QB in NFL History to Throw 500 Career TD Passes". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
  465. ^ "Patriots' Breakdown". Newspapers.com. November 12, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  466. ^ "Miami Miracle beats the Patriots". Newspapers.com. December 10, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  467. ^ "Wrinkles were a new look". Newspapers.com. December 17, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  468. ^ "Patriots Gordon to leave football due to mental health". Newspapers.com. December 21, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  469. ^ "First-Round Bye For Patriots Once Again". Newspapers.com. December 31, 2018. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  470. ^ "A smashing day all around". Newspapers.com. January 14, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  471. ^ "Another powerful display". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  472. ^ "This win rates among the best". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  473. ^ "Mahomes stood tall but it wasn't enough". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  474. ^ a b "It was over before it started". Newspapers.com. January 21, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  475. ^ a b "They were in the zone". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  476. ^ "Going out on top?". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  477. ^ "Patriots showed up late, but just in time". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  478. ^ "They Dynasty Rolls On". Newspapers.com. February 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  479. ^ Patra, Kevin (August 5, 2019). "Tom Brady set to be FA in 2020 despite new extension". NFL.com. Retrieved August 5, 2019.
  480. ^ "Brady, Patriots agree to extension". Newspapers.com. August 5, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  481. ^ "Belichick wins 300th, perfect Patriots beat Browns 27-13". Newspapers.com. October 28, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  482. ^ "Ravens send Pats to 1st loss". Newspapers.com. November 4, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  483. ^ a b "Pats to play in AFC wild-card game; Chiefs No. 2 seed". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  484. ^ "Brady, Favre, Montana, Manning among All-Time Team quarterbacks". Newspapers.com. December 30, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  485. ^ "AFC East title streak hits 11". Newspapers.com. December 22, 2019. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  486. ^ "The call on this team: False start". Newspapers.com. January 5, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  487. ^ a b "Brady is gone; Buccaneers next stop?". Newspapers.com. March 18, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  488. ^ Patra, Kevin (March 20, 2020). "Tom Brady officially signs contract with Buccaneers". NFL.com. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
  489. ^ "Brady, Buccaneers make it official". Newspapers.com. March 21, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  490. ^ "Patriots trade Gronkowski to Brady's Bucs". Newspapers.com. April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  491. ^ Fiske, Angelique (April 20, 2020). "Patriots unveil new uniforms ahead of 2020 season". Patriots.com. NFL Enterprises, LLC. Retrieved April 20, 2020.
  492. ^ "Patriots unveil new uniforms for the 2020 season". Newspapers.com. April 21, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  493. ^ Reiss, Mike (September 3, 2020). "Cam Newton named Patriots' starting QB, team captain, source says". ESPN.com. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  494. ^ "Patriots opt-outs are official with a league-high 8 players". Patriots Wire. August 6, 2020. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  495. ^ "As for opt-outs, it could have been much worse". Newspapers.com. August 9, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  496. ^ "Chiefs, Steelers top AFC, but plenty of others could contend". Newspapers.com. December 11, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  497. ^ "Dolphins control Patriots". Newspapers.com. December 21, 2020. Retrieved April 9, 2021.
  498. ^ Hightower, Kyle. "Patriots' NFL-record division title streak will end at 11". Retrieved December 20, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  499. ^ "Patriots eliminated from postseason contention for first time since 2008". NFL.com. Retrieved December 21, 2020.
  500. ^ "Patriots snap NFL record of consecutive 10-win seasons after Week 14 loss to Rams". CBSSports.com. December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 11, 2020.
  501. ^ "Patriots Sign 10 Free Agents". www.patriots.com. Retrieved March 19, 2021.
  502. ^ Thompson, Khari (January 15, 2022). "Josh Allen, Bills demolish Patriots in stunning 47-17 blowout". Boston.com. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  503. ^ Reiss, Mike (January 2, 2022). "Mac Jones shares smiles with Bill Belichick in Patriots' blowout win". ESPN. Retrieved January 3, 2022.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_the_New_England_Patriots&oldid=1215857514"