2015 New England Patriots season

2015 New England Patriots season
Head coach Bill Belichick
General manager Bill Belichick
Owner Robert Kraft
Home field Gillette Stadium
Results
Record 12–4
Division place 1st AFC East
Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs (Chiefs) 27–20
Lost AFC Championship (Broncos) 18–20
Pro Bowlers
AP All-Pros
Tom Brady gets in the huddle at the 2015 Patriots Training Camp

The 2015 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 46th season in the National Football League, the 56th overall and the 16th under head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots entered the season as the defending Super Bowl champions.

After going 10–0 to begin the season, the Patriots' first loss came against the Denver Broncos in overtime in Week 12. They would go on to lose four of their last six games, ultimately finishing the regular season with a 12–4 record for the fourth straight year. In Week 14 the Patriots clinched their seventh straight AFC East division title. By this, the Patriots tied the 1979 Los Angeles Rams for most consecutive division titles. As the second seeded team in the AFC, they secured a first-round bye for the playoffs and home-field advantage for their first playoff game.

In the divisional round of the playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 27–20 to advance to the AFC Championship for the fifth straight year, where they fell on the road to the eventual Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos 20–18.

Roster changes

Free agency

2015 draft class

Main article: 2015 NFL draft
2015 New England Patriots Draft
Round Selection Player Position College
1 32 Malcom Brown DT Texas
2 64 Jordan Richards SS Stanford
3 97 Geneo Grissom DE Oklahoma
4 101 Trey Flowers DE Arkansas
111 Tre' Jackson G Florida State
131 Shaq Mason G Georgia Tech
5 166 Joe Cardona LS Navy
6 178 Matthew Wells LB Mississippi St.
202 A. J. Derby TE Arkansas
7 247 Darryl Roberts CB Marshall
253 Xzavier Dickson LB Alabama
Compensatory selection
Notes

Staff

2015 New England Patriots staff
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Director of player personnel – Nick Caserio
  • Director of college scouting – Monti Ossenfort
  • Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
  • Assistant director of pro scouting – Dave Ziegler
  • Football research director – Ernie Adams
  • Assistant to the coaching staff – Michael Lombardi

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

 Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Harold Nash
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera

Final roster

2015 New England Patriots final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

 Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

 Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

 Reserve lists


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 53 Active, 19 Inactive, 9 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 13 Green Bay Packers L 11–22 0–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 22 at New Orleans Saints W 26–24 1–1 Mercedes-Benz Superdome Recap
3 August 28 at Carolina Panthers W 17–16 2–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
4 September 3 New York Giants L 9–12 2–2 Gillette Stadium Recap

Regular season

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 10 Pittsburgh Steelers W 28–21 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 September 20 at Buffalo Bills W 40–32 2–0 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
3 September 27 Jacksonville Jaguars W 51–17 3–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
4 Bye
5 October 11 at Dallas Cowboys W 30–6 4–0 AT&T Stadium Recap
6 October 18 at Indianapolis Colts W 34–27 5–0 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
7 October 25 New York Jets W 30–23 6–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
8 October 29 Miami Dolphins W 36–7 7–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
9 November 8 Washington Redskins W 27–10 8–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
10 November 15 at New York Giants W 27–26 9–0 MetLife Stadium Recap
11 November 23 Buffalo Bills W 20–13 10–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
12 November 29 at Denver Broncos L 24–30 (OT) 10–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap
13 December 6 Philadelphia Eagles L 28–35 10–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
14 December 13 at Houston Texans W 27–6 11–2 NRG Stadium Recap
15 December 20 Tennessee Titans W 33–16 12–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
16 December 27 at New York Jets L 20–26 (OT) 12–3 MetLife Stadium Recap
17 January 3 at Miami Dolphins L 10–20 12–4 Sun Life Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Postseason

Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 16, 2016 Kansas City Chiefs (5) W 27–20 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
AFC Championship January 24, 2016 at Denver Broncos (1) L 18–20 1–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Kickoff game
Week One: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 3 81021
Patriots 0 14 7728

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
  • No score.
Second quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 16-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:11. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 90 yards, 7:03.
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 6-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:01. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:37.
  • PIT – Josh Scobee 44-yard field goal, 0:03. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 3:58.
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • PIT – Josh Scobee 24-yard field goal, 11:39. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 13 plays, 67 yards, 7:36.
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 1-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:20. Patriots 28–14. Drive: 7 plays, 79 yards, 2:19.
  • PIT– Antonio Brown 11-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger, (Josh Scobee kick), 0:02. Patriots 28–21. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 2:57.
Top passers
  • PIT – Ben Roethlisberger – 26/38, 351 yards, TD, INT
  • NE – Tom Brady – 25/32, 288 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • PIT – Antonio Brown – 9 receptions, 133 yards, TD
  • NE – Julian Edelman – 11 receptions, 97 yards
Top tacklers

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Tom Brady on the opening night of the 2015 NFL season in a Patriots 28-21 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

With the help of two missed field goal attempts from Steelers placekicker Josh Scobee, the Patriots jumped out to a 14-point lead by the second quarter with 13-play and 9-play drives being capped off by Brady-to-Gronkowski touchdown passes. Scobee connected on his third field goal attempt shortly before the half, with the Patriots going into the break leading 14-3. The Patriots offense continued with their first half pace, producing a second half opening drive of nine plays, 80-yards, finishing with Brady throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass to tight end Scott Chandler. The Patriots led 21-3. The Steelers were able to score their first touchdown of the evening on the following drive, on the back of runs from running back DeAngelo Williams, who was starting in place of suspended running back Le'Veon Bell. The Steelers subsequently converted a two-point conversion. After a Patriots three-and-out, Scobee converted a 24-yard field goal to make the score 21-14 after a 13-play Steelers drive stalled inside the Patriots redzone. On the first play of the following Patriots drive, Brady connected with Gronkowski on a 52-yard pass to put the Patriots at the Steeler 27-yard line. The Patriots finished the drive six plays later, with Gronkowski catching his third and final touchdown pass of the night. The two teams exchanged punts, and then Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted on a long sideline pass intended for wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey by safety Duron Harmon, giving the ball back to the Patriots with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Patriots punted on their final drive of the night, and the Steelers scored a touchdown with two seconds left on the game clock, with Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Antonio Brown in the back of the Patriots endzone on an 11-yard pass. Gronkowski ended his superb night by falling on the subsequent Steelers onside kick attempt, ending the game.[6]

Week 2: at Buffalo Bills

Week Two: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 14 10 13340
Bills 7 6 01932

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:14. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 5 plays, 30 yards, 1:36.
  • BUF – Charles Clay 9-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor, (Dan Carpenter kick failed), 5:13. Patriots 21–13. Drive: 2 plays, 48 yards, 1:25.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 2:18. Patriots 24–13. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 2:55.
Third quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 10:02. Patriots 27–13. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 4:58.
  • NE – Julian Edelman 22-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:24. Patriots 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 83 yards, 3:12.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 50-yard field goal, 0:28. Patriots 37–13. Drive: 6 plays, 23 yards, 0:59.
Fourth quarter
  • BUF – Robert Woods 32-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor, (pass failed), 11:42. Patriots 37–19. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:46.
  • BUF – Tyrod Taylor 7-yard run, (run failed), 5:27. Patriots 37–25. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 2:43.
  • BUF – Sammy Watkins 24-yard pass from Tyrod Taylor, (Dan Carpenter kick), 4:16. Patriots 37–32. Drive: 2 plays, 50 yards, 0:15.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 1:15. Patriots 40–32. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:01.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 38/59, 466 yards, 3 TD
  • BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 23/30, 242 yards, 3 TD, 3 INT
Top rushers
  • NE – Dion Lewis – 7 rushes, 40 yards, TD
  • BUF – LeSean McCoy – 15 rushes, 89 yards
Top receivers
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 7 receptions, 113 yards, TD
  • BUF – Sammy Watkins – 6 receptions, 60 yards, TD
Top tacklers

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady threw for a career second-best 466 yards, as he completed 38 of 59 pass attempts with three touchdown throws, as the Patriots were able to hold off a late Buffalo Bills rally thanks to their high-octane offense, giving the Patriots their first divisional win of the season.

The match-up between the Bills and Patriots was highly anticipated in the week before the meeting. Both teams had won their first games of the new season and high expectations for the season ahead were falling on both teams, including the host team, who were led by new head coach and old Patriots' foe Rex Ryan (formerly of the New York Jets). The Guinness Book of World Records was invited to Ralph Wilson Stadium to see if the Bills' fans could break the decibel record for crowd noise that was set at Arrowhead Stadium by Kansas City Chiefs' fans in the season prior (coincidentally in a game that the Patriots also featured in as the away team).[7] In a heated game-day atmosphere, the Bills took the opening kickoff and drove the ball 80-yards in ten plays, with rookie running back Karlos Williams scoring on a 2-yard run for a Bills' touchdown. The Patriots went three-and-out on their first drive, but were able to hold the Bills to a three-and-out on the Bills' second drive thanks to a 3rd down sack of quarterback Tyrod Taylor by veteran defensive end Rob Ninkovich. The Patriots scored their first points of the contest on the following drive, with wide receiver Julian Edelman catching an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brady, after big pass plays to wide receiver Aaron Dobson and tight end Rob Gronkowski moved the ball quickly down the field. On the Bills' next drive, Taylor was once again sacked on 3rd down, this time by linebacker Jamie Collins, forcing the Bills to punt from their own 1-yard line. Punt returner Danny Amendola returned the ensuing Bills' punt 28-yards and an unnecessary roughness penalty on the Bills pushed the ball all the way to the Bills 13-yard line. The Patriots needed only two plays to punch the ball into the endzone, with running back Dion Lewis taking a draw run for 6-yards and the touchdown, putting New England up 14-7 with less than a minute to go in the 1st quarter. On the ensuing Bills' drive, Taylor was intercepted by cornerback Malcolm Butler and returned it to the Bills' 30-yard line. Five plays later the Patriots led 21-7 after Brady found Gronkowski in the back of the endzone on a play-action pass. The Bills' offense continued to sputter on their next two drives, going three-and-out on both. However, the Patriots were unable to build on their lead, as a fumble by Lewis and a failed fourth-and-one pass attempt to Edelman inside Bills' territory doomed both of their drives. On the Bills' next possession, a 39-yard pass interference penalty against cornerback Bradley Fletcher put the Bills at the Patriots' 9-yard line. On the Bills' next play, Taylor found tight end Charles Clay for a 9-yard touchdown pass. The Bills missed the extra-point kick attempt, leaving the score at 21-13 Patriots. Patriots' placekicker Stephen Gostkowski converted a 46-yard field goal on the ensuing Patriots drive. The Bills advanced the ball to the 50-yard line on the next drive, but Taylor was intercepted by safety Duron Harmon on a deep pass intended for wide receiver Sammy Watkins with 16 seconds remaining in the half. Brady took a knee on the ensuing drive, with the Patriots going into the half leading 24-13.

The Patriots advanced the ball to the Bills' 3-yard line on the opening drive of the second half, but the 12-play, 77-yard drive stalled with New England failing to convert a touchdown from short distance. Gostkowski converted the 21-yard field goal, making the score 27-13. A holding penalty disrupted the ensuing Bills' drive, and Buffalo punted to the Patriots' 17 yard line. The Patriots once again drove the ball down the field with relative ease, with Brady capping off the drive with a 22-yard touchdown pass to Edelman, who dove into the endzone as he was being tackled by defender Aaron Williams, who sustained an injury on the play. On the next series, the Bills were forced to another three-and-out after defensive end Chandler Jones sacked Taylor for an 11-yard loss on 3rd down. On the ensuing drive, a 23-yard pass play from Brady to Gronkowski set up the Patriots at the Bills 32-yard line, but New England couldn't advance the ball further, settling for a converted 50-yard field goal by Gostkowski, upping the score to 37-13. As the game entered the fourth quarter and with many Bills fans already heading for the exits, the Bills were finally able to establish rhythm with their offense, as Taylor led Buffalo on a 10-play, 80-yard drive that was completed by a 32-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Robert Woods. The two-point conversion failed. The Patriots responded by advancing the ball to the Buffalo 41-yard line, but for the second time in the game, New England failed to convert a fourth-and-one deep pass attempt to Edelman, turning the ball over on downs to the Bills. The Bills quickly capitalized on the Patriots' miscue, moving the ball down the field in under three minutes, finishing with a Taylor touchdown run of 7-yards. However, the Bills once again failed to convert the two-point conversion. The score was 37-25 in favor of the away team. On the second play of the ensuing Patriots drive, Brady was sacked by linebacker Jerry Hughes and fumbled the ball, with linebacker Preston Brown recovering for the Bills. On the first play of the next drive, Taylor completed a 26-yard pass to Woods. On the second play of the series, Taylor threw a 24-yard strike to Watkins for a Bills' touchdown. Bills' placekicker Dan Carpenter converted the extra-point kick, bringing Buffalo to within five points of New England, with the score at 37-32 and 4:20 left on the game clock. With a huge momentum swing in their opponents' favor, the Patriots got the ball back at their own 20-yard line with the goal to protect their lead and run out the game clock. As had been the theme throughout the day, the Bills' defense was unable to keep Brady and the Patriots' offense from marching up-and-down the field, and on their final drive, New England never faced a third down until they had already advanced the ball to the Buffalo 12-yard line. Running back LeGarrette Blount advanced the ball a further 4-yards on 3rd and 5, setting up a 25-yard field goal attempt for the all-pro Gostkowski. Gostkowski converted the try, pushing the Patriots lead to eight points, at a score of 40-32. After the ensuing touchback, the Bills got the ball on their own 20-yard line with 1:18 remaining in the game with a chance to tie the game if they could score a touchdown and convert a two-point attempt. On the Bills' first play of the drive, Taylor was intercepted for the third time of the day, this time by cornerback Logan Ryan at the 50-yard line on a long pass intended for Watkins. Brady kneeled on the ensuing drive, securing the 40-32 win.[8] The Bills' fans failed to set the Guinness World Record for loudest crowd noise.[9]

Week 3: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week Three: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 3 7717
Patriots 10 10 171451

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 27
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), clear and cool
  • Game attendance: 66,829
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:55. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:56.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 2:56. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 10 plays, 62 yards, 4:23.
Second quarter
  • JAX – Jason Myers 40-yard field goal, 9:32. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 17 plays, 58 yards, 8:24.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 20-yard field goal, 3:42. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 14 plays, 78 yards, 5:50.
  • NE – Danny Amendola 1-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:18. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 1:29.
Third quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 10:50. Patriots 23–3. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 4:10.
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:04. Patriots 30–3. Drive: 1 play, 67 yards, 0:47.
  • JAX – Allen Hurns 59-yard pass from Blake Bortles, (Jason Myers kick), 6:15. Patriots 30–10. Drive: 6 plays, 80 yards, 2:49.
  • NE – Keshawn Martin 13-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:18. Patriots 37–10. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:57.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:57. Patriots 44–10. Drive: 5 plays, 24 yards, 1:59.
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:31. Patriots 51–10. Drive: 17 plays, 58 yards, 9:47.
  • JAX – Clay Harbor 6-yard pass from Blake Bortles, (Jason Myers kick), 1:22. Patriots 51–17. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:09.
Top passers
  • JAX – Blake Bortles – 17/33, 242 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • NE – Tom Brady – 33/42, 358 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • JAX – T.J. Yeldon – 11 rushes, 33 yards
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 18 rushes, 78 yards, 3 TD
Top receivers
  • JAX – Allen Hurns – 2 receptions, 70 yards, TD
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 4 receptions, 101 yards
Top tacklers

The Patriots set a new record for points scored against the Jaguars with 51(breaking the previous record of 50 set by the prolific 1998 Minnesota Vikings).

The Jaguars received the opening kickoff, but went three-and-out. Taking the ball from their own 36, Brady drove the Patriots on a 5 play, 64 yard drive completing 3 passes for 56 yards before Dion Lewis capped off the drive with an 8-yard touchdown run. The Jaguars moved the ball well on their next possession, reaching the Patriots 44 before a holding penalty killed their drive. The Patriots, however, marched 62 more yards, but like Jacksonville, a penalty killed the drive and they settled with Gostkowski's 46-yard field goal. The Jaguars then began a 58-yard drive, but it took 17 plays, taking 8:24 off the clock. The Jaguars converted four third-and-longs, but could only settle for Jason Myers' 40-yard field goal. The Patriots answered right back. On a long drive of their own, they marched 78 yards using 14 plays, reaching the Jacksonville -2, but the Jags defense held, holding New England to a Gostkowski 20-yard field goal. Following this, the Jags reached the Patriots 46-yard line, but Devin McCourty intercepted the pass intended for Mercedes Lewis and returned it 27 yards to the Patriots 43 yard line. With exceptional field position, the Patriots moved, quickly, 57 yards, finishing with Brady hitting Danny Amendola on a 1-yard touchdown pass with 0:18 left in the first half. The Patriots clock-eating strategy continued on their first drive of the 2nd half as they moved 52 yards eating 4:10 as Gostkowski kicked his third field goal of the day, a 46-yarder, widening the lead to 23-3. After a Jacksonville three-and-out, the Patriots had one of the strangest scoring drives in NFL history. After a completion to Rob Gronkowski, Gronkowski was flagged for offensive pass interference pushing the ball five yards back to the Patriots- 33. On the very next play, Brady attempted a deep pass to Aaron Dobson that fell incomplete, but Jacksonville was flagged for pass interference moving the ball to the Jaguars- 25. Again, on the very next play, Brady was intercepted by Davon House who returned the ball 82 yards to the Patriots- 26, however, the Jags were called for pass interference again, moving the ball to the 1-yard line. On the very next play, LeGarrette Blount ran it in for a touchdown and a 30-3 Patriots lead. The Jaguars finally struck for a touchdown on their next drive as Blake Bortles hit Allen Hurns for a 51-yard touchdown pass. However, Jacksonville's defense had no answer for Tom Brady and the Patriots. Following Jacksonville's touchdown, the Patriots matched with one of their own. A crucial horse-collar tackle at the end of a 17-yard Blount run moved the ball to the Jaguars- 15. Two plays later Brady hit rookie receiver Keyshawn Martin on a 13-yard touchdown pass, increasing the lead to 37-10. The drive was so efficient that the Patriots never faced a third-down and every play gained at least two yards. After forcing the Jaguars into a turnover on downs, the Patriots didn't skip a beat marching 24 yards with Blount rushing for a 1-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter making the score an embarrassing 44-10. Following a Jaguars three-and-out, the Patriots took a page from the Jaguars playbook slowly moving 58 yards in 17 plays, taking 9:47 off the clock. Once again Blount took it in from 1 yard out increasing the lead to 51-10. Bortles commanded an 80-yard drive, hitting tight end Clay Harbor for a 6-yard touchdown. The Patriots then ran out the clock to end the game.

The Patriots won the turnover battle 1-0, dominated in total yards 471-293, more than doubled their first down total at 35-15, and held the ball for almost 10 minutes longer. With the win the Patriots improved to 3-0 and showed the damage their offense can do.

Week 5: at Dallas Cowboys

Week Five: New England Patriots at Dallas Cowboys – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 10 71030
Cowboys 3 0 306

at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Game information

First quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 49-yard field goal, 8:19. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 5 plays, 14 yards, 2:04.
  • DAL – Dan Bailey 51-yard field goal, 1:46. tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 47 yards, 6:33.
Second quarter
  • NE – Tom Brady 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:39. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 7 plays, 55 yards, 2:18.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 57-yard field goal, 0:03. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 4 plays, 16 yards, 0:50.
Third quarter
  • NE – Dion Lewis 10-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:48. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:12.
  • DAL – Dan Bailey 23-yard field goal, 1:17. Patriots 20–6. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 8:31.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – Julian Edelman 59-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:58. Patriots 27–6. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 3:19.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 34-yard field goal, 4:41. Patriots 30–6. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 1:39.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 20/27, 275 yards, 2 TD
  • DAL – Brandon Weeden – 26/39, 188 yards, INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Julian Edelman – 4 receptions, 120 yards, TD
  • DAL – Darren McFadden – 9 receptions, 62 yards
Top tacklers

Week 6: at Indianapolis Colts

Week Six: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 13 7734
Colts 7 14 0627

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: October 18
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 66,726
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) and Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 13:48. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 69 yards, 2:53.
  • IND – Mike Adams 14-yard interception return (Adam Vinatieri kick), 11:30. Colts 14–10.
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 38-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:33. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:57.
  • IND – T. Y. Hilton 3-yard pass from Andrew Luck, (Adam Vinatieri kick), 2:38. Colts 21–17. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:55.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 0:02. Colts 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 63 yards, 2:36.
Third quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 25-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:56. Patriots 27–21. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:04.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 11-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:48. Patriots 34–21. Drive: 6 plays, 35 yards, 3:24.
  • IND – Griff Whalen 18-yard pass from Andrew Luck (kick blocked), 1:19. Patriots 34–27. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 1:44.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 23/37, 312 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • IND – Andrew Luck – 30/50, 312 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 16 rushes, 93 yards, TD
  • IND – Frank Gore – 13 rushes, 78 yards
Top receivers
  • NE – Danny Amendola – 7 receptions, 105 yards
  • IND – T. Y. Hilton – 6 receptions, 74 yards, TD
Top tacklers

The Patriots defeated the Colts 34-27 for the sixth straight win in the series. The game lead tied or changed five times by halfway through the third quarter; a Scott Chandler touchdown catch late in the second was erased on a penalty. Late in the third quarter the Colts attempted a trick play on fourth down where nine players lined up wide right, while Griff Whalen lined up at center and Colt Anderson lined up as a quarterback, hoping to catch the Patriots offsides; the play failed and Anderson was sacked for a one-yard loss, leading a befuddled Al Michaels in the NBC Sports booth to mutter, "What in the world?"

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week Seven: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jets 3 7 7623
Patriots 3 10 31430

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 38-yard field goal, 12:48. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, -1 yard, 1:22.
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 7:29. tied 3–3. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 5:19.
Second quarter
  • NYJ – Jeremy Kerley 5-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, (Nick Folk kick), 12:30. Jets 10–3. Drive: 14 plays, 83 yards, 7:35.
  • NE – Tom Brady 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:24. tied 10–10. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:26.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 2:00. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 31 yards, 2:49.
Third quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard field goal, 11:10. Patriots 16–10. Drive: 12 plays, 65 yards, 3:50.
  • NYJ – Chris Ivory 9-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, (Nick Folk kick), 4:07. Jets 17–16. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:03.
Fourth quarter
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 12:50. Jets 20–16. Drive: 9 plays, 71 yards, 4:12.
  • NE – Danny Amendola 8-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:16. Patriots 23–20. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:34.
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 15-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:13. Patriots 30–20. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 4:19.
  • NYJ – Nick Folk 55-yard field goal, 0:18. Patriots 30–23. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 0:55.
Top passers
  • NYJ – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 22/39, 295 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Tom Brady – 34/54, 355 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • NYJ – Chris Ivory – 17 rushes, 41 yards
  • NE – Tom Brady – 4 rushes, 15 yards, TD
Top receivers
  • NYJ – Eric Decker – 6 receptions, 94 yards
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 11 receptions, 108 yards, TD
Top tacklers

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Eight: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 707
Patriots 7 12 31436

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Ryan Tannehill fumble out of bounds in end zone for a safety, 14:05. Patriots 9–0.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 52-yard field goal, 3:25. Patriots 12–0. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:52.
  • NE – Dion Lewis 16-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:24. Patriots 19–0. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:17.
Third quarter
  • MIA – Lamar Miller 1-yard run (Andrew Franks kick), 11:25. Patriots 19–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 3:35.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 36-yard field goal, 6:09. Patriots 22–7. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yards, 5:16.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – Julian Edelman 10-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:29. Patriots 29–7. Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 0:46.
  • NE – Julian Edelman 16-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:17. Patriots 36–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:11.
Top passers
  • MIA – Ryan Tannehill – 28/44, 300 yards, 2 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady – 26/38, 356 yards, 4 TD
Top rushers
  • MIA – Lamar Miller – 9 rushes, 15 yards, TD
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 17 rushes, 72 yards
Top receivers
  • MIA – Jarvis Landry – 6 receptions, 71 yards
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 6 receptions, 113 yards, TD
Top tacklers

Week 9: vs. Washington Redskins

Week Nine: Washington Redskins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Redskins 0 3 0710
Patriots 14 3 3727

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 7:56. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 10 plays, 61 yards, 5:03.
  • WAS – Dustin Hopkins 23-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 17–3. Drive: 16 plays, 75 yards, 7:43.
Third quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 7:32. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – Brandon Bolden 18-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:28. Patriots 27–3. Drive: 14 plays, 88 yards, 7:42.
  • WAS – Jordan Reed 3-yard pass from Kirk Cousins, (Dustin Hopkins kick), 0:25. Patriots 27–10. Drive: 12 plays, 83 yards, 3:26.
Top passers
  • WAS – Kirk Cousins – 22/40, 217 yards, TD, INT
  • NE – Tom Brady – 26/39, 299 yards, 2 TD, INT
Top rushers
  • WAS – Matt Jones – 11 rushes, 27 yards
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 29 rushes, 129 yards, TD
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Week 10: at New York Giants

Week Ten: New England Patriots at New York Giants – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 3 71027
Giants 7 10 6326

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: November 15
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 60 °F (16 °C), clear
  • Game attendance: 81,061
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play), Phil Simms (color commentator) and Tracy Wolfson (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard field goal, 12:54. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 57 yards, 5:28.
  • NYG – Josh Brown 37-yard field goal, 3:42. tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 35 yards, 3:17.
  • NYG – Dwayne Harris 1-yard pass from Eli Manning, (Josh Brown kick), 0:13. Giants 17–10. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 0:56.
Third quarter
  • NYG – Josh Brown 38-yard field goal, 9:32. Giants 20–10. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:28.
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:46. Giants 20–17. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:23.
  • NYG – Josh Brown 53-yard field goal, 0:49. Giants 23–17. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 3:57.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 76-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:33. Patriots 24–23. Drive: 3 plays, 86 yards, 1:25.
  • NYG – Josh Brown 29-yard field goal, 1:47. Giants 26–24. Drive: 15 plays, 86 yards, 4:14.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 54-yard field goal, 0:01. Patriots 27–26. Drive: 12 plays, 44 yards, 1:46.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 26/42, 334 yards, 2 TD, INT
  • NYG – Eli Manning – 24/44, 361 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 19 rushes, 66 yards, TD
  • NYG – Rashad Jennings – 11 rushes, 39 yards
Top receivers
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 5 receptions, 113 yards, TD
  • NYG – Odell Beckham Jr. – 4 receptions, 104 yards, TD
Top tacklers

With the win, the Patriots improved to 9-0 for the first time since their undefeated regular season of 2007, and snapped their three-game losing streak against the Giants. With a Bengals loss to the Texans the same week, the Patriots remain the only undefeated team in the AFC.

Week 11: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Eleven: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 0 3 7313
Patriots 3 7 10020

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 7:29. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:56.
Second quarter
  • BUF – Dan Carpenter 52-yard field goal, 9:27. tied 3–3. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:36.
  • NE – James White 20-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:13. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 0:33.
Third quarter
  • BUF – LeSean McCoy 27-yard run (Dan Carpenter kick), 10:29. tied 10–10. Drive: 5 plays, 56 yards, 2:06.
  • NE – James White 6-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:55. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:04.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 0:47. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 6 plays, 14 yards, 1:50.
Fourth quarter
  • BUF – Dan Carpenter 33-yard field goal, 3:30. Patriots 20–13. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 4:05.
Top passers
  • BUF – Tyrod Taylor – 20/36, 233 yards
  • NE – Tom Brady – 20/39, 277 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • BUF – LeSean McCoy – 20 rushes, 82 yards, TD
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 16 rushes, 56 yards
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the Patriots improved to 10-0, and clinched their 13th consecutive 10 win season.

Week 12: at Denver Broncos

Week Twelve: New England Patriots at Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Patriots 7 7 010024
Broncos 0 7 017630

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

  • Date: November 29
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/6:30 p.m. MST
  • Game weather: 23 °F (−5 °C), cloudy with light snow
  • Game attendance: 76,970
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) and Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Scott Chandler 9-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:40. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 15 yards, 1:32.
  • DEN – Ronnie Hillman 19-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 2:07. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 77 yards, 5:41.
Third quarter
  • No score.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – Brandon Bolden 63-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:50. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 3 plays, 65 yards, 0:17.
  • DEN – C. J. Anderson 15-yard run (Brandon McManus kick), 12:34. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 36 yards, 1:41.
  • DEN – Brandon McManus 21-yard field goal, 6:08. Patriots 21–17. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:50.
  • DEN – Andre Caldwell 4-yard pass from Brock Osweiler, (Brandon McManus kick), 1:09. Broncos 24–21. Drive: 5 plays, 83 yards, 1:22.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard field goal, 0:00. tied 24–24. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 1:09.
Overtime
  • DEN – C. J. Anderson 48-yard run, 12:32. Broncos 30–24. Drive: 3 plays, 57 yards, 1:19.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 23/42, 280 yards, 3 TD
  • DEN – Brock Osweiler – 23/42, 270 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 9 rushes, 27 yards
  • DEN – C. J. Anderson – 15 rushes, 113 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 6 receptions, 88 yards, TD
  • DEN – Emmanuel Sanders – 6 receptions, 113 yards
Top tacklers

With their first loss, the Patriots fell to 10-1, and their hopes of repeating the undefeated regular season of 2007 ended.

The loss left the Carolina Panthers as the only unbeaten team in the league.

Week 13: vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Week Thirteen: Philadelphia Eagles at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Eagles 0 14 14735
Patriots 0 14 01428

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter
  • No score.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • PHI – Malcolm Jenkins 99-yard interception return (Caleb Sturgis kick), 7:26. Eagles 21–14.
  • PHI – Darren Sproles 83-yard punt return (Caleb Sturgis kick), 4:18. Eagles 28–14.
Fourth quarter
  • PHI – Jordan Matthews 10-yard pass from Sam Bradford, (Caleb Sturgis kick), 11:09. Eagles 35–14. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:07.
  • NE – Scott Chandler 14-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:27. Eagles 35–21. Drive: 7 plays, 71 yards, 2:18.
  • NE – Tom Brady 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:00. Eagles 35–28. Drive: 9 plays, 56 yards, 2:27.
Top passers
  • PHI – Sam Bradford – 14/24, 120 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Tom Brady – 29/56, 312 yards, 3 TD, 2 INT
Top rushers
  • PHI – Darren Sproles – 15 rushes, 66 yards
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount – 13 rushes, 54 yards
Top receivers
  • PHI – Jordan Matthews – 3 receptions, 36 yards, TD
  • NE – James White – 10 receptions, 115 yards, TD
Top tacklers

Week 14: at Houston Texans

Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 10 3727
Texans 3 3 006

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 13
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 71,908
  • Referee: Jeff Triplette
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) and Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, 12:13. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 5:25.
  • HOU – Nick Novak 45-yard field goal, 9:26. Patriots 10–6. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 2:47.
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 1-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:14. Patriots 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:31.
Third quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 49-yard field goal, 11:48. Patriots 20–6. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 3:12.
Fourth quarter
  • NE – James White 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:04. Patriots 27–6. Drive: 3 plays, 7 yards, 1:21.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 22/30, 226 yards, 2 TD
  • HOU – Brian Hoyer – 11/22, 155 yards
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 4 receptions, 87 yards, TD
  • HOU – DeAndre Hopkins – 3 receptions, 52 yards
Top tacklers

With the win, the Patriots improved to 11-2, and they clinched the AFC East title for a seventh straight season after the Giants defeated the Dolphins the following Monday night. Their seventh straight division title tied the Rams franchise for the most consecutive division titles won by one team in NFL history.

Week 15: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week Fifteen: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 3 7616
Patriots 7 17 3633

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 66,829
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator) and Evan Washburn (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE – Akiem Hicks fumble recovery in end zone (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:48. Patriots 14–0.
  • TEN – Ryan Succop 49-yard field goal, 9:44. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards, 1:40.
  • NE – James White 30-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:23. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 2 plays, 30 yards, 0:21.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, 1:44. Patriots 24–3. Drive: 8 plays, 37 yards, 3:16.
Third quarter
  • TEN – Delanie Walker 7-yard pass from Zach Mettenberger, (Ryan Succop kick), 10:05. Patriots 24–10. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:58.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 38-yard field goal, 5:09. Patriots 27–10. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:56.
Fourth quarter
  • TEN – Delanie Walker 57-yard pass from Zach Mettenberger, (kick failed, wr), 6:52. Patriots 27–16. Drive: 1 play, 57 yards, 0:12.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 42-yard field goal, 3:30. Patriots 30–16. Drive: 9 plays, 57 yards, 3:22.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 1:06. Patriots 33–16. Drive: 4 plays, 2 yards, 1:08.
Top passers
  • TEN – Zach Mettenberger – 20/28, 242 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady – 23/35, 267 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

With the win, the Patriots improved to 12-2, and they clinched a first-round bye following the Broncos' loss to the Steelers later that night.

Week 16: at New York Jets

Week Sixteen: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Patriots 0 3 107020
Jets 3 7 73626

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: December 27
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 57 °F (14 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 78,160
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play), Dan Fouts (color commentator) and Evan Washburn (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
  • NYJ – Randy Bullock 30-yard field goal, 3:19. Jets 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:58.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • NYJ – Brandon Marshall 33-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, (Randy Bullock kick), 9:13. Jets 17–3. Drive: 6 plays, 61 yards, 4:09.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 44-yard field goal, 4:54. Jets 17–6. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 4:19.
  • NE – Jamie Collins 14-yard fumble return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:21. Jets 17–13.
Fourth quarter
  • NYJ – Randy Bullock 49-yard field goal, 13:28. Jets 20–13. Drive: 9 plays, 49 yards, 4:53.
  • NE – James White 9-yard pass from Tom Brady, (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:55. tied 20–20. Drive: 11 plays, 66 yards, 4:31.
Overtime
  • NYJ – Eric Decker 6-yard pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick, 12:23. Jets 26–20. Drive: 5 plays, 80 yards, 2:37.
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 22/31, 231 yards, TD, INT
  • NYJ – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 26/41, 296 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers
  • NE – Jamie Collins – 6 tackles, 2 assists on tackles
  • NYJ – Marcus Gilchrist – 8 tackles

Week 17: at Miami Dolphins

Week Seventeen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 7010
Dolphins 3 7 01020

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: January 3, 2016
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 80 °F (27 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 62,918
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan (play-by-play) and Rich Gannon (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE –
  • MIA –
Top rushers
  • NE –
  • MIA –
Top receivers
  • NE –
  • MIA –
Top tacklers
  • NE –
  • MIA –

Just days before Week 17, the Patriots acquired running back Steven Jackson, who was known for his tenure with the St. Louis Rams. The acquisition of Jackson sought to help with the team's injury-laden running game. However, his New England debut was ruined as he rushed for 35 yards and the Patriots ended up losing 20-10.

Postseason

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (#5) Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Divisional Playoffs: (#5) Kansas City Chiefs at (#2) New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Chiefs 3 3 7720
Patriots 7 7 7627

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

1st quarter
2nd quarter
  • NE – Tom Brady 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:23. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 11 plays, 98 yards, 5:36.
  • KC – Cairo Santos 32-yard field goal, 0:12. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 3:11.
3rd quarter
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski 16-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:24. Patriots 21–6. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 2:07.
  • KC – Albert Wilson 10-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 2:12. Patriots 21–13. Drive: 12 plays, 80 yards, 6:12.
4th quarter
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 14:46. Patriots 24–13. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 2:26.
  • NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 10:20. Patriots 27–13. Drive: 5 plays, 19 yards, 2:06.
  • KC – Charcandrick West 1-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 1:13. Patriots 27–20. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 5:16.
Top passers
  • KC –
  • NE –
Top rushers
  • KC –
  • NE –
Top receivers
  • KC –
  • NE –
Top tacklers
  • KC –
  • NE –

AFC Championship: at (#1) Denver Broncos

AFC Championship: (#2) New England Patriots at (#1) Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 6 3 3618
Broncos 7 10 0320

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information

First quarter

DEN – Owen Daniels 21 yard pass from Peyton Manning, 7:37. Broncos 7-0. Drive: 11 plays, 83 yards, 5:03.

Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady–27/56, 310 yards, 1 TD, 2 INT
  • DEN – Peyton Manning–17/32, 176 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 3 rushes, 13 yards
  • DEN – C.J. Anderson – 16 rushes, 72 yards
Top receivers
  • NE – Rob Gronkowski – 8 receptions, 144 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Emmanuel Sanders – 5 receptions, 62 yards
Top tacklers
  • NE –
  • DEN –

Standings

Division

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) New England Patriots 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 465 315 L2
New York Jets 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 387 314 L1
Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 379 359 W2
Miami Dolphins 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 310 389 W1

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division Leaders
1[lower-alpha 1] Denver Broncos West 12 4 0 .750 4–2 8–4 .500 .479 W2
2[lower-alpha 1] New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .473 .448 L2
3[lower-alpha 1] Cincinnati Bengals North 12 4 0 .750 5–1 9–3 .477 .406 W1
4 Houston Texans South 9 7 0 .563 5–1 7–5 .496 .410 W3
Wild Cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West 11 5 0 .688 5–1 10–2 .496 .432 W10
6[lower-alpha 2] Pittsburgh Steelers North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .504 .463 W1
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 2] New York Jets East 10 6 0 .625 3–3 7–5 .441 .388 L1
8[lower-alpha 3] Buffalo Bills East 8 8 0 .500 4–2 7–5 .508 .438 W2
9[lower-alpha 3] Indianapolis Colts South 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 .500 .406 W2
10 Oakland Raiders West 7 9 0 .438 3–3 7–5 .512 .366 L1
11 Miami Dolphins East 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 .469 .469 W2
12[lower-alpha 3] Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 .313 2–4 5–7 .473 .375 L3
13[lower-alpha 3] Baltimore Ravens North 5 11 0 .313 3–3 4–8 .508 .425 L1
14 San Diego Chargers West 4 12 0 .250 0–6 3–9 .527 .328 L2
15[lower-alpha 3] Cleveland Browns North 3 13 0 .188 1–5 2–10 .531 .271 L3
16[lower-alpha 3] Tennessee Titans South 3 13 0 .188 1–5 1–11 .492 .375 L4
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 4]
  1. 1 2 3 Denver finished ahead of New England and Cincinnati for the No. 1 seed based on head-to-head sweep. New England finished ahead of Cincinnati for the No. 2 seed based on record vs. common opponents — New England's cumulative record against Buffalo, Denver, Houston and Pittsburgh was 4–1, while Cincinnati's cumulative record against the same four teams was 2–3.
  2. 1 2 Pittsburgh finished ahead of the New York Jets for the No. 6 seed and qualified for the last playoff spot based on record vs. common opponents — Pittsburgh's cumulative record against Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Oakland was 4–1, while the Jets' cumulative record against the same four teams was 3–2.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The tiebreaker was based on head-to-head victory.
  4. ↑ When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

References

  1. ↑ "Pats trade Logan Mankins to Bucs". ESPN. August 27, 2014. Retrieved August 27, 2014.
  2. ↑ Patra, Kevin (October 22, 2014). "Titans trade linebacker Akeem Ayers to Patriots". NFL.com. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
  3. ↑ Rosenthal, Gregg (September 1, 2012). "New England Patriots trade for Greg Salas from Rams". NFL.com. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
  4. ↑ Goss, Nicholas (May 1, 2015). "2015 NFL Draft: Patriots Trade Third, Seventh-Round Picks to Browns". New England Sports Network. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  5. ↑ Young, Shalise Manza (May 2, 2015). "Patriots make trade with Packers, gain one more pick". The Boston Globe. Retrieved May 2, 2012.
  6. ↑ "PATRIOTS 28, STEELERS 21: Gronk, Brady get season started off right". The Providence Journal. 2015-11-10. Retrieved 2015-10-03.
  7. ↑ "It's official: Guinness World Records coming to Bills-Patriots game to measure crowd noise". Syracuse.com (The Post-Standard). 2015-09-17. Retrieved 2015-10-10.
  8. ↑ "Patriots 40, Bills 32: Tom Brady gets last laugh once again". The Providence Journal. 2015-09-20. Retrieved 2015-10-10.
  9. ↑ "Buffalo Bills' fans get loud, but not loud enough to set record". The Buffalo News. 2015-09-20. Retrieved 2015-10-10.

External links

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