The 2019 season was the New England Patriots' 50th in the National Football League (NFL), their 60th overall and their 20th under head coachBill Belichick. They entered the season as the defending Super Bowl champions, after winning Super Bowl LIII, and as three-time defending AFC champions. The Patriots won the AFC East for the 11th straight season, and improved on their 11–5 record from the previous season, but they were upset by the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card game, their first Wild Card game since the 2009 season. This marked the first time the Patriots lost a home postseason game since the 2012 AFC Championship game where they lost to the later Super Bowl champion Ravens 28–13, and the first time the Patriots failed to reach the AFC Championship game since 2010. The Patriots were also the only NFL team that made the playoffs, and had a winning season, in every year of the 2010s decade.
Catalyzed by their defense's historically dominant play, the Patriots started the season extremely well at 8–0 for the third time in franchise history, and early on there was conversation as to if they could repeat the undefeated 2007 regular season. However, their winning streak would soon end as a result of their Week 9 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which was also their first loss to the Ravens since the 2012 AFC Championship game. In Week 12, the Patriots set a new NFL record with their 17th consecutive 10-win season, surpassing the San Francisco 49ers, who set the original record of 16 consecutive 10-win seasons from 1983–1998.
For the first time since 2009, Rob Gronkowski, the team's former starting tight end, was not on the active roster as he announced his retirement on March 24, 2019.[1] Also, for the first time since 2010, the Patriots had a different kicker on the regular season roster as the struggling Stephen Gostkowski was placed on IR; he was replaced by midseason signings Mike Nugent,[2]Nick Folk,[3] and Kai Forbath. Long-time assistant Brian Flores was not part of the Patriots coaching staff for the first time since 2003, as he left to become the head coach of the Miami Dolphins on February 4, 2019.
With their win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, the Patriots clinched the AFC East for the 11th consecutive year. However, despite entering December with a 10–1 record, the Patriots failed to clinch a first-round bye for the first time since 2009 thanks to a late-season collapse that culminated in Week 17 with a 27–24 loss to the 4–11 Dolphins while the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Los Angeles Chargers. The Patriots' loss and the Chiefs' win gave the Chiefs the #2 seed in the playoffs. It was the Patriots' first home loss to the Dolphins since 2008 and their first since 2005 with Tom Brady as starting quarterback.
This was also Tom Brady's last season with the team, as he announced he was entering free agency and later signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on March 20, 2020. This was the last year of the Brady–Belichick era.[4][5]
Coaching changes
On February 4, 2019, de facto defensive coordinator/linebackers coach Brian Flores was hired as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.[6] The Dolphins also hired wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea to be their offensive coordinator and cornerbacks coach Josh Boyer to serve in that same capacity, in addition to a role as the defensive pass game coordinator.[7]
In February 2019, it was announced that Greg Schiano was hired to join the Patriots as their defensive coordinator, but prior to the Patriots confirming this report,[9] Schiano unexpectedly resigned from the Patriots on March 28, citing a desire to spend more time on his "faith and family".[10]
October 24: the Patriots traded defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2021 seventh-round selection that may turn into a sixth-round selection.[182]
As the result of the Patriots having more qualifying free agent depart during the 2018 free agency period than they signed, the team received four compensatory selections for the 2019 draft (No. 97 and 101 in the third round, No. 205 in the sixth round, and No. 252 in the seventh round).
July 25: Wide receiver Julian Edelman injured his thumb playing catch a few weeks prior. He would be set to miss "a few weeks" including possibly all of preseason.[192] He returned on August 19, just before Week 3 of preseason.[193]
August 8: Wide receiver N'Keal Harry suffered an ankle injury during training camp and a "minor" hamstring injury while going up for a catch in the Patriots' first preseason game against the Detroit Lions.[194] He was placed on injured reserve on September 2, 2019, after missing multiple weeks of practice.[80]
August 12: CornerbackD'Angelo Ross was waived with an injury designation. The following day, he was placed on the injury report after having cleared waivers.[195]
August 15: Wide receiver Maurice Harris sustained a leg injury in the Patriots' first joint practice with the Tennessee Titans. His recovery period was described as "a while".[196] Although, while still limited by his injury, he returned on August 20 after missing only a few days.[197] Ultimately, he was released with an injury designation on August 25. He was placed on the injury report the next day after clearing waivers.[133]
August 17: Defensive end Derek Rivers suffered a leg injury during the Patriots' Week 2 preseason game against the Tennessee Titans.[198] He was placed on injured reserve week later.[146]
September 8: Offensive tackleMarcus Cannon suffered a shoulder injury against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of the Week 1 matchup. The injury will be a setback for the Patriots' offensive line, although not season-ending for Cannon.[202]
September 15: Offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn sustained a toe injury in the Patriots' Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins.[203] He was placed on injured reserve on September 17, 2019.[204]
September 22: Julian Edelman suffered a rib injury in the Patriots' Week 3 game against the New York Jets.[205]
September 23: FullbackJames Develin was placed on injured reserve due to a neck injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins and is set to be out for at least 8 weeks.[206]
As of the Patriots' first training camp practice at Gillette Stadium on July 25, they had the NFL maximum of 90 players signed. As a result of the NFL's International Player Pathway program, the Patriots were granted an additional 91st spot which was allocated to German fullbackJakob Johnson.
New England Patriots 2019 opening training camp roster
The Patriots hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers during primetime in their first game of the 2019 season. In commemoration of their Super Bowl LIII victory from the previous season, the Patriots unveiled their sixth "World Champions" banner, with former Patriots in attendance like recently retired Rob Gronkowski,[211] as well as Patriots Hall of Famers Drew Bledsoe, Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Super Bowl Champions Rob Ninkovich, and Martellus Bennett, who joined Patriots owner Robert Kraft on the field before the Patriots came out onto the Gillette Stadium turf. The team also wore "Super Bowl LIII Champions" patches for the game.[212]
The Steelers won the coin toss and elected to kick. The first drives ended in punts for both teams, but on the Patriots' second possession, they managed to race down the field on a seven-play, 82-yard drive that ended with a touchdown pass to Josh Gordon, in which he broke two tackles after the catch. After forcing the Steelers to go three-and-out, due in part to a holding call on Alejandro Villanueva, the Patriots marched down the field, only for the drive to stall at the Pittsburgh 7-yard line, and the Patriots were forced to settle for a field goal, now leading 10–0 in the second quarter. New England went three-and-out on their following drive but scored on a 25-yard pass to Phillip Dorsett thereafter. In the Patriots' last possession of the first half, even with good field position, they failed to capitalize with a touchdown, settling for another field goal. Beginning the second half, the Patriots led 20–0. This lasted only briefly, as their defense gave up three points on the Steelers' first drive of the third quarter. Tom Brady and the offense responded quickly with a 58-yard pass to Dorsett, his second touchdown catch of the game. On their subsequent possessions, the Patriots scored field goals. Meanwhile, Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted by Devin McCourty. In Pittsburgh's final drive, they managed to advance 50 yards down the field, but failed to score with time running out. Ultimately, the Patriots defeated the Steelers 33–3, starting 1–0 for the season.[213]
Beginning his 20th season in the league, Tom Brady finished the game with 341 yards and three touchdowns,[214] while Julian Edelman recorded his 500th reception with the Patriots, becoming the fifth player to reach that milestone.[215]Phillip Dorsett had a spectacular game, leading the Patriots in receiving yards and touchdowns, catching four passes on four targets for 95 yards and two touchdowns.[216] Meanwhile, Josh Gordon had three receptions for 73 yards in his first game since Week 13 of the 2018 season.[217] Moreover, the Patriots defense played well, holding the Steelers to 308 yards and just three points.[218]
Week 2: at Miami Dolphins
Week Two: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins– Game summary
Coming off their Week 1 victory, the Patriots flew to Hard Rock Stadium for a Week 2 AFC East duel with the Miami Dolphins. After forcing the Dolphins to go three-and-out, the Patriots countered with a drive in which Tom Brady targeted newly acquired wide receiverAntonio Brown three times for gains of 18, 10, and 8 yards. They finished the possession with a 1-yard touchdown run by Sony Michel. The next three drives ended in punts. Though, on the first, Ryan Fitzpatrick was sacked by Adam Butler on third down just after reaching midfield. On the Patriots' ensuing possession, they drove to the Dolphins 30 but Stephen Gostkowski missed the first of a number of field goals that day. Despite the offense's lack of scoring, the New England defense played stoutly, forcing Miami to go three-and-out on their next two drives. The Patriots scored on a 65-yard possession that ended with a 20-yard pass from Tom Brady to Antonio Brown. Gostkowski missed the extra point and the Patriots led 13–0. In the second half, the New England offense failed to advance on their first drive. Meanwhile, Ryan Fitzpatrick was intercepted by Devin McCourty. Now, with great field position, at the Miami 36, the Patriots failed to take advantage and were forced to settle for a field goal. The Dolphins' offense was unable to make anything of their next two drives going three-and-out on both while obtaining −2 yards and −11 yards on their first and second respectively. The Patriots offense made the best of their defense's solid play, marching down the field on an eight-play, 65-yard possession which ended with a 1-yard QB sneak by Brady. Later, New England's defense continued its sensational performance by forcing Miami to go three-and-out yet again. Upon entering the third quarter, Miami's offense had amassed a mere 28 yards. The Patriots' offense struggled, however, being unable to obtain a first-down. This proved irrelevant as the New England defense had pick-sixes on back-to-back drives: Stephon Gilmore returned the first 54-yards after a bad decision by Fitzpatrick and Jamie Collins returned the second 69-yards after a dropped pass. The Patriots now led 37–0. Ryan Fitzpatrick was replaced by backup Josh Rosen on the ensuing drive. The Patriots scored another touchdown on a 10-yard reception by James White. On Miami's final possession, they marched 67-yards to the New England 8 but failed to score due to an interception by Jamie Collins.[219]
This was the Patriots' first win in Miami since Week 17 of the 2016 season, and their first shutout since Week 3 of that same season.[220] Additionally, New England's defense held the Dolphins' offense to just 184 yards and forced four turnovers.[221] By holding the Dolphins to 0 points and the Steelers to 3 points a week prior, the defense made history, in fact, it tied the record for fewest points allowed through two games during the Super Bowl era.[222] After much speculation over whether Antonio Brown would debut against the Dolphins as a result of his rape lawsuit, he indeed started and had four receptions for 56 yards and a touchdown.[223] This proved to be to Brown's sole game with the Patriots as he was released days later on September 20, as a result of his response to further allegations.[154]
Week 3: vs. New York Jets
Week Three: New York Jets at New England Patriots– Game summary
The Patriots flew home to face the New York Jets for their Week 3 matchup. They faced a Jets team that was greatly hindered by numerous starters missing. In particular, the Jets entered the game with their third-string quarterback, Luke Falk, as a result of injuries to starter Sam Darnold suffering from illness and backup Trevor Siemian sustaining a calf injury.[224]
New York's first drive ended with a punt and the Patriots responded with a nine-play, 88-yard drive that ended with a 5-yard run by Sony Michel. Continuing his struggles on special teams, Stephen Gostkowski missed his third extra-point of the year. On the Jets' ensuing drive, they went three-and-out as a result of a sack by Jamie Collins. Meanwhile, New Englands' offense would score yet another touchdown, this time on a 25-yard catch-and-run by Phillip Dorsett. New York's offense failed to obtain any first-downs for the rest of the first half, and the Patriots would score an additional touchdown on a 3-yard pass from Tom Brady to Julian Edelman. Although, the rest of their drives ended in punts. Entering the second half, New England led 20–0. The Patriots started with the ball but were unable to reach midfield and were forced to punt. On the following drive, Luke Falk threw an underthrown interception to Devin McCourty which was returned 24-yards to the New York 17. Unfortunately, the Patriots were unable to take advantage and settled for a 37-yard field goal. The defense would still play stoutly, forcing the Jets to go three-and-out on their ensuing drive, caused, in part, by a holding penalty on Kelechi Osemele. The Patriots countered with a 10-play, 60-yard drive which ended with a 2-yard rush touchdown by Rex Burkhead, leading 30–0. Notably, Josh Gordon caught a spectacular 28-yard reception on third and 22, saving the drive from stalling and entering the red zone. On New York's next drive, they managed the reach near midfield but the drive was halted by a sack by Dont'a Hightower and Adam Butler. The punt would prove disastrous for New England as rookieGunner Olszewski muffed the ball and Arthur Maulet, of the Jets, recovered it in the end zone for a touchdown: this was the first touchdown the Patriots had allowed all season. The ensuing two drives ended in punts. Although, on the Patriots' subsequent possession thereafter, Tom Brady was substituted by rookie Jarrett Stidham with 8:41 left in the fourth. Stidham threw a badly missed pass which was intercepted by Jamal Adams and returned 61 yards for a touchdown. For the remaining drives, both teams punted and New England won the game 30–14.[225]
With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–0 for the first time since the 2016 season. Furthermore, New England's defense continued its dominant play by shutting out the Jets' offense and sacking Luke Falk five times. Overall, they forced New York to go 0–12 on third downs.[226] The Patriots' defense has not allowed a touchdown in 17 quarters, last occurring in the fourth quarter of the 2018AFC Championship game.[227] Also, this was the fifth consecutive game, including playoffs, in which the Patriots did not allow any touchdowns in the first half, tracing back to the 2018 AFC Championship.
Week 4: at Buffalo Bills
Week Four: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills– Game summary
Hoping to solidify their prowess in the AFC East, the Patriots flew to New Era Field for their Week 4 matchup against a division rival – the 3–0 Buffalo Bills. The Patriots began with the ball and started well with a 15-yard rush by Sony Michel on the first play. Though the drive faltered thereafter and they were forced to punt. In contrast, the defense maintained its tremendous play by intercepting Josh Allen on the Bills' first drive; Devin McCourty claimed his fourth pick of the season. Taking advantage of the turnover, New England's offense marched 50 yards down the field for a 4-yard touchdown run by Brandon Bolden. Tom Brady also threw a catch-and-run pass to James White for 26 yards despite great coverage by Matt Milano. On the extra point attempt, Stephen Gostkowski missed yet another extra point, his fourth of the season. On the ensuing possession, the Bills struggled to obtain yards and went three-and-out. On the resulting punt, J. C. Jackson blocked Corey Bojorquez's kick which was recovered and returned by Matthew Slater for a touchdown to put the Patriots up 13–0. Both teams' offenses failed to reach midfield and punted on the next two drives. However, on the possession after that, Josh Allen threw another pick, which was intercepted by J. C. Jackson. Without much momentum and at their own 25, New England went three-and-out, although Buffalo went three-and-out as well. Now at their own 5-yard line, the Patriots offense finally managed an effective drive for once. They drove 93 yards to the Buffalo 2-yard line, but the drive stalled and Brady threw a terrible pick to Micah Hyde in the endzone. Buffalo capitalized with a 46-yard field goal by Stephen Hauschka. Unable to counter, New England went three-and-out once more and the Bills drove to the New England 31 but failed to score as Hauschka missed a 49-yard field goal with time running out in the first half. Entering the second half, the Patriots led 13–3. The Bills' first drive was very effective as they marched 75 yards down the field and scored on a 1-yard QB sneak by Allen. This was the first touchdown allowed by the Patriots' defense all season. On the subsequent three possessions, both offenses only experienced only three-and-outs. Afterward, J. C. Jackson intercepted Josh Allen for his second pick of the day. Even with great field position at the Buffalo 42, the Patriots only managed to reach the Buffalo 4-yard line where they settled for a field goal. Josh Allen was concussed from a hit by Jonathan Jones on the ensuing drive while he attempted to scramble for a first down. Allen would be replaced by backup Matt Barkley who continued to lead the offense to the New England 3-yard line where the Bills failed to score on 4th-and-goal. Both teams' offenses were unable to create any effective drives after this point. Nonetheless, Buffalo's offense managed to reach midfield on their final possession but Matt Barkley threw an easy interception to Jamie Collins as a result of pressure from Kyle Van Noy. This pick clinched the game for New England and they won 16–10.[228]
Although the Patriots overcame the Bills, this proved to be an extremely sloppy game for their offense, as Tom Brady recorded his first interception of the year at the Buffalo 2-yard line and a completion rate under 50%, having gone 18 of 39. New England's offense went a mere 5/18 on third down conversions and only obtained 11 first-downs. The defense, however, recorded four interceptions (three on Josh Allen and one on Matt Barkley) as well as five sacks but also allowed 109 yards of rushing from Frank Gore and 23 first-downs. In the end, the defense still came through by making a critical stop on the Bills' final possession.[229] Regardless, with the victory, the Patriots improved to 4–0 for the first time since the 2015 season. Special teams ace Matthew Slater also scored his first career touchdown on an 11-yard blocked punt return.[230] Furthermore, with his interception off Josh Allen, Devin McCourty became the first player to record four interceptions in the first four games of a season since Minnesota Vikings safety Brian Russell in 2003.[231]
Week 5: at Washington Redskins
Week Five: New England Patriots at Washington Redskins– Game summary
On the road for the second straight week, the Patriots flew to FedExField to face the 0–4 Washington Redskins. Initially, both teams traded punts, but on the succeeding possession, Patriots' defenders missed numerous tackles and Washington scored on a 65-yard run by Steven Sims. This was the first time the Patriots had trailed all season. However, New England responded quickly with a no-huddle offense and marched 75 yards, scoring on a 6-yard catch by Julian Edelman. On the extra-point, newly signed kickerMike Nugent missed the kick, his first as a Patriot. Washington's next drive was halted by a sack from Danny Shelton. Neither team could reach midfield on any of the remaining possessions of the first quarter. With the Patriots' first drive in the second, they raced down the field to the Washington 19, but were stalled and forced to settle for a 37-yard field goal. Both teams went three-and-out on their next drives. Although, on the possession thereafter, Jonathan Jones forced a fumble on Trey Quinn and Jamie Collins recovered. New England's offense failed to score despite being in the redzone, as Tom Brady threw an awful interception to Montae Nicholson. Even with this turnover, the Redskins offense lacked momentum and failed to advance. On the next Washington possession, Colt McCoy was picked by Jason McCourty. At the Washington 11-yard line, the Patriots went three-and-out and settled for a field goal with the score being 12–7 at the end of the first half. With the passing game being mostly unreliable, New England's offense began relying on and utilizing its running game far more. This proved vital as the Patriots advanced rapidly behind Sony Michel's rushing attack and they scored on a 29-yard pass to Brandon Bolden. On the ensuing New England drive, they would score on a 14-yard run by Michel. Both teams exchanged punts for the rest of the game and the Patriots would score an additional touchdown on a 10-yard pass to Ryan Izzo in a 10-play, 58-yard possession. At the end of regulation, New England defeated the Redksins in a final score of 33–7.[232]
The Patriots continued their win streak on the road by beating the Washington Redskins in a blowout win. They improved to 5–0 for the fourth time under the Brady-Belichick tandem and the fifth time in franchise history. After the game, Julian Edelman became the first Patriot to record at least 100 yards this season.[233] In addition, during the matchup, Tom Brady surpassed Brett Favre for third on the all-time passing list and finished only 17 yards behind Peyton Manning.[234]Sony Michel had his break-out game, rushing for 91 yards and a touchdown on 16 attempts; he also caught three passes for 32 yards. This was due, in part, to great run blocking by the offensive line and fullbackJakob Johnson.[235] On defense, they continued their stout play by forcing two turnovers (one on a fumble and one on an interception) and six sacks. Disregarding the 65-yard run by Steven Sims, New England's defense allowed just 155 yards.[236] The Patriots defense also accomplished a historic feat by allowing only 20 points through five games, the fewest in modern NFL history.[237]
Week 6: vs. New York Giants
Week Six: New York Giants at New England Patriots– Game summary
The Patriots returned home to play the New York Giants, who were led by rookie quarterbackDaniel Jones. Both teams traded punts on the first three possessions. Though, on the Giants' second drive, Jones threw a pass that was tipped by Stephon Gilmore and intercepted by John Simon. Now at the New York 43, due to miscommunication, Tom Brady threw a pass intended for Julian Edelman, but was picked by Janoris Jenkins. With neither offense being able to advance past midfield, they punted for the next six possessions. However, during one of these drives, Brandon Bolden blocked a punt by Riley Dixon that was returned by Chase Winovich for a touchdown. With this, the Patriots led 7–0. A few possessions later, Daniel Jones was picked off again, this time by Duron Harmon. With great field position at the Giants 20, Jakobi Meyers caught a great 23-yard pass that set up a 1-yard touchdown run by Brandon Bolden. New York responded quickly by scoring on a 64-yard catch-and-run by Golden Tate in which the numerous Patriots missed tackles. On the ensuing drive, Brady was strip-sacked by Lorenzo Carter, and Markus Golden returned the fumble for a Giants touchdown. Unfortunately, Josh Gordon suffered ankle and knee injuries while trying to make the tackle. He would be out for the remainder of the game which further hindered the Patriots' already depleted offense with Phillip Dorsett having been ruled out prior to the matchup.[238] New England would counter on their next drive by scoring on a 1-yard quarterback sneak by Brady. Entering the second half, the Patriots led 21–14. On the very first possession, Jones was intercepted for the third time of the game, this time by Stephon Gilmore. New England marched 60 yards down the field, but the drive stalled at the New York 22. Mike Nugent missed the 40-yard field goal, his first at Gillette Stadium. Both teams exchanged punts thereafter. New England would score on a forced fumble by Jamie Collins which was returned by Kyle Van Noy for a touchdown. Additionally, on the next New England possession, they scored another touchdown on a 1-yard QB sneak by Brady. With no score changes for the remainder of the game, the Patriots finished with a 35–14 victory.[239]
Although the score remained close in the first half, the Patriots gradually pulled away in the second half thanks to their defense. On New England's first possession, Tom Brady surpassed Peyton Manning for second on the all-time passing list.[240] With Josh Gordon and Phillip Dorsett both having sustained injuries, the offense had to increasingly rely on other contributors; Julian Edelman particularly stood out with his nine receptions for 113 yards, while Sony Michel rushed for 86 yards on 22 carries. Brady also had an unexpected two rushing touchdowns, both on quarterback sneaks. Rookie wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Gunner Olszewski had their best games of the season thus far, combining for almost 100 yards receiving.[241] The defense intercepted Jones three times and forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown.[242] On special teams, Chase Winovich returned a blocked punt for a touchdown.[243]
Week 7: at New York Jets
Week Seven: New England Patriots at New York Jets– Game summary
Facing the New York Jets for the second time of the season, the Patriots hoped to continue their win streak. Unlike last time, Sam Darnold returned from his injury and was healthy to start the game. New England started with the ball and scored on a 3-yard run by Sony Michel in a 16-play, 78-yard drive that drained 8:47 off the clock. The Jets sought to respond with a score but Darnold threw a hurried pass due to the blitz and was intercepted by Devin McCourty, his fifth this season. After failing to obtain a first down, New England settled for a 34-yard field goal. On the ensuing drive, New York went three-and-out and the Patriots took advantage by scoring on a 26-yard pass to Phillip Dorsett. With this touchdown, New England was up 17–0. John Simon had a strip sack on Darnold and Kyle Van Noy recovered. The Patriots would score off another turnover, this time on another run by Sony Michel. New York finally gained momentum on a drive, reaching the Patriots 19, but Darnold made another ill-advised decision on a pass that was intercepted by Duron Harmon. Starting at their own 1, the Patriots' offense went three-and-out. Although the defense managed to make another stop on New York's struggling offense. Neither team scored for the rest of the half and the Patriots led 24–0 entering the second half. On the Jets' very first drive, Darnold was picked by Stephon Gilmore. New England failed to capitalize off the turnover but the defense recorded a safety after a high snap by Jets center Ryan Kalil. Unfortunately for the Patriots, Tom Brady was hit while trying to throw the ball and was intercepted by Trumaine Johnson. Despite being at the New England 33, the Jets failed to score as Darnold was picked off for the fourth time, this time by Terrence Brooks. For much of the remainder of the matchup, both teams only punted. Though, New England would score one final touchdown on a 1-yard run by Sony Michel, giving them a 33–0 shutout win.[244]
The Patriots defense continued their historic dominance in a 33–0 shutout over the New York Jets. They became the second team to have multiple 30-points shutouts since the 1942 Chicago Bears. Additionally, New England has outscored their opponents in a 223–48 margin thus far, a 175-point difference.[245] Their win also allowed them to improve to 7–0 for the third time in franchise history after the 2007 and 2015 seasons. This was the twelfth consecutive victory (including playoffs) for New England, stemming back to the Week 16 of the 2018 season. Also of significance, Devin McCourty obtained his fifth interception of the season, leading the league in this category as of Week 7. Jets quarterbackSam Darnold struggled immensely, finishing with a mere 3.6 QB rating and four interceptions.[246]
Week 8: vs. Cleveland Browns
Week Eight: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots– Game summary
On a rainy Sunday evening, the Patriots faced the Cleveland Browns, whom were coming off a bye week. Starting with the ball, New England had a slow start on offense. Sony Michel rushed for 10 yards on the first play, but the drive would soon stall. Cleveland went three-and-out on their first possession; and on the ensuing Patriots possession, they reached the Browns' 2 but were forced to settle for a field goal. They would score again after Kyle Van Noy returned 26-yard fumble – in which Nick Chubb lost the ball after his own lineman's foot knocked it loose – for a touchdown. Notably during the kickoff, rookiepunterJake Bailey completed his first kick as the replacement for the recently injured Stephen Gostkowski. Surprisingly, Chubb, on the Browns' next drive, would fumble again after rushing past New England defenders to the Patriots 16 and Jonathan Jones striking the ball out. The Patriots would soon punt after gaining possession. On Cleveland's first play, Baker Mayfield threw a shovel pass pick to Lawrence Guy who returned it to the Browns' 11. Tom Brady would hit Julian Edelman on an 8-yard touchdown, two plays later. Finally ending their streak of turnovers, the Browns reached midfield and punted. New England would go three-and-out on the next possession, and the Browns responded with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Harris in an 8-play, 54-yard drive. Seeking to counter, New England attempted a field goal at the Browns 11, but it was blocked by Denzel Ward. Entering the second half, the Patriots were leading 17–7. On the first possession, Cleveland marched to the New England 11, however, a Jamie Collins sack halted their advance. The Patriots answered with a touchdown. During the drive, James White recorded a 59-yard catch-and-run on a screen and Brady connected with Edelman for their second touchdown of the day. Both teams traded punts for the rest of the third quarter. New England would manage to reach the red zone once again, but yet another possession was hampered, and they obtained a field goal. After a series of sacks and penalties on Cleveland, their drive lost momentum immediately and they failed to convert on 4th and 16 at their own 19. The Patriots sought to capitalize off the stop, but Mike Nugent missed his field goal wide left in what was his last game as a Patriots; he was cut from the team just days later. The Browns would score a field goal on the following possession and neither team would gain anything in particular thereafter. The Patriots won the game 27–13.[247][248]
The defense helped the Patriots quickly gain an insurmountable 17-point lead through a sequence of turnovers. In fact, they forced turnovers on three consecutive drives by forcing two fumbles on Nick Chubb and intercepting Baker Mayfield on a shovel pass. On one of the fumbles, Dont'a Hightower recovered and registered his first touchdown since Week 1 of the 2012 season. Lawrence Guy managed to record his first career interception off of the botched shovel pass.[249][250] Meanwhile, despite the weather obstructions, Tom Brady managed to play well, recording two touchdowns and completing multiple remarkable throws. Julian Edelman caught both of Brady's touchdowns and had 8 receptions and 78 yards for the day. Also, without soon-to-be released wideoutJosh Gordon, Brady targeted newly acquired receiver Mohamed Sanu, who caught two receptions for 23 yards in his Patriots debut.[251] With this victory, Patriots head coachBill Belichick obtained his 300th win.[252]
Week 9: at Baltimore Ravens
Week Nine: New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens– Game summary
The Patriots came into this game 8–0 as one of two undefeated teams in the NFL alongside the San Francisco 49ers. In the first drive of the game, the Ravens converted twice on 3rd down. Seven of the Ravens' plays in their first drive were runs by Lamar Jackson, Mark Ingram II, and Gus Edwards. On 3rd down, the Patriots seemingly held the Ravens to a field goal attempt, but a neutral zone infraction by Shilque Calhoun gave the Ravens a first down which then led to a 3-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Lamar Jackson. On the Patriots' first possession, Tom Brady threw 3 straight incomplete passes which led to a punt. The next drive, the Patriots defense showed improvement, holding the Ravens to a field goal. The Patriots, however, did not improve offensively as they had to punt after a 9-yard sack by Patrick Onwuasor. After the first quarter the Ravens led 10–0.
The next drive was highlighted by a 53-yard run by Mark Ingram II, and finished with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Gus Edwards pushing the Ravens lead to 17–0. The Patriots once again failed to score after another three-and-out, but caught a break after former Patriot Cyrus Jones muffed a punt by Jake Bailey (recovered by newly acquired special teamer Justin Bethel at the Baltimore 20 yard line). This led to a touchdown by newly acquired receiver Mohamed Sanu, who become the 74th player to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady. After a three-and-out by the Ravens, the Patriots sustained a drive, only to have a holding penalty on Marshall Newhouse and an intentional grounding call lead to a punt. The Patriots were set up in good field position after a fumble recovered by Lawrence Guy at the Ravens' 19 yard line; however, the drive stalled at the 4 yard line. The resulting field goal closed the score to 17–10. After a Ravens punt, the Patriots reached the Baltimore 1 yard line after a touchdown by James White was reversed on replay. Controversially, Patriots coach Belichick chose to kick a field goal on 4th and Goal at the 1, leaving the game 17–13 at the half.
At the start of the 3rd quarter the Patriots advanced to the Baltimore 30 led by receptions of 11 and 15 yards by Mohamed Sanu. A fumble by Julian Edelman was then returned 70 yards by Marlon Humphrey for a touchdown, widening the Ravens' lead to 24–13. The Patriots scored on their next drive on a 4-yard rushing touchdown on 3rd and 3 by James White. However, on the next drive, which lasted 14 plays and took 8:09 off the clock, the Ravens scored again, assisted by 16 and 18 yard receptions by Marquise Brown and Mark Andrews. The drive climaxed in a 5-yard pass to Nick Boyle to make the lead 30–20 (the PAT missed by Justin Tucker).
In the 4th quarter, down two scores, Brady threw an interception to Earl Thomas which ultimately killed any chance of winning for the Patriots. Lamar Jackson ran for a 1-yard touchdown after a 14 play drive, icing the game at 37–20. The game was viewed as an impressive win by the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson becoming a front runner for MVP.
This was the Patriots' first loss since December 16, 2018 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, snapping a 13-game winning streak (including postseason). It was also their first loss to Baltimore since the 2012 AFC Championship game.
Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles
Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles– Game summary
In a rematch of Super Bowl LII, the Patriots won a defensive battle 17–10. Their only touchdown came on a trick play in the third quarter, in which Tom Brady threw a screen pass to Julian Edelman who then proceeded to throw a touchdown pass to Phillip Dorsett. With this win, the Patriots secured a winning season for the 19th year in a row.
Week 12: vs. Dallas Cowboys
Week Twelve: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots– Game summary
With the win, the Patriots set a new NFL record with 17 consecutive 10-win seasons, surpassing the San Francisco 49ers, who set the original record of 16 consecutive 10-win seasons from 1983 to 1998. They also defeated all four of their NFC opponents for the first time since 2010.
Week 13: at Houston Texans
Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Houston Texans– Game summary
This was the Pats' second loss in a row this season, and their first home loss since October 1, 2017 against the Carolina Panthers. A game tying drive in the fourth quarter was halted by a turnover on downs with 1:11 left. Following the loss, Tom Brady posted "We're on to Cincinnati", referencing Bill Belichick's famous line from a press conference following a loss in 2014 against the Chiefs, where the Patriots were also scheduled to play the Bengals the following week.[253]
Week 15: at Cincinnati Bengals
Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals– Game summary
This was the Pats' first win in Cincinnati since 2007, the same year the Pats became the first team to win all regular season games since the league expanded to 16 games in 1978. They also avoided a possible 3-game losing streak for the first time since 2002.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots– Game summary
Despite dominating time of possession in the first half, New England found itself tied with Buffalo by halftime due to a Rex Burkhead fumble on the opening drive and a failed fourth down conversion, which led to points for the Bills. After a back-and-forth third quarter, New England regained the lead as Burkhead scored a go-ahead touchdown with just over 5 minutes to go. Buffalo drove down the field on its final drive, but the Patriots defense stifled Josh Allen and the Bills offense as the drive stalled at the New England 14-yard line. With the win, the Patriots improved to 12–3, clinching the AFC East divisional title for the 11th straight year.[254] This would end up being Tom Brady's final win in a Patriots uniform.
Week 17: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Seventeen: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots– Game summary
Quarter
1
2
3
4
Total
Dolphins
3
7
7
10
27
Patriots
0
10
7
7
24
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: December 29
Game time: 1:00p.m. EST
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 43°F (6°C)
Game attendance: 65,878
Referee: Clay Martin
TV announcers(CBS): Greg Gumbel, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
This was Dolphins head coach Brian Flores's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots following the win in Super Bowl LIII. Flores served 15 years as a scout and assistant to Bill Belichick. This was the Pats' first loss to Miami at home since 2008, which was also the last season the Patriots failed to win their division or make the playoffs. With the loss, coupled with a Kansas City Chiefs win, the Patriots failed to earn a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs for the first time since 2009. This was the only game all season in which the Patriots defense allowed 300 yards passing. This also ended up being quarterback Tom Brady's last regular season game in a Patriots uniform, as he announced on March 17, 2020, that he would leave the Patriots after 20 years with the team and subsequently signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the same day.
1 2 Kansas City finished ahead of New England based on head-to-head victory.
1 2 3 Denver finished ahead of Indianapolis and NY Jets based on conference record. Division tiebreak was initially used to eliminate Oakland (see below).
1 2 Denver finished ahead of Oakland based on conference record.
1 2 3 Oakland and Indianapolis finished ahead of NY Jets based on conference record.
1 2 Oakland finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
1 2 Jacksonville finished ahead of Cleveland based on record against common opponents. Jacksonville's cumulative record against Cincinnati, Denver, NY Jets, and Tennessee was 4–1, compared to Cleveland's 2–3 cumulative record against the same four teams.
1 2 LA Chargers finished ahead of Miami based on head-to-head victory.
↑ 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.
With the loss, the Patriots failed to repeat as Super Bowl Champions, a feat that had not been achieved since their 2004 repeat. They also failed to return to the AFC Championship game for the first time since 2010. It was also their first loss to the Titans at home since 1993, when the Titans were still the Houston Oilers. This was Tom Brady's last game with the Patriots, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency after the season.
During the December 8 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, the Patriots are alleged to have spied on the Bengals' sideline. The Patriots, who were scheduled to play the Bengals the following week, sent a video team to Cleveland to film a documentary of an advance scout, part of the "Do Your Job" series on the Patriots' website. This video contractor was given media credentials by the Browns, but the Bengals and NFL were not made aware of the presence of the Patriots' video crew.[263]
According to ESPN's Dianna Russini, a Bengals staffer spotted the Patriots.com cameraman and proceeded to observe what he was doing. Allegedly, the cameraman proceeded to point his camera at the Bengals coaching staff and sideline for essentially the entire quarter. The Bengals employee reported him to media relations, who reported him to security; security then seized the film and leaked it to Jay Glazer, who made the footage public. The NFL has launched an investigation into these allegations.[264] This was the second time the current Patriots administration had been embroiled in an unauthorized videotaping scandal, following the Spygate controversy in 2007.
As a result, the Patriots were fined $1.1 million and lost a 2021 3rd-round draft pick.[265]
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