2021 New England Patriots season

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2021 New England Patriots season
OwnerRobert Kraft
Head coachBill Belichick
Home fieldGillette Stadium
Results
Record9–6
Division place2nd AFC East
Pro BowlersCB J. C. Jackson
LB Matthew Judon
ST Matthew Slater
Uniform
NE Patriots unif20.png

The 2021 season is the New England Patriots' 52nd season in the National Football League, their 62nd overall, their 20th playing home games at Gillette Stadium and their 22nd under head coach Bill Belichick. They improved on their 7–9 season from the previous year and will attempt to return to the playoffs for the first time in the post-Tom Brady era.

Two longtime players, Super Bowl LIII MVP wide receiver Julian Edelman and safety Patrick Chung, announced their retirements, marking the first time without them on the roster since 2008. Quarterback Cam Newton was released on August 31, 2021 after one season with the team, opening the way for first-round draft pick Mac Jones to be the starter. Another notable roster change was the return of former Patriots linebackers Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins. All-Pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who spent much of the 2020 season injured, began the 2021 season in a contract dispute with the Patriots and was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October.

The Patriots began the season 2–4, including a loss to former Patriot Tom Brady's return to New England, before going on a 7-game win streak prior to their bye week. With a Week 12 win against the Tennessee Titans the Patriots improved upon their 7–9 record from the previous season. With a Week 13 win against the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots recorded their 20th winning season in the Bill Belichick era. Their 7-game win streak ended when they lost to the Colts in week 15.

Roster changes[]

Free agency[]

Unrestricted[]

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
C David Andrews New England Patriots March 22, 2021[1] 4 years, $19 million[2]
CB Justin Bethel New England Patriots March 12, 2021[3] 3 years, $6 million[2]
FS Terrence Brooks Houston Texans March 23, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.75 million[5]
RB Rex Burkhead Houston Texans June 1, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.5 million[6]
DT Adam Butler Miami Dolphins March 18, 2021[7] 2 years, $7.5 million[8]
WR Damiere Byrd Chicago Bears May 4, 2021[9] 1 year, $1.128 million[10]
OLB Shilique Calhoun San Francisco 49ers August 10, 2021[11] 1 year, $990,000[12]
OLB Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons March 19, 2021[13] 1 year, $1.04 million[14]
DT Carl Davis New England Patriots March 15, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.078 million[2]
FS Cody Davis New England Patriots March 19, 2021[1] 2 years, $4.3 million[2]
OT Jermaine Eluemunor Miami Dolphins June 14, 2021[7] 1 year, $1.128 million[15]
C James Ferentz New England Patriots May 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.020 million[16]
K Nick Folk New England Patriots March 23, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.625 million[17]
DT Lawrence Guy New England Patriots March 30, 2021[1] 4 years, $11.5 million[2]
QB Brian Hoyer New England Patriots May 18, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.075 million[18]
CB Jason McCourty Miami Dolphins May 7, 2021[7] 1 year, $1.213 million[19]
WR Donte Moncrief Houston Texans March 22, 2021[4] 1 year, $1.15 million[20]
QB Cam Newton New England Patriots March 12, 2021[21] 1 year, $5.1 million[22]
DE John Simon Tennessee Titans July 25, 2021[23] 1 year, $1.075 million[24]
G Joe Thuney Kansas City Chiefs March 18, 2021[25] 5 years, $80 million[26]
RB James White New England Patriots March 25, 2021[1] 1 year, $2.463 million[2]
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. New England Patriots March 19, 2021[1] 4 years, $22 million[2]

Restricted[]

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
CB J. C. Jackson New England Patriots April 16, 2021[1] Tendered (second-round) for 1 year, $3.384 million[2]

Exclusive-rights[]

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
WR Quincy Adeboyejo
FB Jakob Johnson New England Patriots March 25, 2021[1] 1 year, $850,000[2]

Signings/ waiver claims[]

Position Player Previous team Date signed Contract
DE Montravius Adams Green Bay Packers March 19, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.095 million[27]
WR Nelson Agholor Las Vegas Raiders 2 years, $22 million[2]
DE Henry Anderson New York Jets 2 years, $7 million[2]
WR Kendrick Bourne San Francisco 49ers 3 years, $15 million[2]
TE Hunter Henry Los Angeles Chargers 3 years, $37.5 million[2]
LB Matthew Judon Baltimore Ravens 4 years, $54.5 million[2]
C Ted Karras Miami Dolphins 1 year, $3 million[2]
LB Raekwon McMillan Las Vegas Raiders 1 year, $1.149 million[2]
CB Jalen Mills Philadelphia Eagles 4 years, $24 million[2]
TE Jonnu Smith Tennessee Titans 4 years, $50 million[2]
LB Kyle Van Noy Miami Dolphins 2 years, $12 million[2]
DT Davon Godchaux Miami Dolphins March 23, 2021[1] 2 years, $15 million[2]
LB LaRoy Reynolds Atlanta Falcons March 24, 2021[28] 1 year, $1.213 million[29]
LB Harvey Langi New York Jets May 10, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.057 million[2]
G Alex Redmond Cincinnati Bengals May 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.080 million[30]
LS Denver Broncos May 20, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[31]
FS Adrian Colbert New York Giants May 21, 2021[1] 1 year, $990,000[32]
RB Tyler Gaffney San Francisco 49ers 1 year, $660,000[33]
TE Troy Fumagalli Denver Broncos May 27, 2021[1] 1 year, $850,000[34]
WR Marvin Hall Cleveland Browns June 4, 2021[1] 1 year, $1.015 million[35]
G R. J. Prince Baltimore Ravens June 17, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[36]
WR New England Patriots June 21, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[37]
TE New England Patriots July 23, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[38]
QB Jake Dolegala Green Bay Packers July 28, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[39]
OT Jerald Hawkins Pittsburgh Steelers July 30, 2021[1] 1 year, $920,000[40]
LB Cassh Maluia New England Patriots August 7, 2021[1] 1 year, $780,000[41]
LS Baltimore Ravens August 9, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[42]
SS New England Patriots August 10, 2021[1] 1 year, $660,000[43]
TE Kahale Warring Houston Texans August 24, 2021[1] 4 years, $3.640 million[44]
WR Malcolm Perry Miami Dolphins September 2, 2021[1] 4 years, 3.370 million[2]
LB Jamie Collins Detroit Lions October 6, 2021[1] 1 year, 1.075 million[45]

Releases / waivers[]

Position Player Date released/waived
DT Beau Allen March 18, 2021[1]
WR Marqise Lee
LB Cassh Maluia March 23, 2021[1]
LB Michael Pinkney
K Justin Rohrwasser
G April 9, 2021[1]
DT April 12, 2021[1]
C Dustin Woodard April 16, 2021[1]
QB Jake Dolegala April 30, 2021[1]
G Najee Toran May 18, 2021[1]
LB LaRoy Reynolds May 27, 2021[1]
FB Danny Vitale
K Roberto Aguayo June 17, 2021[1]
LS
WR Devin Smith July 27, 2021[1]
QB Jake Dolegala August 9, 2021[1]
RB Tyler Gaffney August 10, 2021[1]
DE Rashod Berry August 15, 2021[1]
WR Marvin Hall
TE
OT Jerald Hawkins August 16, 2021[1]
TE Troy Fumagalli August 17, 2021[1]
SS August 24, 2021[1]
LS
LB Cassh Maluia
G R. J. Prince
WR
TE Kahale Warring August 27, 2021[1]
DT Montravius Adams August 31, 2021[1]
DE Tashawn Bower
CB Myles Bryant
FS Adrian Colbert
OT Korey Cunningham
C James Ferentz
K Nick Folk
QB Brian Hoyer
CB Mike Jackson Sr.
TE Matt LaCosse
DT Bill Murray
QB Cam Newton
WR Tre Nixon
G Alex Redmond
CB D'Angelo Ross
OT Will Sherman
DT Akeem Spence
DT Nick Thurman
CB Dee Virgin
WR Kristian Wilkerson
WR Isaiah Zuber

Retirements[]

Position Player Date retired
S Patrick Chung March 18, 2021[46]
WR Julian Edelman April 12, 2021[47]

Trades[]

  • March 18 - Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) were traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall, originally acquired from Arizona) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 187 overall).[1]
  • March 18 - The Patriots' 2022 fifth-round selection was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive tackle Trent Brown and the Raiders' 2022 seventh-round selection.[1]
  • March 23 - Tight end Ryan Izzo was traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2022 seventh-round selection.[4]
  • August 25 - Running back Sony Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the Rams' 2022 sixth and 2023 fourth round selections.[1]
  • August 26 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection (originally acquired from Houston) and 2023 fifth-round selection were traded to the Baltimore Ravens for cornerback Shaun Wade.[1]
  • August 31 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for offensive tackle Yasir Durant.[1]
  • October 6 - Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for the Panthers' 2023 sixth-round selection.[48]

Draft[]

Main article: 2021 NFL Draft
2021 New England Patriots Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 15 Mac Jones QB Alabama
2 38 Christian Barmore DT from Cincinnati
3 — Selection forfeited
96 Ronnie Perkins DE Oklahoma Compensatory pick
4 120 Rhamondre Stevenson RB
5 177 Cameron McGrone LB Michigan Compensatory pick
6 188 Joshuah Bledsoe FS Missouri from Houston
197 William Sherman OT Colorado
7 242 Tre Nixon WR UCF

Notes

  • The Cincinnati Bengals' 2021 second-round selection (No. 38 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent the Patriots' 2021 second-round selection (No. 46 overall) and two fourth-round selections (No. 122 and 139 overall) to the Bengals.
  • The Patriots forfeited their third-round selection as the punishment for illegal filming of the field and sidelines by the team's television crew of a 2019 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.[49]
  • The Houston Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sent offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously-acquired Dallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.[50]
  • A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the New York Jets.[51] The Jets re-acquired this selection when the Patriots traded two of their 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.[52]
  • An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sent defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys.[53]

Undrafted free agents[]

Position Player School Date signed
K Quinn Nordin Michigan May 6, 2021[1]

Staff[]

  • July 23: Cole Popovich left the team as co-offensive line coach after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[54]
New England Patriots staff
  • v
  • t
Front office
  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Director of player personnel –
  • Personnel coordinator –
  • College scouting coordinator –
  • Pro scouting coordinator – Steve Cargile
  • Director of scouting administration –
  • Director of football/head coach administration –
  • Scouting consultant – Eliot Wolf
Head coach
  • Head coach/general manager – Bill Belichick
  • Senior football advisor – Matt Patricia
Offensive coaches
  • Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Josh McDaniels
  • Running backs – Ivan Fears
  • Running backs – Vinnie Sunseri
  • Wide receivers – Mick Lombardi
  • Wide receivers/kick returners - Troy Brown
  • Tight ends/fullbacks – Nick Caley
  • Offensive line – Carmen Bricillo
  • Assistant offensive line – Billy Yates
  • Quality control/quarterbacks – Bo Hardegree
  
Defensive coaches
  • Defensive line – DeMarcus Covington
  • Outside linebackers/Defensive Playcaller – Steve Belichick
  • Inside linebackers – Jerod Mayo
  • Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino
  • Safeties – Brian Belichick
  • NFL coaching fellowship/defense – Ross Douglas
Special teams coaches
  • Special teams coordinator – Cameron Achord
  • Assistant special teams –
Assistant coaches
  • Coaching assistant –
Strength and conditioning

→ Coaching staff
→ Management
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Current roster[]

New England Patriots roster
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Quarterbacks

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Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists

Practice squad


Rookies in italics

Roster updated December 25, 2021

51 active, 15 inactive, 12 practice squad (+1 exempt)

→ AFC rosters → NFC rosters

Preseason[]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 12 Washington Football Team W 22–13 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 19 at Philadelphia Eagles W 35–0 2–0 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
3 August 29 at New York Giants W 22–20 3–0 MetLife Stadium Recap

Regular season[]

Schedule[]

The Patriots' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Week Date Time (ET) Opponent Result Record Venue TV Recap
1 September 12 4:25 p.m. Miami Dolphins L 16–17 0–1 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
2 September 19 1:00 p.m. at New York Jets W 25–6 1–1 MetLife Stadium CBS Recap
3 September 26 1:00 p.m. New Orleans Saints L 13–28 1–2 Gillette Stadium Fox Recap
4 October 3 8:20 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–19 1–3 Gillette Stadium NBC Recap
5 October 10 1:00 p.m. at Houston Texans W 25–22 2–3 NRG Stadium CBS Recap
6 October 17 4:25 p.m. Dallas Cowboys L 29–35 (OT) 2–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
7 October 24 1:00 p.m. New York Jets W 54–13 3–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
8 October 31 4:05 p.m. at Los Angeles Chargers W 27–24 4–4 SoFi Stadium CBS Recap
9 November 7 1:00 p.m. at Carolina Panthers W 24–6 5–4 Bank of America Stadium CBS Recap
10 November 14 1:00 p.m. Cleveland Browns W 45–7 6–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
11 November 18 8:20 p.m. at Atlanta Falcons W 25–0 7–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Fox/NFLN/
Prime Video 		Recap
12 November 28 1:00 p.m. Tennessee Titans W 36–13 8–4 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
13 December 6 8:15 p.m. at Buffalo Bills W 14–10 9–4 Highmark Stadium ESPN Recap
14 Bye
15 December 18 8:20 p.m. at Indianapolis Colts L 17–27 9–5 Lucas Oil Stadium NFLN Recap
16 December 26 1:00 p.m. Buffalo Bills L 21–33 9–6 Gillette Stadium CBS Recap
17 January 2 1:00 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars Gillette Stadium CBS
18 January 9 1:00 p.m. at Miami Dolphins Hard Rock Stadium CBS

Notes:

  • Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
  • All remaining games are subject to change—either due to flexible scheduling or COVID-19 issues.
  • Week 18 is subject to being flexed to Saturday, January 8.

Game summaries[]

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins[]

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 7017
Patriots 0 10 3316

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

In rookie quarterback Mac Jones' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running back Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock.[55] With the close loss, the Patriots began the season 0–1 for the first time since 2017.

Week 2: at New York Jets[]

Week 2: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 3 9325
Jets 0 3 036

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,626
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

A battle of rookie quarterbacks saw Zach Wilson of the Jets throw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, allowing New England to coast to a 25–6 win, its 11th straight win over divisional rival New York. Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second game in a row.[56]

Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints[]

Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 7728
Patriots 0 3 3713

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight end Jonnu Smith before being returned by P. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2.[57]

Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers[]

Main article: 2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers–New England Patriots game
Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 3 7619
Patriots 0 7 01017

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 3
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Rain, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

This game marked former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the 2019 season, as he was cheered by the Patriots' home crowd during pre-game introductions before being jeered during the game. During the rain-soaked, back-and-forth contest, Brady was held without a touchdown and completed just over half of his passes; he was held to his third lowest passer rating - 70.8 - since joining the Buccaneers but led them to a go-ahead field goal just after the two-minute warning. Jones, who passed for 2 touchdowns and an interception, led the Patriots into position for their own field goal, but Nick Folk's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.[58]

Week 5: at Houston Texans[]

Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 9 61025
Texans 6 9 7022

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: October 10
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 68,450
  • Referee: Scott Novak
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

Despite being down 22–9 to Houston at one point, the Patriots came back to win — coincidentally in the same stadium where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. Aside from a missed extra point in the first half, Nick Folk made four field goals during the game, including the game-winner with 15 seconds left in the game.[59] With the win, New England improved to 2–3, taking sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East.

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys[]

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Cowboys 7 3 712635
Patriots 14 0 015029

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

This was the Patriots' first overtime game since the 2018 AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the Pats' first loss to the Cowboys in 25 years and their first home loss to them in 34 years.

Week 7: vs. New York Jets[]

Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jets 0 7 6013
Patriots 14 17 32054

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–4 and swept the Jets for the sixth consecutive season and have won 12 straight meetings.

Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers[]

Week 8: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 6 31127
Chargers 7 7 3724

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 70,240
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 4-4 on the season. It was the Patriots’ seventh straight win over the Chargers. Their last loss came on October 12, 2008 in San Diego.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers[]

Week 9: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 14 10024
Panthers 0 6 006

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 72,203
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots intercepted Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88 yard pick-six by J.C. Jackson. New England improved to 5-4 on the year and 4-0 all-time vs. Darnold.

Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns[]

Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 7 0 007
Patriots 7 17 71445

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots outplayed the Browns on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones had one of his better games as a rookie, completing over 80 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Patriots converted 7 of 9 third downs. The defense only allowed points on the first drive of the game, held the Browns to 1 of 11 on third down, and knocked Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game in the third quarter.[60] With Damien Harris sidelined with a concussion from the Panthers game,[61] Rhamondre Stevenson served as the primary running back, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns.[60] With the score 38–7 in the fourth quarter, Brian Hoyer replaced Jones and threw the pass that ended Jakobi Meyers' record touchdown drought.[62]

Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons[]

Week 11: New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 10 01225
Falcons 0 0 000

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: November 18
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 68,286
  • Referee: Land Clark
  • TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Prime Video): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots defense intercepted all three quarterbacks on the Falcons—Matt Ryan, Josh Rosen, and Feleipe Franks—as New England coasted to a 25–0 win over Atlanta on Thursday Night Football, improving to 7–4.[63] They would gain the AFC East division lead later in the week after the Buffalo Bills lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans[]

Week 12: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Titans 0 13 0013
Patriots 7 9 101036

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots defense put up a show against a banged up Titans team. The offense was only forced to punt once but struggled to finish drives and get the run game going, resulting in five Nick Folk field goals. Mac Jones threw for 310 yards, and completed a pair of touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne, with Damien Harris adding a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on the ground. Cornerback J. C. Jackson secured his seventh interception of the season, while the rest of the defense forced five fumbles, three of which were recovered by the Patriots. The Patriots improved to 8-4 for the AFC East division lead and an overall second place in the AFC.

Week 13: at Buffalo Bills[]

Week 13: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 8 3 0314
Bills 7 0 3010

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: December 6
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 36 °F (2 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,694
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, and Lisa Salters
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots entered the game in first place in the AFC following the Baltimore Ravens' loss the previous day, and were playing for first place in the AFC East. The game was impacted by 40 mile-per-hour winds;[64] Belichick noted after the game that the winds in the Patriots' Week 17 game in Buffalo in 2008 were "way worse".[65]

The Patriots drew up a run-heavy game plan in which Jones attempted just three passes, completing two for 19 yards (in 2008, Cassel completed six of eight passes for 78 yards). The Patriots ran the ball 46 times, for over 220 yards, utilizing a sixth offensive lineman on the majority of their offensive snaps.[64] The three pass attempts were the fewest in a game since 1974 (when the Bills attempted just two in a game), the fewest in franchise history, and the fewest by a winning team in 30 years.[66]

The Patriots defense was also stout: the Bills' only touchdown came after a N'Keal Harry muffed punt, and Myles Bryant broke up a fourth-down pass in the red zone late in the fourth quarter to preserve the Patriots' 14–10 win.

The Patriots had their bye week after this game, making it their latest regular-season bye since their Week 16 bye in 2001.[67]

Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts[]

Week 15: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 0 01717
Colts 14 3 3727

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 67,391
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (NFLN): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

The Patriots were flat for much of the game, being shut out in the first half for the first time in 99 games. A late second half comeback brought the Patriots to within three points, but fell short when Jonathan Taylor put the game away with a 67-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Patriots fell to the #3 seed in the AFC prior to Week 15's Sunday games, while still maintaining first place in the AFC East. It was also the first time the Patriots lost to the Colts since Week 10 of the 2009 season.[68]

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills[]

Week 16: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 7 10 31333
Patriots 0 7 7721

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

This was the first time in five years the Pats and the Bills split the season series. Because of this loss (their second straight after a bye week), the Pats fell to the #6 seed in the AFC playoff picture.

Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars[]

Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jaguars 0 0 000
Patriots 0 0 000

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
  • Preview

Standings[]

Division[]

AFC East
  • view
  • talk
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
Buffalo Bills 9 6 0 .600 4–1 6–5 427 264 W2
New England Patriots 9 6 0 .600 3–2 7–3 388 260 L2
Miami Dolphins 8 7 0 .533 3–2 5–5 305 315 W7
New York Jets † 4 11 0 .267 0–5 4–7 276 449 W1

Conference[]

AFC
  • v
  • t
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1 y – Kansas City Chiefs West 11 4 0 .733 4–1 6–4 .540 .524 W8
2 Tennessee Titans South 10 5 0 .667 4–1 6–4 .478 .487 W1
3[a] Cincinnati Bengals North 9 6 0 .600 4–1 7–3 .451 .426 W2
4[a][b] Buffalo Bills East 9 6 0 .600 4–1 6–5 .491 .459 W2
Wild cards
5[c] Indianapolis Colts South 9 6 0 .600 3–2 7–3 .502 .430 W3
6[b][c] New England Patriots East 9 6 0 .600 3–2 7–3 .502 .430 L2
7[d][e] Miami Dolphins East 8 7 0 .533 3–2 5–5 .444 .375 W7
In the hunt
8[d][f] Baltimore Ravens North 8 7 0 .533 1–4 5–6 .520 .471 L4
9[d][e][f][g] Los Angeles Chargers West 8 7 0 .533 2–2 5–5 .522 .504 L2
10[g] Las Vegas Raiders West 8 7 0 .533 2–3 6–4 .522 .529 W2
11 Pittsburgh Steelers North 7 7 1 .500 2–2 5–5 .522 .486 L1
12[h] Cleveland Browns North 7 8 0 .467 2–2 4–6 .516 .405 L2
13[h] Denver Broncos West 7 8 0 .467 1–3 3–7 .462 .357 L2
Eliminated from postseason contention
14[i] New York Jets East 4 11 0 .267 0–5 4–7 .493 .417 W1
15[i] Houston Texans South 4 11 0 .267 3–2 4–7 .480 .367 W2
16 Jacksonville Jaguars South 2 13 0 .133 0–5 2–8 .511 .567 L7
Tiebreakers[j]
  1. ^ a b Cincinnati wins tiebreaker over Buffalo based on conference record.
  2. ^ a b Buffalo wins tiebreaker over New England based on division record.
  3. ^ a b Indianapolis wins tiebreaker over New England based on head-to-head victory.
  4. ^ a b c Miami wins tiebreaker over Baltimore based on conference record.
  5. ^ a b Miami wins tiebreaker over LA Chargers based on record vs. common opponents. Division tiebreaker initially used to eliminated las Vegas (see below).
  6. ^ a b Baltimore wins tiebreaker over LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker initially used to eliminate Las Vegas (see below).
  7. ^ a b LA Chargers wins tiebreaker over Las Vegas based on head-to-head victory.
  8. ^ a b Cleveland wins tiebreaker over Denver based on head-to-head victory.
  9. ^ a b NY Jets wins tiebreaker over Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  10. ^ 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.
Legend
w — Clinched wild card
x — Clinched playoff berth
y — Clinched division
z — Clinched first-round bye and home-field advantage

References[]

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External links[]

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