2013 New England Patriots season

2013 New England Patriots season
Head coach Bill Belichick
Owner Robert Kraft
Home field Gillette Stadium
Results
Record 12–4
Division place 1st AFC East
Playoff finish Won Divisional Playoffs (Colts) 43–22
Lost AFC Championship (Broncos) 26–16
Uniform

The 2013 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 44th season in the National Football league and the 54th overall.[1] The Patriots finished 12–4 and with the AFC's No. 2 seed for a second consecutive season. Along with their seeding, New England was awarded a first-round bye in the playoffs for the fourth season in a row, only the second such occurrence for any team since the league switched to a 6-team playoff format in 1990 (the others being the 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys). The Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 43–22 in the Divisional round of the playoffs, but lost in the AFC Championship game to the Denver Broncos, by a score of 26–16.

Roster changes

Free agency

Notable Departures

RB Danny Woodhead (free agent, San Diego Chargers),[2] WR Wes Welker (free agent, Denver Broncos),[3] WR Brandon Lloyd (released),[4] TE Aaron Hernandez (released),[5] G Donald Thomas (free agent, Indianapolis Colts) G Brian Waters (contract terminated), DE Trevor Scott (free agent), S Patrick Chung (free agent, Philadelphia Eagles), DT Kyle Love (released), DT Brandon Deaderick (released, Jacksonville Jaguars)

Notable Additions: QB Tim Tebow (free agent, later cut), RB LeGarrette Blount (trade), WR Danny Amendola (free agent), WR Michael Jenkins (free agent, later released), WR Donald Jones (free agent, released shortly before announcing his retirement), OT Will Svitek (free agent), DT Tommy Kelly (free agent), DT Armond Armstead (free agent/CFL), S Adrian Wilson (free agent. later placed on IR), KR/RB Leon Washington (free agent, later released, later re-signed), WR Austin Collie (free agent, later released, later re-signed).

2013 draft class

Main article: 2013 NFL Draft

The Patriots traded their fourth-round selection (No. 126 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for cornerback Aqib Talib and the Buccaneers' seventh-round selection (No. 226 overall). The Patriots traded their fifth-round selection (No. 162 overall) to the Washington Redskins in exchange for defensive end Albert Haynesworth, The Patriots also traded their sixth-round selection (No. 197 overall) and their 2012 fifth-round selection to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for wide receiver Chad Johnson. The Patriots traded their first-round selection (No. 29th overall) to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for selections in rounds two, three, four, and seven (No. 52, 83, 102, and 229 overall).[6] Then, New England proceeded to trade running back Jeff Demps and the second of their three picks in the seventh round (No. 229 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for running back LeGarrette Blount.[7]

For the second time in five seasons, the Patriots elected not to choose a player in the first round of the draft.

2013 New England Patriots Draft Selections
Round Overall Player Position College
2 52 Jamie Collins Linebacker Southern Miss
59 Aaron Dobson Wide receiver Marshall
3 83 Logan Ryan Cornerback Rutgers
91 Duron Harmon Safety Rutgers
4 102 Josh Boyce Wide receiver TCU
7 226 Michael Buchanan Defensive end Illinois
235 Steve Beauharnais Linebacker Rutgers

Staff

2013 New England Patriots staff
Front office

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

2013 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, 13 Inactive, 8 Practice squad

Schedule

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 9 at Philadelphia Eagles W 31–22 1–0 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
2 August 16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 25–21 2–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
3 August 22 at Detroit Lions L 9–40 2–1 Ford Field Recap
4 August 29 New York Giants W 28–20 3–1 Gillette Stadium Recap

The performances of quarterback Tim Tebow during the preseason became a focal point of media coverage of the team. After connecting on two touchdowns to Quentin Sims in the game against the New York Giants. Tebow was released by the Patriots on August 31, 2013.

Regular season

For the first time since the 2002 season, the Patriots did not play the Indianapolis Colts during the regular season, though the two teams met in the playoffs. The Colts–Patriots rivalry had become one of the most known in modern era sports.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 8 at Buffalo Bills W 23–21 1–0 Ralph Wilson Stadium Recap
2 September 12 New York Jets W 13–10 2–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
3 September 22 Tampa Bay Buccaneers W 23–3 3–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
4 September 29 at Atlanta Falcons W 30–23 4–0 Georgia Dome Recap
5 October 6 at Cincinnati Bengals L 6–13 4–1 Paul Brown Stadium Recap
6 October 13 New Orleans Saints W 30–27 5–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
7 October 20 at New York Jets L 27–30 (OT) 5–2 MetLife Stadium Recap
8 October 27 Miami Dolphins W 27–17 6–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
9 November 3 Pittsburgh Steelers W 55–31 7–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
10 Bye
11 November 18 at Carolina Panthers L 20–24 7–3 Bank of America Stadium Recap
12 November 24 Denver Broncos W 34–31 (OT) 8–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
13 December 1 at Houston Texans W 34–31 9–3 Reliant Stadium Recap
14 December 8 Cleveland Browns W 27–26 10–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
15 December 15 at Miami Dolphins L 20–24 10–4 Sun Life Stadium Recap
16 December 22 at Baltimore Ravens W 41–7 11–4 M&T Bank Stadium Recap
17 December 29 Buffalo Bills W 34–20 12–4 Gillette Stadium Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Regular season

Week 1: at Buffalo Bills

Week One: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 7 0623
Bills 0 14 7021

at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information
First quarter
  • Julian Edelman 9-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:46. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 16 yards, 0:47.
  • Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 4:47. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 9 plays, 20 yards, 3:43.
Second quarter
Third quarter
  • Steve Johnson 18-yard pass from EJ Manuel (Dan Carpenter kick), 11:03. Bills 21–17. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 3:57.
Fourth quarter
  • Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 10;48. Bills 21–20. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 3:29.
  • Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 0:05. Patriots 23–21 Drive: 12 plays, 49 yards, 4:26.
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Danny Amendola: 10 REC, 104 YDS
  • BUF – Fred Jackson: 4 REC, 41 YDS
Top tacklers

In the season opener, both teams featured key new players to their franchises: the Bills' rookie quarterback EJ Manuel and the Patriots' new wide receiver Danny Amendola. Tom Brady struggled as the chemistry between him and his receivers was not great and as a result, Brady was inaccurate throughout the game. The Bills managed to take the lead in the 3rd quarter, but Brady mounted a masterful 4th quarter comeback by throwing quick, accurate passes to an injured Amendola to set up Gostowski for a game winning field goal. The Patriots began their season 1–0 for the 10th straight year.

Week 2: vs. New York Jets

Week Two: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Jets 3 0 7010
Patriots 10 3 0013

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
  • NE- 12:54 Aaron Dobson 39-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 6 plays, 81 yards, 2:06. (NE 7-0)
  • NE- 9:17 Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard FG. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:00. (NE 10-0)
  • NYJ- 4:01 Nick Folk 37-yard FG. Drive: 11 plays, 61 yards, 5:16. (NE 10-3)
Second quarter
  • NE- 5:05 Stephen Gostkowski 30-yard FG. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 1:27. (NE 13-3)
Third quarter
  • NYJ- 5:05 Bilal Powell 3-yard TD run, Nick Folk kick. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 5:00. (NE 13-10)
Fourth quarter

No scoring
Top passers
  • NYJ – Geno Smith: 15/35, 214 yards, 3 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady: 19/39, 185 yards, TD
Top rushers
  • NYJ – Chris Ivory: 12 carries, 52 yards
  • NE – Stevan Ridley: 16 carries, 40 yards
Top receivers
  • NYJ – Stephen Hill: 4 receptions, 86 yards
  • NE – Julian Edelman: 13 receptions, 78 yards
Top tacklers
  • NYJ – Antonio Allen: 5 tackles, 4 assists
  • NE – Dont'a Hightower: 4 tackles, 4 assists

The Patriots home opener featured the long-time division rival Jets and their new rookie quarterback Geno Smith. The Patriots struck first with Tom Brady hitting a wide open Aaron Dobson for a 39-yard touchdown pass, his first of the year. Because It rained heavily throughout the game, it resulted in poor offenses from both teams. Brady failed to complete at least 50% of his passes on the day. The lone bright spot on the Patriots offense was Julian Edelman, who caught 13 passes for 78 yards. After leading 13–3 at halftime, the Jets would try to rally with a touchdown, however the Pats' defense made a critical stop as the team improved to 2–0.

Week 3: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week Three: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 0 003
Patriots 0 17 3323

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • TB – Josh Freeman 19/41 236 yards 0 TDs 1 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady 25/36 225 yards 2 TDs 1 INT
Top rushers
  • TB – Doug Martin 20 carries, 88 yards
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 14 carries, 65 yards 1 TD
Top receivers
  • TB – Mike Williams 5 receptions, 65 yards
  • NE – Aaron Dobson 7 receptions, 52 yards
Top tacklers
  • TB – 11 tackles, 8 solo, 0.5 sack
  • NE – Jerod Mayo 9 tackles, 8 solo, 1.0 sack

The Patriots rolled through the struggling Buccaneers to improve to 3–0. Although the Patriots struggled early, they finally flexed their muscles on offense with an equally as impressive show of force on defense. On the first play of the game, Tom Brady hit Brandon Bolden for 11 yards and a first down. After an incomplete pass, Brady hit receiver Julian Edelman for 8 yards, but on 3rd-and-2, Brady was sacked by Lavonte David and Mark Barron and the Patriots punted. Josh Freeman drove the Buccaneers 50 yards in 8 plays, but Ryan Lindell missed a 38-yard field goal. The Patriots punted again on their next drive. This time the Buccaneers drove 71 yards aided by 35 yards in Patriots penalties before Ryan Lindell hit a 30-yard field goal, giving the Buccaneers a 3-0 lead. An 8-yard sack by Adrian Clayborn doomed the Patriots next drive as they punted again. With the drive starting at their own 45, the Bucs drove to the Patriots 34, but on 4th-and-5, rather than attempt a 52-yard field goal, they went for the first down, but Freeman's pass was incomplete. The Patriots' offense finally got going on the succeeding drive. Brady completed two passes to rookie receiver Aaron Dobson, including a 4-yard catch on 4th-and-2. Then hit Kenbrell Thompkins for a 16-yard touchdown pass as the Patriots marched 66 yards to take a 7-3 lead early in the 2nd quarter. The Bucs drove to the Patriots 38-yard line on their next drive once again turned it over on downs when Doug Martin was tackled for no gain by Brandon Spikes on 4th-and-1. This time Brady commandeered a 61-yard drive and hit Thompkins for a 5-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead 14-3. Josh Freeman was intercepted by ex-Buc Aqib Talib on the next drive and Stephen Gostowski hit a 53-yard field goal right before halftime. Tom Brady threw an interception on the Patriots first drive after halftime, but the Buccaneers punted on their first two after halftime. Gostowski later kicked a 46-yard field goal for the only scoring of the 3rd quarter as the Patriots defense shut down the Buccaneers. The Buccaneers turned it over for the third time on downs early in the fourth-quarter. The Patriots took it and kicked a 33-yard field-goal for the final score of 23-3. Tom Brady had his best game of the season so far going 25/36 for 225 yards and 2 touchdowns with 1 interception despite 3 sacks. Running back Doug Martin could not reach the end zone for Tampa Bay despite running for 88 yards and Josh Freeman could not lead the Buccaneers offense to a touchdown. Tampa Bay's starting quarterback Josh Freeman would be released in the week following the game.

Week 4: at Atlanta Falcons

Week Four: New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 10 31730
Falcons 3 7 01323

at Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady – 20/31, 316 YDS, 2 TD
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 34/54, 421 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

In their first strong test of the season, the Patriots defeated Matt Ryan and the Falcons in a close battle on Sunday Night Football to go 4–0. In what was billed a potential Super Bowl preview before the season, the Falcons limped to a 1-2 start. After receiving the opening kickoff The Falcons got on the scoreboard first with a long, 14-play 75-yard drive which chewed 5:37 off the clock. They drove all the way to the Patriots 5-yard line, but had to settle for a 23-yard field goal by kicker Matt Bryant. The Patriots responded later in the first quarter with a marathon drive of their own taking over 6 minutes off the clock, 12 plays and 76 yards later, third-string running back Brandon Bolden ran for a 3-yard touchdown, but the Falcons challenged and he didn't break the plane of the end zone, moving the ball back to the 1.Two plays later, Tom Brady threw a tight pass to Tight end Matthew Mulligan to take a 7-3 lead. On the following drive the Falcons put together another long, strong drive to the Patriots 15-yard line. On 3rd-and-10, Matt Ryan found Jacquizz Rodgers on a screen pass for 8 yards The Falcons kept the offense on the field, though, and on 4th-and-2 Matt Ryan couldn't complete his pass intended for Roddy White and they turned it over on downs. The Patriots took over and marched to the Falcons 31, aided by a 49-yard completion from Brady to inconsistent rookie Kenbrell Thompkins, before Stephen Gostkowski booted a 48-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-3. Right before half-time, Ryan and the Falcons stormed 80 yards in a mere 8 plays eventually finding Tight end Tony González for a 21-yard touchdown with 0:46 left in the half which tied the game at 10. The Patriots drained 6:15 off the clock by moving 89 yards in 14 plays to take a 13-10 lead on a 22-yard Gostkowski field goal. This was the only score of the third quarter for either team. On the first play of the fourth quarter, on 3rd-and-19, Tom Brady hit Kenbrell Thompkins for 26 yards with 15 added yards on a helmet-to-helmet hit by safety William Moore, moving the ball to the Falcons 47-yard line. On the very next play LeGarrette Blount burst through the middle and down the sideline for a 47-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 20-10 with 14:26 remaining in the game. The Falcons responded on their next possession driving 53 yards in just 6 plays in large part to a pass interference call on Aqib Talib for 38 yards. On 3rd-and-8 from their own 18, Michael Buchanan sacked Ryan, and Bryant kicked a 45-yard field goal, trimming the score back to 7 at 20-13. It wouldn't last though. The Patriots responded by racing 80 yards in a ridiculous 5 plays to score on an incredible, 18-yard touchdown pass to Kenbrell Thompkins for the largest lead of the night at 27-13. Edelman caught two passes for 60 yards on the drive including an imperative 44-yard catch-and-run on 3rd-and-8. Ryan was intercepted by Talib on the first play of the ensuing drive and the Patriots cashed in with Gostkowski's 49-yard field goal with 6:18 remaining, seemingly putting the game out of reach. The Falcons stormed 80 yards in only 1:56 with Ryan hitting Gonzalez on an 11-yard touchdown pass, trimming the deficit to 30-20 with only 4:22 remaining. The Falcons recovered the onside kick after it was fumbled by Zach Sudfeld. The Falcons drove to their own 7, but couldn't reach the end zone and Bryant kicked a 25-yard field goal making it a one possession deficit again at 30-23 with just 3:00 remaining. After an 8-yard run by Blount on 1st-down, Brady could only gain a yard. On 3rd-and-1 Blount seemingly stretched for a 1st down, but was ruled short. After a timeout, the Patriots went for it on 4th-and-1, but Brady fumbled the snap for a turnover on downs. On their last drive, starting from their own 38, Ryan connected with Julio Jones for a 49-yard bomb to the Patriots 13. After back-to-back incompletions, Ryan hit Jacquizz Rodgers for 3 yards to the 10, setting up a do-or-die 4th-and-7. Ryan threw the pass in Roddy White's direction, but the pass was broken up by Aqib Talib. Two kneels by Brady sealed the deal and the Patriots were 4-0.

Week 5: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week Five: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 036
Bengals 0 3 3713

at Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio

  • Date: October 6
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 68 °F (20 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 64,259
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady 18/38 197 yards, 1 INT
  • CIN – Andy Dalton 20/27 212 yards, 1 INT
Top rushers
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 12 carries, 51 yards
  • CIN – Benjarvus Green-Ellis 19 carries, 67 yards, 1 touchdown
Top receivers
  • NE – Danny Amendola 4 receptions, 55 yards
  • CIN – A.J. Green 5 receptions, 61 yards
Top tacklers
  • NE – Devin McCourty 12 tackles, 8 solo
  • CIN – Vontaze Burfict 8 tackles, 7 solo, 1.0 sacks

The Patriots first loss of the season came in Cincinnati, as the Patriots struggled to gain any offense against a great Bengals defense. Brady's consecutive games with a TD pass streak ended at 52, two games short of Drew Brees' record, against the same team which he had started the streak in 2010. From start to finish the Bengals defensive line led by Geno Atkins made mince meat of the Patriots offensive line. Brady was hit and sacked early and often on the day. Both teams' defenses played extremely well in the day. The first quarter was. tough, physically demanding, and scoreless with both team's first two drives ending in punts. Andy Dalton managed to drive the Bengals to the Patriots' 9 yard-line, but was intercepted by Brandon Spikes. The scoring started in the 2nd quarter. After a Bengals punt, two completions and a 15-yard penalty moved the ball to the Bengals 32 yard-line. However, LeGarrette Blount fumbled late in the 2nd quarter after being tackled by Carlos Dunlap and Reggie Nelson recovered at the Cincinnati 30. Andy Dalton managed to sustain a short, 49-yard drive that ended in a 39-yard field-goal by Mike Nugent. The big play was an 18-yard catch by A.J. Green on 3rd-and-5. The Patriots punted on their next possession, but forced a three-and-out on their next drive. Tom Brady led the Patriots to the Bengals 24-yard line and Stephen Gostowski kicked a 42-yard field goal with 13 seconds remaining in the first half to tie the game at 3 - 3. Cincinnati scored on their second drive of the second half. Marching down the field on a long, 13 play, 59-yard drive, eating 6:17 off the clock, that culminated in a Mike Nugent 50 yard field goal. On their first possession of the fourth quarter, the Bengals scored the only touchdown of the day, with a long 14 play, 93-yard drive, which snatched 7:48 off the clock, that ended with ex-Patriot BenJarvus Green-Ellis' 1 yard touchdown run on 4th-and-goal, extending the lead to 13-3. Giovanni Bernard had perhaps the most crucial play with a 28-yard run on 3rd-and-15 from the Bengals 2-yard line. On their next drive, the Patriots managed to bring the game back to one score at 13-6 with Stephen Gostowski kicking a 19-yard field-goal. With 3:33 to go Devin McCourty forced Giovani Bernard to fumble, giving New England hope for a comeback. Later, Brady launched an accurated ball to Dobson. Dobson caught it momentarily, but it was punched out by Terrence Newman. Brady was sacked on the next play and they punted. On the Patriots final drive, Brady led the Pats to the Cincinnati 27 yard line before throwing a final fade in a gargantuan downpour. The ball was wet, Brady under-threw it to an open Dobson tipped and it was intercepted by Pacman Jones with 0:17 seconds remaining, and the Patriots lost for the first time of the season.

Brady struggled mightily completing just 18/38 for 197 yards and 4 sacks didn't help. Danny Amendola had 4 catches for 55 yards in his first game since the season-opener due to a knee injury. The Bengals out gained the Patriots 348-241. Had more first downs 21-15. Led in time of possession 35:44-24:16. Both teams had two turnovers apiece.

Week 6: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week Six: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Saints 7 0 101027
Patriots 3 14 31030

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NO – Drew Brees 17/36 236 yards 2 TDs 1 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady 25/43 269 yards 1 TD 1 INT
Top rushers
  • NO – Khiry Robinson 7 rushes, 53 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NE – Stevan Ridley 20 rushes, 96 yards, 2 TDs
Top receivers
  • NO – Kenny Stills 3 catches, 64 yards, 1 touchdown
  • NE – Aaron Dobson 6 catches, 63 yards, 0 touchdowns
Top tacklers

In a thrilling back and forth affair, the Patriots managed a sensational comeback against the undefeated Saints. Following the opening kickoff, Brady put together a 14-play 60-yard drive. The Patriots drove to the Saints 12, but on 3rd-and-7 Tom Brady was sacked for a 5-yard loss forcing them to settle for Stephen Gostkowski's 35-yard field goal to take the opening lead 3-0. The Saints went 3-and-out on their opening drive and the Patriots followed that with a 3-and-out of their own. The Saints responded by marching 73 yards taking over five minutes off the clock with Drew Brees tossing a 3-yard touchdown pass to Travaris Cadet. The Patriots immediately responded by slowly moving 80 yards to take a 10-7 lead on Stevan Ridley's 1-yard touchdown run. The Saints went 3-and-out yet again on their next drive and the Patriots took advantage with a long drive taking up 4:52 seconds in 12 plays as they marched 69 yards to increase their lead to 17-7 on another Stevan Ridley touchdown run, this one from 4 yards out. Punts filled the !of the half and the Patriots led 17-7 at halftime. The Saints took the opening kickoff of the second half 70 yards to the Patriots 10, but the Patriots kept them out of the end zone and Garrett Hartley kicked a 28-yard field goal to trim the lead 17-10. After a Patriots 3-and-out, the Saints stormed 67 yards with Khiry Robinson rushing for a 3-yard touchdown to suddenly tie the game at 17. The Patriots managed to respond on the follow-up drive marching 54 yards in 12 plays, but settled for Gostkowski's 54-yard field goal to retake the lead 20-17. Early in the fourth quarter on 3rd-and-12, the Drew Brees called a timeout to avoid delay of game, but the referees didn't see it so Brees was forced to snap the ball. Brees forced a pass intended for Jimmy Graham, but was by Kyle Arrington at the Saints 25 and returned for 5 yards to the Saints 20. The Patriots managed to reach the Saints 5-yard line, but were kept out of the end zone and Gostkowski kicked a 23-yard field goal to increase th Patriots lead to 23-17. The Saints immediately responded by storming 81 yards in 5:05 with Brees connecting with Kenny Stills on a 34-yard touchdown pass on 3rd-and-20, giving the Saints their second lead of the night 24-23. Four straight incompletions from Brady on the next drive seemingly ended the game, but the Patriots held the Saints to only three yards and Hartley kicked a 39-yard field goal to increase the lead to 27-23. Brady threw a seemingly game deciding interception with just 2:16 remaining but once again, the Patriots defense managed to hold the Saints to a 3-and-out (mostly due to the Saints erratic play calling). Brady got the ball back at his own 30 with 1:13 remaining and no timeouts, and mounted his 39th career game-winning drive. Tom Brady hit Edelman for 23 yards on the first play to move the ball to the Saints 47. He then completed passes to Austin Collie for 15 yards and Aaron Dobson for 6 yards moving the ball to the Saints 26-yard line with 0:35 seconds left. Back-to-back incompletions set up a 4th-and-4. Brady completed a pass to Collie again for 9 yards. Brady spiked the ball at the 17 with :10 seconds remaining. On the very next play, Brady connected with Kenbrell Thompkins with five seconds remaining on the clock giving the Patriots the 30-27 lead. The Saints attempted a hook-and-lateral on the kickoff, but Darren Sproles fumbled and Jamie Collins recovered to end the game. The win (his 28th comeback win and 40th game-winning 4th quarter drive) was also his first in four tries against a Drew Brees-quarterbacked team. With the exception of the final drive, the Patriots pass protection was horrid allowing 5 sacks. The Patriots pass defense played very well, with vaunted tight end Jimmy Graham not catching a single pass all night.

Week 7: at New York Jets

Week Seven: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Patriots 14 7 06027
Jets 7 3 170330

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: October 20
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 63 °F (17 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 76,957
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE –
  • NYJ –
Top rushers
  • NE –
  • NYJ –
Top receivers
  • NE –
  • NYJ –
Top tacklers
  • NE –
  • NYJ –

After a strong start by the Patriots in the first game back for star tight end Rob Gronkowski (8 catches 114 yards), the Jets battled back and lead 27–24 in the 4th quarter. Brady led a drive that would result in a game tying field goal with 16 seconds left to send the game to overtime. The Patriots received the ball first but failed to score. The Jets then pushed down the field but was halted by the Patriots defense and was forced to attempt a 56 yd field goal, which missed. However, on the play, a controversial unsportsmanlike penalty was called on New England's Chris Jones for pushing his teammate into the offensive line, giving the Jets 15 yds and a first down. Nick Folk's second attempt at 42 yds didn't miss and the Jets won their first game against New England in three years.

Week 8: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week Eight: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 10 0017
Patriots 0 3 17727

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

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

Miami dominated the first half, scoring 17 points as the Patriots looked ugly, struggling to gain any offense except for a field goal. Brady threw for only 25 yards in the first half (his fewest since 2003) to complement his interception. It looked dangerously like New England would lose back to back division games for the first time since 2002. But, the second half proved better, as Brady and the Patriots came out strong and scored 24 unanswered to win 27–17, thanks to a few crucial Miami turnovers.

Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week Nine: Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Steelers 0 10 14731
Patriots 7 17 32855

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 3
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 44 °F (7 °C), partly cloudy, cool and windy
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Phil Simms (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

New England posted its biggest single-game offensive output of the season to date, and the third highest in team history (630 yards) as the Patriots offense finally clicked in what amounted to a blowout win over the struggling Steelers. Brady threw for 432 yards and four touchdowns, while Aaron Dobson, Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski combined for 395 yards and four touchdowns. Stevan Ridley also had over 100 yds rushing and two touchdowns despite a third-quarter fumble. Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for 400 yds and 4 TD's as well, made it a close game early in the 3rd, coming out of the half to score two unanswered touchdowns to tie the game at 24. But New England's defense took advantage of Pittsburgh turnovers and the Patriots offense remained productive, scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter to seal the blowout win. The 55 points was the most scored against the Steelers in team history.

Week 11: at Carolina Panthers

Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 71020
Panthers 7 3 7724

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady 29/40 283 yards 1 TD 1 INT
  • CAR – Cam Newton 19/28 209 yards 3 TDs 0 INTs
Top rushers
  • NE – LeGarrette Blount 10 carries, 49 yards 0 TD
  • CAR – Cam Newton 7 carries, 62 yards 0 TDs
Top receivers
  • NE – Shane Vereen 8 receptions, 65 yards 0 TDs
  • CAR – 4 receptions, 62 yards 0 TDs
Top tacklers
  • NE – Rob Ninkovich 9 tackles, 6 solo, 2.0 sacks
  • CAR – Thomas Davis 17 tackles, 10 solo

Ten years after their most famous meeting, the Patriots and Panthers battled back and forth on an exciting edition of Monday Night Football. After both teams punted on their opening drive, the Panthers stormed 75 yards in just 9 plays. On 3rd-and-3 at the Patriots 34, Cam Newton threw an incomplete pass, but Aqib Talib was flagged for unnecessary roughness. This moved the ball to the 19 and gave Carolina a new set of downs. A few plays later, Newton hit current Patriot Brandon LaFell for a 9-yard touchdown. The Patriots responded by driving to the 13-yard line of Carolina, but Stevan Ridley fumbled after being tackled by Kawann Short with Mario Addison recovering for Carolina. The Patriots had taken 6:41 off the clock, but had come away with zero points. Carolina responded by driving 63 yards to the Patriots 25-yard line, taking 6:01 off the clock, and Graham Gano drilled a 42-yard field goal, extending the lead to 10-0 with only 5:02 remaining in the half. The Patriots drove 42 yards to the Carolina 24, but Carolina's stout defense held the Patriots to only a field goal as Gostkowski drained a 42-year field goal with 1:09 remaining in the half. Carolina ran out the clock going to the locker room up 10—3, but Brady led New England back on another second-half comeback. The Patriots took the opening drive of the half for a touchdown marching 82 yards in only 8 plays with Brady throwing a short pass to Rob Gronkowski who carried three Carolina defenders into the end zone for a 9-yard touchdown, tying the score at 10-10. The Panthers responded immediately with an amazing 13 play, 81 yard drive, including 3 3rd-down conversions. On 3rd-and-7 at the Carolina 37, Cam Newton beat the Patriots blitz with a 14-yard scramble. Later on 3rd-and-1 at the Patriots 40, Mike Tolbert ran for 2 yards and finally, on 3rd-and-4 at the Patriots 15, Newton connected with Greg Olsen for a 15-yard touchdown retaking the lead at 17-10. The Patriots answered right back driving 80 yards using only 9 plays with Ridley redeeming himself with a 1-yard touchdown run tying the game at 17-17. After a Panthers three-and-out the Patriots drove 30 yards to the Panthers 8-yard line, but the Panthers defense stood strong and held the Patriots to a 26-yard Gostkowski field goal, giving the Patriots their lead at 20-17 with 6:32 remaining in the game. However, Cam Newton led the Panthers down the field on a 13 play, 83 yard drive that took 5:33 off the clock and retook the lead at 24—20 with only :59 seconds left. Once again the Panthers converted 3 3rd-downs. On 3rd-and-6 at the Carolina 21 , Newton ran for 15 yards. On 3rd-and-2 at the Carolina 44, Newton ran for 3 more yards. Finally, on 3rd-and-7 at the Patriots 36, Devin McCourty was flagged for a questionable pass interference on Greg Olsen. Newton finished the drive with a 25-yard touchdown pass to Ted Ginn Jr. on 2nd-and-15. On the Patriots final drive, Brady threw three straight incompletions to start the drive. On 4th-and-10, Brady connected with Gronkowski for 23 yards to the Patriots 43. After an incomplete pass, Brady fired an 11-yard pass to Danny Amendola to the Panthers 46. Four plays later Brady threw an incomplete pass intended for Aaron Dobson on 3rd-and-10, but Melvin White was called for pass interference, moving the ball to the Panthers 36. Brady got the ball to thePanther's 18 yard line with :03 seconds left after an 11-yard completion to Shane Vereen for 11 yards Three the 25 American a 7-yard completion to Dobson. Brady attempted a game winning TD pass to Rob Gronkowski, but was intercepted in the end zone by Robert Lester. However, on the final play of the game, yet another controversial call by the referees decided the outcome of the game, as the Panther's Luke Kuechly was called for pass interference on Gronkowski, but the flag was picked up and announced there was no foul, resulting in end of the game. The official ruling on the field was that Kuechly had interfered with Gronkowski, but because the ball was under-thrown and intercepted, the ball was ruled uncatchable, thus nullifying the foul.[8] However, after the game ended, media sources debated the ruling on the field, and it was the opinion of many that the call was incorrect and the Patriots were robbed of a chance to win the game.[9][10]

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Week Twelve: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34OTTotal
Broncos 17 7 07031
Patriots 0 0 2110334

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 24
  • Game time: 8:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 22 °F (−6 °C), clear, windy and cold
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Gene Steratore
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (color commentator) and Michele Tafoya (sideline reporter)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • DEN – 9:54 Von Miller 60-yard fumble return for a TD, Matt Prater kick. (DEN 7–0)
  • DEN – 8:54 Knowshon Moreno 2-yard TD run, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 2 plays, 10 yards, 0:28. (DEN 14–0)
  • DEN – 2:57 Matt Prater 27-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 35 yards, 4:29. (DEN 17–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 6:10 Jacob Tamme 10-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:28. (DEN 24–0)
Third quarter
  • NE – 11:21 Julian Edelman 5-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 8 plays, 80 yards, 3:39. (DEN 24–7)
  • NE – 5:40 Brandon Bolden 1-yard TD run, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:39. (DEN 24–14)
  • NE – 0:19 Rob Gronkowski 6-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:42. (DEN 24–21)
Fourth quarter
  • NE – 13:13 Julian Edelman 14-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 3 plays, 30 yards, 1:19. (NE 28–24)
  • NE – 7:37 Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard FG. Drive: 12 plays, 34 yards, 4:45. (NE 31–24)
  • DEN – 3:06 Demaryius Thomas 11-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:31. (tied 31–31)
Overtime
  • NE – 1:56 Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard FG. Drive: 3 plays, 1:05. (NE 34–31)
Top passers
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 19/36, 150 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT
  • NE – Tom Brady: 34/50, 344 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
  • DEN – Knowshon Moreno: 37 rushes, 224 yards, 1 TD
  • NE – Brandon Bolden: 13 rushes, 58 yards, 1 TD
Top receivers
  • DEN – Jacob Tamme: 5 receptions, 47 yards, 1 TD
  • NE – Julian Edelman: 9 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TD
Top tacklers

In the 14th installment of the Brady-Manning Rivalry, the Patriots and Broncos battled in one of the most exciting editions of NBC Sunday Night Football in recent memory. The expected shootout between two potent offenses did not occur at the start of the game, as three New England turnovers on their first three drives of the game gave the Broncos a 17–0 lead in the 1st quarter. It was looking to be one of the most embarrassing performances in Patriot history as an additional touchdown gave Manning and the Broncos a 24–0 at the half. However, Brady and the Patriots were not going to let the Broncos run away with a blowout victory at Gillette. They regrouped in the locker room and came out to score 31 unanswered points, scoring on five straight drives out of the half, helped by three Denver turnovers of their own. The two halves were complete polar opposites, each displaying offensive domination on one side and defensive struggles on the other, flipping 180˚ at the half. However, the Broncos managed to tie the game at 31 late in the 4th, eventually sending the game to overtime.

The Patriots won the coin toss, but surprisingly elected to defend first, hoping to stop the Broncos from scoring and to take advantage of the wind for a potential game winning field goal. This was exactly what happened, as the two teams traded punts twice, but on New England's second punt, Broncos cornerback Tony Carter ran into the punt, and Patriots' Nate Ebner recovered the ball on the Broncos' 20 yard line, setting up Gostkowski's game winning 31 yard field goal. The 24 point deficit was the largest comeback in Brady's and the Patriots' history, and gave Brady his 10th win in 14 meetings over Manning-led teams. Brady threw for 344 yard and 3 TD's in the contest, and WR Julian Edelman had a career day with 110 receiving yards for two scores.

The win from down 24 points was the largest comeback win in Patriots history, surpassing 1984's comeback from down 23–0 against the Seahawks.

Week 13: at Houston Texans

Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 0 141334
Texans 10 7 7731

at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas

  • Date: December 1
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 64 °F (18 °C), mostly cloudy (retractable roof open)
  • Game attendance: 71,769
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel (play-by-play) and Dan Dierdorf (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady 29/41 371 yards 2 TDs 1 INT
  • HOU – Case Keenum 15/30 272 yards 0 TDs 1 INT
Top rushers
  • NE – 12 carries 44 yards 1 TD
  • HOU – 22 carries 102 yards 3 TDs
Top receivers
  • NE – 6 receptions 127 yards 1 TDs
  • HOU – 8 receptions 121 yards 0 TDs
Top tacklers
  • NE – Dont'a Hightower 7 tackles 5 solo
  • HOU – Darryl Sharpton 9 tackles 6 solo

New England escaped Houston with a win as the Patriots and the Texans battled in a closely fought game a week after coming back to win against the Denver Broncos. After both teams punted on their opening drive Houston opened up the game by scoring the first points of the game on a touchdown. After a 2-yard run by Ben Tate, Case Keenum hit Andre Johnson on back-to-back completions for 42 yards, moving the ball to the Patriots 8. Tate scored on a touchdown run on the very next play for the early 7-0 lead as the Patriots continued their trend of falling behind early. On the Patriots next drive they reached their own 49-yard line, but Tom Brady was intercepted by Jonathan Joseph on an underthrown ball intended for Rob Gronkowski. After an incomplete pass attempt to Andre Johnson, tight end Garrett Graham was called for a crucial offensive pass interference penalty, moving the ball 10 yards back to the 41. They managed to reach the 25, but were four yards short of a first down and they settled for a Randy Bullock 43-yard field goal. New England answered with a touchdown on their next drive, moving 55 yards in just 6 plays with Brady hitting Gronkowski for a 23-yard touchdown pass. to trim the score to 10-7. The Texans reached the Patriots 27 on their next drive, but Case Keenum was intercepted by safety Logan Ryan. The Patriots drove from their own 20 to the Bengals 37, but Stephen Gostkowski missed a 55-yard field goal. The Texans stormed 55 yards in just 7 plays to take the lead 17-7, scoring on Ben Tate's 20-yard touchdown run with 1:52 remaining in the half. The Patriots punted and the Texans ran out the clock as the game went to halftime at 17-7. Again continuing a trend, Brady and the Pats came out of the locker room hot. The Patriots marched 55 yards using 7 plays with the big play being a Tom Brady connection to Rob Gronkowski for 50 yards moving the ball from the Patriots 37 to the Texans 13. A 12-yard pass moved the ball to the 1 where fullback James Develin ran it in for the touchdown, trimming the deficit to 17-14. Houston went three-and-out on their next possession and the Patriots struck for another touchdown. This time they moved the ball 73 yards in merely 7 plays with Brady darting a 7-yard touchdown pass to Shane Vereen to take their first lead at 21-17. However, the Texans immediately countered by storming 81 yards, taking 10 plays and chewing up 5:55 and culminating with Case Keenum scrambling for a 5-yard touchdown, retaking the lead at 24-21. Like the Texans, the Patriots immediately countered, storming 81 yards again, this time taking only 7 plays with LeGarrette Blount rushing for a 7-yard touchdown with 13:09 remaining in the game. Once again though, the Texans answered going 80 yards in an amazing 3 plays to retake the lead 31-28. On the drive a 66-yard completion to DeAndre Hopkins moved the ball to the Patriots 14. Two plays later, Ben Tate ran in a 10-yard touchdown. The Patriots took the ball and drove 40 yards in 9 plays to the Texans 35-yard line and Gostkowski connected on a 53-yard field goal. The Texans went three-and-out giving the Patriots the ball with a chance to take the lead. They drove to the Bengals 35-yard line in 7 plays where Gostkowski drilled another clutch 53-yard field goal to give the Patriots a 34-31 lead with 3:12 remaining in the game. The Texans reached their own 43, but consecutive incomplete passes on 3rd and 4th down gave the ball to the Patriots. The Texans forced a punt, however, giving them one last chance to win or tie and force overtime. Unfortunately for the Texans, they couldn't move the ball and an incompletion as time expired gave the Patriots the win. The win marks the 9th on the year for the Patriots, ensuring their 13th winning season in a row, and ended a 3-game road losing streak. The loss puts the Texans at 2–10, easily their worst season since 2005.

This marked the Patriots' only game outside of the Eastern Time Zone during the 2013 regular season (the Patriots would go on to play the AFC Championship Game in the Mountain Time Zone at Denver).

Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week Fourteen: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Browns 3 3 13726
Patriots 0 0 111627

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 8
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 30 °F (−1 °C), cloudy and cold
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Jerome Boger
  • TV announcers (CBS): Don Criqui (play-by-play) and Steve Tasker (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
  • CLE (9:23) – Billy Cundiff 43 yd field goal
    Browns 3, Patriots 0 Drive: 10 plays, 47 yds, 5:42
Second quarter
  • CLE (14:50) – Billy Cundiff 37 yd field goal
    Browns 6, Patriots 0 Drive: 9 plays, 37 yds, 3:46
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
  • NE (5:43) – Stephen Gostkowski 50 yd field goal
    Browns 19, Patriots 14 Drive: 12 plays, 49 yds, 5:48
  • CLE (2:39) – Jordan Cameron 4 yd pass from Jason Campbell (Billy Cundiff kick)
    Browns 26, Patriots 14 Drive: 8 plays, 80 yds, 3:04
  • NE (1:01) – Julian Edelman 2 yd pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick)
    Browns 26, Patriots 21 Drive: 11 plays, 82 yds, 1:38
  • NE (0:31) – Danny Amendola 1 yd pass from (Tom Brady) (run failed)
    Patriots 27, Browns 26 Drive: 2 plays, 40 yds, 0:30
Top passers
  • CLE – Jason Campbell – 29/44, 391 yds, 3 TD
  • NE – Tom Brady – 32/52, 418 yds, 2 TD, 1 INT
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • CLE – Josh Gordon – 7 rec, 151 yds, 1 TD
  • NE – Shane Vereen – 12 rec, 153 yds
Top tacklers

The Patriots won their third straight come-from-behind victory on a thrilling finish in Foxboro. The Browns took the opening kickoff and marched 47 yards in 10 plays to the New England 25-yard line where Billy Cundiff converted on a 43-yard field goal attempt. After both teams punted on their next possession, Tom Brady was intercepted by D'Qwell Jackson on a pass intended for Josh Boyce. The driving Browns appeared primed for a touchdown, but a penalty and an incomplete pass forced them to settle for Cundiff's 37-yard field goal increasing the lead to 6-0. It was all punts for the rest of the half as the Browns lead 6-0 at halftime. After the Patriots first drive of the half ended in a punt, the Browns stormed 73 yards using only 5 plays with Jason Campbell bombing a 40-yard touchdown pass to Gary Barnidge, the missed two-point conversion kept the score, 12-0. On the Patriots next drive, Tom Brady was strip-sacked by Paul Kruger and the Browns recovered. To make matters worse, Rob Gronkowski tore his ACL earlier on the drive, ending his season. Brady lead a touchdown scoring drive to put them within five points with 61 seconds remaining. The Patriots successfully recovered their onside kick attempt for the first time in team history since 1995, also against the Browns, who ironically were coached by Bill Belichick that year. On the ensuing New England drive, the Browns took a pass interference penalty in the endzone to give the Patriots a 1st and goal. New England took the 27–26 lead on a 1-yard pass by Brady to Amendola with 31 seconds left. After failing to convert on the 2 point play, the Browns attempted to get into field goal range for the win. With 1 second remaining, Billy Cundiff attempted a 58-yard field goal but fell short of the uprights, giving the Patriots their 10th win of the season, and their 11th straight 10 win season.[11]

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 7 01020
Dolphins 0 7 31424

at Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 15
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 71,863
  • Referee: Tony Corrente
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Phil Simms (color commentator)
  • Recap, Game book
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 –

The Patriots lost their comeback magic, as they failed to beat the Dolphins in which would have been their 4th straight comeback victory. After New England took the 20–17 lead in the 4th quarter, Miami scored the game winning touchdown with less than two minutes remaining to take a 24–20 lead. Brady led the Patriots to the Miami 12 yard line with less than 20 seconds remaining, but failed to complete four straight passes into the endzone. The first attempt was almost completed by Danny Amendola, but was dropped, the third attempt to Michael Hoomanawanui had what looked like passing interference, but was not called, and the final, 4th down attempt was intercepted to seal the win for the Dolphins. Miami's victory was their first over the Patriots since 2009, having lost the last seven games in the division rivalry.

Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens

Week Sixteen: New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 14 3 32141
Ravens 0 0 077

at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland

  • Date: December 22
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 65 °F (18 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 71,433
  • Referee: Ron Winter
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz (play-by-play) and Phil Simms (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady (14–26, 172 yards, 1 TD, 0 INT)
  • BAL – Joe Flacco (22–38, 260 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT)
Top rushers
Top receivers
Top tacklers

Before the start of the game, the Patriots clinched the AFC East for the 5th straight year with Miami's 0–19 loss to Buffalo.

The Patriots played arguably their best all-around game of the year in a 41–7 domination of the Ravens. New England's defense was superb, forcing three fourth down turnovers, three interceptions and a missed field goal, while only allowing one touchdown as Joe Flacco struggled while playing with an MCL sprain. Brady led the Patriots to an early 14–0 lead and never looked back. After New England took a 27–7 lead late in the 4th quarter, Baltimore gave up two defensive scores in the final two minutes to lose by 34 points, the largest losing margin the Ravens have ever had at home.

Week 17: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week Seventeen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Bills 3 0 71020
Patriots 6 10 01834

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 29
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 39 °F (4 °C), rain
  • Game attendance: 68,756
  • Referee: Ed Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle (play-by-play) and Dan Fouts (color commentator)
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • BUF –
  • NE –
Top rushers
  • BUF –
  • NE –
Top receivers
  • BUF –
  • NE –
Top tacklers
  • BUF –
  • NE –

The Patriots earned their 4th straight first round bye and the AFC's second seed with a 34–20 win over the Bills in the 108th meeting of the rivalry. New England dominated the first half, taking a 16–3 lead into the locker room. Buffalo would score 17 points to keep it a close contest but could not overcome the Patriots defense enough to take the lead, as New England forced three fourth down turnovers for the second straight week. Julian Edelman became the 3rd player in New England history to make 100 receptions for 1,000 yards on the season. Stephen Gostkowski broke his own team record for field goals made by kicking his 38th of the year. The story of the game though was Legarrette Blount, who had a career day, rushing for 189 yards and two touchdowns, and added 145 yards on two kickoff returns for a total of 334 all purpose yards on the day. [12]

Final standings

Division

AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) New England Patriots 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 444 338 W2
New York Jets 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 290 387 W2
Miami Dolphins 8 8 0 .500 2–4 7–5 317 335 L2
Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 339 388 L1

Conference

# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA PD STK
Division winners
1 Denver Broncos West 13 3 0 .813 5–1 9–3 606 399 207 W2
2 New England Patriots East 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 444 338 106 W2
3[lower-alpha 1] Cincinnati Bengals North 11 5 0 .688 3–3 8–4 430 305 125 W2
4 Indianapolis Colts South 11 5 0 .688 6–0 9–3 391 336 55 W3
Wild cards
5 Kansas City Chiefs West 11 5 0 .688 2–4 7–5 430 305 125 L2
6 San Diego Chargers West 9 7 0 .563 4–2 6–6 396 348 48 W4
Did not qualify for the playoffs
7[lower-alpha 2][lower-alpha 3] Pittsburgh Steelers North 8 8 0 .500 4–2 6–6 379 370 9 W3
8[lower-alpha 4] Baltimore Ravens North 8 8 0 .500 3–3 6–6 320 352 -32 L2
9[lower-alpha 5] New York Jets East 8 8 0 .500 3–3 5–7 290 387 -97 W2
10 Miami Dolphins East 8 8 0 .500 2–4 7–5 317 335 -18 L2
11 Tennessee Titans South 7 9 0 .438 2–4 6–6 362 381 -19 W2
12 Buffalo Bills East 6 10 0 .375 3–3 5–7 339 388 -49 L1
13[lower-alpha 6][lower-alpha 7] Oakland Raiders West 4 12 0 .250 1–5 4–8 322 453 -131 L6
14[lower-alpha 8] Jacksonville Jaguars South 4 12 0 .250 3–3 4–8 247 449 -202 L3
15 Cleveland Browns North 4 12 0 .250 2–4 3–9 308 406 -98 L7
16 Houston Texans South 2 14 0 .125 1–5 2–10 276 428 -152 L14
Tiebreakers[lower-alpha 9]
  1. ↑ Cincinnati defeated Indianapolis head-to-head (Week 14, 42–28).
  2. ↑ Pittsburgh finished with a better division record than Baltimore.
  3. ↑ Pittsburgh defeated the New York Jets head-to-head (Week 6, 19–6).
  4. ↑ Baltimore defeated the New York Jets head-to-head (Week 12, 19–3).
  5. ↑ The New York Jets finished with a better division record than Miami.
  6. ↑ Oakland and Jacksonville finished with a better conference record than Cleveland.
  7. ↑ Oakland defeated Jacksonville head-to-head (Week 2, 19–9).
  8. ↑ Jacksonville defeated Cleveland head-to-head (Week 13, 32–28).
  9. ↑ 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.

Postseason

Playoff round Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 11, 2014 Indianapolis Colts (4) W 43–22 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
AFC Championship January 19, 2014 at Denver Broncos (1) L 16–26 1–1 Sports Authority Field at Mile High Recap

AFC Divisional Playoff Game: vs. #4 Indianapolis Colts

AFC Divisional Playoff Game: #4 Indianapolis Colts at #2 New England Patriots – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Colts 7 5 10022
Patriots 14 7 81443

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
  • NE  - Legarrette Blount 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski Kick), 10:58. Patriots 21-7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yds, 6:28
  • IND  - Adam Vinatieri 36-yard Field Goal, 5:40. Patriots 21-10. Drive: 11 plays, 62 yds, 5:19
  • IND  - Ryan Allen fumbles out of end zone for a safety, 2:28. Patriots 21-12. Drive: 6 plays, -25 yds, 3:17
Third quarter
Fourth quarter
Top passers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top rushers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top receivers
  • IND –
  • NE –
Top tacklers
  • IND –
  • NE –

The Patriots punched their ticket to their 3rd straight AFC Championship game in a 43–22 dominating victory over the rival Colts. In the week leading up to the AFC Division round matchup, the Patriots made their gameplan clear, intending to take advantage of the Colt's questionable run defense by using a healthy dose of their three threats out of the backfield: Legarrette Blount, Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. This gameplan proved to be extremely effective, as New England scored six touchdowns on the ground, with Blount setting a franchise postseason record by scoring four of the six TD's. The three backs combined for 235 yards rushing, 166 coming from Blount alone, also a franchise postseason record. The Patriot defense was exemplary, picking off Andrew Luck four times, sacking him three times and relatively shutting down star wide receiver T.Y. Hilton for the majority of the game, although he did finish with 103 yards on four receptions.

AFC Championship: at #1 Denver Broncos

AFC Championship: (#2) New England Patriots at (#1) Denver Broncos – Game summary
1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 01316
Broncos 3 10 7626

at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

Game information
First quarter
  • DEN – 3:43 Matt Prater 27-yard FG. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:07. (DEN 3–0)
Second quarter
  • DEN – 7:50 Jacob Tamme 1-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 15 plays, 93 yards, 7:01. (DEN 10–0)
  • NE – 2:54 Stephen Gostkowski 47-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 4:56. (DEN 10–3)
  • DEN – 0:25 Matt Prater 35-yard FG. Drive: 8 plays, 63 yards, 2:29. (DEN 13–3)
Third quarter
  • DEN – 7:52 Demaryius Thomas 3-yard TD pass from Peyton Manning, Matt Prater kick. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 7:08. (DEN 20–3)
Fourth quarter
  • DEN – 12:02 Matt Prater 19-yard FG. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 5:23. (DEN 23–3)
  • NE – 9:26 Julian Edelman 7-yard TD pass from Tom Brady, Stephen Gostkowski kick. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:36. (DEN 23–10)
  • DEN – 7:00 Matt Prater 54-yard FG. Drive: 6 plays, 39 yards, 2:26. (DEN 26–10)
  • NE – 3:07 Tom Brady 5-yard TD run, two-point run failed. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 3:53. (DEN 26–16)
Top passers
  • NE – Tom Brady: 24/38, 277 yards, 1 TD, 1 rushing TD
  • DEN – Peyton Manning: 32/43, 400 yards, 2 TD
Top rushers
Top receivers
  • NE – Julian Edelman: 10 receptions, 89 yards, 1 TD
  • DEN – Demaryius Thomas: 7 receptions, 134 yards, 1 TD
Top tacklers

With the loss, the Patriots became the first team to lose consecutive AFC championship games since the New York Jets in 2009 and 2010.

Footnotes

    References

    1. ↑ "THE PATRIOT WAY, The History of the New England Patriots". Retrieved October 11, 2013.
    2. ↑ "Chargers Sign Danny Woodhead – ProFootballTalk". ProFootballTalk. March 15, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
    3. ↑ "Wes Welker leaves Patriots, signs with Broncos - Boston.com". The Boston Globe. March 13, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
    4. ↑ "Patriots release veteran WR Brandon Lloyd". New England Patriots. March 16, 2013. Retrieved December 31, 2013.
    5. ↑ "Patriots Release Tight End Aaron Hernandez". New England Patriots. June 26, 2013. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
    6. ↑ Young, Shalise Manza (April 26, 2013). "Patriots trade first-round pick to Vikings". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
    7. ↑ Young, Shalise Manza (April 27, 2013). "Patriots trade Jeff Demps to Tampa Bay, get LeGarrette Blount in return". The Boston Globe. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
    8. ↑ Official Ruling MNF
    9. ↑ MNF Non-Call Incorrect
    10. ↑ Former Coach John Madden criticizes overrule of endzone penalty
    11. ↑ New England Patriots Franchise Encyclopedia from Pro Football Reference
    12. ↑ Patriots vs. Bills December 29, 2013 full box score from Pro Football Reference
    13. ↑ "2013 Conference Standings". NFL.com. Retrieved December 8, 2013.
    14. ↑ "2013 NFL playoff picture". CBS Sports. Retrieved December 8, 2013.

    External links

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