Today in Patriots History

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History: January 14
Ben Watson Runs Down Champ Bailey
Tomlinson Whines After Pats Mimic Chargers Lights Out Dance in SD​

January 14, 2006 at Invesco Field
2005 Division Round Playoff Game
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Broncos improve to 14-3; Patriots finish 11-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3



January 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium
2006 Division Round Playoff Game
New England Patriots 24, San Diego Chargers 21
Patriots improve to 14-4; Chargers finish 14-3
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Marty Schottenheimer
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Odds: Chargers favored by 5



January 14, 2012 at Gillette Stadium
2011 Division Round Playoff Game
New England Patriots 45, Denver Broncos 10
Patriots improve to 14-3; Broncos finish 9-9
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Fox
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Tim Tebow
Odds: Patriots favored by 13½
Broncos vs. Patriots: Tom Brady ties playoff record as New England shreds Tim Tebow and Denver | Washington Post


January 14, 2017 at Gillette Stadium
2016 Division Round Playoff Game
New England Patriots 34, Houston Texans 16
Patriots improve to 15-2; Texans finish 10-8
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Bill O'Brien
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Brock Osweiler
Odds: Patriots favored by 16

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Cut That Meat Game
(Tedy Bruschi rips the ball out of Dominic Rhodes hands)​

January 16, 2005 at Gillette Stadium
2004 Divisional Round Game
New England Patriots 20, Indianapolis Colts 3
Pats improve to 15-2; Colts finish 13-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Patriots favored by 1

Key Stat I: Turnovers
Patriots 0, Colts 3

Key Stat II: Rushing Yards (and Time of Possession)
Patriots: 39 carries for 210 yards (5.4 ypc) and 1 TD (37:43 TOP)
Colts: 15 carries for 46 yards (3.0 ypc), 1 fumble lost (22:17 TOP)

The Patriots Deliver Yet Another Cold Slap to Manning - The New York Times

The Colts entered the game with the most decorated offense in recent league history. The Patriots walked onto the field with a secondary built with patchwork and guts.
https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/17/...r-cold-slap-to-manning.html#story-continues-2
But after a season in which Manning threw a record 49 touchdown passes, he could not even muster one against New England.

But on Sunday, with three defensive starters out with injuries -- cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole and end Richard Seymour -- New England still knocked the Colts' receivers around once they emerged from their 5-yard cushion. The Patriots used linebackers, the young cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, and even the receiver-turned-cornerback Troy Brown to disrupt the Colts' routes.

"What are they going to do next?" Brown said of league officials' decision to reinforce the illegal-contact rule this season.

Then there was the snow, which, as it did in the championship game last season, swarmed into the stadium, falling in damp clumps.

"It played right into our hands," said Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, who intercepted Manning's final pass of the game. "He wasn't the same. It's not 70 degrees inside. It's not a dome."​

Horse Whisperers - ESPN Page Two

This was about respect. This was about four letters ("team") meaning more than five letters ("stats"). This was about a great team taking care of business at home, because that's what great teams do.​

Patriots Cold-**** Colts | Washington Post

The New England Patriots had heard the predictions of their postseason demise from the naysayers who said they couldn't stop Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his stable of big-play performers.

But these are the champions, playing at home, and on a snowy, emotional Sunday afternoon, the Patriots kept hope alive for a third Super Bowl title in four years with a methodical 20-3 victory that ended Manning's dream season with yet another nightmare finish.

"I told someone today I felt like there had been more hype over this game than there was for the Super Bowl last year," Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said. "There was a lot of doubt about it, and it ticked us off more and more. It ticked us off that no one gave us respect. I couldn't even sleep last night."

Manning, who passed for an NFL record 49 touchdowns in the regular season, is 0-7 against the Patriots in Foxboro ...

The Patriots prevailed Sunday mostly because their offense became their best defense. Three of their four scoring drives covered 78, 87 and 94 yards and consumed 9:07, 8:16 and 7:24. It must have seemed like an eternity to Manning and his offense, bundled up against the cold on the sideline and unable to get back onto the field as the Patriots marched toward the goal line.

​

​

2004 AFC Divisional Game: Patriots vs Colts - YouTube

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History​

Happy 31st Birthday to Trevor Reilly
Born January 17, 1988 in Valley Center, CA
Patriot OLB 2016 (Practice Squad) and 2017 (six games)
Uniform #51

As a 16 year old kid Reilly set the Guinness World Record for fastest time eating a 7.5-ounce white onion at 1 minute and 35 seconds, shattering the former mark of 2:45. Reilly earned a football scholarship to Texas Tech, but instead accepted a two-year Latter Day Saints mission to Sweden. After returning he was a walk-on at Utah - a 22-year old redshirt freshman. By the time he was a senior he was married with two kids.

During that senior year his wife discovered a lump on their 9-month old daughter. Two days later she had her kidney removed, and had to undergo chemo for a year; it has been in remission since. The next year Reilly was selected by the Jets in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL draft.

After two seasons with the Jets - and some interesting moonlighting as an Uber driver - Reilly went on IR. After reaching an injury settlement with the Jete, Reilly was a free agent. Two days later the Patriots signed him to their Practice Squad on October 20, 2016.

Miami signed Reilly to their full roster off the Pats PS on December 19. The next season Reilly did not survive final cuts, and the Dolphins re-signed him to their Practice Squad. He was released October 10, 2017 and two days later the Pats again signed Reilly to the PS. A few weeks later he was promoted to the 53-man roster after Harvey Langi was injured in an automobile accident. In late December Reilly returned to the Practice Squad, to make room for James Harrison.

This past fall Reilly worked as a grad assistant and part time scout player for the University of Utah Utes, while hoping for a return to the NFL. He will be playing under Dennis Erickson for the Salt Lake Stallions of the Alliance of American Football next month.

While with the Patriots Reilly appeared in six games, from week 8 to week 15 of the 2017. Reilly logged 57 defensive snaps and 94 special team snaps with the Pats.

Trevor Reilly followed unique path to Patriots | Providence Journal
Patriots sign LB Trevor Reilly to the practice squad; Release WR Bernard Reedy from the practice squad | Patriots.com
Despite ‘roller coaster ride,’ the Patriots’ Trevor Reilly hopes to be next Ute alumnus to win a Super Bowl | Deseret News
Patriots LB Trevor Reilly has had an absurdly action-packed life | Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Former Utes Trevor Reilly and Brandon Burton finding out coaching is tougher than it looks - The Salt Lake Tribune
Graduate assistant Trevor Reilly helps Utes while waiting for NFL call | Deseret News
Salt Lake Stallions add a pair of former BYU, Utah players to roster | Deseret News

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats defeat Colts in AFCCG (x2)
​

January 18, 2004 at Gillette Stadium
2003 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 24, Indianapolis Colts 14
- Pats improve to 16-2; Colts finish 14-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Pats favored by 3½

Key Stat I : Colts turn the ball over five times; Manning throws four interceptions
(Three (!) by Ty Law, and one by Rodney Harrison)

Key Stat II: Marvin Harrison limited to 3 receptions on 7 targets for 19 yards, plus one turnover on a fumble (Rodney Harrison again)

Key Patriot Stats:
- Manning sacked four times; Brady sacked zero times
- Antowain Smith: 22 carries for 100 yards
- Troy Brown: 7 receptions for 88 yards
- David Givens: 8 receptions (on 9 targets) for 68 yards and a touchdown

2003 AFC Championship Patriots Vs Colts Highlights - YouTube [3:02]


2003 AFC Championship Game: Patriots vs Colts - YouTube [2:04:32]




January 18, 2015 at Gillette Stadium
2014 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 45, Indianapolis Colts 7
- Pats improve to 14-4; Colts finish 13-6
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Chuck Pagano
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Andrew Luck
Odds: Pats favored by 7

Key Stat I : Andrew Luck went 12-33 for 126 yards, 0 TD, 2 INT and a 23.0 passer rating

Key Stat II: Colt drives: punt; muffed punt (turnover); missed FG; punt; TD; kneel down (halftime); punt; interception; punt; interception; punt; end of game

Key Patriot Stats:
- LeGarrette Blount: 30 carries, 148 yards, 3 TD
- Julian Edelman: 10 touches, 110 yards
- Nate Solder and James Develin each with more touchdowns than any Colt not named Zurlon Tipton
- 3rd Quarter Drives: Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown, Touchdown

Patriots stomp Colts with Brady in high gear | ESPN

Colts vs. Patriots AFC Championship Game highlights | NFL - YouTube


This of course was also the game that Ryan Grigson, Bob Kravitz and others conspired to attempt to frame the Patriots - while forgetting grade school science and the Ideal Gas Law.

Pats Fans: How Strong is the Curse of Deflategate?

 

[italian pat patriot]

Dec. 22, 1985: New England Patriots fans gave their team a spirited sendoff into the playoffs. Brian Holloway fought his way to the dressing room at Sullivan Stadium after the 34-23 win over the Cincinnati Bengals put the Pats into the playoffs.

Dec. 22, 1985: Following a crucial 34-23 Patriots victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, which assured the Patriots of a playoff berth, thousands of fans spilled onto the field, pushed over the goal posts and carried them away.


Fans recuperating from electric shock thru goal post

Thousands of fans poured onto the field and tore down the goal posts Sunday, carrying part of one of them out of Sullivan Stadium.

The celebrants took the post through an exit tunnel behind the north end zone, across a parking lot to nearby Route 1 where 600 marched down the highway tying up traffic in both directions.

When police arrived, shortly before 4:30 p.m., the fans moved from the northbound lanes to the southbound lanes, where they stuck the goal post in a steel barrel.

The barrel tipped over and the metal post struck a power line carrying 20,000 volts along the side of the road, police said.

Two fans were thrown through the air and landed on the opposite side of Route 1, said state trooper David Rea. Two other people fell to the ground and a fifth was thrown into the middle of the street, Rea said.

'It was just mass confusion,' said Rea. 'There were bodies all over the place and several hundred drunk people trying to tell state troopers what to do.'​

The Patriots would go on to defeat the Jets, Raiders and Dolphins - all on the road - to win the franchise's first AFC championship, and first trip to the Super Bowl. It may not sound like anything special now given all the success the team has had this century, but that was a very special, magical time for Patriot fans back then.

these photos and phrases looks really from another era

anyway i would have loved to be there also in that period

pity my first trip to NE was after it...only Gillette...no Schaefer-Sullivan-Foxboro Stadium...

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
The Snow Bowl Game
aka the Tuck Rule Game
(and also the Final Game at Foxboro Stadium)​

January 19, 2002 at Foxboro Stadium
2001 AFC Divisional Round Game
New England Patriots 16, Oakland Raiders 13 in OT
- Pats improve to 12-5; Raiders finish 11-7
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Jon Gruden
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Rich Gannon
Odds: Pats favored by 3

Key Stat I: Patriots 365 total yards (312 passing), Raiders 230 total yards (159 passing)

Key Stat II: Adam Vinatieri 3-3 on field goal attempts

Patriots storm to AFC title game after snowy comeback
Eliminate Raiders, helped by controversial call - The Boston Globe

Patriots Persevere With a Late Blizzard of Their Own | The New York Times

All that was missing from tonight's playoff game at Foxboro Stadium was a snowplow, a prisoner on work release and a coach looking to clear a swath for a winning field goal.

In an American Football Conference divisional playoff game that looked as if it were played inside a snow globe, the New England Patriots left the snowplow on the sideline but still got a 45-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri with 27 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime and a 23-yarder at 8 minutes 29 seconds of overtime to beat the Oakland Raiders, 16-13, and advance to the A.F.C. championship game next Sunday.

. . .

''I can't say enough about this group,'' said Patriots Coach Bill Belichick, whose team trailed, 13-3, heading into the fourth quarter. ''They will not quit. To pull our way back we had a lot of big plays, big throws, big blocks. It can't get much closer than that.''

If this was to be the final game at Foxboro Stadium -- it will be razed as soon as the Patriots play their final game here this season -- it was a fitting way to go.

Snow began falling heavily at least two hours before kickoff and continued throughout. Snow accumulated in a small drift on the bill of Raiders Coach Jon Gruden's visor.

. . .

Quarterback Tom Brady scored on a 6-yard scramble that drew the Patriots to 13-10 with 7:52 remaining and then directed the eight-play drive that resulted in Vinatieri's tying field goal with 27 seconds left in regulation.

That drive included a controversial play on which the initial ruling -- that Brady fumbled and the Raiders recovered -- was overturned. After a review, the officials ruled that Brady was in the act of throwing, so it was an incomplete pass and New England kept the ball at Oakland's 42.

''His interpretation is the only one that matters,'' Gruden said. ''The Raiders have to live with it.''

The Patriots moved to the Oakland 29, and after three consecutive incompletions, Vinatieri tied the game.

''You can't get any tougher than that kick in four inches of snow,'' Belichick said. ''We didn't have a choice. It was our only shot.''

In the overtime drive, Brady, who completed 26 of 39 passes for 238 yards after halftime, completed six passes in a row and moved the Patriots to the 5. The entire offense acted as a human plow, chipping at the snow with cleats to clear a spot for Vinatieri's winning kick.​

Photo Gallery: The Snow Bowl | Patriots.com

Patriots Snow Bowl Highlights - YouTube [6:09]


2001 AFC Divisional Round: Raiders vs Patriots | NFL Full Game - YouTube [2:24:20]

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
January 19, Part II​

​

January 19, 2014 at Sports Authority Field
2013 AFC Divisional Round Game
Denver Broncos 26, New England Patriots 16
- Broncos improve to 15-3; Pats finish 13-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Fox
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Broncos favored by 5

Key Stat I: First Downs: Broncos 27, Patriots 19

Key Stat II: Plays from scrimmage / Time of Possession
Broncos: 71 plays from scrimmage, 35:44 TOP
Patriots: 54 plays from scrimmage, 24:16 TOP

AFC Championship Final: Broncos 26, Patriots 16
Photo Gallery and Game Recap - boston.com

Broncos 26, Patriots 16 - Chicago Tribune

Today's Birthdays​

Johnny Rembert turns 58
Born Jan 19, 1961 in Hollandale, Mississippi
Pats 4th round (101st overall) selection of the 1983 draft, from Clemson
Patriot ILB, 1983-1992; uniform #52
Played in 126 regular season games and five playoff games
Named to the 1988 and 1989 Pro Bowl
Named to the Patriots 1980s All-Decade Team
7 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and 16 sacks

Alumni Bio - Johnny Rembert | patriots.com


Junior Seau would have been 50 today
Born Jan 19, 1969 in San Diego; died May 2, 2012
Signed by the Patriots as a free agent on August 18, 2006
Patriot LB, 2006-2009; uniform #55
Played in 38 regular season and four playoff games with Patriots
Named to 12 Pro Bowls and was a six-time All Pro
1994 Walter Payton Man of the Year
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015
Junior Seau - Pro Football Hall of Fame
Reflections on Junior Seau from Robert Kraft
Junior Seau Highlights - You Tube



Ricky Reynolds turns 54 today
Born Jan 19, 1965 in Sacramento
Signed by the Patriots as a free agent on April 11, 1994
Patriot CB, 1994-1996; uniform #21
Played in 42 regular season games and one playoff game with Pats
Six interceptions, four fumble recoveries, 4.5 sacks and one TD with Pats
Reynolds loses bet but makes history - Sun Sentinel
Patriots Lure Bucs' Reynolds - Orlando Sentinel
Ricky Reynolds - Orlando Sentinel


Lester Williams would have been 60 today
Born Jan 19, 1959 in Miami; died August 16, 2017 at age 58
Pats first round (27th overall) selection of the 1982 draft, from Miami
Patriot NT, 1982-1985; uniform #72
Played in 40 regular season games plus five playoff games with New England, with 39 solo tackles, 60 assists, five sacks, three fumble recoveries and five passes defensed

Former Patriot NT Lester Williams Passed away | Patriots.com

The second of the Patriots' two first-round draft picks (27th overall) in the 1982 NFL Draft, Williams quickly established himself as a mainstay on the defensive front, starting all nine games during his NFL strike-shortened rookie year. The University of Miami product was a part of an impactful Patriots draft class that included the No. 1 overall pick, defensive end Kenneth Sims, running back Robert Weathers (second round), Patriots and Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Andre Tippett (second round), guard Darryl Haley (second round), wide receiver Cedric Jones (third round), linebacker Clayton Weishuhn (third round) and free safety Fred Marion (fifth round), a fellow All-American with Williams at Miami.

"I am very proud to be part of the 1982 draft class, and having Lester Williams as a part of that class made playing defense a lot more fun," said Tippett. "As a nose tackle, Lester was a key to our success in the 3-4 defense. I remember how frustrated opposing centers became playing against him. He anchored the line for us and was a great teammate to play alongside.​

Bobby Leo turns 74 today
Born Jan 19, 1945 in Everett
Pats 7th round (180th overall) selection of the 1967 draft, from Harvard
Patriot RB/KR/PR 1967-1968; uniform #24
Alumni Bio - Bobby Leo | Patriots.com

In his first game against the Buffalo Bills at Fenway Park on national television, Bobby returned a punt for 70 yards and caught a pass from Vito “Babe” Parilli for a 26-yard touchdown.

In 1993 Bobby was selected to the Harvard College Football Hall of Fame, and in 1999 he was named 3rd out of the Boston Globe’s top ten all-time schoolboy football players from Massachusetts.​

Pats at Fenway 1967 - YouTube

Bobby Leo High School Reunion - YouTube

1966 Harvard Hilites - YouTube



Jonathan Cooper turns 29 today
Born Jan 19, 1990 in Wilmington NC
Acquired March 15, 2016 in trade with Arizona Cardinals.
Pats receive Cooper and the 61st overall pick in exchange for Chandler Jones
NE then traded #61 to Saints for #3.78 (Joe Thuney) and #4.112 (Malcolm Mitchell)
Patriot guard, 2016; uniform #65
The Patriots waived Cooper on October 8, 2016; he never played a snap with the Pats
Jonathan Cooper Cut By Patriots Before Making New England Debut - NESN

The Jonathan Cooper era in New England has ended before it truly could begin.

The Patriots on Saturday released Cooper, a source told ESPN’s Field Yates. The 26-year-old guard had yet to appear in a game for New England as he continued to recover from a foot injury suffered during the first week of training camp.

In a corresponding move, the Patriots signed defensive lineman Woodrow Hamilton off their practice squad, a source told NESN.com’s Doug Kyed. Hamilton will shore up the team’s defensive front, which lacked depth entering Sunday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

Cooper’s reported release came three days after he was removed from the Patriots’ injury report for the first time this season. He had been listed as a limited participant in practice until Wednesday.​

Other pro football players with New England connections:
Frank Hubbell (Jan 19, 1922 - April 9, 2005)
Born and raised in Bridgeport CT
Was an end and defensive end for the Rams in the 1940s.

Frank Trigilio (Jan 19, 1919 - March 5, 1992)
Went to the University of Vermont
Was a fullback for the Los Angeles Dons and Miami Seahawks in the AAFC.

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

The Snow Bowl Game​

I have this photo accompanying a piece of Foxboro Stadium bench signed by Adam V hanging in a frame on my living room wall.

Drives my Raiders fan girlfriend crazy. Which reminds me...I need to remind her about today's 17 year anniversary.

Regards,
Chris

 

[QuantumMechanic]

Which game was the "cut that meat!" game? The 2003 AFCCG or the 2004 AFC Divisional?

 

[maust]

On this date for all but 3 of the past 50 years the Jete were already playing golf.

 

[jmt57]

Which game was the "cut that meat!" game? The 2003 AFCCG or the 2004 AFC Divisional?

2004 AFC Divisional Game

The Patriots Deliver Yet Another Cold Slap to Manning

But on Sunday, with three defensive starters out with injuries -- cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole and end Richard Seymour -- New England still knocked the Colts' receivers around once they emerged from their 5-yard cushion. The Patriots used linebackers, the young cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, and even the receiver-turned-cornerback Troy Brown to disrupt the Colts' routes.

. . .

"They covered, they tackled, they played hard," Belichick said. "They gave a tremendous effort."

Manning, whose record against the Patriots fell to 2-10, partly blamed the play-calling for the Colts' lack of punch, saying "we just didn't have the plays called at the right time."

At one point, the crowd mocked him by shouting "cut that meat," a play on a television commercial featuring Manning.​

Horse Whisperers

The last four minutes doubled as my favorite random moment of the Belichick Era. Leading 20-3, with the Colts driving for their typical garbage touchdown, Belichick basically said "Screw that!" and kept his starters on the field. The crowd picked up on it immediately, standing as one, serenading Manning with "Cut that meat!" and "Peyyyyyyyyy-ton!" chants, imploring the defense to make one last stand. Between plays, Bruschi was hopping around like Vince Neil, whipping his team (and the crowd) into a frenzy. With 30 seconds left, CBS's cameras showed Dillon on the sidelines -- he was glancing around the stadium and nodding his head, eating this up, almost looking like Cyrus at the beginning of "The Warriors." So much for Corey Dillon being a cancer.

(By the way, that's another Belichick move, taking a page from Red Auerbach and the old Celtics teams, where Red brought in one talented veteran every year who would kill to play for a winning team. The enthusiasm of those guys never fails to be infectious. Last year it was Harrison. This year, it was Corey Dillon -- 144 yards, owned the second half, happiest guy on the field down the stretch. I think we'll keep him.)

Meanwhile, the Colts were driving inside the 20. Manning wanted that cheap TD, only the Pats wouldn't give it to him. With four seconds left, Harrison picked off a pass in the end zone and jammed a fork into the Colts. Game over. Chaos at Gillette Stadium. One last look at that Peyton Manning Face. So long to the Colts. Again.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tomlinson Pouts on Bench in AFCCG
Patriots Win 18th Straight​

January 20, 2008 at Gillette Stadium
2007 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 21, San Diego Chargers 12
- Pats improve to 18-0; Chargers finish 13-6
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Norv Turner
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Odds: Patriots favored by 14

Key Stats:
Third Down: Patriots 7-13; Chargers 3-12
Laurence Maroney: 25 carries, 122 yards, 1 TD
Kevin Faulk: 9 touches for 90 yards; 8 receptions on 8 targets for 82 yards
Wes Welker: 7 receptions on 9 targets, 56 yards, 1 TD
Ellis Hobbs: Team-high 8 tackles (7 solo) and one interception

Perfect Patriots beat San Diego 21-12 in AFCCG - NY Daily News

Tomlinson carried on the first two San Diego plays, and did not touch the ball again because of a bad knee. Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers hung in despite a bum knee and star tight end Antonio Gates did his best with a dislocated toe.

The Chargers (13-6) gave a better performance than early this season, when they were routed 38-14 at New England. They trailed just 14-12 midway in the third quarter this time, but Brady's 6-yard TD pass to Wes Welker was enough for New England.

Maroney ran for 122 yards to help hold the lead.​

In stark comparison to Tomlinson, Philip Rivers played this game on a torn ACL.


Chargers vs Patriots Game Summary - ESPN
NFL Playoffs - 2007 AFC Championship - ESPN Archives
Patriots 21, Chargers 12 (Live Blog) - The Fifth Down
Looking Back: Hurt of '07 Championship Immense for Lady T, Chargers, San Diego - The San Diego Union-Tribune

NFL Films Encore: 2007 AFC Championship Game - NFL Videos

Remember that Game When Philip Rivers Played on a Torn ACL? | YouTube [2:26]


2007 Chargers at Patriots AFC Championship Highlights - YouTube [8:31]




January 20, 2013 at Gillette Stadium
2012 AFC Championship Game
Baltimore Ravens 28, New England Patriots 13
- Patriots finish 13-5; Ravens improve to 13-6
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Joe Flacco
Odds: Patriots favored by 7

The Patriots led 13-7 at halftime. Baltimore's first drive of the second half stalled after only one first down, and after a punt New England took possession at their own 9-yard line. The Pats drove to the Raven 36 yard line, but could only pick up two more yards. Rather than attempt a 52 yard field goal on a windy day, the Patriots punted.

Baltimore drove 87 yards on ten plays to take a 14-13 lead. The Pats went 3-and-out, and the Ravens scored again - on another ten play drive, this one finishing on the first play of the fourth quarter.

On the ensuing drive Bernard Pollard forced a Stevan Ridley fumble, and Baltimore recovered. Four plays later the Ravens scored to make the score 28-13. The Patriots responded, advancing to a first down on a pass to Deion Branch at the Baltimore 25. Faced with a 4th-and-4 from the 19 yard line, down 15 with 8:35 to play, Belichick opted to go for it rather than kick a field goal. Brady's pass to Branch was incomplete, and for all intents and purposes the game was over.

The Patriots were without Rob Gronkowski after he reportedly broke his forearm the previous week against Houston, blocking on an extra point up by 35 points. The Pats were led offensively by Wes Welker (8 receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown) and Aaron Hernandez (9 receptions for 83 yards). Anquan Boldin had two touchdown receptions for Baltimore.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Silver Anniversary of Robert Kraft
purchasing the New England Patriots​

(Hat Tip to Bob George for pointing out these first two occurences a few days ago):
Kraft Anniversary Historic Event For Patriots - PatsFans.com


January 21, 1994
Robert Kraft purchases the Patriots from James Orthwein



What pro tennis taught Robert Kraft about owning the Patriots | boston.com
Assessing Robert Kraft's quarter-century as Patriots owner | Sports Illustrated
Robert Kraft's Gutsy Investment In The New England Patriots Has Paid Off Big Time | Business Insider


January 21, 1993
Bill Parcells hired as Head Coach

ProJo Patriots Moments: Bill Parcells hired as head coach
(From 1993): Patriot brass is super excited to land Parcells | Baltimore Sun


January 21, 2018 at Gillette Stadium
2017 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 24, Jacksonville Jaguars 20
- Pats improve to 15-3; Jags finish 12-7
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Doug Marrone
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Blake Bortles
Odds: Patriots favored by 7½


January 21, 2007 at the RCA Dome
2006 AFC Championship Game
Indianapolis Colts 38, New England Patriots 34
- Colts improve to 15-4; Pats finish 14-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Indy favored by 3

Happy Birthdays​

Jordan Richards turns 26
Born Jan 21, 1993 in Sacramento
Pats 2nd round (64th overall) selection of the 2015 draft, from Stanford
Patriot SS, 2015-17; uniform #37
Played in 41 regular season games and 5 playoff games with New England, with 7 starts.
2015: 238 defensive snaps (25%), 253 special team snaps (60%) in 14 games
2016: 18 defensive snaps (2.5%), 151 ST snaps (50%) in 11 games
2017: 272 defensive snaps (26%), 309 ST snaps (69%) in 16 games
- Aug 31, 2018: traded to Falcons for a conditional 2020 7th round draft pick.
Career stats with Patriots: 42 tackles (36 solo), 3 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.


Kanorris Davis turns 29
Born Jan 21, 1990 in Perry, Georgia
Signed as an undrafted free agent on May 3, 2013 from Troy
Patriot SS/LB 2013-14; uniform #36
Played in 3 regular season and 2 playoff games in 2013
2013: Zero defensive snaps, 53 ST snaps (64%) in three games
2014: after training camp was signed to practice squad
- Released on September 3, 2014
Played with Toronto Argonauts in CFL but pro football career ended in 2016 due to a knee injury.


Dan Gronkowski turns 34
Born Jan 21, 1985 in Amherst NY
Signed as a free agent on September 6, 2011
Patriot TE in 2011; uniform #82
Played in five games with one start; no stats
- Released on November 8, 2011

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Two AFC Championship Victories​

January 22, 2012 at Gillette Stadium
2011 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 23, Baltimore Ravens 20
- Pats improve to 15-3; Ravens finish 13-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Joe Flacco
Odds: Patriots favored by 7



AFC Championship: Patriots 23, Ravens 20 | Fifth Down

In a back-and-forth battle that ended in heartbreak for the Baltimore Ravens and kicker Billy Cundiff, the New England Patriots advanced to Super Bowl XLVI with a 23-20 victory on Sunday.

Cundiff missed a 32-yard field goal in the final seconds that would have sent the game into overtime, hooking it wide left. Two plays prior, Ravens receiver Lee Evans failed to hold onto the ball in the end zone. A catch would have given Baltimore the lead and a likely victory. . . .

The victory gives Brady his 16th career postseason victory, tying him with Joe Montana for the most in NFL history.



January 22, 2017 at Gillette Stadium
2016 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 36, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
- Pats improve to 16-2; Steelers finish 13-6
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger
Odds: Patriots favored by 5½



Tom Brady and Patriots overwhelm Steelers
36 thoughts on the Patriots’ AFC Championship Game victory over the Steelers

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats crush 15-1 Steelers at Heinz Field
to win AFC Championship Game​

January 23, 2005 at Heinz Field
2004 AFC Championship Game
New England Patriots 41, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
- Pats improve to 16-2; Steelers finish 16-2
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Bill Cowher
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger
Odds: New England favored by 3

Perspective from a Pittsburgh Steeler fan:
The 12 Most Heartbreaking Playoff Losses In Pittsburgh Steelers History: #3

This AFC Championship Game, played at home, was especially painful since there is no question in my mind that the Steelers could have whooped Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. In fact, we had already beaten New England and Philly in back-to-back weeks during the regular season making this loss hard to swallow. It was also painful physically. The temperature of 11 degrees was the coldest playoff game in Pittsburgh history and one of the coldest Steelers' games ever, period. With the wind-chill, it was somewhere in the minus category.

For the first time all season, our rookie quarterback looked like a rookie quarterback. The clock struck midnight for Ben Roethlisberger, who previously had been brilliant, albeit in a limited system. Roethlisberger's first pass of the game was picked off by Eugene Wilson, putting the Steelers in the hole, 3-0. The Steelers drove to the New England 39-yard line on their next possession, but Jerome Bettis' fumble was recovered by ex-Steeler Mike Vrabel. On the very next play, Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady hit Deion Branch with a 60-yard touchdown strike. After a Jeff Reed field goal, the Patriots scored again on Tom Brady's second touchdown pass, this time to David Givens. Trailing 17-3, Pittsburgh drove down the field and looked ready to score when Roethlisberger was intercepted by Rodney Harrison, who bolted 87 yards for a touchdown. At half the score was 24-3. Three horrific first-half turnovers took all the air, cold as it was, completely out of the stadium.​

Patriots vs. Steelers 2004 AFC Championship Game: Grudge Match | NFL Films

Today's Birthdays​

Shelby Jordan turns 67
Born January 23, 1952 in St. Louis
Patriot RT, 1975-1982

Antwaun Molden turns 34
Born January 23, 1985 in Cleveland
Patriot CB, 2011

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Hank Bullough​

Happy 85th birthday to Hank Bullough
Born January 24, 1934 in Scranton PA
Patriot Coach, 1973-1979

Bullough is a major influence in NFL history, the architect of the 3-4 Fairbanks-Bullough Defense.

Recurring scheme: Making the switch to the 3-4 defense is an old trick for Patriots

Bullough said he suggested it to Fairbanks prior to the 1974 season.

"We were the first," claimed Bullough. "We had gone through a tough season in '73 and our defensive line wasn't very good. We had drafted Steve Nelson and Sam Hunt and they were two good-looking kids at linebacker, and I said to Chuck, `Let's go to the 3-4,' and that's what we did."

Nelson had played the 3-4 at North Dakota State for four years. Hunt was also a big, raw linebacker out of Stephen F. Austin, and the two young guys were in the middle with Steve King and veteran George Webster on the outside.

"It worked out well because we had Ray [Hamilton] at the nose and we brought in Mel Lunsford the year before from Washington in a trade and Mel was decent against the run," said Bullough. "We had acquired Tony McGee from Chicago in '74 and he played the end on passing downs, and we had Julius Adams playing the other side."

The Patriots went 7-7 that season, and really struggled in '75 with a 3-11 record. But by `76, with the infusion of rookies Tim Fox and Mike Haynes in the defensive backfield and talented Steve Zabel at outside linebacker, the Patriots had a standout defense.

"The 3-4 definitely allowed you to have good matchups on defense," said Nelson.

To this day, Bullough says of the 3-4, "It's the best defense in football."​

On the trail of the two gap 3-4 gives a good historical timeline on the evolution of the 5-2 Oklahoma defense, and tracking of defensive influences throughout the careers of Jimmy Johnson and Bill Parcells.

3 Philosophies of the 3-4 defense is a good primer for those that may want to learn more about defensive fronts and strategies.

The Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 features 3 defensive linemen. The Tackles are head up on the Guards in 4-techniques, and the Nose Guard is in a head-up 0 Technique on the Center. Two Linebackers are in 30-Techniques over the Guards, and two more Linebackers are outside, somewhere between 1×1 and 3×3 off of the End Man on the Line of Scrimmage (which can vary much more depending on the offensive formation).

The Defensive Linemen are playing a 2-gap technique, attacking and reading the Defensive Linemen. One of the Linebackers will be included in the pass rush in most cases. This version of the 3-4 Defense matches up well with Cover 2 and Quarters coverages because of its 7 man front.​

A couple of 2011 articles by Mike Dussault look at Bullough's defensive philosophy.

The Patriots 3-4 Defense in a nutshell - PatsPropaganda

New England Patriots Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4 Defense Essentials - PatsPropaganda

When people think of the 3-4, they associate it with Pittsburgh’s Zone Blitzing scheme. Pittsburgh’s Zone Blitz 3-4 is just one of three versions of this defense. The other two versions of this defense that are used much more than the Zone Blitz are the Phillips 3-4 and the Fairbanks-Bullough 3-4[which the Patriots run]. Not all 3-4 defenses are created equal, nor are the players that play in these systems.

Despite the fact that the Bullough can be confusing, the system relies on a lot on “bend; don’t break” thinking. The system will often give up short yards in the run, and blitzes are not common. The idea is that the longer the offense is on the clock, the longer it takes them to score, and the more plays the offense risks an interception, fumble, or a fourth down.

The key to the success of Belichick’s style is flexibility of personnel. To be able to switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 to a dime defense and all points in between requires versatility at nearly every position. Players have to be able to run and cover and hit. Linemen have to be strong enough to hold the point in the 3-4, but get upfield in a 4-3. Defensive backs have to be very good in zone coverage but competent in man coverage when needed. It requires special skills, but also an above-average football IQ. Compared with the base Dungy-Kiffin scheme, which probably started with as little as three or four fronts and a couple of zone coverages, Belichick’s hybrid is a maze meant to confuse and confound.​

Hank Bullough | Revolvy

Bullough's first coaching position was at his alma mater, Michigan State, where he served for 11 seasons. In 1970, he became linebackers coach for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) under head coach Don McCafferty.

As defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots in the 1970s Bullough is credited, along with his college teammate Chuck Fairbanks, with being a significant figure in bringing the 3–4 defense to the NFL. After Fairbanks was suspended prior to the final game of the 1978 season, Bullough's and fellow assistant Ron Erhardt were named co-head coaches for the remainder of the season. After the season Patriots owner Billy Sullivan appointed Erhadt head coach instead of Bullough. Bullough would remain defensive coordinator for one more season with the Patriots.

In 1980, new Cincinnati Bengals head coach and former Green Bay Packers teammate, Forrest Gregg wooed Bullough to install the 3–4 defensive system in Cincinnati. Two seasons later the Bengals would go to the Super Bowl where they fell just short against the San Francisco 49ers. While with the Bengals, Bullough also tutored **** LeBeau who, not only would succeed Bullough as defensive coordinator but, is credited as the innovator of the 3–4 zone blitz scheme.

Bullough also served as defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers in 1984. He was named the head coach for the Pittsburgh Maulers of the United States Football League (USFL) for the 1985 season, but the team folded after the 1984 season he instead moved on to the Buffalo Bills, where he replaced Kay Stephenson for the final 12 games of the 1985 season and remained head coach for the first nine games of the 1986 season before being fired.​

Within Patriot folklore Bullough is most well known for part of the fiasco of the 1978 season. Head coach Chuck Fairbanks had had enough of Billy Sullivan's cheapness and meddling from his sons, and word got out that Fairbanks had accepted a position with the University of Colorado. Sullivan fired/suspended Fairbanks - eight days before they were about to play a postseason game. Rather than name a single interim head coach, the mind trust decided to have Bullough be the head coach when the Pats were on defense, and Ron Erhardt the head coach when the team was on offense.

Typical bizarreness for the Sullivan-era Patriots.

Bullough suffered a stroke in 2014, but his children and grandchildren are still quite athletic.

All in the family: The Bulloughs are the 'First Family of Football' at Michigan State

There is even a bit of discussion on Bulloughs defense here on the PatsFans message board, from 2009: Thoughts about the switch to the 4-3






Happy 28th birthday to Duron Harmon
Born January 24, 1991 in Dover DE
Patriot Safety, 2013-present
Uniform #30 (2013-2017); #21 (2018-
Selected in the 3rd round (91st overall) in the 2013 draft, from Rutgers

Duron Harmon | patriots.com

Harmon was inactive for the first game of his pro football career (9/8/2013 vs Buffalo). He has played in every Patriot game since: 95 regular season games, 15 postseason games.

During those 95 games he has had 3,152 snaps on defense, and 486 on special teams.
Defensive Snap Counts (and percentage)
2013: 427 (39%)
2014: 280 (26%)
2015: 601 (55%)
2016: 506 (49%)
2017: 636 (61%)
In his 95 games Harmon has 15 interceptions, 23 passes defensed and three fumble recoveries. He also has 152 tackles (117 solo).

Over the course of 15 playoff games Harmon has played the Patriots are 12-3. He has three postseason interceptions: late in the third quarter of the 2014 division round win off Joe Flacco, late in the 4th quarter to seal the win in the 2016 division round win over Houston, and on the two yard line off Nick Foles in Super Bowl LII.







January 24, 2016 at Sports Authority Field
2015 AFC Championship Game
Denver Broncos 20, New England Patriots 18
- Broncos improve to 14-4; Pats finish 13-5
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Gary Kubiak
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Patriots favored by 3

Denver Broncos defeat New England Patriots in wild finish | OregonLive

Tom Brady, Patriots denied by Broncos | The Boston Globe

On an unseasonably warm afternoon in which the Patriots never led, Sunday’s AFC Championship game wasn’t decided until the final seconds. A 4-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski on fourth down — after a 40-yard completion on another fourth-down play — brought the Patriots within 2 points with 12 seconds left. But the 2-point try failed, Brady’s pass intended for Julian Edelman was tipped by former Patriot Aqib Talib and intercepted by Bradley Roby.
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History​

Happy 48th Birthday to Vincent Brisby
Born January 25, 1971 in Houston
Patriot WR 1993-1999; uniform #82

Pats 2nd round (56th overall) selection in the 1993 draft, from NE Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Monroe).

• 3,157 career receiving yards was 8th most in franchise history at the time (16th now).
• 217 career receptions was 7th most in Pats history the (17th now).
• 14.5 yards per reception ranks 6th best in club history (minimum 200 catches).

Former Patriot Vincent Brisby inducted into his Louisiana College Hall of Fame

Vincent Brisby - Patriots.com





Happy 34th Birthday to Danny Woodhead
Born January 25, 1985 in North Platte, NE
Patriot RB 2010-2012; uniform #39

Signed as a free agent on September 18, 2010, four days after being released by Rex Ryan and the Jets - and one day prior to the Patriots playing NYJ. Woodhead filled an open roster spot vacated after the Pats traded Laurence Maroney to Denver. He was inactive for the game vs the Jete, but Kevin Faulk suffered a season ending knee injury that day, and Woodhead appeared in every game for the remainder of the season.

Woodhead played in 45 regular season games in three years in New England. He had 14 touchdowns and 2181 yards from scrimmage, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 10.7 yards on 92 receptions; he also returned 22 kicks for another 48 yards. Woodhead also played in six playoff games for the Patriots, with one touchdown.

San Diego signed Woodhead as an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2013. He retired from pro football on March 17, 2018. In ten NFL seasons he had 5,694 all purpose yards with 15 rushing touchdown, 17 receiving TD, and two 2-point conversions.

Danny Woodhead Retires: The Exit Interview | Sports Illustrated

 

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Today in Patriots History​

Happy 48th Birthday to Vincent Brisby
Born January 25, 1971 in Houston
Patriot WR 1993-1999; uniform #82

Pats 2nd round (56th overall) selection in the 1993 draft, from NE Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Monroe).

• 3,157 career receiving yards was 8th most in franchise history at the time (16th now).
• 217 career receptions was 7th most in Pats history the (17th now).
• 14.5 yards per reception ranks 6th best in club history (minimum 200 catches).

Former Patriot Vincent Brisby inducted into his Louisiana College Hall of Fame

Vincent Brisby - Patriots.com





Happy 34th Birthday to Danny Woodhead
Born January 25, 1985 in North Platte, NE
Patriot RB 2010-2012; uniform #39

Signed as a free agent on September 18, 2010, four days after being released by Rex Ryan and the Jets - and one day prior to the Patriots playing NYJ. Woodhead filled an open roster spot vacated after the Pats traded Laurence Maroney to Denver. He was inactive for the game vs the Jete, but Kevin Faulk suffered a season ending knee injury that day, and Woodhead appeared in every game for the remainder of the season.

Woodhead played in 45 regular season games in three years in New England. He had 14 touchdowns and 2181 yards from scrimmage, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and 10.7 yards on 92 receptions; he also returned 22 kicks for another 48 yards. Woodhead also played in six playoff games for the Patriots, with one touchdown.

San Diego signed Woodhead as an unrestricted free agent on March 15, 2013. He retired from pro football on March 17, 2018. In ten NFL seasons he had 5,694 all purpose yards with 15 rushing touchdown, 17 receiving TD, and two 2-point conversions.

Danny Woodhead Retires: The Exit Interview | Sports Illustrated

Had no idea Vincent Brisby was so prolific.

Regards,
Chris

 

[1960Pats]

Thanks to @jmt57 for these glorious trips down memory lane.

 

[jmt57]

Today In Patriots History
The First Two Super Bowl Appearances​

January 26, 1997 at the Louisiana Superdome
Super Bowl XXXI
Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21
Final Records: Packers 16-3, Patriots 13-6
Head Coaches: Bill Parcells, Mike Holmgren
Quarterbacks: Drew Bledsoe, Brett Favre
Odds: Packers favored by 14

Perhaps if Tuna wasn't spending so much time negotiating a contract to coach the Jets, he would have focused a bit more on Desmond Howard and special teams.





January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome
Super Bowl XX
Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10
Final Records: Bears 18-1, Patriots 14-6
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Mike Ditka
Quarterbacks: Tony Eason/Steve Grogan, Jim McMahon
Odds: Bears favored by 10

Fun Fact: the Bears did not take the lead in this game until less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Fun Fact II: Many people still hold a grudge against Ditka for rubbing it in by giving the football to 'The Fridge' Perry to score at the goal line for Chicago's final touchdown, rather than to Walter Payton.

Key Stat: too many to count.
Six turnovers.
11 rushes for 7 yards.
Eason: 0-6, 1 fumble lost, 3 sacks for -28 yards.
Total Yards: 408 to 123.
Time of Possession: 39:15 to 20:45.
Offensive plays: 73 to 47.

The Patriots had won their Super Bowl the previous week in the Squish the Fish Game. Chicago had Buddy Ryan's 46 defense, something that the NFL had not yet figured out how to counter.






January 26, 2000:
Bill Belichick drops lawsuit against Jets and NFL

Bill Belichick dropped the antitrust lawsuit he had filed against the National Football League and the Jets yesterday, one day after the judge in the case refused to grant a temporary restraining order that would have allowed Belichick to negotiate with other teams for a new job.

Belichick filed the lawsuit on Monday, hoping that the judge would grant him the freedom that N.F.L. Commissioner Paul Tagliabue did not when he ruled last Friday that the Jets still own Belichick's rights.

''The main purpose of the case from Bill's perspective was to seek emergency relief so he had the opportunity to coach now,'' Jeffrey Kessler, Belichick's lawyer, said. ''Since it became apparent the court wasn't going to give us that relief, we had to decide what other options we could pursue. That option didn't work out.''

. . . . .

'''His goal is not to not be a coach and get damages,'' Kessler said. ''He wants to be a coach. If necessary, if all else fails, then he will pursue his claim for damages. Right now, what he wants to do is be permitted to work again. He wants it very clear that what he is seeking was to become free. He's trying to avoid the damage. If it turns out he can't, we'll consider other alternatives.''


The Jets had no comment on yesterday's development.

Belichick's immediate future remains murky. A team that wants his services may have them, but it will have to pay compensation to the Jets. The New England Patriots, who asked for permission to speak to Belichick on Jan. 3, have had talks with the Jets to try to reach a deal, but so far those talks have produced no resolution.

Meanwhile, the Patriots have also had talks with candidates who would fill the general manager and head-coaching posts separately, the two jobs that Belichick would presumably fill by himself if he had the freedom to make a deal with New England. Yesterday, the Patriots met with Dom Capers, the defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Patriots are one of just two N.F.L. teams that now need a head coach.​

Happy 29th Birthday to Brandon Bolden
Born January 26, 1990 in Baton Rouge
Patriot RB/ST 2012-2017; uniform #38
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on May 12, 2012 from Ole Miss

- Earned two Super Bowl rings with Patriots
- His grandfather, Frank Pitts, played ten years in the NFL. Pitts was a SE who played in Super Bowl I and IV with the Chiefs.
- 2012 FedEx Ground Player of the Week in week four. Bolden ran for 137 yards and a TD on just 16 carries in the 52-28 victory at Buffalo, including runs of 20 and 27 yards.
- The 8.6 yards per carry in that game ranks as the third most for a single game in Patriots history with a minimum of 15 rushing attempts. Only Curtis Martin (9.6 ypc on 17-164 vs Washington on Oct 13, 1996) and Tony Collins (9.2 ypc on 23-212 vs the Jets, Sept. 18, 1983) rank higher.
- 912 career rushing yards ranked 34th in franchise history at the time (now 35th, surpassed by Sony Michel).
- 216 career rushing attempts ranks 38th in club history, one behind Shane Vereen.
- 6 career rushing touchdowns ranks 38th in team history, tied with Michel, Reggie Dupard and Tony Eason.



2012: Played in ten games; missed two due to injury and four on a suspension for peds. Rushed for 274 yards on 56 carries with two touchdowns. On the field for 98 offensive snaps (12%) and 165 special team snaps (55%).

2013: Made his season debut and first career start vs Tampa Bay on 9/22 and compiled 100 total yards on offense. He ran three times for 51 yards - including a career-long 46 yard gain - and caught five passes for 49 yards. Bolden then started and rushed eight times for 36 yards at N.Y. Jets (10/20) and his first touchdown of the season.

He played in 12 regular-season games with two starts and compiled 271 yards on 55 carries and three touchdowns, and also caught 21 passes for 152 yards; he also played in both playoff games. Was inactive for four games - the first two contests of the year and at Carolina (11/18) due to injury, and was a healthy scratch vs Cleveland (12/8).

On the field for 269 offensive snaps (30%) and 152 special team snaps (41%).

2014: Played in all 16 regular-season games with two starts and rushed 28 times for 89 yards and one touchdown. Bolden was a major contributor on special teams, compiling six tackles, one blocked punt and one forced fumble on a kickoff - both leading to Patriot touchdowns. He also appeared in all three playoff games with one start.

In the 'We're on to Cincinnati' Game Bolden had two special teams tackles and forced a fumble on a kickoff that Kyle Arrington returned nine yards for a touchdown. On December 7 Bolden blocked his first NFL punt in the win at San Diego that led to a Patriot touchdown. It was the Patriots’ first blocked punt since 2010.

On the field for 73 offensive snaps (6%) and 285 special team snaps (61%).

2015: Played in 15 regular-season games with two starts, rushing 63 rushing times for 207 yards and catching 19 passes for 180 yards, and the first two receiving touchdowns of his career. Saw increased playing time after an injury to Dion Lewis in the third quarter vs Washington (11/8). Rushed once for 12 yards and caught three passes for 27 yards, including an 18-yard score that marked the first touchdown reception of his career. Ran four times for 11 yards and caught four passes for 84 yards at Denver (11/29), including a 63- yard touchdown in the fourth quarter that is the longest reception of his career. Rushed 16 times for 51 yards at Houston (12/13) after an injury to LeGarrette Blount in the second quarter increased his workload. Made his second career postseason start at running back and made two special teams tackles in the playoff victory vs. Kansas City (1/16).

On the field for 191 offensive snaps (18%) and 263 special team snaps (57%).


2016: Played in 14 regular-season games, mainly on special teams, and totaled four tackles and one forced fumble on special teams. Rushed once for 4 yards and caught two passes for 15 yards on offense. Recorded one special teams tackle in the Super Bowl LI win vs. Atlanta (2/5) that pinned the Falcons at their own 11-yard line with 57 seconds left in regulation.

On the field for just 13 offensive snaps (1%), and 264 special team snaps (67%).

2017: 42 offensive snaps (4%) and 271 special team snaps (60%).
Only 14 offensive touches: 13 carries for 67 yards, and one catch for seven yards.

Career Regular Season Stats as a Patriot:
85 games with six starts
216 carries for 912 yards (4.2 ypc), with six touchdowns
47 receptions (on 75 targets) for 373 yards, 7.9 ypc, two touchdowns
1,285 yards from scrimmage on 263 touches, 4.9 yards per touch

Career Playoff Stats as a Patriot:
The Patriots went 11-4 in the 15 postseason games Bolden played in.
12 carries for 46 yards (3.8 ypc) and one rushing touchdown
4 receptions on 5 targets for 37 yards (9.3 ypc)
5 tackles (3 solo)

2018 for Miami: ran twice against the Patriots - and scored both times.