Today In Patriots History Dec 28, 1963: Pats win AFL East in tiebreaker game

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Pats win first division title
Defense suffocates Bills, 26-8 in Buffalo
Larry Garron with 164 yards, 2 TD​

Saturday, December 28, 1963 at 1:07
Division Tiebreaker Playoff Game at War Memorial Stadium
Boston Patriots 26, Buffalo Bills 8
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Lou Saban
QBs: Babe Parilli; Jack Kemp/Daryle Lamonica
Odds: Buffalo 3-point home favorites
TV: ABC; Jack Buck, George Ratterman
Partly cloudy, cold, 21º, 11-17 mph wind, wind chill 9º
Time: 2:45; Attendance 33,044
Patriots improve to 8-6-1, win AFL East
Buffalo finishes in second place in AFL East


The game featured a matchup between the Patriots first two head coaches. The Pats showed a marked improvement ever since Mike Holovak replaced Lou Saban, going 7-1-1 in 1961 after Holovak took over, and barely missing the division title in 1962 and 1964. Ironically the one time in that stretch the Pats did win the division, they were inconsistent and just a hair over .500. Early in the season the Patriots had a four-game road trip, losing the last two of those games to teams they should have defeated (2-11-1 Broncos, 5-8-1 Jets). Later the Pats tied and lsot to 5-7-2 Kansas City, and finished the regular season with a 2-5-1 record on the road. Having to travel to Buffalo in order to advance to the AFL Championship Game, the outlook did not look promising.


The Bills fumbled the opening kickoff, but five plays later QB Babe Parilli threw an interception at the Buffalo seven-yard line to gift Buffalo a reprieve. It didn't matter though because the Boston defense was dominant, limiting the Bills rushing attack to 7 yards on 12 attempts, and holding Buffalo quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica to 19-of-45 passing with four interceptions.


While the Pats defense was allowing virtually nothing to the Buffalo offense, the Patriots scored on four straight possessions following that opening interception. A 59-yard Parilli-to-Larry Garron touchdown pass was sandwiched between three Gino Cappelletti field goals, as Boston took a 16-0 lead to the half.


Buffalo made it 16-8 late in the third quarter on a 93-yard catch-and-run, but the Patriots responded and pulled away courtesy of Garron’s second touchdown reception - a 17-yarder from Parilli - and another Cappelletti field goal for the 26-7 final score. Parilli finished the game completing 14-of-35 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while Garron and Cappelletti did most of the damage on the receiving end for Boston. Garron caught four passes for 120 yards and Cappelletti snared four for 109 yards. The Patriots outgained the Bills, 375-286, forced six turnovers, and Gino was a perfect 4-4 on field goal attempts in far less than perfect conditions.


Overall the 1963 Patriots were relatively average on offense, but excelled defensively. The D ranked second in points allowed, first in total yardage, first in rushing yards and first in first downs allowed. Defensive tackle Houston Antwine, defensive end Larry Eisenhauer, and linebacker Tom Addison were all first team All-AFL players.


The game is notable for being the first ever postseason victory for the Patriots, as weel as being the first time an AFL title was subject to a division tiebreaker game.



Diary of the AFL East Champions: 1963 Patriots

The Patriots' First Title: The Patriots route the Bills to capture the title

December 28, 1963 ... After four years of frustration, the Patriots finally clinched a berth in the American Football League Championship Game, by walloping the Buffalo Bills 26 to 8 at War Memorial Stadium.​

The main weapon was the swing pass, which the Buffalo defense couldn’t handle, which twice accounted for touchdowns. And when touchdowns couldn’t be scored, Gino Cappelletti was there to kick a field goal. Four of them came off the toe of Cappy.​

There was no doubt that the Patriots had come to play in the sub-freezing temperatures. The Balls fumbled the opening kickoff deep in their own territory. On the first Pats play from scrimmage, Ron Burton tested his surgically repaired back with a plunge through the line for four yards down to Buffalo’s 13-yard line.​

On their next possession, Babe Parilli hit Jimmy Colclough and then Cappelletti setting up Cappy's first field goal. A minute and a half later, a six-yard flip out to Larry Garron at the 50 allowed him to fake out the Buffalo defenders on the frozen field and take it 59 yards into the end zone.​

Luck was on the Patriots' side also. At the start of the second quarter, Buffalo’s Sid Youngleman got a hand on another Cappy field goal attempt. Instead of knocking it down, he propelled it up and over the crossbar for another score. A couple of penalties cost the Patriots a score and they settled for another field goal which put them up 16-0 at the half.​

The Boston defense was steadfast and allowed Buffalo nothing until the third quarter. Then they allowed a 93-yard pass play from Daryle Lamonica to Elbert Dubenion.​

Center Walt Cudzik downed a Tom Yewcic punt on the Bill’s seven and things looked great until Lamonica unleashed the bomb and converted the two-pointer, making it 16-8.​

But then it was all Patriots. A swing pass to Cappelletti took the ball down to the 16, and the Babe found Larry Garron in the end zone for a touchdown. The drive covered 69 yards. Two minutes later Bob Dee intercepted a pass setting up Cappy’s fourth field goal.​

Buffalo staged a last-ditch effort to come back. Jack Kemp came in for Lamonica and brought his team down to the goal line. The threat ended when Tommy Addison dumped Kemp on fourth down for a loss. The next time Kemp brought Buffalo down the field again. This time Jack Rudolph killed it in the end zone.​

Rudolph had an outstanding day, by knocking down 11 passes and helping contain Cookie Gilchrist - who could only gain seven yards in eight attempts. The Pats' defense stopped Gilchrist cold. Three times he needed one yard for a first down and couldn’t do it. One time he was hit so hard by Nick Buoniconti that he was lifted off the ground.​

For the offense, it was Cappelletti and Garron who accounted for 273 of Boston’s 375 total yardage. Babe Parilli also threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. One of the things Parilli did that caught Buffalo off stride was a hurry-up offense, which caught the Bills not ready quite a few times. The screen pass worked to perfection for Parilli on the frozen ground. Even if the defensive linemen spotted it coming, they couldn’t change direction.​

So, after four years, the Patriots win a division title and a chance for all the marbles.​

Larry Garron had a huge game, with 164 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns



Babe Parilli shook off an early pick, throwing for 300 yards and two TD passes













2:20 Game Highlights
12/28/1963 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights American Football League East Div. title game
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December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

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Patriots Starting Offense:
20 SE Gino Cappelletti
71 LT Don Oakes
76 LG Charley Long
54 C Walt Cudzik
73 RG Billy Neighbors
70 RT Milt Graham
86 TE Tony Romeo
81 FL Jim Colclough
15 QB Babe Parilli
22 HB Ron Burton
40 FB Larry Garron

Patriots Starting Defense:
89 LDE Bob Dee
65 LDT Houston Antwine
75 RDT Jesse Richardson
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
53 LLB Tommy Addison
85 MLB Nick Buoniconti
80 RLB Jack Rudolph
24 LCB **** Felt
23 LS Ronnie Hall
25 RS Ross O'Hanley
21 RCB Bob Suci

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Bob Yates (kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
21 KR Bob Suci
84 PR Art Graham

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Adam Vinatieri​

Happy 53rd birthday to Adam Vinatieri
Born December 28, 1972 in Yankton, South Dakota; hometown Rapid City, SD
Patriot kicker, 1996-2005; uniform #4
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from South Dakota State on June 28, 1996
Pats résumé: ten seasons; 160 games, plus 17 postseason games


Consider this: the Pats record was 101-59 in the regular season, and 13-4 in the postseason in games played with Adam Vinatieri. Looking only at his time in Foxborough, Vinatieri was a two-time first team All Pro, leading the NFL in field goals made once and FG percentage twice - despite playing outdoors in cold weather. He is one of a handful of Patriots to win three super bowls, and is a member of the Pats All-1990s Team, All-2000s Team, 50th Anniversary Team and All-Dynasty Team.

Besides setting numerous franchise records, Adam also led the NFL in scoring in 2004, was on the All-Rookie team for 1996, is a meber of the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team, and holds NFL records for most points scored, most consecutive field goals made, most combined regular season and postseason games played, most career field goals made, most career field goals attempted, most seasons with 100+ points, most career overtime field goals, and most field goals made in a single postseason.

Not bad for a guy who almost got cut after he went 1-4 in his second NFL game.

Adam Vinatieri deserves to be in both the Patriots Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame - the sooner the better.

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[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dec 28, 1985: Pats 26, Jets 14
Patriots win their first post-merger playoff game
4 takeaways lead to 1st postseason win in 22 years​

Sunday, December 28, 1985 at 1:00
Wild Card Game at Giants Stadium
New England Patriots 26, New York Jets 14
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Joe Walton
QBs: Tony Eason, Ken O'Brien/Pat Ryan
Odds: New York 3-point home favorites
TV: NBC; Marv Albert, Bob Griese
Partly cloudy, 33º, 15-30 mph wind from the southwest, wind chill 19-23º
Referee: Jerry Seeman; Time: 3:00
76,891 tickets distributed; 5,933 no-shows; actual attendance 70,958
Patriots advance to play at 12-4 LA Raiders in divisional round
Jets finished 11-5, tied with Patriots in second place, one game behind Miami


Technically this was the first playoff victory in franchise history for the Patriots. That 1963 visctory over Buffalo was considered to be an extra game in the regular season to determine the division era, in a quaint era of no wild card teams and no tiebreakers for division winners.

Tony Eason completed 75% of his passes without throwing a pick and Craig James gained 85 yards from scrimmage, but defense and special teams won this game. Garin Veris had three sacks and an interception, Fred Marion had a pick he returned 26 yards that led to a 36-yard touchdown pass from Eason to Stanley Morgan, and following a Tony Franklin field goal, Johnny Rembert forced a fumble that he recovered and ran in 15 yards for a touchdown.


85 Patriots wild card run - Pro Football Hall of Fame

The road to Super Bowl XX for the 1985 New England Patriots was well traveled. After posting an 11-5 regular season record that included winning nine of their final 11 games, the Patriots qualified for the playoffs as a wildcard team. Over the next month, the team fought incredible odds as they won three consecutive playoff games, all on the road!​

The playoff run began on December 28 at Giants Stadium against the New York Jets. The Patriots went on a tear that day as they scored 20 unanswered points during a stretch of the second and third quarters. Seventeen of those points followed Jets' miscues. The Pats defense forced a total of four turnovers in the game. Combined with a record-tying four field goals by place-kicker Tony Franklin, the Patriots rolled to 26-14 win.​

Classic Rewind: 1985 AFC Wild Card Game – Patriots at Jets

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It had been 22 years since the Patriots last... - UPI Archives

It had been 22 years since the Patriots last won a post-season game, but the New York Jets could be excused for coming away with the impression that the...

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JETS ROUTED FROM PLAYOFFS BY PATRIOTS, 26-14
The sure hands that helped carry the Jets to the American Conference wild-card playoff game were not so sure today.

The Jets committed four turnovers, and three were turned into scores by the New England Patriots, who won by 26-14 and played an error-free game in breaking with their tradition of losing in the playoffs.

The victory lifted the Patriots to a meeting with the Raiders in Los Angeles next Sunday in an A.F.C. semifinal game. The Patriots, who lost by 35-20 to the Raiders earlier this season, had not won a playoff game since 1963.

The Jets played most of the second half without Ken O'Brien, the league's top-rated quarterback whom teammates had voted the most valuable Jet. O'Brien suffered a concussion in the first half when he was hit by Andre Tippett as he was passing. He had been sacked twice earlier. None of the league-record 62 sacks that O'Brien suffered during the regular season had been able to knock him out of a game. Tippett's hit was not even recorded as a sack.

When O'Brien faltered in the huddle, though, in the opening series of the second half, he was replaced by Pat Ryan. His first drive led to a touchdown, but there was nothing more from the Jets' offense.

Against a defense like the Patriots', turnovers spell doom. During the regular season, the Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals committed the fewest turnovers in the league. But today the Jets squandered many chances with their turnovers and , never got close enough for any field-goal attempts by Pat Leahy.

Tony Franklin of the Patriots, though, had five field-goal attempts and made four to tie the National Football League record for most field goals in a playoff. 41 Yards for McNeil The Jets could not run effectively. Freeman McNeil concluded a disappointing second half of the season by rushing for only 41 yards on 16 carries. It was his fourth consecutive game in which he averaged less than 3.5 yards a carry.

The first half came to an ominous close for the Jets, with O'Brien struggling to get up after being knocked to the turf by Tippett. O'Brien was hit as he unloaded a third-down pass that was intended to move the Jets into field-goal range.

By then they were trailing by 13-7. The Patriots opened the scoring midway through the first quarter on Franklin's 33-yard field goal. That drive was positioned by a face-mask penalty on Rocky Klever, one of six infractions the Jets committed, compared with the Patriots' one.

That was typical of how things went today, the Patriots swarming in the right place and the Jets in the wrong place - or committing penalties, or yielding sacks - at the wrong time.

Still, O'Brien, forced to pass because of the ineffective running game, spotted Johnny Hector for an 11-yard score only seconds into the second period. The Patriots retaliated with a Franklin field goal.

But on the next drive, a play after O'Brien hit Wesley Walker with a 24-yard pass, McNeil fumbled away the ball after being tackled. That effectively halted the Jets' momentum for the rest of the half.

'Stupid Pass' from O'Brien

On their next possession, O'Brien, throwing what he called ''a stupid pass - I didn't see the center fielder'' - underthrew Walker. The ball was intercepted by the free safety Fred Marion, who returned it 26 yards to the Patriots' 33-yard line.

Another Jets' mistake helped the Patriots take a 13-7 lead following the interception. This was the first game Russell Carter played after missing the entire second half of the regular season with a sciatic-nerve injury. He was at right cornerback, and he made a mistake that resulted in a Patriot touchdown.

In a span of 15 seconds of the third period the Patriots scored twice, including a touchdown on another Jet turnover.

After the Jets' opening drive of the second half faltered under the woozy O'Brien, the Patriots took over and Franklin made a third field goal, this one a 20-yarder.

It came on a typical Tony Eason drive, throwing to a running back, or throwing short to receivers, or using runners on slants.

On the following kickoff, with Ryan waiting to come into the game, Johnny Hector was stripped of the ball by Johnny Rembert, who then retrieved it and ran it in for a 15-yard touchdown. That lifted the Patriots to a 23-7 edge.

But the crowd, instead of booing on the kickoff, began chanting, ''Let's go Jets!'' and Hector ran this one back 33 yards, putting the ball in good position for Ryan.

His only passes this season had come in mop-up duty in two victories, but he smartly led a 57-yard drive that ended with a 12-yard touchdown toss to Mickey Shuler to cut New England's lead to 23-14. On the march, Ryan completed five of seven passes.

The Patriot defense, which limited the Jets' rushers to only 58 yards on 21 carries, halted Ryan on three downs and a punt on the next two series -and then intercepted him on the third drive when Garin Veris picked off a pass for McNeil that Tippett batted. That interception led to Franklin's fourth field goal. Eason was gracious in victory, contending the Jets' defense had confused him.

''I had a lot of problems,'' he said. ''They threw some coverages that I'd never seen on film or on a board before.''

Still, he was able to connect on 12 of 16 passes, which generated 179 yards, and none was intercepted.

His runners struggled, and Craig James could gain only 49 yards on 22 carries.

The Jets' passing yardage was meaningless because of so many aborted drives. Until O'Brien was forced to leave, he had completed 13 of 17 passes for 149 yards. Ryan added 10 completions on 17 attempts for 84 yards.

New England produced the longer plays: a 39-yarder to Irving Fryar and the 36-yarder to Morgan. The Jets' injury problems in the secondary continued even on this final day: Johnny Lynn had to leave at left cornerback, after straining his neck again.

Coach Joe Walton's final postgame talk of the season centered on the year the team had. The Jets, who were 7-9 last season, finished the year at 11-6, including today's defeat.

''We made a lot of progress,'' he said, ''and I think we're going to be a good football team in the years to come.''

----

Jet Playoff Mark for Toon

Al Toon's nine receptions for 93 yards were the most recorded by a Jet in a playoff game. . . . The Jets' playoff record stands at 4-4.

2:25:34 Full Game
1985 Wild Card Patriots @ Jets
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Patriots Starting Offense:
86 WR Stanley Morgan
76 LT Brian Holloway
73 LG John Hannah
58 C Pete Brock
61 RG Ron Wooten
67 RT Steve Moore
87 TE Lin Dawson
80 WR Irving Fryar
11 QB Tony Eason
33 HB Tony Collins
32 FB Craig James

Patriots Starting Defense:
60 LDE Garin Veris
72 NT Lester Williams
85 RDE Julius Adams
66 LOLB Andre Tippett
57 LILB Steve Nelson
50 RILB Larry McGrew
55 ROLB Don Blackmon
42 LCB Ronnie Lippett
38 SS Roland James
31 FS Fred Marion
26 RCB Raymond Clayborn

Patriots Special Teams:
1 K Tony Franklin
3 P Rich Camarillo
81 KR Stephen Starring
83 KR Cedric Jones
80 PR Irving Fryar

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1991: NE 17, Miami 3 in Wild Card Win
Pats defense smothers Marino, Dolphins
Chris Slade, Todd Collins w/crucial picks​

Sunday, December 28, 1997: 12:35
Wild Card Game at Foxboro Stadium
New England Patriots 17, Miami Dolphins 3
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Jimmy Johnson
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Drew Bledsoe
Odds: New England 5-point home favorites
TV: NBC. Announcers: **** Enberg, Paul Maguire, Phil Simms; sideline: Jim Gray
Sunny, windy, cold; 35º, wind from the north 15 mph, wind chill 22º
Referee: Gerry Austin; Time: 3:00
60,292 tickets distributed; only 251 no-shows; actual attendance 60,041
Patriots advance to play at 11-5 Pittsburgh in divisional round
Dolphins went 9-7, winning tiebreaker with Jets, behind 10-6 Patriots


The Patriots defense forced three turnovers while limiting Miami to just 162 total yards of offense to defeat the Dolphins 17-3. Todd Collins' 40-yard pick six was the highlight play, giving the Pats a 14-0 lead on the second play of the second half. New England's defenese limited Dan Marino to the worst postseason game of his career: 17-43 (39%) for 141 yards (3.3 yards per attempt), two fumbles (one lost), zero touchdowns, two interceptions, four sacks, and a passer rating of 29.3.


Derrick Cullors rushed for a career-high 86 yards on 22 carries, more than double the amount of rushing yards he had in any other game in his pro football career. He was the feature back due to Curtis Martin being unavailable, after suffering a separated shoulder against the Colts four weeks prior. Troy Brown put the Pats on the scoreboard in the second quarter on a 24-yard touchdown pass from Drew Bledsoe (16-32, 139 yards) that was set up by a Chris Slade interception that he returned 22 yards to the Miami 29 yard line.


In a bit of trivia, this game was Pete Carroll's first postseason victory as an NFL head coach.

Pats sweep Dolphins out

The Patriots defense peaks for the playoffs. That's not likely to change, even with Dan Marino and the Dolphins' bumbling offense finally out of the way.

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New England completed a rare three-game season sweep of Miami, stealing signals and passes and manhandling Marino again, and won 17-3 Sunday.​

Next stop: a second-round game Saturday in Pittsburgh against the Steelers, the only team to beat the Patriots in their past six games. The Steelers are one of three teams held without a touchdown in New England's past four playoff games.​

"Our defense has come together," Patriots cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock said. "Their whole offensive line was confused. Dan Marino was confused."​

He also was constantly pressured into four sacks, nine hurries, six knockdowns, four deflections and, most important, two interceptions.​

"I made two mistakes, two interceptions," Marino said. "When that happens, we're not good enough to overcome that."​

Chris Slade's 22-yard return with an interception set up Drew Bledsoe's 24-yard scoring pass to Troy Brown late in the first half. And Todd Collins' 40-yard interception return for a touchdown early in the third quarter put the Patriots ahead 14-0.​

The Patriots called a defensive audible, allowing Collins to move into the left flat after he recognized Marino's signals.​

"He was looking right at me," Collins said. "He threw it and that sort of surprised me, but I'll take it."​

The Patriots acknowledged a familiarity with Miami's signals. "Playing them three times (in six weeks), we kind of know those guys and their tendencies," cornerback Ty Law said.​

Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson was more blunt about it. "New England knew every signal, every check-off, every audible," he said of the system that, at Marino's insistence, has remained largely unchanged throughout the quarterback's career. "They knew the signals going in. They were laughing about it."​

The result was a sad reminder for Miami (9-8) and Marino of a 27-24 loss Nov. 23, also in Foxboro Stadium, in which he threw three interceptions, two returned for touchdowns.​

And Monday night, in a 14-12 win at Miami that gave the Patriots their second straight AFC East title, Marino fumbled a snap, then threw an interception as he was being blitzed, ending Miami's hope in the final 2 minutes.​

Only a 38-yard field goal by Olindo Mare 19 seconds into the fourth quarter kept the Dolphins from their first playoff shutout in history, a stretch of 31 games. Miami gained a team-record playoff low of 162 yards and was held to 42 on the ground for the second straight game.​

The Dolphins recovered an onside kick after Mare's field goal made it 17-3, but Marino fumbled the ball away on the next play.​

"When you can't run the football," Johnson said, "you don't have a football team."​

Johnson lost in his first playoff game with Miami after winning two Super Bowls at Dallas. Pete Carroll was a winner in his first game as a head coach.​

Of Marino's 13 interceptions this season, six came against New England. For the second time in seven days, Marino was beset by an aggressive pass rush, tight coverage by cornerbacks and frequent drops by his receivers.​

"I attribute that to (defensive coordinator) Steve Sidwell and the calls," Collins said. "When you get good calls, you step up and make great plays."​

Playing without running back Curtis Martin, who missed his fourth consecutive game with groin and shoulder problems, the Patriots gained only 228 yards but finally got their ground game going. They rushed for 108 yards, 86 by Derrick Cullors, after totaling 144 in their previous three games.​

6:21 Highlight Video
1997 Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots AFC Wild Card Playoff



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Dolphins @ Patriots 1997 AFC Wild Card 1st Half



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Dolphins @ Patriots 1997 AFC Wild Card 2nd Half
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Patriots Starting Offense:
84 WR Shawn Jefferson
78 LT Bruce Armstrong
68 LG Max Lane
64 C Dave Wohlabaugh
71 RG Todd Rucci
77 RT Zefross Moss
41 TE Keith Byars
87 TE Ben Coates
88 WR Terry Glenn
11 QB Drew Bledsoe
29 RB Derrick Cullors

Patriots Starting Defense:
74 LDE Chris Sullivan
97 LDT Mark Wheeler
95 RDT Henry Thomas
55 RDE Willie McGinest
59 SLB Todd Collins
52 MLB Ted Johnson
53 WLB Chris Slade
24 LCB Ty Law
36 SS Lawyer Milloy
32 FS Willie Clay
31 RCB Jimmy Hitchcock

Patriots Special Teams:
4 K Adam Vinatieri
19 P Tom Tupa
75 LS Danny Villa
29 KR Derrick Cullors
22 PR Dave Meggett
80 PR Troy Brown

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2008: 13-0 win at Buffalo
Pats miss playoffs on tiebreaker in the Wind Game
Finish 11-5 with Matt Cassel going 6-8, 78 yards​

Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 1:02
Week 17, Game 16 at Ralph Wilson Stadium
New England Patriots 13, Buffalo Bills 0
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, **** Jauron
QBs: Matt Cassel, Trent Edwards
Odds: New England 5½-point road favorites
TV: CBS; Greg Gumbel, Dan Dierdorf
Mostly cloudy, very windy; 39º, 30-40 mph winds from the southwest, gusting to 55 mph
Referee: Gene Steratore; Time: 2:44; Paid Attendance 71,282
Patriots finish 11-5, lose on tiebreaker to Miami (AFCE) and Ravens (Wild Card)
Bills finish 7-9, fourth in AFC East

Help Fails Patriots As Season Ends

In life, things happen all the time that just don’t seem fair.

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In life, things happen all the time that just don't seem fair.

There is no question that the New England Patriots, the now deposed AFC Champs, finished better than anyone else in the AFC East, and that neither Miami nor the Jets covered themselves with glory in their regular season finale. It's hard to believe that Miami, who wound up winning the AFC East after a 1-15 record in 2007, will be able to get past Baltimore in the first round. It will be harder to fathom that the Patriots, whom the Ravens feared to have to play in the postseason on the road, won't get the chance to see that matchup become reality.

After doing their part and defeating the Buffalo Bills in a maelstrom at Ralph Wilson Stadium, 13-0, the Patriots were forced to get on a plane for home and hope that either Jacksonville could beat Baltimore or the Jets could beat Miami. Taking a page from 1980, both scenarios went against the Patriots, as Baltimore cleaned house at home, 27-7 over the woeful Jags, and the Dolphins nailed down their first division title since 2000 by defeating the Jets at Exit 16-W, 24-17. The Patriots thus become the first team since the 1985 Denver Broncos to go 11-5 and not make the playoffs. Ironically, the Patriots were one of the teams in 1985 to knock Denver out of the postseason, and that Patriot team went all the way to Super Bowl XX.

This bitter season ending for the Patriots cannot be laid at the feet of the New York Jets, at least not completely. The Jets played the Dolphins hard for the better part of the game, but Patriot Nation will be gnashing their teeth over Brett Favre, the Pro Bowl quarterback who threw three interceptions, two of them costly, to literally hand the game to Miami. Favre did throw a touchdown pass of his own and kept his team in the game until the final minutes, but in the end Favre threw too many passes he throws against everyone in the league except the Patriots. The Dolphins thus complete a ten-game improvement, tying the 1999 Colts for best in league history.

Truth be told, the Jets did more to wound the Patriots with their win at Foxborough during Week 11 than they did on Sunday. Favre had one of his best games of the season in that game (a 119.4 passer rating) and completed that 16-yard pass to Dustin Keller in overtime which turned out to be arguably the most damaging play against the Patriots all season long. The Patriots would likely not have been in this position to root for the Jets if they had not blown the coverage on that one very important play.

The Patriots instead learned once again that you need to control your own destiny if you want to make the playoffs. 2001 was the one exception, where most every external break the Patriots could have gotten, they got to get them to the two seed and eventually to Super Bowl XXXVI. Ironically, the game which nailed down the two seed was a Jet win at Oakland, the game which eventually set the epic playoff game with the Raiders at Foxborough and in a driving snowstorm. Other than 2001, the Patriots generally cannot rely on help to improve their playoff position, and in 2008 they saw a remarkable season filled with heroic efforts and yeoman performances from backups go unrewarded in the end.

The Patriots battled the elements in Buffalo on Sunday, and prevailed over Buffalo in one of the more remarkable displays of swirling winds one has ever seen. The swirling wind was so powerful that the goal posts swayed in opposite directions (to clarify, if you stood at the 50-yard line and looked at each goal post, they both swayed to the left). There was a delay prior to a second period Patriot field goal attempt so that stadium workers could level the uprights, but Stephen Gostkowski still watched a 26-yard field goal attempt get windblown to the right. Rian Lindell saw the same from a 47-yard attempt, only this kick went so far to the right it resembled a kick in Soldier Field in Chicago some years back where one kick was actually L-shaped.

The wind was blowing so fiercely from left to right that teams moving into the wind could only run the ball, for the most part. The game became a rushing duel, and the Patriots seemed to catch a break with Marshawn Lynch out of the game due to injury. No such luck, as Fred Jackson gouged the Patriots for 136 yards on 27 carries. But the Bills still managed to get shut out, and the Patriots countered that with 168 team rushing yards (Sammy Morris had 85 yards, LaMont Jordan 64, and Matt Cassel 19).

The Patriots have to figure out what to do about Cassel. On a day made for running backs, he still managed 6 of 8 passing for 78 yards, but had three key runs which kept drives alive, two of them on fourth down. With reports that Tom Brady's rehab is behind schedule, the Patriots may have to do the unthinkable and franchise Cassel. It will be costly, but other than releasing the future Hall of Famer, which is so not happening, there really isn't much the Patriots can do. Right now, the sight of Cassel in another team's uniform (Jets?) would be sickening. The 2008 season will be best remembered for Cassel's development into a bona fide NFL starter, and if the Patriots need him next year and if the rest of the team can stay somewhat healthy, he could be slinging the football in January next year.

Give Bill Parcells credit for bringing the Dolphins back to life one year removed from a horrid season. He brought in rookie head coach Tony Sparano and managed to scoop up Chad Pennington when the Jets thought Favre was a better option at quarterback. In the end the Jets looked foolish as Pennington led the Dolphins to the division title in front of his former fans, and the fancy new Wildcat offense was a nice new innovation for 2008. But whether the Dolphins can score at all against the powerful Ravens defense and whether or not the Dolphin defense can deal with rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is another story, one which will be answered next week in South Florida.

As Parcells is given to say, you are what your record says you are. Both his team and his former team finished 11-5, but the Dolphins win the tiebreaker based on a better conference record. The Dolphins play on, the Patriots go home. That's just the way things go.

The Patriots have really nothing to be ashamed of. Losing Brady after the fifteenth play of the season could have and should have been the instant death knell. If anyone had said following that Kansas City game that the Patriots would go 11-5 without Brady, everyone would have screamed "I'll take it!" louder than the Dolphins must be screaming in their locker room following their division-clinching win.

The Patriots can now settle in, heal up, watch the playoffs and think about 2009, and the ensuing quarterback issue they may be facing. Nothing more anyone can say except "Well done, Patriots."

That goes for Bill Belichick too, who really was a genius in 2008. Some other coach may get Coach of the Year, but Belichick is still the best coach in the business.

The Good And Bad Of The 2008 Patriots

If you profess a love for David Letterman, then this article is for you.

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No Pity Party Allowed Here, Gang

Sure I'm disappointed, but it was a redeeming ride this year

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New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - December 28th, 2008 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Buffalo Bills 0 on December 28th, 2008 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 2008 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for December 28, 2008 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

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Patriots Starting Offense:
81 WR Randy Moss
86 TE Dave Thomas
72 LT Matt Light
70 LG Logan Mankins
67 C Dan Koppen
61 RG Stephen Neal
77 RT Nick Kaczur
84 TE Ben Watson
61 QB Matt Cassel
34 RB Sammy Morris
71 HBK Russ Hochstein

Patriots Starting Defense:
94 LDE Ty Warren
75 NT Vince Wilfork
97 RDE Jarvis Green
50 LOLB Mike Vrabel
51 LILB Jerod Mayo
55 RILB Junior Seau
95 ROLB Rosevelt Colvin
24 LCB Jonathan Wilhite
31 SS Brandon Meriweather
36 FS James Sanders
27 RCB Ellis Hobbs

Patriots Special Teams:
3 K Stephen Gostkowski
6 P Chris Hanson
66 LS Lonie Paxton
27 KR Ellis Hobbs
83 PR Wes Welker

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2014: 17-9 loss to Buffalo
Backups play with #1 seed already clinched​

Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 1:02
Week 17, Game 16 at Gillette Stadium
Buffalo Bills 17, New England Patriots 9
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Doug Marrone
QBs: Tom Brady/Jimmy Garoppolo, Kyle Orton
Odds: New England 6½-point home favorites
TV: CBS. Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots
Mostly cloudy, 49º, 9 mph wind from the NW, wind chill 45º
Referee: Terry McAulay; Time: 2:43; Paid Attendance 68,756
Patriots finish 12-4, number one seed in AFC
Bills finish 9-7, one game behind Baltimore for final wildcard spot


2014 was the season that the Patriots stood 2-2 after getting crushed 41-14 on Monday Night Football at Kansas City. From there all Bill Belichick would say is 'we're on to Cincinnati' - and the Pats silenced their critics with a 43-17 beatdown over the Bengals, sparking a seven-game winning streak.

This was a boring, meaningless game in which Tom Brady did not play in the second half at all. In addition Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski, Jonas Gray, Sebastian Vollmer, Dan Connolly, Don'ta Hightower and Brandon Browner were all inactive, whether it be due to injury or just to rest, heal, or avoid getting banged up.

The most memorable (forgettable?) sequence was a six-minute fourth quarter drive where the Pats had a first-and-ten on the Buffalo 30 with 7:28 to go, down by eight. A Brandon Bolden run lost a yard, then Jimmy Garoppolo was sacked for a loss of 15, followed by a 10 yard holding penalty on Marcus Cannon - resulting in 3rd-and-36, back to the New England 44. Jimmy G completed a 15 yard pass to Tim Wright, and after punting there was only 1:50 left on the clock by the time the Pats got the ball back, on their own 25 with no timeouts remaining.

Two weeks later the Patriots would win 35-31 in a wild divisional round game against Baltimore that saw the Pats come back from 14-point deficits twice (while John Harbaugh completely losy his composure), then absoltely crush Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFCCG (the game that started the bogus deflategate witch hunt). Two weeks after that Malcom Butler came off the bench to replace Kyle Arrington, who was unable to cover a tight end by the name of Chris Matthews, and the rest is super bowl history.

Five Best From Sunday's Battle With the Bills

Here's a look at five thoughts from the best of Sunday's season finale against the Buffalo Bills.

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What Can Be Learned From the Patriots 17-9 Loss to the Bills? Not Much...

That should remove any doubts as to who is the most influential player on the Patriots offense. If the scouts in attendance want to take something home, take this…Gronk is the one player the Patriots feel they can’t do without.

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STAT CHECK: Brandon LaFell Exceeded Expectations in 2014

With the regular season now in the rear view, Brandon LaFell has this Patriots offense looking pretty formidable heading into the playoffs.

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5 Biggest Difference Makers For the 2014 Patriots

But whoever the Patriots do face on January 10, they’ll have to realize that their top option in the passing game may be taken away, ….to “Revis Island.”

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Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - December 28th, 2014 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Buffalo Bills 17 at New England Patriots 9 on December 28th, 2014 - Full team and player stats and box score

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- Patriots end NFL record of 35 straight home wins against conference opponents
- Pats finish 2014 with 468 points and 52 touchdowns scored, both 5th most in team history
- Pats snap 17-game winning streak against AFC East; one short of NFL record vs division opponents
- Pats snap 16-game home winning streak; third longest in franchise history
- Pats snap 14-game winning streak vs Bills; it was also Buffalo's first ever win at Gillette Stadium (1-13)
- Brady ends 43-game regular season home winning streak as QB versus AFC teams
- Brady finishes with 4,109 yards passing, 8th most in franchise history
- Gostkowski sets single-season team record for FG percentage (94.6%, 35-37), topping 2004 Vinatieri (93.9%)
- Gostkowski finishes with 156 points, 2nd most in team history (Gostkowski, 158, 2013; Cappelletti, 155, 1964)
- The 156 points was the 7th most in NFL history, Gostkowski also ranked 5th (2013) and 8th (2012)
- Ryan Allen finishes 2nd in team history with 46.36 yards per punt, barely behind Zoltan Mesko (46.46, 2011)
- Steve Maneri played in his first game as a New England Patriot




Patriots Starting Offense:
19 WR Brandon LaFell
77 LT Nate Solder
67 LG Josh Kline
66 C Bryan Stork
62 RG Ryan Wendell
61 RT Marcus Cannon
47 TE Michael Hoomanawanui
80 WR Danny Amendola
84 WR Brian Tyms
12 QB Tom Brady
38 RB Brandon Bolden

Patriots Starting Defense:
50 LDE Rob Ninkovich
97 DT Alan Branch
75 LDT Vince Wilfork
96 RDT Sealver Siliga
95 RDE Chandler Jones
91 LLB Jamie Collins
52 MLB Jonathan Casillas
24 LCB Darrelle Revis
23 SS Pat Chung
32 FS Devin McCourty
26 RCB Logan Ryan

Patriots Special Teams:
3 K Stephen Gostkowski
6 P Ryan Allen
48 LS Danny Aiken
80 KR Danny Amendola
80 PR Danny Amendola

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2020: 38-9 loss to Buffalo
Third straight loss, now 6-9​

Monday, December 28, 2020 at 8:15
Week 16, Game 15 at Gillette Stadium
Buffalo Bills 38, New England Patriots 9
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Sean McDermott
QBs: Cam Newton/Jarrett Stidham, Josh Allen
Odds: Buffalo 7-point road favorites
TV: ABC/ESPN. Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick; Laura Rutledge
Clear, 41º, humidity 90%, 4 mph wind, wind chill 38º
Referee: Ronald Torbert; Time: 2:51; zero attendance (covid)
Patriots drop to 6-9, four games behind Miami and four ahead of the Jets
Bills improve to 12-3, would finish as #2 seed


A week earlier the Patriots had been eliminated in a 22-12 loss at Miami, and Buffalo had clinched the AFC East. Jarrett Stidham took over at quarterback on the second series of the second half in relief of Cam Newton, while Stefon Diggs had nine receptions (on 11 targets, 89%) for 145 yards and three touchdowns for Buffalo. This was the first series sweep by the Bills over the Pats since 1999. At the time it was the fifth most points ever scored by Buffalo against the Pats, and the third largest point differential in a loss to the Bills. The Pats only touchdown came on a 9-yard run by Cam Newton. That was Cam's 12th rushing touchdown of the season, tied with Steve Grogan for the most ever in franchise history by a quarterback, and also tied for seventh overall in team history for a single season regardless of position.

Patriots Move One Step Closer to Offseason After Beating From Buffalo | PatsFans.com

The Patriots at times looked beaten down and dispirited. They were mostly in zone defense packages and didn’t show a lot of zeal in playing the Buffalo receivers tight, especially after falling further and further behind.

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If the truth be known, the Bills sent a loud and clear message to the Patriots. This is no longer your division. This is our division. Buffalo will need to send another message to Miami next week about divisional superiority. There is no question that right now, right this very moment, Buffalo is the class of the AFC East.​

5 Thoughts on the Patriots Blowout Loss - No One Stepped Up Monday Night | PatsFans.com

We know good teams are supposed to beat up on bad teams. That being said, the realization of what transpired Monday night only stings that much worse. Here are some thoughts coming off of what was a nightmare of a game.

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1) Cam Newton’s struggles were on full display Monday night as the Bills had New England in a shootout, and Newton wasn’t able to keep up.​

The veteran QB did lead them down the field on the opening series, which included a throwback pass after Newton initially pitched Sony Michel the football, and Michel threw it back to him, setting up what seemed like a potential touchdown pass from Newton to a wide-open Damiere Byrd.​

Unfortunately, Newton threw a perfect pass that clanked off of Byrd’s facemask, and that moment ended up being a sign of things to come in what was an ugly night for the Patriots offense.​

They eventually settled for a field goal, getting on the board for the first time in the opening quarter this season at Gillette Stadium. It also gave them a 3-0 edge, which was their only lead of the night.​

From there, things went mostly downhill as Newton went into the half having thrown for 34-yards with his team down 24-9. Meanwhile, Josh Allen was already nearing 200-yards passing after throwing for 173-yards.​

Bill Belichick clearly came into this match-up hoping to control the game on the ground while trying to limit the damage by Allen, but instead, Allen was near perfect and Newton couldn’t match him with his arm.​

Observations as the Bills Sweep Patriots Aside in 38-9 MNF Blowout | PatsFans.com

Belichick responded by spiking the phone off off the cart...hey, at least it wasn’t one of those tablets. It was a perfect metaphor for 2020.

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The Bills and Josh Allen shredded the Patriots defense for 474 yards while holding the ball for nearly 40 minutes (39:41) while the Patriots were held to 201 yards of total offense and just 20:19 time of possession.​

Early in the game, there was a lot of chirping going on as J.C. Jackson and Stefon Diggs, the two were matched up against one another. By the fourth quarter, Jackson was benched for Joejuan Williams while Diggs roasted New England 9 catches for 145 and a career-high 3 TDs. Jackson didn’t do himself any favors with his upcoming salary negotiations.​

The Patriots’ pass rush? Non-existent. Allen was never sacked and the Patriots had zero, zilch QB hits. He had all day to throw.​

Fans sick of Newton staring down receivers and skipping the ball into the ground short of the mark finally got their wish with about eight and a half minutes to go in the 3rd quarter. And Jarrett Stidham came in and …stared down receivers and skipped the ball short of receivers. (“He didn’t get a full week of prep time!”) Was there anything in evidence, anything at all that would give one the slightest confidence that Stidham gives them hope that he can be the starter?​

The Patriots’ woeful passing game has really hit rock bottom. Newton was just 5-10 for 34 yards 0 TDs, 0 INTs with a 57.6 QB rating. Stidham was 4-11 for 44 yards 0/0 with a 49.1 QB rating. The team ended up with 56 net yards passing. It is nice to know that the washed-up 43-year old guy (What’s his name?), wasn’t worth the money.​

The fake punt by the Bills was one of those plays that we have been conditioned to laugh at other teams’ misfortune. The Patriots lined up and left the right gunner uncovered. Buffalo recognized it and easily completed a fourth-down conversion. On the day Buffalo was 3-3 on fourth downs.​

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Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - December 28th, 2020 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Buffalo Bills 38 at New England Patriots 9 on December 28th, 2020 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 2020 - Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

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Patriots Pre-Game Press Release:

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- Cam Newton ties team record for most rushing TDs by a QB with his 12th of the season
- Newton tied Steve Grogan for 2nd most rushing TDs by a QB in NFL history (he holds the record with 14)
- Newton also becomes only NFL QB with three seasons with double-digit rushing touchdowns in a season
- Cam now has 70 career rushing touchdowns, most in NFL history by a quarterback
- Newton joins Earl Campbell (74) as the only 1st round draft picks in NFL history with 70-plus rushing touchdowns
- James White (365 career receptions) moves past Irving Fryar into 8th place on Patriots all-time receiving list
- Nick Folk extends streak to 26 straight successful field goal attempts
- That puts Folk in 2nd place in team history, passing Adam Vinatieri (25) and trailing only Stephen Gostkowski (31)




Patriots Starting Offense:
16 WR Jakobi Meyers
75 LT Justin Herron
62 LG Joe Thuney
60 C David Andrews
69 RG Shaq Mason
71 RT Mike Onwenu
86 TE Devin Asiasi
10 WR Damiere Byrd
1 QB Cam Newton
26 RB Sony Michel
47 FB Jakob Johnson

Patriots Starting Defense:
96 LDE Tashawn Bower
99 LDT Byron Cowart
70 RDT Adam Butler
55 RDE John Simon
53 MLB Josh Uche
59 ROLB Terez Hall
27 LCB J.C. Jackson
21 SS Adrian Phillips
32 FS Devin McCourty
30 RCB Jason McCourty
31 NB Jonathan Jones

Patriots Special Teams:
6 K Nick Folk
7 P Jake Bailey
49 LS Joe Cardona
14 KR Donte Moncrief
80 PR Gunner Olszewski

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2024 Week 17
Is there any bottom to the 2024 season?
Chargers 40, Pats 7​

Saturday, December 28, 2024 at 1:02
Week 17, Game 16 at Gillette Stadium
Los Angeles Chargers 40, New England Patriots 7
Head Coaches: Jerod Mayo, Jim Harbaugh
QBs: Drake Maye/Jacoby Brissett, Justin Herbert
Odds: Chargers 5½-point road favorites
TV: NFLN. Chris Rose, Ross Tucker; Steve Wyche
Mostly cloudy, 40º; humidity 95%, 4mph wind
Referee: John Hussey; Time: 2:57; Paid Attendance 64,628
Patriots drop to 3-13, in a four-way tie for worst in the NFL
Chargers improve to 10-6, clinching a playoff spot


As bad as the short-lived Jerod Mayo was, this game represented the worst (33 points) loss of the 2024 season. The networks and the NFL already figured that out going into the game, assigning an unknown to referee the game, and a guy who never calls game to be the announcer.

(To be fair, in my opinion Chris Rose hosts the best post-game show on television; if you haven't seen his 8:00 program on the NFL Network I recommend you check it out. But in this case the networks were scrambling for a 16th play-by-play guy, and resurrected the former host of the Best Damn Sports Show Period, but without Tom Arnold, Lisa Guerrero or Charissa Thompson this time.)

Of the 46 games ever played betwen these two teams, the only worst beating came in 1963 in the infamous AFL title game when Keith Lincoln went off, for an epic 329 yards from scrimmage.

The Chargers held a statistical advantage of:
- 29-11 in first downs
- 428-181 in total yards
- 77-48 in offensive plays
- 40:34-19:26 in time of possession
- 10/17 vs 2/10 on third down

If there was any question on whether or not Jerod Mayo had to go, this game erased all lingering doubts.

MORSE: 15 Observations From Patriots' Embarrassing Loss to Chargers | PatsFans.com

Embarrassing from the coaches to the players and to the front office. Everyone got to see what Eliot Wolf gave away in Ladd McConkey (8 catches, 94 yards and 2 TDs). The fans booed them off the field at the end of the game. “They stink” according to Scott Zolak on the 98.5 Sports Hub broadcast.

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Patriots News 12-28 And Patriots Routed 40-7 By LA | PatsFans.com

" We just didn’t play well enough in any phase of the game. No complementary football. That’s what you get." — Jerod Mayo

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Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots - December 28th, 2024 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Los Angeles Chargers 40 at New England Patriots 7 on December 28th, 2024 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 2024 - Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

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Patriots Starting Offense:
3 WR DeMario Douglas
85 TE Hunter Henry
59 LT Vederian Lowe
64 LG Layden Robinson
69 C Cole Strange
71 RG Mike Onwenu
75 RT Demontrey Jacobs
84 WR Kendrick Bourne
9 WR Kayshon Boutte
10 QB Drake Maye
38 RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Patriots Starting Defense:
98 DE Jeremiah Pharms
95 DT Daniel Ekuale
92 DT Davon Godchaux
91 DE Deatrich Wise
33 OLB Anfernee Jennings
16 ILB Sione Takitaki
48 ILB Jahlani Tavai
28 CB Alex Austin
0 CB Christian Gonzalez
15 SS Marte Mapu
23 FS Kyle Dugger

Patriots Special Teams:
13 K Joey Slye
17 P Bryce Baringer
49 LS Joe Cardona
14 KR Alex Erickson
4 KR Antonio Gibson
14 PR Alex Erickson

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other December 28 Trivia​

December 28, 2011:
Signed DE Aaron Lavarias and S Ross Ventrone to the practice squad

The Pats originally signed Lavarias as an undrafted rookie out of Idaho late in the offseason, just before the start of training camp, and signed to the initial practice squad. He didn't last long, released a couple days after the week one game where Tom Brady threw for 517 yards in a 38-24 win at Miami, and was signed by Detroit to their practice squad. Lavarias spent the rest of the season on the Pats practice squad, and was released as part of final roster cuts in 2012. He then spent four season playing for the Montreal Alouettes in the CFL, but never saw any time on a 53-man roster in the NFL.

Ross Ventrone had the honor of having his last name turned into a verb: Ventroned. He was signed, released or signed to the practice squad 21 times in 2011, including eight in the month of November alone. Ventrone was originally signed as an undrafted rookie out of Villanova by New England in 2010, and was with the Pats in 2010, 2011 and 2015. He did play in eight games with the Patriots in 2011, plus 15 games for the Steelers in 2014-15.

His brother Ray (Bubba) previously played with the Pats from 2005-2008, and was an assistant special teams coach for Bill Belichick from 2015-17. Since 2023 Bubba has been the assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns.




December 28, 2013:
Patriots sign S Kanorris Davis and CB Justin Green to the active roster from the practice squad, just ahead of the week 17 34-20 win over Buffalo.

Davis was part of the Patriots initial wave of undrafted rookie signings in 2013, from Troy. I thought he looked good in camp and preseason games, and at the time I genuinely thought he would develop from special teamer to role player on defense. He went up and down from the practice squad to the active roster three times as a rookie, getting 53 ST snaps in those three games. He began the 2014 season on the practice squad as well but was released a couple days later. He then signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL, but a severe knee injury ended his pro football career.

The Pats signed Green as an undrafted rookie from Illinois just prior to the start of the 2013 training camp. He spent most of 2013 on the practice squad, appearing in two games, then was traded to Dallas the following year. The Cowboys released him with an injury settlement, and after playing some Arena ball Green finished 2014 on the Pats practice squad. He was released early in the 2015 training camp and later spent some time in the CFL, but that was the extent of his pro football career.

December 28, 2015:
FB Joey Iosefa is released one day after the week 16 26-20 overtime loss at the Jets

The Patriots would re-sign Iosefa to the practice squad after he cleared waivers. The rookie from Hawaii had become expendable after the pats signed veteran RB Steven Jackson six days earlier. Jackson had been signed due to LeGarrette Blount's season-ending hip injury, which created a huge void in the offensive backfield. Iosefa rushed for 51 yards on 15 carries in his two games with the Patriots.

December 28, 2019:
Bill Payne passes away at the age of 80

William Lee Payne Jr. Obituary December 28, 2019 - Cremation By Grandview

View William Lee Payne Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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William Lee Payne Jr., age 80, of Maryville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, December 28, 2019 at U.T. Medical Center. He was a former professional Football player with the Boston Patriots and the Knoxville Bears and a Contractor by trade. He ended his career as a Minister with a Doctorate of Divinity emphasizing his specialty in Christian-Jewish Reconciliation.

1968 Patriots Media Guide

December 28, 2021:

Patriots Place Three More Players On COVID List Before Jaguars Game

The New England Patriots on Tuesday placed an additional three players on the reserve/COVID-19 list ahead of Sunday's Jaguars matchup.

nesn.com

December 28, 2023:
Patriots claim CB Marco Wilson off waivers from Arizona

Wilson played in one game for the Pats in 2023 and ten more in 2024, logging 216 defensive snaps and 47 more on special teams before being waived on November 18, 2024. He played in four games with Cincinnati this year, before landing on IR with a hamstring injury in the Bengals game against the Pats.

 

[reflexblue]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Pats win first division title
Defense suffocates Bills, 26-8 in Buffalo
Larry Garron with 164 yards, 2 TD​

Saturday, December 28, 1963 at 1:07
Division Tiebreaker Playoff Game at War Memorial Stadium
Boston Patriots 26, Buffalo Bills 8
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Lou Saban
QBs: Babe Parilli; Jack Kemp/Daryle Lamonica
Odds: Buffalo 3-point home favorites
TV: ABC; Jack Buck, George Ratterman
Partly cloudy, cold, 21º, 11-17 mph wind, wind chill 9º
Time: 2:45; Attendance 33,044
Patriots improve to 8-6-1, win AFL East
Buffalo finishes in second place in AFL East


The game featured a matchup between the Patriots first two head coaches. The Pats showed a marked improvement ever since Mike Holovak replaced Lou Saban, going 7-1-1 in 1961 after Holovak took over, and barely missing the division title in 1962 and 1964. Ironically the one time in that stretch the Pats did win the division, they were inconsistent and just a hair over .500. Early in the season the Patriots had a four-game road trip, losing the last two of those games to teams they should have defeated (2-11-1 Broncos, 5-8-1 Jets). Later the Pats tied and lsot to 5-7-2 Kansas City, and finished the regular season with a 2-5-1 record on the road. Having to travel to Buffalo in order to advance to the AFL Championship Game, the outlook did not look promising.


The Bills fumbled the opening kickoff, but five plays later QB Babe Parilli threw an interception at the Buffalo seven-yard line to gift Buffalo a reprieve. It didn't matter though because the Boston defense was dominant, limiting the Bills rushing attack to 7 yards on 12 attempts, and holding Buffalo quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica to 19-of-45 passing with four interceptions.


While the Pats defense was allowing virtually nothing to the Buffalo offense, the Patriots scored on four straight possessions following that opening interception. A 59-yard Parilli-to-Larry Garron touchdown pass was sandwiched between three Gino Cappelletti field goals, as Boston took a 16-0 lead to the half.


Buffalo made it 16-8 late in the third quarter on a 93-yard catch-and-run, but the Patriots responded and pulled away courtesy of Garron’s second touchdown reception - a 17-yarder from Parilli - and another Cappelletti field goal for the 26-7 final score. Parilli finished the game completing 14-of-35 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while Garron and Cappelletti did most of the damage on the receiving end for Boston. Garron caught four passes for 120 yards and Cappelletti snared four for 109 yards. The Patriots outgained the Bills, 375-286, forced six turnovers, and Gino was a perfect 4-4 on field goal attempts in far less than perfect conditions.


Overall the 1963 Patriots were relatively average on offense, but excelled defensively. The D ranked second in points allowed, first in total yardage, first in rushing yards and first in first downs allowed. Defensive tackle Houston Antwine, defensive end Larry Eisenhauer, and linebacker Tom Addison were all first team All-AFL players.


The game is notable for being the first ever postseason victory for the Patriots, as weel as being the first time an AFL title was subject to a division tiebreaker game.



Diary of the AFL East Champions: 1963 Patriots

The Patriots' First Title: The Patriots route the Bills to capture the title

December 28, 1963 ... After four years of frustration, the Patriots finally clinched a berth in the American Football League Championship Game, by walloping the Buffalo Bills 26 to 8 at War Memorial Stadium.​

The main weapon was the swing pass, which the Buffalo defense couldn’t handle, which twice accounted for touchdowns. And when touchdowns couldn’t be scored, Gino Cappelletti was there to kick a field goal. Four of them came off the toe of Cappy.​

There was no doubt that the Patriots had come to play in the sub-freezing temperatures. The Balls fumbled the opening kickoff deep in their own territory. On the first Pats play from scrimmage, Ron Burton tested his surgically repaired back with a plunge through the line for four yards down to Buffalo’s 13-yard line.​

On their next possession, Babe Parilli hit Jimmy Colclough and then Cappelletti setting up Cappy's first field goal. A minute and a half later, a six-yard flip out to Larry Garron at the 50 allowed him to fake out the Buffalo defenders on the frozen field and take it 59 yards into the end zone.​

Luck was on the Patriots' side also. At the start of the second quarter, Buffalo’s Sid Youngleman got a hand on another Cappy field goal attempt. Instead of knocking it down, he propelled it up and over the crossbar for another score. A couple of penalties cost the Patriots a score and they settled for another field goal which put them up 16-0 at the half.​

The Boston defense was steadfast and allowed Buffalo nothing until the third quarter. Then they allowed a 93-yard pass play from Daryle Lamonica to Elbert Dubenion.​

Center Walt Cudzik downed a Tom Yewcic punt on the Bill’s seven and things looked great until Lamonica unleashed the bomb and converted the two-pointer, making it 16-8.​

But then it was all Patriots. A swing pass to Cappelletti took the ball down to the 16, and the Babe found Larry Garron in the end zone for a touchdown. The drive covered 69 yards. Two minutes later Bob Dee intercepted a pass setting up Cappy’s fourth field goal.​

Buffalo staged a last-ditch effort to come back. Jack Kemp came in for Lamonica and brought his team down to the goal line. The threat ended when Tommy Addison dumped Kemp on fourth down for a loss. The next time Kemp brought Buffalo down the field again. This time Jack Rudolph killed it in the end zone.​

Rudolph had an outstanding day, by knocking down 11 passes and helping contain Cookie Gilchrist - who could only gain seven yards in eight attempts. The Pats' defense stopped Gilchrist cold. Three times he needed one yard for a first down and couldn’t do it. One time he was hit so hard by Nick Buoniconti that he was lifted off the ground.​

For the offense, it was Cappelletti and Garron who accounted for 273 of Boston’s 375 total yardage. Babe Parilli also threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. One of the things Parilli did that caught Buffalo off stride was a hurry-up offense, which caught the Bills not ready quite a few times. The screen pass worked to perfection for Parilli on the frozen ground. Even if the defensive linemen spotted it coming, they couldn’t change direction.​

So, after four years, the Patriots win a division title and a chance for all the marbles.​

Larry Garron had a huge game, with 164 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns



Babe Parilli shook off an early pick, throwing for 300 yards and two TD passes













2:20 Game Highlights
12/28/1963 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights American Football League East Div. title game
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Divisional Round - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills - December 28th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 26 at Buffalo Bills 8 on December 28th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

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Patriots Starting Offense:
20 SE Gino Cappelletti
71 LT Don Oakes
76 LG Charley Long
54 C Walt Cudzik
73 RG Billy Neighbors
70 RT Milt Graham
86 TE Tony Romeo
81 FL Jim Colclough
15 QB Babe Parilli
22 HB Ron Burton
40 FB Larry Garron

Patriots Starting Defense:
89 LDE Bob Dee
65 LDT Houston Antwine
75 RDT Jesse Richardson
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
53 LLB Tommy Addison
85 MLB Nick Buoniconti
80 RLB Jack Rudolph
24 LCB **** Felt
23 LS Ronnie Hall
25 RS Ross O'Hanley
21 RCB Bob Suci

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Bob Yates (kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
21 KR Bob Suci
84 PR Art Graham

Like they say history repeats itself

 

[p8ryts]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Pats win first division title
Defense suffocates Bills, 26-8 in Buffalo
Larry Garron with 164 yards, 2 TD​

Saturday, December 28, 1963 at 1:07
Division Tiebreaker Playoff Game at War Memorial Stadium
Boston Patriots 26, Buffalo Bills 8
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Lou Saban
QBs: Babe Parilli; Jack Kemp/Daryle Lamonica
Odds: Buffalo 3-point home favorites
TV: ABC; Jack Buck, George Ratterman
Partly cloudy, cold, 21º, 11-17 mph wind, wind chill 9º
Time: 2:45; Attendance 33,044
Patriots improve to 8-6-1, win AFL East
Buffalo finishes in second place in AFL East


The game featured a matchup between the Patriots first two head coaches. The Pats showed a marked improvement ever since Mike Holovak replaced Lou Saban, going 7-1-1 in 1961 after Holovak took over, and barely missing the division title in 1962 and 1964. Ironically the one time in that stretch the Pats did win the division, they were inconsistent and just a hair over .500. Early in the season the Patriots had a four-game road trip, losing the last two of those games to teams they should have defeated (2-11-1 Broncos, 5-8-1 Jets). Later the Pats tied and lsot to 5-7-2 Kansas City, and finished the regular season with a 2-5-1 record on the road. Having to travel to Buffalo in order to advance to the AFL Championship Game, the outlook did not look promising.


The Bills fumbled the opening kickoff, but five plays later QB Babe Parilli threw an interception at the Buffalo seven-yard line to gift Buffalo a reprieve. It didn't matter though because the Boston defense was dominant, limiting the Bills rushing attack to 7 yards on 12 attempts, and holding Buffalo quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica to 19-of-45 passing with four interceptions.


While the Pats defense was allowing virtually nothing to the Buffalo offense, the Patriots scored on four straight possessions following that opening interception. A 59-yard Parilli-to-Larry Garron touchdown pass was sandwiched between three Gino Cappelletti field goals, as Boston took a 16-0 lead to the half.


Buffalo made it 16-8 late in the third quarter on a 93-yard catch-and-run, but the Patriots responded and pulled away courtesy of Garron’s second touchdown reception - a 17-yarder from Parilli - and another Cappelletti field goal for the 26-7 final score. Parilli finished the game completing 14-of-35 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while Garron and Cappelletti did most of the damage on the receiving end for Boston. Garron caught four passes for 120 yards and Cappelletti snared four for 109 yards. The Patriots outgained the Bills, 375-286, forced six turnovers, and Gino was a perfect 4-4 on field goal attempts in far less than perfect conditions.


Overall the 1963 Patriots were relatively average on offense, but excelled defensively. The D ranked second in points allowed, first in total yardage, first in rushing yards and first in first downs allowed. Defensive tackle Houston Antwine, defensive end Larry Eisenhauer, and linebacker Tom Addison were all first team All-AFL players.


The game is notable for being the first ever postseason victory for the Patriots, as weel as being the first time an AFL title was subject to a division tiebreaker game.



Diary of the AFL East Champions: 1963 Patriots

The Patriots' First Title: The Patriots route the Bills to capture the title

December 28, 1963 ... After four years of frustration, the Patriots finally clinched a berth in the American Football League Championship Game, by walloping the Buffalo Bills 26 to 8 at War Memorial Stadium.​

The main weapon was the swing pass, which the Buffalo defense couldn’t handle, which twice accounted for touchdowns. And when touchdowns couldn’t be scored, Gino Cappelletti was there to kick a field goal. Four of them came off the toe of Cappy.​

There was no doubt that the Patriots had come to play in the sub-freezing temperatures. The Balls fumbled the opening kickoff deep in their own territory. On the first Pats play from scrimmage, Ron Burton tested his surgically repaired back with a plunge through the line for four yards down to Buffalo’s 13-yard line.​

On their next possession, Babe Parilli hit Jimmy Colclough and then Cappelletti setting up Cappy's first field goal. A minute and a half later, a six-yard flip out to Larry Garron at the 50 allowed him to fake out the Buffalo defenders on the frozen field and take it 59 yards into the end zone.​

Luck was on the Patriots' side also. At the start of the second quarter, Buffalo’s Sid Youngleman got a hand on another Cappy field goal attempt. Instead of knocking it down, he propelled it up and over the crossbar for another score. A couple of penalties cost the Patriots a score and they settled for another field goal which put them up 16-0 at the half.​

The Boston defense was steadfast and allowed Buffalo nothing until the third quarter. Then they allowed a 93-yard pass play from Daryle Lamonica to Elbert Dubenion.​

Center Walt Cudzik downed a Tom Yewcic punt on the Bill’s seven and things looked great until Lamonica unleashed the bomb and converted the two-pointer, making it 16-8.​

But then it was all Patriots. A swing pass to Cappelletti took the ball down to the 16, and the Babe found Larry Garron in the end zone for a touchdown. The drive covered 69 yards. Two minutes later Bob Dee intercepted a pass setting up Cappy’s fourth field goal.​

Buffalo staged a last-ditch effort to come back. Jack Kemp came in for Lamonica and brought his team down to the goal line. The threat ended when Tommy Addison dumped Kemp on fourth down for a loss. The next time Kemp brought Buffalo down the field again. This time Jack Rudolph killed it in the end zone.​

Rudolph had an outstanding day, by knocking down 11 passes and helping contain Cookie Gilchrist - who could only gain seven yards in eight attempts. The Pats' defense stopped Gilchrist cold. Three times he needed one yard for a first down and couldn’t do it. One time he was hit so hard by Nick Buoniconti that he was lifted off the ground.​

For the offense, it was Cappelletti and Garron who accounted for 273 of Boston’s 375 total yardage. Babe Parilli also threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. One of the things Parilli did that caught Buffalo off stride was a hurry-up offense, which caught the Bills not ready quite a few times. The screen pass worked to perfection for Parilli on the frozen ground. Even if the defensive linemen spotted it coming, they couldn’t change direction.​

So, after four years, the Patriots win a division title and a chance for all the marbles.​

Larry Garron had a huge game, with 164 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns



Babe Parilli shook off an early pick, throwing for 300 yards and two TD passes













2:20 Game Highlights
12/28/1963 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights American Football League East Div. title game
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Divisional Round - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills - December 28th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 26 at Buffalo Bills 8 on December 28th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

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Patriots Starting Offense:
20 SE Gino Cappelletti
71 LT Don Oakes
76 LG Charley Long
54 C Walt Cudzik
73 RG Billy Neighbors
70 RT Milt Graham
86 TE Tony Romeo
81 FL Jim Colclough
15 QB Babe Parilli
22 HB Ron Burton
40 FB Larry Garron

Patriots Starting Defense:
89 LDE Bob Dee
65 LDT Houston Antwine
75 RDT Jesse Richardson
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
53 LLB Tommy Addison
85 MLB Nick Buoniconti
80 RLB Jack Rudolph
24 LCB **** Felt
23 LS Ronnie Hall
25 RS Ross O'Hanley
21 RCB Bob Suci

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Bob Yates (kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
21 KR Bob Suci
84 PR Art Graham

Thanks for posting this. My first season as a Patriots fan. Unfortunately, the only game I have much recollection of is the San Diego Championship game. Similar to our Bears Super Bowl. The beginning of a 62-year obsession still going strong.

 

[Family]

Thanks for posting this. My first season as a Patriots fan. Unfortunately, the only game I have much recollection of is the San Diego Championship game. Similar to our Bears Super Bowl. The beginning of a 62-year obsession still going strong.

The Keith Lincoln game......

Remember both of these games.

 

[jmt57]

Thanks for posting this. My first season as a Patriots fan. Unfortunately, the only game I have much recollection of is the San Diego Championship game. Similar to our Bears Super Bowl. The beginning of a 62-year obsession still going strong.

The Keith Lincoln game......

Remember both of these games.

I was going to mention that game, but purposely omitted Keith Linclon from the original post - trying to keep it positive. . .

 

[Family]

I was going to mention that game, but purposely omitted Keith Linclon from the original post - trying to keep it positive. . .

That was the first time a single player did an Andrew Toney to a Boston team that I was invested in.

 

[turkeyneck]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Pats win first division title
Defense suffocates Bills, 26-8 in Buffalo
Larry Garron with 164 yards, 2 TD​

Saturday, December 28, 1963 at 1:07
Division Tiebreaker Playoff Game at War Memorial Stadium
Boston Patriots 26, Buffalo Bills 8
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Lou Saban
QBs: Babe Parilli; Jack Kemp/Daryle Lamonica
Odds: Buffalo 3-point home favorites
TV: ABC; Jack Buck, George Ratterman
Partly cloudy, cold, 21º, 11-17 mph wind, wind chill 9º
Time: 2:45; Attendance 33,044
Patriots improve to 8-6-1, win AFL East
Buffalo finishes in second place in AFL East


The game featured a matchup between the Patriots first two head coaches. The Pats showed a marked improvement ever since Mike Holovak replaced Lou Saban, going 7-1-1 in 1961 after Holovak took over, and barely missing the division title in 1962 and 1964. Ironically the one time in that stretch the Pats did win the division, they were inconsistent and just a hair over .500. Early in the season the Patriots had a four-game road trip, losing the last two of those games to teams they should have defeated (2-11-1 Broncos, 5-8-1 Jets). Later the Pats tied and lsot to 5-7-2 Kansas City, and finished the regular season with a 2-5-1 record on the road. Having to travel to Buffalo in order to advance to the AFL Championship Game, the outlook did not look promising.


The Bills fumbled the opening kickoff, but five plays later QB Babe Parilli threw an interception at the Buffalo seven-yard line to gift Buffalo a reprieve. It didn't matter though because the Boston defense was dominant, limiting the Bills rushing attack to 7 yards on 12 attempts, and holding Buffalo quarterbacks Jack Kemp and Daryle Lamonica to 19-of-45 passing with four interceptions.


While the Pats defense was allowing virtually nothing to the Buffalo offense, the Patriots scored on four straight possessions following that opening interception. A 59-yard Parilli-to-Larry Garron touchdown pass was sandwiched between three Gino Cappelletti field goals, as Boston took a 16-0 lead to the half.


Buffalo made it 16-8 late in the third quarter on a 93-yard catch-and-run, but the Patriots responded and pulled away courtesy of Garron’s second touchdown reception - a 17-yarder from Parilli - and another Cappelletti field goal for the 26-7 final score. Parilli finished the game completing 14-of-35 passes for 300 yards and two touchdowns while Garron and Cappelletti did most of the damage on the receiving end for Boston. Garron caught four passes for 120 yards and Cappelletti snared four for 109 yards. The Patriots outgained the Bills, 375-286, forced six turnovers, and Gino was a perfect 4-4 on field goal attempts in far less than perfect conditions.


Overall the 1963 Patriots were relatively average on offense, but excelled defensively. The D ranked second in points allowed, first in total yardage, first in rushing yards and first in first downs allowed. Defensive tackle Houston Antwine, defensive end Larry Eisenhauer, and linebacker Tom Addison were all first team All-AFL players.


The game is notable for being the first ever postseason victory for the Patriots, as weel as being the first time an AFL title was subject to a division tiebreaker game.



Diary of the AFL East Champions: 1963 Patriots

The Patriots' First Title: The Patriots route the Bills to capture the title

December 28, 1963 ... After four years of frustration, the Patriots finally clinched a berth in the American Football League Championship Game, by walloping the Buffalo Bills 26 to 8 at War Memorial Stadium.​

The main weapon was the swing pass, which the Buffalo defense couldn’t handle, which twice accounted for touchdowns. And when touchdowns couldn’t be scored, Gino Cappelletti was there to kick a field goal. Four of them came off the toe of Cappy.​

There was no doubt that the Patriots had come to play in the sub-freezing temperatures. The Balls fumbled the opening kickoff deep in their own territory. On the first Pats play from scrimmage, Ron Burton tested his surgically repaired back with a plunge through the line for four yards down to Buffalo’s 13-yard line.​

On their next possession, Babe Parilli hit Jimmy Colclough and then Cappelletti setting up Cappy's first field goal. A minute and a half later, a six-yard flip out to Larry Garron at the 50 allowed him to fake out the Buffalo defenders on the frozen field and take it 59 yards into the end zone.​

Luck was on the Patriots' side also. At the start of the second quarter, Buffalo’s Sid Youngleman got a hand on another Cappy field goal attempt. Instead of knocking it down, he propelled it up and over the crossbar for another score. A couple of penalties cost the Patriots a score and they settled for another field goal which put them up 16-0 at the half.​

The Boston defense was steadfast and allowed Buffalo nothing until the third quarter. Then they allowed a 93-yard pass play from Daryle Lamonica to Elbert Dubenion.​

Center Walt Cudzik downed a Tom Yewcic punt on the Bill’s seven and things looked great until Lamonica unleashed the bomb and converted the two-pointer, making it 16-8.​

But then it was all Patriots. A swing pass to Cappelletti took the ball down to the 16, and the Babe found Larry Garron in the end zone for a touchdown. The drive covered 69 yards. Two minutes later Bob Dee intercepted a pass setting up Cappy’s fourth field goal.​

Buffalo staged a last-ditch effort to come back. Jack Kemp came in for Lamonica and brought his team down to the goal line. The threat ended when Tommy Addison dumped Kemp on fourth down for a loss. The next time Kemp brought Buffalo down the field again. This time Jack Rudolph killed it in the end zone.​

Rudolph had an outstanding day, by knocking down 11 passes and helping contain Cookie Gilchrist - who could only gain seven yards in eight attempts. The Pats' defense stopped Gilchrist cold. Three times he needed one yard for a first down and couldn’t do it. One time he was hit so hard by Nick Buoniconti that he was lifted off the ground.​

For the offense, it was Cappelletti and Garron who accounted for 273 of Boston’s 375 total yardage. Babe Parilli also threw for 300 yards and two touchdowns. One of the things Parilli did that caught Buffalo off stride was a hurry-up offense, which caught the Bills not ready quite a few times. The screen pass worked to perfection for Parilli on the frozen ground. Even if the defensive linemen spotted it coming, they couldn’t change direction.​

So, after four years, the Patriots win a division title and a chance for all the marbles.​

Larry Garron had a huge game, with 164 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns



Babe Parilli shook off an early pick, throwing for 300 yards and two TD passes













2:20 Game Highlights
12/28/1963 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights American Football League East Div. title game
​

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Divisional Round - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills - December 28th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 26 at Buffalo Bills 8 on December 28th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

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December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for December 28, 1963 - Eastern Division Playoff - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

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Patriots Starting Offense:
20 SE Gino Cappelletti
71 LT Don Oakes
76 LG Charley Long
54 C Walt Cudzik
73 RG Billy Neighbors
70 RT Milt Graham
86 TE Tony Romeo
81 FL Jim Colclough
15 QB Babe Parilli
22 HB Ron Burton
40 FB Larry Garron

Patriots Starting Defense:
89 LDE Bob Dee
65 LDT Houston Antwine
75 RDT Jesse Richardson
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
53 LLB Tommy Addison
85 MLB Nick Buoniconti
80 RLB Jack Rudolph
24 LCB **** Felt
23 LS Ronnie Hall
25 RS Ross O'Hanley
21 RCB Bob Suci

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Bob Yates (kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
21 KR Bob Suci
84 PR Art Graham

Lou Saban, who coached the Bills, had been the Pats HC prior. Holovak replaced him. Holovak was a good coach. He had a Ned Flanders way about him that Central Casting never would have accepted as pro football HC material.

 

[captain stone]

Today in Patriots History
Adam Vinatieri​

Happy 53rd birthday to Adam Vinatieri
Born December 28, 1972 in Yankton, South Dakota; hometown Rapid City, SD
Patriot kicker, 1996-2005; uniform #4
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent from South Dakota State on June 28, 1996
Pats résumé: ten seasons; 160 games, plus 17 postseason games


Consider this: the Pats record was 101-59 in the regular season, and 13-4 in the postseason in games played with Adam Vinatieri. Looking only at his time in Foxborough, Vinatieri was a two-time first team All Pro, leading the NFL in field goals made once and FG percentage twice - despite playing outdoors in cold weather. He is one of a handful of Patriots to win three super bowls, and is a member of the Pats All-1990s Team, All-2000s Team, 50th Anniversary Team and All-Dynasty Team.

Besides setting numerous franchise records, Adam also led the NFL in scoring in 2004, was on the All-Rookie team for 1996, is a meber of the Hall of Fame All-2000s Team, and holds NFL records for most points scored, most consecutive field goals made, most combined regular season and postseason games played, most career field goals made, most career field goals attempted, most seasons with 100+ points, most career overtime field goals, and most field goals made in a single postseason.

Not bad for a guy who almost got cut after he went 1-4 in his second NFL game.

Adam Vinatieri deserves to be in both the Patriots Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame - the sooner the better.

2005 Patriots Media Guide

Adam Vinatieri Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com

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Adam Vinatieri - Wikipedia

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The Vinitraitor should've signed with Parcells in Dallas. Signing with Irksay, naPolian & Dingy Tony was Unforgivable.