Today In Patriots History 2006: Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey
Ref blows call after another official blocked Watson
Should have been touchback, Pats ball on 20​

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Weather: 54°, 3 mph wind
Game MVP: Rod Smith, Broncos; Deion Branch, Patriots
Pats finish season with a record of 11-7
Broncos improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

Remembering one of the greatest forgotten plays in Patriots history

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history. Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has...

www.boston.com

A decade later, it remains a truly remarkable feat of athleticism and character.​

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history.​

Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has been cast aside by history in large part because of wider circumstances. Still, there’s no denying that Ben Watson chasing down Champ Bailey over 100 frantic yards has to rank as one of the most impressive displays in the entire Belichick era.​

Denver was leading 10-6 late in the third quarter when the Patriots started a drive at their own 22 following a punt. On the first three plays Tom Brady completed passes of 33 yards to Troy Brown, 26 yards to Deion Branch, and nine yards to David Givens. Corey Dillon ran five yards off left tackle on the following play to give the Patriots a first and goal at the five yard line.

A false start, a five yard completion to Branch and an incomplete pass to Givens set up third and goal at the five. On a safety blitz Brady rolled to his right and threw off his back foot for Troy, not getting enough zip on the ball. Champ Bailey stepped in front for the interception. With the line of scrimmage so close to the pick, it only took a few steps for him to be past most would-be tacklers. Kevin Faulk had a chance at the 45, but Bailey side stepped him and had a clear path for the end zone.

Then Watson made his famous effort play - but what usually gets lost in the story is the fact that the Patriots should have got the ball back, rather than Denver scoring from the one-yard line to take a commanding 17-6 lead.

From below are four revealing, tell-tale still photos:
What if Ben Watson's play against Denver was called correctly?

Clearly the ball went of bounds in the end zone (and not the one yard line), which would have given the Patriots possession at the twenty, with the score still 10-6. Whether or not the Pats would have used that play as an emotional lift to victory is impossible to say.

The harsh reality is the Patriots made bad plays near the end of the first half that cost them ten points. A Kevin Faulk fumble gave Denver the ball at the New England 40, and on the next play Asante Samuel had a bad pass interference giving the Broncos first down at the one, leading to a touchdown. Ellis Hobbs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, gifting Denver with another three points. Then early in the fourth quarter Adam Vinatieri missed a 43-yard field goal, followed by Troy Brown muffing a punt. Three plays later Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an insurmountable 18-point lead.

10 years later, Bailey thinks Belichick may have been right

Ten years later, Champ Bailey admits that just maybe Bill Belichick was right. Ten years ago today, Bailey’s 100-yard interception return of a Tom Brady pass in an AFC divisional playoff game in Denver was a key play in the Broncos’ 27-13 victory over the Patriots. Patriots tight end Benjamin...

www.nbcsports.com

“I get it,” Bailey said. “Because I thought it was a touchback. When I was on the sideline, I was saying, ‘Did the ball cross? Did I get in? Did I get in?’ Everybody on our bench of course was optimistic. ‘Yeah, you got in.’​

“I was like, ‘I don’t think I got in.’ And then when they put it at the 1, I thought, “Wow, that’s great.”​

Champ Bailey's Interception Return (0:57):



Benjamin Watson's Remarkable Effort (3:31):
​

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 14th, 2006 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Denver Broncos 27 on January 14th, 2006 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[TheRainMaker]

Awful call. There were other horrible calls as well as a fumble recovery that was awarded to the Broncos even though Brady can out if the pile with the ball.

 

[JR52]

I was at this game and can confirm that this call was incorrect.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Troy Brown's heads-up play saves the day
Hypocrite Tomlinson whines after Pats mimic Chargers' "Lights Out" Dance
Patriots 24, Chargers 21 in San Diego​

Sunday January 14, 2007 at 4:40
2006 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium
New England Patriots 24, San Diego Chargers 21
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Marty Schottenheimer
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Odds: Chargers favored by 5
Weather: 53°, 6 mph wind
Game MVP: Troy Brown
Patriots improve to 14-4; head to #3 Indy for AFCCG
Chargers finish season with a record of 14-3

Game Highlights (15:54):
​

The number four seed New England Patriots knocked off the team with the NFL's best record, 24-21 in San Diego. The Chargers were extremely confident - perhaps overconfident - and seemed to be in denial, unable to grasp the reality they had lost to a better team that day.

The one iconic play in this game happened with 6:20 left to play, and San Diego leading 21-13. The Patriots were facing a 4th-and-5 on the Charger 41 yard line. The pass was intercepted by Marlon McCree, who could have either just knocked the pass down, or fallen to the ground with the ball to put the Charger offense on the field. Instead he attempted to run with the ball even though there was little to no daylight. Troy Brown made the game-saving play, knocking the ball out of McCree's hands to set up the crucial fumble recovery by Reche Caldwell.

With a fresh set of downs and renewed confidence the Pats quickly scored against a demoralized and unfocused Charger defense. On the extra point attempt the snap went to Kevin Faulk, who was standing next to Brady, and he quickly burst up the middle for two points to tie the score.

The Patriot defense forced a three and out, then a 49-yard completion to Caldwell set up Stephen Gostkowski's game winning 31 yard field goal with 1:14 to play. San Diego was able to move into New England territory, but Nate Kaeding's 52 yard field goal attempt went wide.


After the game was over league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson had to be restrained, and complained incessantly about the Patriots mocking Shawne Merriman by mimicking his lights-out dance. LT whined that the Patriot celebration was not 'classy'. What a hypocrite! In other words it is okay for Merriman to mock an opposing team, but when the shoe is on the other foot he cries foul? The Patriots would have never done that if not for the serial steroid abuser Merriman's childish antics happening first. Memo to Tomlinson: people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson (center) and QB Philip Rivers (right) get into it with Ellis Hobbs, right, New England Patriots at the end of the game in San Diego.​

FARINELLA: LaDainian, no crying in football

The problem with being the only guy from your newspaper at a big game? Sometimes, you have to make choices about what you can see and what you can't.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Jan. 14, 2007: Patriots 24, Chargers 21

www.chicagotribune.com

Jan. 14, 2007: Patriots 24, Chargers 21

Jan. 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium AFC Divisional Playoff Patriots 24, Chargers 21 Union-Tribune game coverage The game: Needing two home wins to reach the Super Bowl after a brilliant 14-2 regular season, the Chargers…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Patriots Divisional Round Retrospective: 2006 vs. Chargers

Troy Brown's forced fumble and a Kevin Faulk's 2-point conversion helped the Patriots escape San Diego with a memorable playoff win.

985thesportshub.com

Live Game Blog | The Fifth Down

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers - January 14th, 2007 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 24 at San Diego Chargers 21 on January 14th, 2007 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

I was at this game and can confirm that this call was incorrect.

I'll go to my grave believing that

 

[Delicate Genius]

The bogus PI call in the end zone on Samuel at the end of the first half still pisses me off. Just a completely phantom penalty, as bad as the "face guarding" call the next year against Indy. The Broncos had nothing going offensively and then were gifted a touchdown and the lead.



Skip to 54:24.

 

[denverpatsfan]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey
Ref blows call after another official blocked Watson
Should have been touchback, Pats ball on 20

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Weather: 54°, 3 mph wind
Game MVP: Rod Smith, Broncos; Deion Branch, Patriots
Pats finish season with a record of 11-7
Broncos improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

Remembering one of the greatest forgotten plays in Patriots history

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history. Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has...

www.boston.com

A decade later, it remains a truly remarkable feat of athleticism and character.​

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history.​

Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has been cast aside by history in large part because of wider circumstances. Still, there’s no denying that Ben Watson chasing down Champ Bailey over 100 frantic yards has to rank as one of the most impressive displays in the entire Belichick era.​

Denver was leading 10-6 late in the third quarter when the Patriots started a drive at their own 22 following a punt. On the first three plays Tom Brady completed passes of 33 yards to Troy Brown, 26 yards to Deion Branch, and nine yards to David Givens. Corey Dillon ran five yards off left tackle on the following play to give the Patriots a first and goal at the five yard line.

A false start, a five yard completion to Branch and an incomplete pass to Givens set up third and goal at the five. On a safety blitz Brady rolled to his right and threw off his back foot for Troy, not getting enough zip on the ball. Champ Bailey stepped in front for the interception. With the line of scrimmage so close to the pick, it only took a few steps for him to be past most would-be tacklers. Kevin Faulk had a chance at the 45, but Bailey side stepped him and had a clear path for the end zone.

Then Watson made his famous effort play - but what usually gets lost in the story is the fact that the Patriots should have got the ball back, rather than Denver scoring from the one-yard line to take a commanding 17-6 lead.

From below are four revealing, tell-tale still photos:
What if Ben Watson's play against Denver was called correctly?

Clearly the ball went of bounds in the end zone (and not the one yard line), which would have given the Patriots possession at the twenty, with the score still 10-6. Whether or not the Pats would have used that play as an emotional lift to victory is impossible to say.

The harsh reality is the Patriots made bad plays near the end of the first half that cost them ten points. A Kevin Faulk fumble gave Denver the ball at the New England 40, and on the next play Asante Samuel had a bad pass interference giving the Broncos first down at the one, leading to a touchdown. Ellis Hobbs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, gifting Denver with another three points. Then early in the fourth quarter Adam Vinatieri missed a 43-yard field goal, followed by Troy Brown muffing a punt. Three plays later Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an insurmountable 18-point lead.

10 years later, Bailey thinks Belichick may have been right

Ten years later, Champ Bailey admits that just maybe Bill Belichick was right. Ten years ago today, Bailey’s 100-yard interception return of a Tom Brady pass in an AFC divisional playoff game in Denver was a key play in the Broncos’ 27-13 victory over the Patriots. Patriots tight end Benjamin...

www.nbcsports.com

“I get it,” Bailey said. “Because I thought it was a touchback. When I was on the sideline, I was saying, ‘Did the ball cross? Did I get in? Did I get in?’ Everybody on our bench of course was optimistic. ‘Yeah, you got in.’​

“I was like, ‘I don’t think I got in.’ And then when they put it at the 1, I thought, “Wow, that’s great.”​

Champ Bailey's Interception Return (0:57):



Benjamin Watson's Remarkable Effort (3:31):
​

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 14th, 2006 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Denver Broncos 27 on January 14th, 2006 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Brutal loss. Awful walk out of that stadium. Worst hangover of my life.

 

[italian pat patriot]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey
Ref blows call after another official blocked Watson
Should have been touchback, Pats ball on 20

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Weather: 54°, 3 mph wind
Game MVP: Rod Smith, Broncos; Deion Branch, Patriots
Pats finish season with a record of 11-7
Broncos improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

Remembering one of the greatest forgotten plays in Patriots history

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history. Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has...

www.boston.com

A decade later, it remains a truly remarkable feat of athleticism and character.​

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history.​

Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has been cast aside by history in large part because of wider circumstances. Still, there’s no denying that Ben Watson chasing down Champ Bailey over 100 frantic yards has to rank as one of the most impressive displays in the entire Belichick era.​

Denver was leading 10-6 late in the third quarter when the Patriots started a drive at their own 22 following a punt. On the first three plays Tom Brady completed passes of 33 yards to Troy Brown, 26 yards to Deion Branch, and nine yards to David Givens. Corey Dillon ran five yards off left tackle on the following play to give the Patriots a first and goal at the five yard line.

A false start, a five yard completion to Branch and an incomplete pass to Givens set up third and goal at the five. On a safety blitz Brady rolled to his right and threw off his back foot for Troy, not getting enough zip on the ball. Champ Bailey stepped in front for the interception. With the line of scrimmage so close to the pick, it only took a few steps for him to be past most would-be tacklers. Kevin Faulk had a chance at the 45, but Bailey side stepped him and had a clear path for the end zone.

Then Watson made his famous effort play - but what usually gets lost in the story is the fact that the Patriots should have got the ball back, rather than Denver scoring from the one-yard line to take a commanding 17-6 lead.

From below are four revealing, tell-tale still photos:
What if Ben Watson's play against Denver was called correctly?

Clearly the ball went of bounds in the end zone (and not the one yard line), which would have given the Patriots possession at the twenty, with the score still 10-6. Whether or not the Pats would have used that play as an emotional lift to victory is impossible to say.

The harsh reality is the Patriots made bad plays near the end of the first half that cost them ten points. A Kevin Faulk fumble gave Denver the ball at the New England 40, and on the next play Asante Samuel had a bad pass interference giving the Broncos first down at the one, leading to a touchdown. Ellis Hobbs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, gifting Denver with another three points. Then early in the fourth quarter Adam Vinatieri missed a 43-yard field goal, followed by Troy Brown muffing a punt. Three plays later Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an insurmountable 18-point lead.

10 years later, Bailey thinks Belichick may have been right

Ten years later, Champ Bailey admits that just maybe Bill Belichick was right. Ten years ago today, Bailey’s 100-yard interception return of a Tom Brady pass in an AFC divisional playoff game in Denver was a key play in the Broncos’ 27-13 victory over the Patriots. Patriots tight end Benjamin...

www.nbcsports.com

“I get it,” Bailey said. “Because I thought it was a touchback. When I was on the sideline, I was saying, ‘Did the ball cross? Did I get in? Did I get in?’ Everybody on our bench of course was optimistic. ‘Yeah, you got in.’​

“I was like, ‘I don’t think I got in.’ And then when they put it at the 1, I thought, “Wow, that’s great.”​

Champ Bailey's Interception Return (0:57):



Benjamin Watson's Remarkable Effort (3:31):
​

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 14th, 2006 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Denver Broncos 27 on January 14th, 2006 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Impossible to forget that play...a masterpiece...Ben Watson was incredible...simply fantastic

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tebowmania is Tamed
Brady ties NFL playoff record with six TD passes
Gronk scores 3 TDs as Patriots crush Broncos, 45-10 ​

Saturday January 14, 2012 at 8:15
2011 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 45, Denver Broncos 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Fox
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Tim Tebow
Odds: Patriots favored by 13½
Weather: 24°, 13 mph wind, 12° wind chill
Game MVP: Tom Brady
Patriots improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Baltimore
Broncos finish season with a record of 9-9

Broncos vs. Patriots: Tom Brady ties playoff record as New England shreds Tim Tebow and Denver | Washington Post

Then this AFC divisional playoff game started. Less than two minutes in, the Patriots were up by a touchdown. Less than six minutes later, they were up by two. Over the final two-and-a-half minutes of a freakishly good first half, they scored two more to go up by 28 points.​

All that pregame dissection of Tim Tebow’s throwing motion and Tebow’s beliefs and Tebow’s leadership and Tebow’s deficiencies seemed downright silly, because the vastly superior player, Brady, and the clearly superior team, New England, won in a never-in-doubt romp, 45-10, in which Tom Brady tied an NFL playoff record with six touchdown passes.​

Tom Brady fuels record night as Pats end Tim Tebow's run with rout | AP/espn

Denver couldn't cover or tackle All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski, who tied a postseason mark with three touchdown catches, all in the opening half. Brady toyed with the Broncos (9-9), throwing more TD passes than Tebow had completions (three) in the first 30 minutes.​

"We were playing complementary football, and it was awesome," Gronkowski said. "Obviously, you can't start off the game any better than that."​

Brady's sixth TD was to his other tight end, Aaron Hernandez, as the quarterback tied Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica for the most in a postseason game.​

Tom Brady leads Patriots’ 45-10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs

Tom Brady leads Patriots’ 45-10 rout of Broncos, Tim Tebow in NFL playoffs

www.denverpost.com

With Spotlight on Tebow, Brady Stars (Published 2012)

Tom Brady’s performance in New England’s playoff victory served as a reminder that he possesses the accuracy and acumen of which championships are made.

www.nytimes.com

Broncos vs Patriots 2011 AFC Divisional
7:53 Highlight Video



Rob Gronkowski's 3-Touchdown Game Vs Denver Broncos AFC Divisional
2:47 Highlight Video



Tom Brady’s Six-Touchdown Playoff Game Vs Broncos
6:36 Highlight Video



2011 Divisional Round Broncos @ Patriots
2:20:01 Full Game



How The 2011 Denver Broncos Rode Tebow Mania To The Playoffs
16:04 Highlight Video
​

Box Score

Quarter Time Tm Detail DEN NWE 1 13:09 Patriots Wes Welker 7 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 0 7 6:42 Patriots Rob Gronkowski 10 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 0 14 2 14:54 Broncos Willis McGahee 5 yard rush (Matt Prater kick) 7 14 7:42 Patriots Rob Gronkowski 12 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 7 21 1:57 Patriots Deion Branch 61 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 7 28 0:05 Patriots Rob Gronkowski 19 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 7 35 3 11:46 Patriots Aaron Hernandez 17 yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick) 7 42 2:14 Broncos Matt Prater 41 yard field goal 10 42 4 12:39 Patriots Stephen Gostkowski 20 yard field goal 10 45

Patriots Drives

# Quarter Time LOS Plays Length Net Yds Result 1 1 15:00 NWE 20 5 1:51 80 Touchdown 2 1 10:07 NWE 41 7 3:25 59 Touchdown 3 1 3:26 NWE 13 4 1:26 12 Interception 4 2 14:54 NWE 40 5 1:27 15 Punt 5 2 11:17 NWE 48 8 3:35 52 Touchdown 6 2 6:31 NWE 48 3 0:47 3 Punt 7 2 2:27 NWE 28 2 0:30 72 Touchdown 8 2 1:09 NWE 42 5 1:04 58 Touchdown 9 3 13:26 DEN 44 4 1:40 44 Touchdown 10 3 10:29 NWE 49 5 1:59 32 Fumble 11 3 2:14 NWE 20 11 4:35 78 Field Goal 12 4 7:14 NWE 3 6 4:18 39 Punt

Broncos Drives

# Quarter Time LOS Plays Length Net Yds Result 1 1 13:09 DEN 24 6 3:02 35 Fumble 2 1 6:42 DEN 17 6 3:16 31 Punt 3 1 2:00 NWE 24 4 2:06 24 Touchdown 4 2 13:27 DEN 5 3 2:10 7 Punt 5 2 7:42 DEN 20 3 1:11 1 Punt 6 2 5:44 DEN 11 7 3:17 23 Punt 7 2 1:57 DEN 20 3 0:48 5 Punt 8 2 0:05 DEN 20 1 0:05 -1 End of Half 9 3 15:00 DEN 15 3 1:34 2 Punt 10 3 11:46 DEN 24 3 1:17 -9 Punt 11 3 8:30 DEN 19 14 6:16 58 Field Goal 12 4 12:39 DEN 20 14 5:25 77 Downs 13 4 2:56 DEN 5 5 2:56 19 End of Game

Divisional Round - Denver Broncos at New England Patriots - January 14th, 2012 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Denver Broncos 10 at New England Patriots 45 on January 14th, 2012 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dion Lewis scores three TDs
one each running, receiving and returning
Patriots beat Bill O'Brien's Houston Texans 34-16​

Saturday January 14, 2017 at 8:15
2016 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 34, Houston Texans 16
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Bill O'Brien
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Brock Osweiler
Odds: Patriots favored by 16
Weather: 28°, 6 mph wind
Game MVP: Dion Lewis
Pats improve to 15-2; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh
Texans finish season with a record of 10-8

Dion Lewis scored three different ways - on a 13 yard pass reception, on a 98 yard kickoff, and on a one yard run - as the Patriots defeated Houston to advance to the AFC championship game against the Steelers.

The defense limited the Texans to three points in the second half, thanks to interceptions by Devin McCourty, Logan Ryan and Duron Harmon. Julian Edelman had eight receptions for 137 yards. In doing so he broke a franchise record held by Wes Welker for career postseason catches, with 76. Meanwhile Tom Brady was held in check, going just 18-38 for 287 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Patriots punch ticket to 6th straight AFC title game with 34-16 win

New England defeated the Houston Texans behind three touchdowns from RB Dion Lewis.

www.wpri.com

Patriots 34, Texans 16: Led by Dion Lewis, New England routs Houston

FOXBORO - A painful end to the 2015 regular season led to a painful viewing of the Patriots' failed playoff run for Dion Lewis a year ago. After suffering a torn ACL in the midst of his breakout c…

www.providencejournal.com

Patriots Vs. Texans Live: New England Wins Ugly To Advance To AFC Title Game - NESN.com

Final, Patriots 34-16: The New England Patriots are headed to the AFC Championship Game for the sixth consecutive season. Pure dominance from Brady and Belichick.#Patriots #NFLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/rXbQjmipiD — NFL (@NFL) January 15, 2017 Running back Dion Lewis led the way with three...

nesn.com

GoLocalProv | Sports | Patriots Beat Texans to Advance to 6th Straight AFC Championship

The New England Patriots are headed to their sixth straight AFC Championship game.

www.golocalprov.com

Patriots Beat Texans to Reach Sixth Straight A.F.C. Title Game (Published 2017)

New England’s dominance was exemplified by Dion Lewis, who caught a touchdown pass, ran for a touchdown and returned a kickoff 98 yards for a score.

www.nytimes.com

The Latest: Lewis leads Pats over Texans 34-16 in playoffs

Dion Lewis has developed into the latest postseason star for the New England Patriots, who have pulled away from the Houston Texans with the AFC championship game in sight

www.usatoday.com

Dion Lewis' rise to stardom is perfect for Patriots | Sporting News Australia

www.sportingnews.com

The Latest: Lewis leads Pats over Texans 34-16 in playoffs

The Latest on the NFL's divisional playoff games Saturday (all times Eastern):

www.espn.com

Patriots 34-16 Texans (Jan 14, 2017) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Houston Texans NFL game from January 14, 2017 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Dion Lewis' Record Breaking 3 TD Game! | Texans vs. Patriots | NFL Divisional Player Highlights
2:27 NFL Highlight Video



Texans vs. Patriots | NFL Divisional Game Highlights
10:04 NFL Highlight Video



2016 Divisional Round Texans @ Patriots
2:19:41 Full Game
​

Divisional Round - Houston Texans at New England Patriots - January 14th, 2017 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Houston Texans 16 at New England Patriots 34 on January 14th, 2017 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Pape]

The no call on the watson play was the league saying **** those guys

bunch of bs

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
January 14 Birthdays​

Happy 41st birthday to Brandon Meriweather
Born Jan 14, 1984 in Apopka, Florida
Patriot safety 2007-2010; uniform #31
Pats 1st round (24th overall) selection of the 2007 draft, from Miami
Pats résumé: 4 seasons, 64 games (40 starts), plus 5 playoff games; 12 picks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 TD; 2 Pro Bowls


While at the University of Miami the safety was an All-American and was twice a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (top defensive back). He was also involved in two incidents: one on field (stomping on opponents who were on the ground during a brawl), one off field (firing his gun in self defense after a teammate was shot). That caused his draft stock to drop, before the Pats used a pick they had received from Seattle in the Deion Branch trade for him.

Meriweather never missed a game while with the Pats, playing in 64 regular season contests plus five playoff games. He was known for his hard hits, one of which resulted in a $50,000 fine. Undisciplined play eventually caught up to him as he was cut at the end of training camp in 2011. That decision caught some by surprise, as the Pats waived both of their starting safeties from 2010 (James Sanders being the other).

During his time with the Pats Meriweather caught twelve interceptions (22nd all time in team history at the time; 26th now) and forced five fumbles. He went on to play five more seasons in the NFL, with the the Bears, Washington and Giants.

Happy 53rd birthday to Kyle Brady
Born Jan 14, 1972 in New Cumberland, PA
Patriot TE, 2007; uniform #88
Signed as a free agent on March 3, 2007
Pats résumé: one seasons, 14 games (9 starts), plus 3 playoff games; 9 receptions, 2 touchdowns


Kyle Brady was 35 when the Pats picked him up after 12 years with the Jets and Jaguars. In what would be his final NFL season he had nine receptions for 70 yards, and two touchdowns - thus allowing broadcasters to exclaim "Brady to Brady!" The 6'6 Penn State grad had 343 career receptions and 25 TD in 13 NFL seasons - which included 19 catches and three touchdowns against New England.

Brady was no stranger to Bill Belichick, who wanted to draft him with the Browns tenth pick of the 1995 draft - but the Jets took him one spot earlier. In his post-football career Brady has worked on tv as a game analyst; learned to fly and earned a commercial pilot license; became a Certified Financial Planner; and eventually went to law school, earning his Jurus Doctor with a primary focus on Real Estate Law and Estate Planning.

Where are they now? - Kyle Brady

"I fully expected to be drafted by the Bill Belichick-coached Cleveland Browns with the 10th pick," Brady said. "Coach Belichick had flown to (Penn State) with it seemed like their whole staff. They worked out (quarterback) Kerry Collins and myself because both of us were projected first-rounders.​

"They had a known need at tight end. And it went as far as a couple days before the draft, the equipment manager for the Browns called the Penn State equipment manager and asked for my helmet size, my shoe size, just assuming that no one prior to them was going to take me off the board."​

Law & Order: Former Jaguar Kyle Brady ready for life after football

About a month after enrolling at the Florida Coastal School of Law in 2010, it hit Kyle Brady, if only for a few moments, just how much the former NFL tight end felt out of his element. Brady was 3…

www.jacksonville.com

Brady was 38-years-old, 15 years removed from his last classroom experience at Penn State. He looked around the library, suddenly questioning whether he could endure the three-year mental grind of poring through case study after case study to attain a law degree.​

"You see all these youngsters in the library and I thought, 'What am I doing here? Do I want to do this for the rest of my life?'?" said Brady.​

Looking back on his football career, which included eight seasons (1999-2006) with the Jaguars, gave Brady the reminder he needed to push himself through law school. He played for three of the toughest old-school coaches in NFL history - Bill Parcells (New York Jets), Tom Coughlin (Jaguars) and Bill Belichick (New England Patriots) - so Brady wasn't about to back down from another difficult path after football.​

"Law school was mental drudgery, as opposed to the physical drudgery of football," said Brady. "The memorization before each exam is intense. Professors call you out and ask you to analyze a case in class. You got to be on your toes. But in a different way, I had already been down that road with all those [NFL] training camps under some pretty demanding coaches."​

https://qpwblaw.com/attorney/kyle-j-brady/

Q&A with Patriots tight end Kyle Brady

Patriots tight end tells Tribune what it’s really like to be the other “Brady” on the team and why he digs the Civil War so much.

www.eastvalleytribune.com

In memory of Mel West, born 86 years ago today
Born Jan 14, 1939 in Colombia, MO
Patriot HB, 1961; uniform #24
Pats 11th round (82nd overall) selection of the 1961 draft, from Missouri
Pats résumé: one partial season, 4 games (2 starts); 27.3 yard average on 7 kick returns; 132 yards from scrimmage


Mel West played in just four games with the Patriots before he was cut by Lou Saban, despite averaging 6.5 yards per carry and handling kickoff return duties (27.3 yards per return). He signed with the New York Titans but a knee injury in the third game of the 1961 season ended his pro football career. West then returned to the University of Missouri and got his masters degree in education. He then moved to Minneapolis, got a job as a teacher, and quickly worked his way up the ranks - eventually becoming a superintendent.

Missouri football pioneer Mel West never dwelled on past success

The Missouri halfback gets the handoff in Nebraska’s red zone, and then he gets hit. He spins away and gets hit again. He spins off that one, too, and moves

www.columbiamissourian.com

Mel West (1993) - Hall of Fame - University of Missouri Athletics

Mel West, Class: 1960 Induction: 1993 Sport(s): Football - A native of Jefferson City, West rushed for 1,848 yards in his Missouri career. He was all-Big Eight

mutigers.com

Happy 65th birthday to Joaquin Zendejas
Born Jan 14, 1960 in Curimeo, Michoacán, Mexico
Patriot kicker, 1983; uniform #2
Signed as a free agent on Dec 6, 1983
Pats résumé: two games played; 0-1 on field goal attempts and 3-4 on extra points


Joaquin played in the final two games of the 1983 season; he replaced Fred Steinfort, who had missed six of his last eight field goal attempts. Zendejas was not much better, going 0-1 on field goal attempts and 3-4 on extra points. The following February the Pats traded for Tony Franklin, and Zendejas was cut on July 26, 1984. He has two brothers and a cousin who were also NFL placekickers.

Happy 33rd birthday to James O'Shaughnessy
Born Jan 14, 1992 in Naperville, Illinois
Patriot TE, 2017 offseason; uniform #88
Acquired on April 29, 2017 with a 6th round pick from Chiefs, for a 5th round draft pick
Pats résumé: one training camp


James O'Shaughnessy never played for the Patriots, being cut at the end of training camp. He was beat out for the third tight end roster spot by Jacob Hollister, as a backup to Gronk and Dwayne Allen. O'Shaughnessy missed ten games with a hip injury, limiting him to 24 receptions for 244 yards with Jacksonville in 2021 - in what turned out to be his final NFL season. In seven seasons with Kansas City and Jacksonville he ha 112 receptions and three touchdowns, appearing in 80 games with 40 starts.

Patriots: James O'Shaughnessy enjoys solid debut

FOXBORO — The Patriots acquired James O’Shaughnessy from the Kansas City Chiefs on the final day of the NFL Draft, the centerpiece of a minor deal in which the teams also flipped late-round picks. …

www.telegram.com

 

[PF_SU]

Today in Patriots History
Troy Brown's heads-up play saves the day
Hypocrite Tomlinson whines after Pats mimic Chargers' "Lights Out" Dance
Patriots 24, Chargers 21 in San Diego​

Sunday January 14, 2007 at 4:40
2006 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Qualcomm Stadium
New England Patriots 24, San Diego Chargers 21
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Marty Schottenheimer
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Odds: Chargers favored by 5
Weather: 53°, 6 mph wind
Game MVP: Troy Brown
Patriots improve to 14-4; head to #3 Indy for AFCCG
Chargers finish season with a record of 14-3

Game Highlights (15:54):
​

The number four seed New England Patriots knocked off the team with the NFL's best record, 24-21 in San Diego. The Chargers were extremely confident - perhaps overconfident - and seemed to be in denial, unable to grasp the reality they had lost to a better team that day.

The one iconic play in this game happened with 6:20 left to play, and San Diego leading 21-13. The Patriots were facing a 4th-and-5 on the Charger 41 yard line. The pass was intercepted by Marlon McCree, who could have either just knocked the pass down, or fallen to the ground with the ball to put the Charger offense on the field. Instead he attempted to run with the ball even though there was little to no daylight. Troy Brown made the game-saving play, knocking the ball out of McCree's hands to set up the crucial fumble recovery by Reche Caldwell.

With a fresh set of downs and renewed confidence the Pats quickly scored against a demoralized and unfocused Charger defense. On the extra point attempt the snap went to Kevin Faulk, who was standing next to Brady, and he quickly burst up the middle for two points to tie the score.

The Patriot defense forced a three and out, then a 49-yard completion to Caldwell set up Stephen Gostkowski's game winning 31 yard field goal with 1:14 to play. San Diego was able to move into New England territory, but Nate Kaeding's 52 yard field goal attempt went wide.


After the game was over league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson had to be restrained, and complained incessantly about the Patriots mocking Shawne Merriman by mimicking his lights-out dance. LT whined that the Patriot celebration was not 'classy'. What a hypocrite! In other words it is okay for Merriman to mock an opposing team, but when the shoe is on the other foot he cries foul? The Patriots would have never done that if not for the serial steroid abuser Merriman's childish antics happening first. Memo to Tomlinson: people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

Chargers RB LaDainian Tomlinson (center) and QB Philip Rivers (right) get into it with Ellis Hobbs, right, New England Patriots at the end of the game in San Diego.​

FARINELLA: LaDainian, no crying in football

The problem with being the only guy from your newspaper at a big game? Sometimes, you have to make choices about what you can see and what you can't.

www.thesunchronicle.com

Jan. 14, 2007: Patriots 24, Chargers 21

www.chicagotribune.com

Jan. 14, 2007: Patriots 24, Chargers 21

Jan. 14, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium AFC Divisional Playoff Patriots 24, Chargers 21 Union-Tribune game coverage The game: Needing two home wins to reach the Super Bowl after a brilliant 14-2 regular season, the Chargers…

www.sandiegouniontribune.com

Patriots Divisional Round Retrospective: 2006 vs. Chargers

Troy Brown's forced fumble and a Kevin Faulk's 2-point conversion helped the Patriots escape San Diego with a memorable playoff win.

985thesportshub.com

Live Game Blog | The Fifth Down

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers - January 14th, 2007 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 24 at San Diego Chargers 21 on January 14th, 2007 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

In addition to what was already said about Tomlinson's hypocrisy, wasn't it the case that the Chargers celebrated just like that the previous year when they blew out the Patriots in Foxborough and guys like Hobbs remembered?

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
More January 14 Trivia​

Other football players born on this date with a New England connection:

Frank Varrichione (1932-2018)
Born in Natick; Natick High School
The OT was the #6 overall pick of the 1955 draft and went to five Pro Bowls with the Steelers and Rams.

Terry Wooden, 54 (1967)
Born in Hartford; Farmington HS
Wooden played linebacker for nine years, seven with Seattle; he led the NFL with 114 solo tackles in 1995.

Jack Sachse (1921-1988)
Sasche was a C/LB from Texas who played for the Boston Yanks back in the days of two-way players in 1945.




Other random January 14 Events:

January 14, 1991:
Patriots hire Joe Collier as defensive coordinator, and Charlie West as defensive backs coach.

Collier began his pro football coaching career with the Boston Patriots in 1960. He later became head coach for Buffalo, then was with Denver for 20 years (17 as their Defensive Coordinator). Joe returned to New England in '91 as the DC for new head coach **** MacPherson, upgrading the defense from #27 to #15. He retired from coaching following the 1992 season. His son Joel was a secondary coach for the Pats from 2005-07, and is currently the Director of Pro Personnel for the Falcons.

West also spent two seasons on the '91-'92 coaching staff, but has not been involved in the NFL since. In 1968 he set a record for the longest punt return in Minnesota Vikings history (98 yards), which still stands today.




January 14, 2010:
Defensive coordinator Dean Pees resigns following a 33-7 wild card loss to Baltimore.

Pees replaced Eric Mangini as Defensive Coordinator in 2006, after two years as the Pats linebackers coach. He was probably going to be fired after the 2009 season had he not resigned. Pees then spent eight seasons with Baltimore: two as their ILB coach, and six as the DC. Mike Vrabel hired Pees to be his DC for Tennessee in 2018, where he remained for two years. Pees was Atlanta's DC in 2021-22; last October the Ravens re-hired him as a 'senior advisor to defensive coordinator Zach Orr'.




Pats Fans discussions

January 14, 2024:

Belichick wanted Jakobi. Was convinced out of it by the new guys picking players

The point of posting this isn't so much to rehash what could've been when Belichick is gone. After all, the buck stops with Belichick. He was the one who made the final decision. It's more to look at the future. We now have a new wave of analytic people running the team, and they will look at...

www.patsfans.com

Belichick (via Howe) also claims be didn’t want to draft Mac Jones

Wouldn’t you know it? It seems Bill was responsible for every good decision, and not responsible for every failure. Spinjob Belichick continues his campaign, ongoing since 2017.

www.patsfans.com

January 14, 2022:

Analyzing the offense

Over the years, I have seen game plans that I felt held the offense back and others that made it much more effective. Looking at this year I think the overall philosophy has been leaning toward holding it back, clearly out of a goal of limiting mistakes and turnovers and playing complementary...

www.patsfans.com

JC Jackson and Matthew Slater make second team All Pros

Congratulations JC and Matthew. https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-all-pro-team-jonathan-taylor-t-j-watt-cooper-kupp-highlight-roster

www.patsfans.com

 

[1960Pats]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey
Ref blows call after another official blocked Watson
Should have been touchback, Pats ball on 20

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Invesco Field/Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Weather: 54°, 3 mph wind
Game MVP: Rod Smith, Broncos; Deion Branch, Patriots
Pats finish season with a record of 11-7
Broncos improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

Remembering one of the greatest forgotten plays in Patriots history

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history. Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has...

www.boston.com

A decade later, it remains a truly remarkable feat of athleticism and character.​

While the first postseason loss of Tom Brady’s career is not a moment many Patriots fans enjoy looking back on, the game is memorable for one of the greatest plays in franchise history.​

Occurring in a 27-13 defeat to the Broncos at Mile High Stadium in January, 2006, the extraordinary play has been cast aside by history in large part because of wider circumstances. Still, there’s no denying that Ben Watson chasing down Champ Bailey over 100 frantic yards has to rank as one of the most impressive displays in the entire Belichick era.​

Denver was leading 10-6 late in the third quarter when the Patriots started a drive at their own 22 following a punt. On the first three plays Tom Brady completed passes of 33 yards to Troy Brown, 26 yards to Deion Branch, and nine yards to David Givens. Corey Dillon ran five yards off left tackle on the following play to give the Patriots a first and goal at the five yard line.

A false start, a five yard completion to Branch and an incomplete pass to Givens set up third and goal at the five. On a safety blitz Brady rolled to his right and threw off his back foot for Troy, not getting enough zip on the ball. Champ Bailey stepped in front for the interception. With the line of scrimmage so close to the pick, it only took a few steps for him to be past most would-be tacklers. Kevin Faulk had a chance at the 45, but Bailey side stepped him and had a clear path for the end zone.

Then Watson made his famous effort play - but what usually gets lost in the story is the fact that the Patriots should have got the ball back, rather than Denver scoring from the one-yard line to take a commanding 17-6 lead.

From below are four revealing, tell-tale still photos:
What if Ben Watson's play against Denver was called correctly?

Clearly the ball went of bounds in the end zone (and not the one yard line), which would have given the Patriots possession at the twenty, with the score still 10-6. Whether or not the Pats would have used that play as an emotional lift to victory is impossible to say.

The harsh reality is the Patriots made bad plays near the end of the first half that cost them ten points. A Kevin Faulk fumble gave Denver the ball at the New England 40, and on the next play Asante Samuel had a bad pass interference giving the Broncos first down at the one, leading to a touchdown. Ellis Hobbs fumbled the ensuing kickoff, gifting Denver with another three points. Then early in the fourth quarter Adam Vinatieri missed a 43-yard field goal, followed by Troy Brown muffing a punt. Three plays later Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an insurmountable 18-point lead.

10 years later, Bailey thinks Belichick may have been right

Ten years later, Champ Bailey admits that just maybe Bill Belichick was right. Ten years ago today, Bailey’s 100-yard interception return of a Tom Brady pass in an AFC divisional playoff game in Denver was a key play in the Broncos’ 27-13 victory over the Patriots. Patriots tight end Benjamin...

www.nbcsports.com

“I get it,” Bailey said. “Because I thought it was a touchback. When I was on the sideline, I was saying, ‘Did the ball cross? Did I get in? Did I get in?’ Everybody on our bench of course was optimistic. ‘Yeah, you got in.’​

“I was like, ‘I don’t think I got in.’ And then when they put it at the 1, I thought, “Wow, that’s great.”​

Champ Bailey's Interception Return (0:57):



Benjamin Watson's Remarkable Effort (3:31):
​

Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - January 14th, 2006 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Denver Broncos 27 on January 14th, 2006 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

That was a frustrating loss, as opposed to my favorite win in Denver that came on Nov 3rd, 2003. The intentional safety game. Here's the highlights of that one...