Today In Patriots History 2015: Harbaugh loses his mind over 'trick plays'

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats come back twice to beat Ravens on 'trick plays'
John Harbaugh loses his mind in 35-31 playoff thriller
Impetus for Deflategate Witch Hunt is Conceived​

Saturday January 10, 2015 at 4:30
2014 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 35, Baltimore Ravens 31
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Joe Flacco
Odds: Patriots favored by 7
Weather: 20°, 12 mph wind, wind chill 8°
Game MVPs: Brady/Gronk/Edelman/Michael Hoomanawanui
Pats improve to 13-4; advance to AFCCG at home vs Colts, who beat Denver, 24-13
Ravens finish season with a record of 11-7


Ten years ago today an iconic game in the history of the New England Patriots took place.


The Patriots twice came back from 14 point deficits to defeat the Ravens. This was the game that Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh cried foul over Patriot 'trick' formations. In the post-game Q&A Tom Brady poured gasoline on the fire by answering a question about trick plays with this snarky (but accurate) response:

"Maybe those guys got to study the rule book and figure it out. We obviously knew what we were doing, and we made some pretty important plays. It was a real good weapon for us. Maybe we'll have something in store next week. I don't know what's deceiving about that. [The Ravens] should figure it out."​

In my opinion the trick plays - and especially Brady's comments - were the impetus for the botched frame job a week later, that became the witch hunt known as deflategate. While I have no proof, I believe Harbaugh called his old friend and former defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano - at that time head coach of the Colts, the Pats next opponent. Let's not forget also that the Patriots had thoroughly embarrassed Pagano's Colts in the playoffs the previous season.

Baltimore limited the Pats to 14 yards rushing, but Tom Brady set franchise postseason records for completions (33) and yards passing (367). Despite the points allowed the Patriot defense did its part with two interceptions off Joe Flacco - though Jump Ball Joe did also throw four TDs.

With the score 28-14 the Pats deployed an unusual formation, keeping only four offensive linemen on the field. TE Michael Hoomanawanui lined up in the traditional left tackle position. The Patriots put two players to the right side of the line of scrimmage, which meant the inside player (Shane Vereen) was ineligible to receive a pass - and Hoomanawanui, who was at the end of the line on the other side - was an eligible receiver.

Hooman caught passes for 16 and 14 yards, with the Baltimore defense in disarray. Harbaugh went ballistic - devoid of any composure to call a timeout and gather his defense on how to defend the unique formation. Instead he went out on the field, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, thus giving the Patriots first and goal. Rob Gronkowski caught a 5-yard TD, and the Pats had cut the Baltimore lead to 28-21.

The unfocused Ravens went three-and-out on the next series. After getting the ball back Brady connected on short passes to Julian Edelman for 9 yards, and Vereen for 10. On the third play of the drive Brady passed to Jules behind the line of scrimmage. The former college quarterback then hit Danny Amendola for a 51 yard touchdown, and the score was tied.

Harbaugh was absolutely fit to be tied, completely lacking any sense of self control. I thought he was going to have a stroke right then and there on the field.

​

Baltimore finally settled down somewhat and a Justin Tucker field goal put the Ravens back up by three with just over ten minutes to play. Brady completed eight out of nine passes on the following drive, as well as gaining a first down on a quarterback sneak. The winning points came on a 23 yard touchdown to Brandon LaFell with 5:21 left to play. On the ensuing drive Baltimore drove as far as the New England 36, then Flacco threw his second interception - this one snared by Duron Harmon with 1:46 to play to seal the victory.

NFL says Patriots’ formations, reporting were legal in Ravens’ playoff loss

Although the New England Patriots’ offensive formations, substitutions and reporting of which players were eligible or ineligible enraged Ravens coach John Harbaugh, the NFL confirmed Sunday that the Patriots didn’t break any…

www.baltimoresun.com

"It's a substitution type of a trick type of thing," Harbaugh said Saturday night after the game. "So, they don't give you the opportunity. They don't give you a chance to make the proper substitutions and things like that. It's not something that anybody's ever done before. The league will look at that type of thing, and I'm sure that they'll make some adjustments and things like that."​

4 Offensive Lineman Ineligible Receiver Package
53 Second Highlight Video
The quality is not as good as the next video, but this is from the original broadcast.
It provides a superior view of the unusual formation/eligibility play -
which was not-so-mysteriously left out of all the official NFL highlight videos.
(Hat Tip to @BTTA for finding this video.)



Ravens vs. Patriots Divisional Round highlights | NFL
8:37 NFL Media Highlights Video



NFL Network - The Double Comeback - Baltimore Ravens @ New England Patriots- AFC Divisional 2014
16:19 NFL Network Special



2014 New England Patriots vs Baltimore Ravens (AFC Divisional)
All-22 Perspective
1:43:22 Full Game
​

Divisional Round - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2015 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Baltimore Ravens 31 at New England Patriots 35 on January 10th, 2015 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release
Pats Div Round Playoff Roster
Pats-Ravens Depth Charts
Pats-Ravens Injury Reports
NFL Media Game Summary, with team & individual stats, halftime summary, drive charts, and complete play-by-play
Pats Media Dept Post-Game Notes
- Krafts get 22nd postseason win, moving them into a tie with Eddie DeBartolo Jr and one ahead of Al Davis for 4th most by an ownership group
- Pats advance to 4th straight AFC title game
- Pats advance to 11th conference championship game, tying them with Oakland for fourth most all time (Pitt/SF, 15; Dallas 14)
- Largest comeback in postseason franchise history, 14 points (11 in 24-21 win at San Diego on Jan 14, 2007)
- Pats win 100th game overall at Gillette Stadium (100-19, .840, including playoffs)
- Pats improve to 8-1 in divisional round game after a bye under Bill Belichick
- Pats improve to 16-4 (.800) alltime in home playoff games (2nd only to Seattle, 10-2, .833)
- Pats improve to 11-1 in playoff games where the temperature is 30° or less at kickoff
- Bill Belichick ties Tom Landry for most career playoff wins (20)
- Tom Brady throws 3 TD to set NFL record with 46 postseason TDs (Joe Montana 45)
- Tom Brady ties team record with 5th postseason rushing TD (Curtis Martin)
- Tom Brady sets franchise playoff record with 367 yards passing
- Julian Edelman throws his first NFL touchdown pass, in first pass attempt since he was at Kent State
- RB Brandon Bolden gets his first NFL postseason start
- Akeem Ayers, Malcolm Butler, Darius Fleming, Josh Kline, Bryan Stork, Brian Tyms and Tim Wright all make their career playoff debut

 

[upstater1]

And with that, the Patriots lose 3 drafts picks. Sigh. They could've taken Chris Jones or Xavien Howard or Derrick Henry or Michael Thomas, all of whom were players that went after what would have been the Patriots 1st round pick.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The Foxboro Ice Bowl
Coldest Home Game in Pats History
New England nips Tennessee, 17-14​

Saturday January 10, 2004 at 8:15
2003 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 17, Tennessee Titans 14
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Jeff Fisher
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Steve McNair
Odds: Patriots favored by 6
Weather: 4°, 10 mph wind, wind chill -10°
Game MVPs: Willie McGinest, Rodney Harrison
Pats improve to 15-2; advance to AFCCG vs Colts, who beat KC the next day 38-31
Titans finish season with a record of 13-5

The Pats advanced to the AFC Championship game for the third time in four years in a game that is most remembered for its frigid temperature. Adam Vinatieri's 46-yard field goal with 4:11 remaining was the game winner on a Saturday night where temperatures hovered around zero with a wind chill of 14 below. Due to the conditions the Pats lifted their ban on bringing blankets and sleeping bags into the stadium, and free coffee and hot chocolate was made available in the parking lot. There were reports of beer freezing in the stadium before fans could get back to their seats, much less finish drinking their beverage, verified by @Steve102 as factual and not just hyperbole.


It was New England’s 13th consecutive win, and they improved to 9-0 at home for the season. The win was Tom Brady's 14th when tied or coming from behind in the 4th quarter in just 47 career starts, and his fifth of the 2003 season. Brady improved his record to 14-1 in games decided by seven or fewer points, and 35-12 for his career overall.

On the first drive TB12 completed a pass across the middle to Kevin Faulk for a 19-yard gain, then burnt an early timeout when he was confused by Tennessee’s defensive coverage. The decision to call a timeout proved to be a good one; on the ensuing play Brady found Bethel Johnson open over the top for a 41-yard touchdown, and a 7-0 lead just four minutes into the game.

After Tennessee tied the score on a 5-yard run by Chris Brown the Pats drive appeared to stall. On a 3rd-and-13 Brady hit Johnson, who then cut back looking for a running lane; Brady threw a key block on the Titans safety and Johnson gained 14 yards on the play for a first down. Later in the drive Brady made a first down on a naked bootleg on a 3rd-and-3; two plays later Antowain Smith scored to give the Pats a 14-7 halftime lead. The score would have been closer if not for Richard Seymour's block of a field goal late in the half.


Tennessee tied the game on an 11-yard pass from Steve McNair to Derrick Mason to make it 14-all heading into the fourth quarter. Brady hit Troy Brown on a 4th-and-3 from the Tennessee 33 to get the ball close enough for Vinatieri's clutch field goal, but there was plenty of time left. McNair drove the Titans to the New England 33 but two penalties left them out of field goal range. The Tennessee quarterback then threw a pass on 4th-and-12 to Drew Bennett who was somehow wide open at the 10-yard-line – but fortunately the ball bounced off his hands and fell incomplete. From there the Patriots ran out the clock to advance to the AFC Championship game against Indianapolis.

Credit the Patriot defense, as they harassed McNair all night. Willie McGinest had seven tackles and three sacks; Mike Vrabel had a sack; Rodney Harrison had an interception that led to a touchdown, five tackles, and several hits on McNair; and Tedy Bruschi had nine tackles.

Patriots outlast Titans in frigid playoff test - The Boston Globe

With a record-low temperature of 4 degrees, the Patriots defeated the Titans 17-14 on the strength of an Adam Vinatieri field goal and a defense that stood strongest in the fourth quarter.

www.bostonglobe.com

Playing in the coldest game in franchise history (4 degrees, minus-10 wind-chill at kickoff), the top-seeded Patriots held on for a 17-14 win over the wild-card Titans. Adam Vinatieri, who had missed a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter, gave New England the win with a 46-yarder with 4 minutes 6 seconds to play.​

The Patriots, winners of 13 straight, will host the winner of Sunday’s Indianapolis-Kansas City matchup in the AFC Championship game. A win would put the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.​

The Titans made it interesting on their last possession, driving 36 yards to New England’s 40 before self-destructing after the two-minute warning. First, Tennessee was penalized 10 yards for intentional grounding by Steve McNair. Guard Benji Olson’s holding penalty pushed the Titans back another 10 yards and put them in a third-and-22 situation.​

McNair threw 10 yards to Drew Bennett on third down. On fourth and 12 from New England’s 43, Rodney Harrison’s blitz forced McNair to throw up a jump ball to Bennett, who bobbled it and had it knocked away by Asante Samuel.​

13 in a row for Patriots who defeat Titans 17-14

With a wind chill of 11 degrees below zero, New England followed a familiar gameplan to advance to the AFC title game. A tough defense combined with a patient offense and a reliable kicker equal another win for the Patriots.

www.wltx.com

Bethel Johnson with a 41-yard TD reception in the first quarter to give the Pats a 7-0 lead




Adam Vinatieri reacts after his 4th quarter 46-yard FG gave the Pats a 17-14 lead with 4:06 remaining


Antowain Smith had 69 yards rushing on 16 carries, including a TD that put the Patriots up 14-7 just before halftime







Titans vs Patriots 2003 AFC Divisional
4:43 Highlight Video




2003 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: Patriots vs Titans
2:10:41 Full Game
​

Divisional Round - Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2004 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Tennessee Titans 14 at New England Patriots 17 on January 10th, 2004 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release
NFL Media Game Summary, with team & individual stats, halftime summary, drive charts, and complete play-by-play

 

[Steve102]

Today in Patriots History
The Foxboro Ice Bowl
Coldest Home Game in Pats History
New England nips Tennessee, 17-14​

Saturday January 10, 2004 at 8:15
2003 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 17, Tennessee Titans 14
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Jeff Fisher
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Steve McNair
Odds: Patriots favored by 6
Weather: 4°, 10 mph wind, wind chill -10°
Game MVPs: Willie McGinest, Rodney Harrison
Pats improve to 15-2; advance to AFCCG vs Colts, who beat KC the next day 38-31
Titans finish season with a record of 13-5

The Pats advanced to the AFC Championship game for the third time in four years in a game that is most remembered for its frigid temperature. Adam Vinatieri's 46-yard field goal with 4:11 remaining was the game winner on a Saturday night where temperatures hovered around zero with a wind chill of 14 below. Due to the conditions the Pats lifted their ban on bringing blankets and sleeping bags into the stadium, and free coffee and hot chocolate was made available in the parking lot. There were reports of beer freezing in the stadium before fans could get back to their seats, much less finish drinking their beverage, verified by @Steve102 as factual and not just hyperbole.


It was New England’s 13th consecutive win, and they improved to 9-0 at home for the season. The win was Tom Brady's 14th when tied or coming from behind in the 4th quarter in just 47 career starts, and his fifth of the 2003 season. Brady improved his record to 14-1 in games decided by seven or fewer points, and 35-12 for his career overall.

On the first drive TB12 completed a pass across the middle to Kevin Faulk for a 19-yard gain, then burnt an early timeout when he was confused by Tennessee’s defensive coverage. The decision to call a timeout proved to be a good one; on the ensuing play Brady found Bethel Johnson open over the top for a 41-yard touchdown, and a 7-0 lead just four minutes into the game.

After Tennessee tied the score on a 5-yard run by Chris Brown the Pats drive appeared to stall. On a 3rd-and-13 Brady hit Johnson, who then cut back looking for a running lane; Brady threw a key block on the Titans safety and Johnson gained 14 yards on the play for a first down. Later in the drive Brady made a first down on a naked bootleg on a 3rd-and-3; two plays later Antowain Smith scored to give the Pats a 14-7 halftime lead. The score would have been closer if not for Richard Seymour's block of a field goal late in the half.


Tennessee tied the game on an 11-yard pass from Steve McNair to Derrick Mason to make it 14-all heading into the fourth quarter. Brady hit Troy Brown on a 4th-and-3 from the Tennessee 33 to get the ball close enough for Vinatieri's clutch field goal, but there was plenty of time left. McNair drove the Titans to the New England 33 but two penalties left them out of field goal range. The Tennessee quarterback then threw a pass on 4th-and-12 to Drew Bennett who was somehow wide open at the 10-yard-line – but fortunately the ball bounced off his hands and fell incomplete. From there the Patriots ran out the clock to advance to the AFC Championship game against Indianapolis.

Credit the Patriot defense, as they harassed McNair all night. Willie McGinest had seven tackles and three sacks; Mike Vrabel had a sack; Rodney Harrison had an interception that led to a touchdown, five tackles, and several hits on McNair; and Tedy Bruschi had nine tackles.

Patriots outlast Titans in frigid playoff test - The Boston Globe

With a record-low temperature of 4 degrees, the Patriots defeated the Titans 17-14 on the strength of an Adam Vinatieri field goal and a defense that stood strongest in the fourth quarter.

www.bostonglobe.com

Playing in the coldest game in franchise history (4 degrees, minus-10 wind-chill at kickoff), the top-seeded Patriots held on for a 17-14 win over the wild-card Titans. Adam Vinatieri, who had missed a 44-yard field goal in the first quarter, gave New England the win with a 46-yarder with 4 minutes 6 seconds to play.​

The Patriots, winners of 13 straight, will host the winner of Sunday’s Indianapolis-Kansas City matchup in the AFC Championship game. A win would put the Patriots in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.​

The Titans made it interesting on their last possession, driving 36 yards to New England’s 40 before self-destructing after the two-minute warning. First, Tennessee was penalized 10 yards for intentional grounding by Steve McNair. Guard Benji Olson’s holding penalty pushed the Titans back another 10 yards and put them in a third-and-22 situation.​

McNair threw 10 yards to Drew Bennett on third down. On fourth and 12 from New England’s 43, Rodney Harrison’s blitz forced McNair to throw up a jump ball to Bennett, who bobbled it and had it knocked away by Asante Samuel.​

13 in a row for Patriots who defeat Titans 17-14

With a wind chill of 11 degrees below zero, New England followed a familiar gameplan to advance to the AFC title game. A tough defense combined with a patient offense and a reliable kicker equal another win for the Patriots.

www.wltx.com

Bethel Johnson with a 41-yard TD reception in the first quarter to give the Pats a 7-0 lead




Adam Vinatieri reacts after his 4th quarter 46-yard FG gave the Pats a 17-14 lead with 4:06 remaining


Antowain Smith had 69 yards rushing on 16 carries, including a TD that put the Patriots up 14-7 just before halftime







Titans vs Patriots 2003 AFC Divisional
4:43 Highlight Video




2003 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: Patriots vs Titans
2:10:41 Full Game
​

Divisional Round - Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2004 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Tennessee Titans 14 at New England Patriots 17 on January 10th, 2004 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release
NFL Media Game Summary, with team & individual stats, halftime summary, drive charts, and complete play-by-play

Can confirm.

We were in section 102, just down to the bottom of the stairs, which is maybe halfway down the section. I think we were row 24, but it's been awhile. Bought a beer, made it to the seat, and the beer froze before we got seated.

Didn't know I was part of the lore of that game. That's hysterical.

 

[upstater1]

Three things I remember most about this game and they all had to do with the Titans players themselves:

1. OT Zach Piller after the game said he was going to hurl because they lost to one of the worst teams in the league. To quote Piller, "That team sucks!"

2. Weeks later we saw the Mic'D up from the game and yes, your favorite Titan could be heard saying, "I'm freaking out! My toes are frozen. I think I have frostbite. I'm really freaking out!"

3. Steve McNair played a hell of a game; McNair was a top player who reminded me most of the later Ben Roethlisberger. He'd get beat up, but he was tough and stood in there, and you had to go 15 rounds with him. It was pointless looking for a knockout.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ray Rice, Baltimore run Pats out of playoffs
Ravens jump out to 24-0 1st quarter lead, cruise to easy win
Season of discontent comes to abrupt end in 33-14 blowout loss​

Saturday January 10, 2010 at 1:00
2009 AFC Wild Card Game at Gillette Stadium
Baltimore Ravens 33, New England Patriots 14
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Harbaugh
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Joe Flacco
Odds: Patriots favored by 4
Weather: 20°, 12 mph wind, wind chill 8°
Game MVP: Ray Rice
Pats finish 10-7
Ravens improve to 10-7; advance to divisional round at Indianapolis


After losing Wes Welker to a knee injury a week earlier the Pats came out flat, and were run over by the Ravens. Ray Rice rushed for an 83-yard touchdown right up the middle on the game's first play from scrimmage, and things went downhill from there. Tom Brady threw two touchdowns, but also threw three picks and lost a fumble on one of three times he was sacked. This fiasco was a fitting end to a season of discontent and turmoil, and coincidentally the final game of Adalius Thomas' NFL career.

The final stat lines were as ugly as the game itself. Baltimore ran for 234 yards and four touchdowns, while limiting the Pats to 64 yards on the ground. The Ravens converted 10 of 16 thrid down opportunities; the Patriots were 3-12. Baltimore's running game was so dominant against the Patriots, they only felt compelled to throw a pass ten times. As a result, Joe Flacco set a record for fewest yards passing in a playoff win (34) in the modern era.

Baltimore Ravens RB Ray Rice (27) breaks free from Patriots Brandon Meriweather (31), Leigh Bodden, center, and James Sanders (36)
to score a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage during the wild-card playoff game in Foxborough, Mass., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010.​

Ravens run Patriots out of playoffs, 33-14

Baltimore scored on first play from scrimmage and New England could never catch up.

www.masslive.com

It was just one play.​

However, for the New England Patriots, it led to one disastrous first quarter, which in turn now leads to one painful and premature off-season.​

That would sum up the 33-14 throttling the Pats received Sunday from the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Wild Card playoff game at Gillette Stadium.​

An 83-yard touchdown gallop by Baltimore running back Ray Rice on the game’s first play from scrimmage sent the Ravens off to a 24-0 first quarter lead and hurled icy water on New England’s Super Bowl aspirations.​

Ravens eliminate stunned Patriots, 33-14

Baltimore jumps to early lead and coasts past outmanned Brady, Belichick

www.silive.com

In a matter of minutes, the Patriots went from being the team of the last decade to looking old, overmatched and, oddly, inept.​

Fans sat in frozen silence. Barely into their seats, they saw the shocking truth on the scoreboard.​

Five minutes into the game, New England trailed the Baltimore Ravens 14-0. Just one minute later the crowd came to life, booing Tom Brady and his teammates who hadn't lost a playoff game at Gillette Stadium.​

One and Done: Ravens Rock Patriots 33-14 in Playoffs - NESN.com

Things went from bad to worse on Sunday for the Patriots as New England's season came to a screeching halt when the Ravens knocked them out of the postseason with a 33-14 win at Gillette Stadium. The Ravens' running attack and defense was too much for the Pats, who mustered just 196 total net...

nesn.com

The Ravens' running attack and defense was too much for the Pats, who mustered just 196 total net yards including just 28 yards in the first quarter, which they were outscored 24-0.​

Ravens' Fast Start Puts Pats On Heels, Out Of Playoffs

Capitalizing on early Patriots turnovers, the underdog Ravens led 24-0 after the first quarter and held on for the comfortable win in Foxborough. New England's Tom Brady threw three interceptions and lost his first-ever home playoff game.

www.wbur.org

From the very first play, Ray Rice and the running Ravens made the team of the last decade look like the pushovers of the new one.​

Rice burst up the middle for an 83-yard touchdown with frigid fans still settling into their seats, Tom Brady turned the ball over three times on the first four possessions and Baltimore knocked off New England 33-14 on Sunday in a stadium where the Patriots had never lost a playoff game.​

The Patriots tried to rev up the crowd by sending Wes Welker onto the field on crutches with four teammates for the opening coin toss after he suffered a season-ending knee injury a week earlier at Houston.​

But with just 6:02 gone in the game and the Ravens leading 14-0, that crowd booed the team that hadn't lost at home all season.​

By the end of the first quarter it was 24-0.​

Brady, the NFL Comeback Player of the Year, would have trouble overcoming that on his best day. Sunday was not one of them. Brady was 23 of 42 for 154 yards two touchdowns passing and three interceptions.​

Dominating Victory by the Ravens Shakes Up a Dynasty (Published 2010)

The Ravens overwhelmed the Patriots, handing them their first home defeat this season and ending their playoff run.

www.nytimes.com

Game Notes: Patriots vs. Ravens - Patriots.com

1/10/2010 Ravens at Patriots AFC Wild Card Playoff
4:06 Highlight Video



2009 Wild Card Ravens @ Patriots
2:25:49 Full Game
​

Wild Card - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2010 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Baltimore Ravens 33 at New England Patriots 14 on January 10th, 2010 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release
NFL Media Game Summary, with team & individual stats, halftime summary, drive charts, and complete play-by-play

 

[signbabybrady]

Ravens game the moments after the double pass still remains the loudest I've ever heard Gillette Stadium.

That Titans game was ridiculously cold but you don't screw around for a game like that. Multiple layers, multiple hand and feet warmers, balaclavas, and whatever else you had.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Mike Montler​

In memory of Mike Montler, who would have turned 81 today
Born Jan 10, 1944 in Columbus, Ohio
Patriot LG/LT, 1969-1972; uniform #64
Boston Patriots 2nd round (32nd overall) selection of the 1969 draft, from Colorado
Pats résumé: 4 seasons, 53 games (50 starts)


Mike Montler was a four-season starter with the Patriots, playing in 53 games with 50 starts during that down post-Holovak/pre-Fairbanks era when the head coaches were Clive Rush and John Mazur. Montler was part of a horrible trade with Buffalo when he, Jim Cheyunski and Halvor Hagen were sent to the Bills for three players that even the most die hard of Patriot fans never heard of. He played for six more seasons in the NFL after escaping Foxboro. There he was part of the OL that provided the power ('Electric Company'), for their juice ('OJ').

Mike Montler (1944-2018) - Find a Grave Memorial

Professional Football Player. For ten seasons (1969 to 1978), he played at the center, guard and tackle positions in the American and National Football Leagues with the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. Born Michael Russell Montler, he attended St...

www.findagrave.com

For ten seasons (1969 to 1978), he played at the center, guard and tackle positions in the American and National Football Leagues with the Boston/New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Detroit Lions. Born Michael Russell Montler, he attended St. Mary's High School in Ohio and following graduation, he served with the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.​

Following his return home, he enrolled at the University of Colorado, where he played collegiate football and achieved All-American honors in 1968. Selected by the Patriots during the 2nd Round of the 1969 NFL Draft, he totaled 123 career regular season games.​

At the stature of 6 feet, five inches and weighing 250 pounds Montler, along with future Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure formed a highly effective Buffalo Bills' offensive line nicknamed "The Electric Company", which provided crucial blocking for running back O.J. Simpson who produced 2,003 rushing yards in 1973.​

In 1977, he joined the Broncos and served as center for quarterback Craig Morton. He experienced an AFC Championship and an appearance in the Super Bowl in 1978.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Clarence Weathers​

Happy 63rd birthday to Clarence Weathers
Born Jan 10, 1962 in Green Pond SC; grew up in Ft Pierce, FL
Patriot WR, 1983-1984; uniform #82
Signed as an undrafted rookie free agent on July 19, 1983
Pats résumé: 2 seasons, 15 games, 5 TD


Clarence Weathers came to Foxborough in 1983 to visit his brother Robert, who was a running back with the Pats. Offensive Coordinator Lew Erber saw his athletic ability and signed him as a free agent, even though he had not played any organized football since dropping out of Delaware State as a freshman four years earlier.

Weathers played in all 16 games with the Pats in 1983, but a fractured left foot limited him to the final nine games of 1984. In two years with the Patriots he appeared in 25 games, with 27 catches for 494 yards and 5 touchdowns. Despite all the time missed from college football he ended up playing nine years in the NFL (primarily with the Browns), as a backup receiver and special teams player, with 12 TD and 15.2 yards per catch.

Clarence Weathers had to wear his full name on his Browns jersey, because there was also a Curtis Weathers on the roster​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Mike Rivera​

Happy 39th birthday to Mike Rivera
Born Jan 10, 1986 in Shawnee, Kansas
Patriot LB, 2011-2012; uniform #59
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on November 9, 2011
Pats résumé: 10 games (1 start), plus 2 playoff games in two stints with New England


The linebacker from the University of Kansas spent parts of 2011 and 2012 on the New England practice squad. He played in the first two games of 2012 for the Pats, was released, and signed with Miami. The Pats re-signed Rivera in October, and he ended up playing ten games that year with one start for the Patriots. Rivera also played in the two 2012-13 postseason games for New England. He was part of cuts at the end of the 2013 training camp, ending his pro football career.

Originally signed as an undrafted rookie by the Bears in 2009, prior to becoming a Patriot he spent time with Chicago, Tennessee, Green Bay and Miami, but appeared in only one other NFL game. Rivera was on the field for 19 defensive snaps and 177 special team snaps with the Patriots during the 2012 regular season.

In his post-NFL career Rivera returned to Kansas and has been working in the commercial real estate industry.


Mike Rivera: Looking to the Future | NFL Player Engagemet

Rivera began his master’s degree in Athletic Administration during his senior year of college at the University of Kansas (KU) and finished while in the NFL.​

“I knew that at some point I wanted to finish my master’s degree because education has always been very important to me as well as my family. The highlights of my NFL career included learning from some of the best coaches at the highest level and building lasting relationships with other players,” Rivera. He also appreciated the opportunity to travel to different NFL cities with his teams. “I enjoyed getting to try local food and learning about the different communities.”​

Learning is something that is highly valued in the Rivera family. As a child, Rivera dreamed of being a teacher like his dad. During his first NFL off-seasons, Rivera worked as a substitute teacher.​

While in the NFL, Rivera utilized the NFL Tuition Reimbursement Program to go back to school to finish his degree at KU. Despite his hectic NFL schedule, Rivera was able to complete the program via online classes that offered flexible work hours. During the off-season, Rivera also completed an internship in KU’s Athletic Department.​

Today Rivera works in the commercial real estate industry at a full-service brokerage company specializing in tenant representation, investment acquisition, and development consulting.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Kristian Wilkerson​

Happy 28th birthday to Kristian Wilkerson
Born Jan 10, 1997 in Memphis
Patriot WR, 2020-2021; uniform #17
Signed as a free agent to the practice squad on September 8, 2020
Pats résumé: 4 games (1 start) with New England; 69 offensive snaps, 15 ST snaps

Kristian Wilkerson - Football - Southeast Missouri State University Athletics

Kristian Wilkerson (6) WR - Last updated July 19, 2019 2019 Preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference. 2018: Second-Team All-OVC selection…Named OVC Offensive

semoredhawks.com

Patriots waive WR Kristian Wilkerson, two others

The New England Patriots waived wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, kicker Quinn Nordin, and defensive back Tae Hayes on Wednesday.

www.nbcsportsboston.com

The New England Patriots parted ways with three players on Wednesday.​

Wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson, kicker Quinn Nordin, and defensive back Tae Hayes were waived, the team announced in a press release.​

Wilkerson originally signed to the Patriots practice squad in 2020. The 26-year-old played one game in 2020, three in 2021, and spent the entire 2022 season on injured reserve. He caught four passes for 42 yards with two touchdowns vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars during his lone NFL start in 2021.​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History: January 10
More Birthdays and other Trivia​

Happy 28th birthday to Michael Jackson
Born Jan 10, 1997 in Birmingham, Alabama
Patriot CB, 2020; uniform #45
Acquired in trade with Detroit on August 9, 2020 for conditional 2022 7th round pick (not exercised)
Pats résumé: one game; four snaps on defense

Jackson was waived at the end of the camp, then signed to the practive squad three weeks later. He spent the rest of the year on the practice squad before being elevated to the active roster on January 2ᶮᵈ. The next day Jackson was on the field for four snaps in the week 17 victory over the Jets, making a tackle on the last play of the game, an 8-yard pass from Sam Darnold to Chris Herndon. Jackson was waived at the end of the 2021 camp, and signed by Seattle to their practice squad the next day.

Originally a 5th round draft pick by Dallas in 2019 from Miami, Jackson has played in 55 NFL games with three interceptions over his career. He started all 17 games with Seattle in 2022, as well as with Carolina in 2024.



Jan 10, 2022:

NFL News - Flores fired

A potential re-hire?

www.patsfans.com

Jan 10, 2022:

Broncos request permission to speak to jerod mayo

Hey, I'll take a 3rd rounder for Mayo leaving. Then maybe we can hire Flores back to being a DC.

www.patsfans.com

Jan 10, 2023:

Does Belichick Last Beyond 2023, and What Needs to Happen?

I know people would like to discuss this, so given that Bill has already said he's coming back for the 2023 season, and it would be pretty surprising to see Kraft move on from him - barring a refusal to make changes - what do you think needs to happen for him to last beyond this season? And do...

www.patsfans.com

Jan 10, 2024:

Who will be next Head Coach of the Patriots?

Who do you expect to be the next Head Coach of the Patriots? Not who do you want, but who do you expect the Krafts will hire when all the dust settles.

www.patsfans.com

Jan 10, 2024:

Poll: Who do you want to coach the Patriots in 2024?

What say ye, and why?

www.patsfans.com

Jan 10, 2025:

Patriots Face Criticism as Aaron Glenn Declines Interview | PatsFans.com

The Patriots met with Mike Vrabel yesterday as they continue their head coaching search, with Ben Johnson reportedly set to speak with the club today.

www.patsfans.com

 

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