Today In Patriots History 2020: Final Game of the Cam Newton Era

[jmt57]

Warning: there are no January 3 games worth celebrating in the history of this franchise.
As forgettable as this first game was, it's as good as it is going to get today.

Today in Patriots History
Cam Newton throws 3 TD, catches another in final game for Pats
Sam Darnold sacked 3x, throws 2 picks in his final game for Jets
Patriots 28, Jets 14​

Sun Jan 3, 2021 at 1:00
Week 17, Game 16 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 28, New York Jets 14
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Adam Gase
QBs: Cam Newton, Sam Darnold
Odds: New England favored by 3
Patriots finish 7-9; Jets drop to 2-14


After playing themselves out of playoff contention in three consecutive lackluster losses, the Patriots finished the 2020 season with a victory over division rival New York. The Jets had a very Jete-like year, winning just two games. In the offseason they jettisoned their quarterback, Sam Darnold, whom they had traded up for just 2½ years earlier with the number three overall draft pick.

As for the game itself, the Patriots found themselves behind 14-7 late in the third quarter. Cam Newton, who had thrown a 7-yard TD to James White to give the Pats an early 7-0 lead, caught a pass from Jakobi Myers for a 19-yard catch-and-run to tie the score with 2:22 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing drive Darnold was picked off by J.C. Jackson, and the Patriots took over near midfield. After a couple of nice runs by Sony Michel, Newton hit Devin Asiasi for a 26-yard touchdown and a 21-14 lead.

The defense forced a quick three-and-out, and began the next possession in good field position again after a 26-yard punt. On the first play Newton connected with Myers for an 11-yard gain, and another 15 yards were tacked on for a roughing the passer penalty. Newton then hit Michel on a screen pass, and he ran it in 31 yards for a two-play scoring drive.

The Jets got the ball back and used up nearly eight minutes off the clock, only to come up empty handed when Jonathan Jones intercepted a pass intended for Breshad Perriman in the end zone. Despite the Jets using all three of their timeouts on the next drive, the Pats were able to wind down more than three minutes off the clock to effectively end the game.

The Patriots were able to run the ball efectively, with Sony Michel rushing for 76 yards on 16 carries (4.8 ypc) and Cam gaining 79 yards on 11 runs (7.2 ypc). Jakobi Meyers led the Pats receivers with 68 yards on six receptions, and Michel added 60 yards on three catches out of the backfield.


Jakobi Meyers finished the season with 729 yards receiving, doubling the production from his rookie season. For rookie TE Devin Asiasi, that score turned out to be the only touchdown of his brief NFL career. Adam Butler had a sack in what turned out to be his final game with the Patriots, and Chase Winovich - who would last one more year in New England - had two sacks. Another player that would stick around for one more season was starting WR N'Keal Harry, who had a typical N'Keal stat line: two receptions for 17 yards. This was also the final game with the Pats for WR Damiere Byrd, who finished the year with 47 catches for 604 yards, and for Sony Michel, who caught his first and only touchdown reception as a Patriot to seal the victory. (Michel also had 20 rushing touchdowns with the Patriots: 14 in the regular season, and six during the 2018 postseason.)

Patriots Vs. Jets Live: New England Ends Season With 28-14 Win In Week 17 - NESN.com

The final day of the New England Patriots' forgettable 2020 season has arrived. Follow along as they host the New York Jets in Week 17.

nesn.com

Patriots 28-14 Jets (Jan 3, 2021) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets NFL game from January 3, 2021 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Game Observations: Patriots finish off Jets, 2020 season - Mike Dussault, Patriots.com

Patriots Week 17 Report Card In 28-14 Win Over the Jets | PatsFans.com

Newton threw three TDs to three different receivers and his QB rating of 127.4 was his best of the season.

www.patsfans.com

Who Were Patriots' Bright Spots In 28-14 Season Finale Win Over Jets? - NESN.com

It's debatable if it was in the New England Patriots' best interest to win Week 17 over the Jets, as a loss means a better draft pick.

nesn.com

4 takeaways from Patriots' 28-14 comeback win over Jets in Week 17

The New England Patriots ended their 2020 campaign on a high note after defeating the New York Jets 28-14 in Week 17. Cam Newton likely played his last game as a Patriot, but he left it all on the field. The 31-year-old finished the game with 11 rushes…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Jets vs. Patriots Week 17 Highlights | NFL 2020
6:53 NFL Highlight Video
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New York Jets at New England Patriots - January 3rd, 2021 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New York Jets 14 at New England Patriots 28 on January 3rd, 2021 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pre-Game Press Release
Pats Week 17 Roster
Pats-Jets Week 17 Depth Charts
Pats-Jets Week 17 Injury Reports
NFL Media Game Summary, with lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play
Pats Media Post-Game Notes
- Patriots earn 21st series sweep over Jets
- Pats extend winning streak to ten games over Jets
- Cam Newton sets team mark for longest run by a QB (49 yards)
- Newton sets single season team record for rushing yards by a QB (592 yards)
- Newton is first Patriots QB to have a receiving touchdown
- James White becomes 2nd fastest RB in team history to 25 TDs
- Jakobi Meyers throws second TD of season (yet had zero receiving TDs!)
- J.C. Jackson finishes season with 11 takeaways (9 int, 2 fumble recoveries)
- Gunner Olszewski sets team mark for highest punt return average in a season after leading the NFL with a 17.3 punt return average
- Chase Winovich has a career-high two sacks in a game

 

[signbabybrady]

I liked Cam it was fun to watch him closer up.

Too bad that shoulder didn't have more gas left.

 

[jmt57]

I liked Cam it was fun to watch him closer up.

Too bad that shoulder didn't have more gas left.

At the time I thought it was a great signing.

Inexpensive, plenty of upside, and filled an incredibly huge hole (Pats were going to go with Stidham/Hoyer!!!) that fell into the team's laps after the incredibly botched succession plan (JG traded for peanuts combined with not re-signing Brady). Low risk, decent potential upside.

Oh well.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Cam just recently said he wasn’t given enough time with the Pats. This guy is absolutely delusional.

That was some of the worst QB play I have ever seen in 2020.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dolphins upset Patriots 20-10
Pats miss chance to clinch #1 seed - again
Finish season 2-4 in last six games after 10-0 start​

Sun Jan 3, 2016 at 1:00
Week 17, Game 16 at Sun Life Stadium
Miami Dolphins 20, New England Patriots 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Dan Campbell
QBs: Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill
Odds: New England favored by 9
Patriots drop to 12-4; Dolphins finish 6-10


This was just inexcusable. All the Patriots needed to do was beat the 5-10 Dolphins, who had already fired their head coach, and they would clinch the #1 seed. That did not happen, and it came back to bite them in the ass when the Patriots had to play the Broncos in Denver for the AFCCG, rather than that game being played in Foxborough.

It was the second week in a row that the Pats failed to clinch the #1 seed. After a 10-0 start the Patriots lost four of the final six regular season games.

Pats miss chance to clinch No. 1 seed, losing to Miami 20-10

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — A whipsaw hit sent Tom Brady’s legs one direction and his upper body the other, leaving him face down in the turf.

www.thesunchronicle.com

A whipsaw hit sent Tom Brady's legs one direction and his upper body the other, leaving him face down in the turf.​

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Brady rose -- slowly -- but the hits kept coming from the Miami Dolphins, who beat New England 20-10 Sunday and cost the Patriots the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs.​

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With the Pats anxious to protect Brady's health, he threw a season-low 21 passes, and even so he was lucky to make it through the game in one piece. He was sacked twice and endured at least half a dozen knockdowns, including three on one series. He walked gingerly as he left the postgame interview podium.​

Patriots struggle in loss to Dolphins

Tom Brady was sacked twice and knocked down at least half a dozen times Sunday, and the Patriots missed a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs when they lost to Miami 20-10.

www.wmtw.com

For the second week in a row, the Patriots (12-4) missed a chance to earn the top playoff seed by winning. They were edged out by Denver, which means New England is not assured of home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.​

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The Patriots, mindful of the challenges to come to reach this season's Super Bowl, rested several injured starters. Brady's afternoon ended when he was buried on a third-down sack with five minutes left, and he watched the Patriots' final offensive series from the sideline along with teammate Rob Gronkowski.​

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Brady finished 12 for 21 for a season-low 134 yards, and was held without a touchdown pass for the first time this season.​

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Brady spent most of the first half handing off, with the Patriots running the ball on 16 of their first 18 plays. He threw only five passes in the first half, the lowest halftime total in any game he has started. Brady tweaked his right ankle in the second quarter when Ndamukong Suh rolled into his legs on a third-down incompletion, but the quarterback was back for the next series.​

Patriots Pulse Recap: Dolphins 20 Patriots 10

Game Rewind: Pathetic, disgusting, disappointing, discouraging. Use whichever adjective you want to use to describe the Patriots performance today but, it was not good. The Patriots looked lost and…

nefootballjournal.com

2. Line Struggles Continue: The Patriots offensive line woes continued in this game. The offensive line has been awful for the past eight weeks and the same problems that have plagued this unit in recent weeks continued today. Obviously not having Sebastian Vollmer hurts but even when he has played, this unit has struggled. Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo needs to continue to move pieces around in an effort to find the right starting five.​

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3. The Offensive Game Plan Once Again Was Awful: The offensive gameplan was once again awful. I have no idea what Josh McDaniels was trying to do today? It made no sense? I know Miami was bottom third in the league against the run coming into this game but that doesn’t mean you have to run on every down! The Patriots only threw five times in the first half. That’s unacceptable when Tom Brady is your quarterback. I know it’s tough to trust this offensive line right now but the Patriots should have thrown the ball more today, especially in the first half.​

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5. Coaching: I’ve got to be honest with you. I thought Belichick and his staff looked lost today. They didn’t really make any adjustments and they seemed to have no answers for whatever Miami was doing on either side of the ball. For the first time in a long time, the Patriots coaching staff looked stumped and that’s not good. Especially when it’s against a bad team like Miami.​

Meanwhile Miami had begun their search for a new head coach. Owner Steven Ross should have considered the guy he already had, his interim HC.

Dolphins defeat Patriots 20-10

Tom Brady was sacked twice and knocked down at least half a dozen times Sunday, and the New England Patriots missed a chance to clinch the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs when they lost to Miami 20-10.

www.wptv.com

They finished Sunday by beating the Patriots 20-10 — their only win in six games against the other teams in the AFC East. Afterward Ross spoke to the team about changes to come.​

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"I told the players I'm committed to winning Super Bowls," Ross said. "That's why I own the team, and for those who stay, we're going to be winning Super Bowls."​

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That would be a big change. The Dolphins (6-10) missed the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, which is why another coaching change looms.​

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Interim coach Dan Campbell, who went 5-7, will be among those interviewed but is not expected to return.​

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"I'm looking for somebody who can really be motivational," Ross said, "and inspire the players to play to get the best out of them, that's very intelligent, and who can really change the culture here — somebody who can make sure that when you walk into this locker room, you intend on winning a football game."​

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Executive vice president of football operations Mike Tannenbaum will lead the search. The person he selects is likely to be a first-time NFL head coach.​

Final score: Miami Dolphins 20 - New England Patriots 10

New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins live score: Keep up with live stats in the box score above as well as analysis and live chat in the comments below starting at kickoff and running through the final whistle.

www.masslive.com

20 things we learned: Miami Dolphins 20, New England Patriots 10

The Dolphins went out on a high and may have severely hindered the New England Patriots’ effort at a Super Bowl repeat.

www.courant.com

Dolphins 20, Patriots 10 - The Boston Globe

The statistical summary from the New England-Miami game.

www.bostonglobe.com

Patriots vs. Dolphins | Week 17 Highlights | NFL
3:41 NFL Highlight Video



2015 week 17 New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
2:16:58 Full Game
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2015 AFC End of Regular Season Playoff Standings

Tm W L T Position Reason Denver Broncos (1) 12 4 0 West Champion head-to-head record New England Patriots (2) 12 4 0 East Champion win percentage in common games Cincinnati Bengals (3) 12 4 0 North Champion Houston Texans (4) 9 7 0 South Champion Kansas City Chiefs (5) 11 5 0 Wild Card #1 Pittsburgh Steelers (6) 10 6 0 Wild Card #2 win percentage in common games New York Jets 10 6 0 Buffalo Bills 8 8 0 head-to-head record Indianapolis Colts 8 8 0 Oakland Raiders 7 9 0 Miami Dolphins 6 10 0 Jacksonville Jaguars 5 11 0 head-to-head record Baltimore Ravens 5 11 0 San Diego Chargers 4 12 0 Cleveland Browns 3 13 0 head-to-head record Tennessee Titans 3 13 0

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins - January 3rd, 2016 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 10 at Miami Dolphins 20 on January 3rd, 2016 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pre-Game Press Release
Pats Week 17 Roster
Pats-Dolphins Week 17 Depth Charts
Pats-Dolphins Week 17 Injury Reports
NFL Media Game Summary, with lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play
Pats Media Post-Game Notes

 

[upstater1]

Poor Cam's shoulder was so bad he looked like Al Oerter out there throwing a shotput.

I have no idea how they managed to win 7 games and be in playoff contention with him as a QB.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bernard Pollard blows out another Patriot's knee
Pats lose Wes Welker for playoffs in meaningless game
Texans score 3 TDs late in 4th quarter to win 34-27​

Sat Jan 3, 2010 at 12:30
Week 17, Game 16 at Reliant Stadium
Houston Texans 34, New England Patriots 27
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Gary Kubiak
QBs: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer; Matt Schaub
Odds: Houston favored by 7½
Patriots drop to 10-6; Texans finish 9-7


The Patriots entered this game locked in as the #3 seed in the AFC. Houston was in need of a victory, and then hope that either the Jets or the Ravens would lose. The Jets won easily over Cincinnati, who was locked in as the #4 seed and resting their starters while Baltimore had no problem with the Raiders, the second worst team in the AFC.

Several starters were inactive for the Patriots, but not Tom Brady, Randy Moss or Wes Welker. The Bernard Pollard curse struck again though. In the first quarter Pollard was closing in on Welker near the sideline when the receiver planted his foot on the artificial turf to cut back, and tore up his knee as Pollard hit him. Welker suffered a torn MCL and ACL in his left knee and was done for the season, with a lengthy rehab ahead of him. Welker had previously become the fourth player in NFL history with three consecutive 100-catch seasons, and led the league with 123 receptions - at the time, the second most in the history of the NFL - despite missing two games.

Without Welker the Patriot offense became one-dimensional. Demoralized, the Patriots were soundly beaten by the Ravens in a wild card game a week later.

On a side note: Houston QB Matt Schaub won the 2009 passing title with 4,770 yards passing - 270 more than MVP Peyton Manning. Schaub was helped mightily by Hall of Fame WR Andre Johnson, who had 1,569 yards receiving - his second straight season with more than 100 receptions and over 1,500 yards. And this was also the same season that Titans RB Chris Johnson broke the 2k barrier with 2,006 yards rushing.


Live Game Blog:

FINAL: Texans 34, Patriots 27

Updates from the Patriots-Texans game

www.boston.com

Texans beat Patriots 34-27 - Patriots.com

Rookie Arian Foster scored two touchdowns and Bernard Pollard recovered a fumble for a touchdown and had a key interception as the Texans rallied to beat the New England Patriots 34-27 on Sunday.​

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The victory gives Houston (9-7) its first winning record and keeps its slim playoff hopes alive. The Texans are primarily competing with Denver, Baltimore and the New York Jets for a wild-card spot.​

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They need two of those teams to lose to make the first postseason appearance in the eight-year history of the franchise.​

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The Texans trailed by 14 points in the fourth quarter before ending the game with three unanswered touchdowns. Foster scored the go-ahead TD on a 3-yard run with about two minutes remaining.​

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That score was set up by Pollard's interception and 15-yard return four plays earlier. Tom Brady was hit by Mario Williams as he released the ball.​

Texans 34, Patriots 27: Texas-sized giveaway

The Patriots had a bad day in Houston, losing to the Texans despite leading by 14 points in the fourth quarter and potentially losing top wide receiver Wes Welker for the rest of the season with a kn…

www.metrowestdailynews.com

Tom Brady played most of the game despite New England (10-6) having already clinched its playoff spot. He sat out two possessions in the second quarter and on the Patriots' last drive.​

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Five starters, including leading rusher Laurence Maroney, were inactive for the AFC East champion Patriots, but Randy Moss and Wes Welker started with Brady.​

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Coach Bill Belichick's decision to play many of his starters will likely be second-guessed after leading receiver Welker was carted off the field with a left knee injury in the first quarter.​

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Welker was injured when his left leg buckled as he turned to go upfield after a 12-yard reception on New England's first possession. He remained on the turf for a couple of minutes before hobbling to the sideline with help from Patriots officials and was soon taken to the locker room on a cart.​

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The Texans defense held on New England's last possession with rookie Brian Hoyer at quarterback.​

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Houston tied the game on a 1-yard run by Foster with about five minutes remaining. The Texans got the ball back after Williams sacked Brady on third-and-4.​

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Brady was 17 of 26 for 186 yards and Moss had 75 yards receiving.​

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Matt Schaub threw for 303 yards and two touchdowns and Foster had 119 yards rushing.​

Texans beat Patriots 34-27 to stay alive

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans did their part. Now they wait. Rookie Arian Foster scored two touchdowns and Bernard Pollard recovered a fumble for a touchdown and had a key interception as the Texans ...

www.dailyherald.com

Houston got within 27-20 on an 8-yard touchdown pass from Matt Schaub to Jacoby Jones with about 10 minutes remaining. That drive was helped by a 26-yard pass interference penalty on rookie Darius Butler that got Houston down to the 3. The Texans were pushed back on a false start penalty before the score.​

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The score was tied 13-13 at halftime before New England scored twice to open up the 14-point lead. Houston had a second down at the Patriots 15-yard line when Butler intercepted a pass by Schaub and returned it 91 yards for a touchdown to put New England up 20-13 in the third quarter.​

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The Patriots took a 27-13 lead on a Brady-led drive that ended in Fred Taylor's second touchdown of the day, this one an 11-yard run.​

Patriots vs Texans 2009 Week 17
4:50 Highlight Video
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Final 2009 Playoff Standings

Tm W L T Position Reason Indianapolis Colts (1) 14 2 0 South Champion San Diego Chargers (2) 13 3 0 West Champion New England Patriots (3) 10 6 0 East Champion strength of victory Cincinnati Bengals (4) 10 6 0 North Champion New York Jets (5) 9 7 0 Wild Card #1 win percentage in common games Baltimore Ravens (6) 9 7 0 Wild Card #2 conference win percentage Houston Texans 9 7 0 win percentage in common games Pittsburgh Steelers 9 7 0 Denver Broncos 8 8 0 conference win percentage Tennessee Titans 8 8 0 Miami Dolphins 7 9 0 head-to-head record Jacksonville Jaguars 7 9 0 Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 Cleveland Browns 5 11 0 head-to-head record Oakland Raiders 5 11 0 Kansas City Chiefs 4 12 0

New England Patriots at Houston Texans - January 3rd, 2010 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 27 at Houston Texans 34 on January 3rd, 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 lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats can't get it done without Curtis Martin
Bledsoe throws two picks, loses two fumbles
Steelers 7, Patriots 6 in divisional round​

Sun Jan 3, 1998 at 1:00
Divisional Round Playoff Game at Three Rivers Stadium
Pittsburgh Steelers 7, New England Patriots 6
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Bill Cowher
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Kordell Stewart
Odds: Pittsburgh favored by 6
Patriots finish 11-7; Steelers improve to 12-5


Kordell Stewart ran for 40-yard touchdown on Pittsburgh's opening drive, and the Steelers held on to defeat the Patriots 7-6 in Pete Carroll's first season as head coach of the Patriots.

New England stood the Steelers up on a 4th-and-goal at the one, but had just 1:44 to drive down the field and get into field goal position. The Patriots advanced to their 42 yard line but on a 1st-and-ten Drew Bledsoe was sacked by Mike Vrabel (after a missed block by Bruce Armstrong), causing Bledsoe to lose the ball on a fumble.

Shawn Jefferson (9 catches for 104 yards) and Terry Glenn (5 catches for 96 Yards) led the Pats offense - but the running game was non-existent without Curtis Martin, as Sedrick Shaw and Derrick Cullors combined for just 40 yards on 17 carries.

COLLINS’ PLAY? UNFORGETTABLE

If Patriots linebacker Todd Collins never before understood the axiom, “He who hesitates is lost,” he does now. It became painfully clear as the gun sounded on the Patriots’ 7-6 p…

www.courant.com

If Patriots linebacker Todd Collins never before understood the axiom, “He who hesitates is lost,” he does now.​

It became painfully clear as the gun sounded on the Patriots’ 7-6 playoff loss to the Steelers — and on their season.​

There were 135 plays Saturday, but Collins couldn’t remember 134 of them. The other, he may never forget: a 40-yard touchdown run by Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart.​

“I was looking at Kordell Stewart and I got hit in the back. It was me and him 1-on-1. I never saw the blocker.” It was the only touchdown the game.​

Steelers eliminate Patriots, 7-6 | Patriots.com

Steeler rookie DE Mike Vrabel blindsided Drew Bledsoe as he was set to pass late in the fourth quarter, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Steeler LB Jason Gildon at the New England 34-yard line. The fumble ended the Patriots' comeback attempt with just 1:44 remaining in the game.​

The Patriots fell behind early. On their opening possession , Bledsoe went deep to Terry Glenn, who was open at the Steelers' 5 yard line, but the pass came up short and was intercepted by Chad Scott at the 11 and returned to the 38 yard line. The Steelers capitalized on the turnover and after a pair of first downs Kordell Stewart ran 40 yards for a touchdown, to make the score 7-0.​

The Patriots held the Steelers to that score for the rest of the day, but they themselves were victims of great defensive play. Bledsoe hit Glenn on a 36 yard pass to push the ball to the Steelers 13-yard line. But that was as close as the Patriots got to the Pittsburgh endzone and they had to settle for an Adam Vinatieri field goal to make the score 7-3 at the half.​

In the fourth quarter the Patriots started to drive again, but they did not enter the redzone and Vinatieri hit a 46-yard field goal to bring the Patriots within one.​

The Steelers started a drive of their own late in the quarter which ran Jerome Bettis inches away from the New England endzone. The play call on fourth down was a surprise call for Kordell Stewart to go over the top rather than kick a field goal. The Patriots defense, led by Ted Johnson and Todd Collins, stopped him cold in his tracks.​

Then the Patriots offense was shut down with Bledsoe's fumble and the score stood at 7-6 as the Patriots were knocked out of the playoffs.​

FOOTBALL; Steelers Lose Gamble, But Win Game Anyway (Published 1998)

Pittsburgh Steelers defeat New England Patriots, 7-6, and advance to American Football Conference championship game; photo (M)

www.nytimes.com

Bill Cowher knew it was a dumb gamble moments after he called for it: an attempted dive into the end zone, with his Pittsburgh Steelers nursing a 1-point lead and needing just a field goal to all but clinch a playoff victory over the New England Patriots.​

Kordell Stewart's dive in the fourth quarter failed, giving life to the Patriots with 3 minutes 24 seconds remaining. But this was a day when a point was all the Steelers needed. They held on for a 7-6 victory, producing a cold-weather score on a warm-weather day.​

Despite the last-quarter dramatics, the Steelers advanced to next weekend's American Football Conference championship against the winner of Sunday's Broncos-Chiefs game. And they ousted the Patriots, who were trying to make the Super Bowl for a second straight season, this time under Coach Pete Carroll after having become respectable under Bill Parcells.​

This is the kind of defensive struggle it was: Stewart produced the game's only touchdown on a 40-yard run in the first quarter. With that sideline dash he gained more yards than the Patriots' running attack could amass the entire game. The visitors churned out 36 yards on 19 carries.​

Still, Cowher's first words at the post-game news conference were of contrition, as he recalled the decision to send Stewart on the 1-yard, fourth-down attempt: ''I told the players I made a mistake. I'm a young football coach, and I got caught up in the emotion of the game.''​

Young he may be at 40, but this is the sixth straight season he has led his hometown Steelers into the playoffs. In the end, the Patriots' failure to run, and the inability of New England quarterback Drew Bledsoe to carry the team with his No. 1 receiver, tight end and running back all sidelined, left the Patriots wondering what might have been.​

They used a virtual rookie, Derrick Cullors, at running back in place of the sidelined Curtis Martin. And when Cullors, who suffered a mild concussion last Sunday in the victory over the Dolphins, faltered, the Pats handed off to a rookie, Sedric Shaw, who had never touched the ball before in the National Football League. The first time Shaw touched it, he fumbled it away. The Patriots averaged 1.9 yards a run.​

Steelers shut down Pats, 7-6

PITTSBURGH The Pittsburgh Steelers didn\'t need a miracle to beat the New England Patriots this time, just a Steel Curtain-like defense and a dash of Slash.In a game of field position, the Steelers had the biggest edge of all the home field, which they gained with an improbable win at New...

www.heraldtimesonline.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't need a miracle to beat the New England Patriots this time, just a Steel Curtain-like defense and a dash of Slash. In a game of field position, the Steelers had the biggest edge of all — the home field, which they gained with an improbable win at New England three weeks ago after a miraculous interception. The Steelers rode the momentum generated by their towel-twirling fans, the AFC's best defense and sprinter-quick quarterback Kordell Stewart to eliminate the Patriots 7-6 Saturday in a defensive struggle more suited for the leather-helmet days of the 1930s than the high-tech 1990s.​

New England, the defending AFC champions, played the Steelers tougher in Pittsburgh than any AFC opponent all season, shutting them out after Stewart's 40-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. The Patriots kept it a one-point game with a fourth-quarter goal-line stand. They also limited Bettis to 67 yards on 25 carries, his lowest output since a 63-yard effort in a season-opening 37-7 loss to Dallas, and outgained Pittsburgh 280-279.​

"I'm in shock. I can't believe we lost that game," cornerback Jimmy Hitchcock said. "It was an unbelievable performance on the defensive side of the ball." But with star runner Curtis Martin out with a groin injury, tight end Ben Coates (thumb) limited to a few plays and receiver Terry Glenn (shoulder) out by the fourth quarter, Bledsoe almost had to win it by himself. That might be asking too much of John Elway, much less a quarterback with only five postseason touchdown passes and 12 interceptions.​

1/3/1998 New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers AFC Divisional Playoff
6:42 Highlight Video



1997 Divisional Playoff - New England at Pittsburgh
2:37:13 Full Game Video
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Divisional Round - New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers - January 3rd, 1998 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 6 at Pittsburgh Steelers 7 on January 3rd, 1998 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

NFL Media Game Summary, with lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Scott Zolak gets 3rd start due to Bledsoe's broken finger
Robert Edwards held to 28 yards on 17 carries
Jaguars 25, Patriots 10 in 1998 Wild Card Game​

Sun Jan 3, 1999 at 12:40
Wild Card Playoff Game at Alltel Stadium
Jacksonville Jaguars 25, New England Patriots 10
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Tom Coughlin
QBs: Scott Zolak, Mark Brunell
Odds: Jacksonville favored by 8½
Patriots finish 9-8; Jaguars improve to 12-5


Drew Bledsoe was a warrior in the 1998 season, playing with a broken index finger in his playing hand. Despite that impediment he completed winning touchdown passes in back-to-back games, but by the end of the season he could no longer continue. Scott Zolak started the final two games of the season, as well as this playoff game.

Despite the injury to his star starting quarterback, Pete Carroll was on the hot seat for much of the season. Bledsoe's injury affected his performance, and the Patriots lost four out of five after a 4-1 start. It was the second time in the row that the media (perhaps through a Kraft back-channel) put pressure on Carroll. In his first season as head coach rumors swirled when the Pats stood at 6-5, after a 4-0 start before their bye. We should have known from the get-go that neither the Boston media nor the Krafts would permit him to last long, regardless of any extenuating circumstance.


Even though the Patriots finished fourth with a 9-7 record, they still made the postseason. All three AFC wild card teams came from the east, with the 3-13 Colts the only team in the division with a winning record. Buffalo lost at Miami in their third meeting of the year in the other wild card game. Over in the NFC the Vikings went 15-1 with their WR Randy Moss winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Brunell on Mark Just Enough

AFC playoffs: Quarterback's effectiveness limited because of an ankle injury, but he makes big play in Jacksonville's 25-10 victory over New England.

www.latimes.com

It could have been a heck of a game. It could have featured Drew Bledsoe throwing bombs to Terry Glenn and Mark Brunell responding by scrambling to produce big plays. The touchdowns could have come in bunches, the game could have been decided by the last team to have the ball.​

​

It could have happened that way if Bledsoe wasn't on the sideline because of a broken finger on his throwing hand.​

​

And if Glenn was playing because he didn't have a broken ankle.​

Jaguars 25, Patriots 10 | Patriots.com

The New England Patriots were handed a 25-10 loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the opening round of the playoffs at Alltel Stadium.​

Perhaps the biggest play of the game came in the fourth quarter when Mark Brunell connected with WR Jimmy Smith in the corner of the endzone for the eventual game-winning touchdown 19-10. The score came just after the Patriots had cut the lead to 12-10.​

The Jaguars' 12-0 first half lead could have been greater if it were not for the play of the Patriots defense. New England held the Jaguars to two Mike Hollis field goals on drives that could have resulted in touchdowns.​

New England's offense showed their appreciation towards the defense with an excellent third quarter. The Patriots orchestrated a TD scoring drive on their first possession of the second half. With quarterback Scott Zolak at the helm, New England marched 85-yards on 17-plays and capped the drive with a one-yard run by rookie running back Robert Edwards, 12-7.The drive ate up 8:48.​

On the Jaguars ensuing drive the Patriots defense supplied the pressure on starting quarterback Mark Brunell forcing them to punt. Brunell, who was playing despite a high ankle sprain, was forced into a number of second-and-long/third-and-long situations, resulting in him receiving a pounding from the Patriots defense the entire game.​

The Patriots took over with 2:51 remaining in the third quarter and got within two-point thanks to an Adam Vinatieri field goal, making it 12-10.​

The Catch II

After a lackluster regular season, NFL provides a much-needed dose of excitement in first round of playoffs.

www.latimes.com

Whatever teams take over the league as it enters the next decade (and century), it’s obvious they will need great quarterbacks. That’s why you just knew the New England Patriots had no chance to beat the Jacksonville Jaguars with Drew Bledsoe sidelined with an injured finger. Backup Scott Zolak threw 44 passes. Any time someone throws that many, you’d think one of them would be for a touchdown. Uh-uh. No wonder the Patriots lost.​

PRO FOOTBALL; Aching and Angry, Brunell Forces Meeting With Jets (Published 1999)

Jacksonville Jaguars defeat New England Patriots, 25-10, in American Conference wild card playoff game; photo (M)

www.nytimes.com

Quarterback Mark Brunell's Jaguars were ahead of the New England Patriots by 12 points late in the first half today, but he was highly agitated. He screamed at coaches on the sideline. Once, after he was sacked, he slammed the football to the turf. The Pro Bowl quarterback was frustrated since he was not sharp after a nearly monthlong layoff because of a severe ankle sprain. But Brunell was angry about something else -- he knew that Jacksonville should have been beating New England by 30 points.​

​

The Patriots played about as badly as they could early, but Jacksonville managed just a 12-0 halftime lead. Suddenly, in the third quarter, the Patriots woke up. Instead of remaining a clumsy offense that at one point was 0 for 7 on third-down conversions, the Patriots suddenly became sharp during a 17-play, 85-yard touchdown drive. Quarterback Scott Zolak, substituting for the injured Drew Bledsoe, had played as if he were allergic to the end zone, but he got into a zone.​

​

But instead of letting the game -- and the season -- slip away, the Jaguars took it by the throat. A touchdown catch by the Pro Bowl receiver Jimmy Smith and a late New England turnover sealed Jacksonville's 25-10 wild-card playoff victory before 71,139 at Alltel Stadium.​

1/3/1999 New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars AFC Wild Card Playoff
3:36 Highlight Video



1998 Wild Card Patriots @ Jaguars
2:31:18 Full Game
​

Wild Card - New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars - January 3rd, 1999 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 10 at Jacksonville Jaguars 25 on January 3rd, 1999 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

NFL Media Game Summary, with lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play

 

[jmt57]

And if you thought January 3rd couldn't get any worse in terms of Patriots history, consider the fact that this date is the birthday to both Eli Manning as well as David Tyree.




Jan 3, 1920:
Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee sells pitcher-outfielder Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000 plus a $350,000 loan.

Jan 3, 1931:
Nels Stewart of the Montreal Maroons scores two goals four seconds apart in the third period of a 5-3 victory over the Boston Bruins.

Jan 3, 1973:
George Steinbrenner buys the New York Yankees from the Columbia Broadcasting System for $10 million.

Jan 3, 1991:
Wayne Gretzky scores three goals, including his 700th, as the Los Angeles Kings beat the New York Islanders 6-3.

Jan 3, 1993:
The Buffalo Bills stage pro football’s biggest comeback to beat the Houston Oilers 41-38 in overtime in the first round of the NFL playoffs. The Oilers held a 35-3 lead 1:41 into the third quarter. Frank Reich throws four touchdown passes to give Buffalo its first lead of the game 38-35. Al Del Grecco’s 26-yard field goal ties the game. Steve Christie kicks the game-winning 32-yard field goal in overtime.

Jan 3, 1995:
Nebraska, the fourth team to finish 13-0 in Division I-A football history, wins its first national football title since 1971 as the Cornhuskers are the overwhelming choice in The Associated Press poll.

Jan 3, 1998:
Michigan wins its first national championship since 1948 as the Wolverines are officially declared No. 1 in the final Associated Press poll. The coaches poll jumps Nebraska to the No. 1 spot, creating a split national championship for the third time in the 1990s.

Jan 3, 2003:
Ohio State completes an unlikely, unbeaten run to their first national title in 34 years with a 31-24 double-overtime win over Miami at the Fiesta Bowl.

Jan 3, 2007:
High profile Miami Dolphins NFL head coach Nick Saban resigns after agreeing to return to college football and take head coaching job at Alabama.

Jan 3, 2010:
Chris Johnson rushes for 134 yards and two touchdowns in Tennessee’s 17-13 win over Seattle and finishes the year with 2,006 yards.

 

[captain stone]

Warning: there are no January 3 games worth celebrating in the history of this franchise.
As forgettable as this first game was, it's as good as it is going to get today.

Today in Patriots History
Cam Newton throws 3 TD, catches another in final game for Pats
Sam Darnold sacked 3x, throws 2 picks in his final game for Jets
Patriots 28, Jets 14​

Sun Jan 3, 2021 at 1:00
Week 17, Game 16 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 28, New York Jets 14
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Adam Gase
QBs: Cam Newton, Sam Darnold
Odds: New England favored by 3
Patriots finish 7-9; Jets drop to 2-14


After playing themselves out of playoff contention in three consecutive lackluster losses, the Patriots finished the 2020 season with a victory over division rival New York. The Jets had a very Jete-like year, winning just two games. In the offseason they jettisoned their quarterback, Sam Darnold, whom they had traded up for just 2½ years earlier with the number three overall draft pick.

As for the game itself, the Patriots found themselves behind 14-7 late in the third quarter. Cam Newton, who had thrown a 7-yard TD to James White to give the Pats an early 7-0 lead, caught a pass from Jakobi Myers for a 19-yard catch-and-run to tie the score with 2:22 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing drive Darnold was picked off by J.C. Jackson, and the Patriots took over near midfield. After a couple of nice runs by Sony Michel, Newton hit Devin Asiasi for a 26-yard touchdown and a 21-14 lead.

The defense forced a quick three-and-out, and began the next possession in good field position again after a 26-yard punt. On the first play Newton connected with Myers for an 11-yard gain, and another 15 yards were tacked on for a roughing the passer penalty. Newton then hit Michel on a screen pass, and he ran it in 31 yards for a two-play scoring drive.

The Jets got the ball back and used up nearly eight minutes off the clock, only to come up empty handed when Jonathan Jones intercepted a pass intended for Breshad Perriman in the end zone. Despite the Jets using all three of their timeouts on the next drive, the Pats were able to wind down more than three minutes off the clock to effectively end the game.

The Patriots were able to run the ball efectively, with Sony Michel rushing for 76 yards on 16 carries (4.8 ypc) and Cam gaining 79 yards on 11 runs (7.2 ypc). Jakobi Meyers led the Pats receivers with 68 yards on six receptions, and Michel added 60 yards on three catches out of the backfield.


Jakobi Meyers finished the season with 729 yards receiving, doubling the production from his rookie season. For rookie TE Devin Asiasi, that score turned out to be the only touchdown of his brief NFL career. Adam Butler had a sack in what turned out to be his final game with the Patriots, and Chase Winovich - who would last one more year in New England - had two sacks. Another player that would stick around for one more season was starting WR N'Keal Harry, who had a typical N'Keal stat line: two receptions for 17 yards. This was also the final game with the Pats for WR Damiere Byrd, who finished the year with 47 catches for 604 yards, and for Sony Michel, who caught his first and only touchdown reception as a Patriot to seal the victory. (Michel also had 20 rushing touchdowns with the Patriots: 14 in the regular season, and six during the 2018 postseason.)

Patriots Vs. Jets Live: New England Ends Season With 28-14 Win In Week 17 - NESN.com

The final day of the New England Patriots' forgettable 2020 season has arrived. Follow along as they host the New York Jets in Week 17.

nesn.com

Patriots 28-14 Jets (Jan 3, 2021) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. New York Jets NFL game from January 3, 2021 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Game Observations: Patriots finish off Jets, 2020 season - Mike Dussault, Patriots.com

Patriots Week 17 Report Card In 28-14 Win Over the Jets | PatsFans.com

Newton threw three TDs to three different receivers and his QB rating of 127.4 was his best of the season.

www.patsfans.com

Who Were Patriots' Bright Spots In 28-14 Season Finale Win Over Jets? - NESN.com

It's debatable if it was in the New England Patriots' best interest to win Week 17 over the Jets, as a loss means a better draft pick.

nesn.com

4 takeaways from Patriots' 28-14 comeback win over Jets in Week 17

The New England Patriots ended their 2020 campaign on a high note after defeating the New York Jets 28-14 in Week 17. Cam Newton likely played his last game as a Patriot, but he left it all on the field. The 31-year-old finished the game with 11 rushes…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Jets vs. Patriots Week 17 Highlights | NFL 2020
6:53 NFL Highlight Video
​

New York Jets at New England Patriots - January 3rd, 2021 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New York Jets 14 at New England Patriots 28 on January 3rd, 2021 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Pre-Game Press Release
Pats Week 17 Roster
Pats-Jets Week 17 Depth Charts
Pats-Jets Week 17 Injury Reports
NFL Media Game Summary, with lineups, complete stats, drive charts, and detailed play-by-play
Pats Media Post-Game Notes
- Patriots earn 21st series sweep over Jets
- Pats extend winning streak to ten games over Jets
- Cam Newton sets team mark for longest run by a QB (49 yards)
- Newton sets single season team record for rushing yards by a QB (592 yards)
- Newton is first Patriots QB to have a receiving touchdown
- James White becomes 2nd fastest RB in team history to 25 TDs
- Jakobi Meyers throws second TD of season (yet had zero receiving TDs!)
- J.C. Jackson finishes season with 11 takeaways (9 int, 2 fumble recoveries)
- Gunner Olszewski sets team mark for highest punt return average in a season after leading the NFL with a 17.3 punt return average
- Chase Winovich has a career-high two sacks in a game

Words are so inefficient... I'm not even going to attempt to try to express my feelings here...

 

[TheRainMaker]

If Bledsoe were healthy do they beat Jacksonville?

 

[jmt57]

If Bledsoe were healthy do they beat Jacksonville?

Great question.

To be fair Brunell was playing on a bad ankle (still recovering from a high ankle sprain). But Terry Glenn was out with a broken ankle too, and if I recall correctly Ben Coates was dealing with an injury.

So if all of those players are healthy? I do believe the Patriots would have won.

Even with that, I'm guessing Carroll would have been fired a year later regardless.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Great question.

To be fair Brunell was playing on a bad ankle (still recovering from a high ankle sprain). But Terry Glenn was out with a broken ankle too, and if I recall correctly Ben Coates was dealing with an injury.

So if all of those players are healthy? I do believe the Patriots would have won.

I didn’t remember Brunell was injured. I agree if all players were healthy, I think the Pats squeak by and head to Denver where the season would’ve ended.

However, if all players on the Pats were healthy, I think they would’ve found a way to break a tie breaker and finish ahead of the Dolphins and hosted the Wild Card game against Buffalo or Miami.

Even with that, I'm guessing Carroll would have been fired a year later regardless.

Here’s two other questions:

Had Vinnatieri not missed multiple kicks that lost the Pats games in 1999, they would’ve gone to Seattle for the Wild Card game. Do they win that game?

The other question is, since they made the playoffs, does Carroll return in 2000?

 

[jmt57]

I didn’t remember Brunell was injured. I agree if all players were healthy, I think the Pats squeak by and head to Denver where the season would’ve ended.

However, if all players on the Pats were healthy, I think they would’ve found a way to break a tie breaker and finish ahead of the Dolphins and hosted the Wild Card game against Buffalo or Miami.

Here’s two other questions:

Had Vinnatieri not missed multiple kicks that lost the Pats games, do they would’ve gone to Seattle for the Wild Card game. Do they win that game?

The other question is, since they made the playoffs, does Carroll return in 2000?

Yeah, it's interesting to compare the dichotomy that Vinatieri had on his coaches in New England.
His lack of execution got one fired.
His clutch execution made the other one a hero.


Seattle was okay but not great. I think the Patriots could have beaten them.


Does Carroll return in 2000 if they make the playoffs?
Probably, but that's tough to say.
It wouldn't have been as egregious as San Diego firing Marty Schottenheimer 14-2, but it wouldn't have been a shock either.
It was a long time ago, but I still distinctly remember many rumors/rumblings about Carroll perhaps being fired really early on - not just at the end.
Certainly the first time he did not make the playoffs, whenever that would happen in this hypothetical, he'd be gone.

Parcells was a media favorite, sitting around and talking with members of the press for hours, giving them plenty of quotes, etc. They loved him for that. Anybody that followed was not going to be Parcells, and therefore not going to be their favorite buddy. The press in turn molded public opinion. Carroll had his flaws, but the cards were stacked against him from the beginning. In retrospect I don't believe he was as bad as I thought he was 25 years ago.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Yeah, it's interesting to compare the dichotomy that Vinatieri had on his coaches in New England.
His lack of execution got one fired.
His clutch execution made the other one a hero.


Seattle was okay but not great. I think the Patriots could have beaten them.


Does Carroll return in 2000 if they make the playoffs?
Probably, but that's tough to say.
It wouldn't have been as egregious as San Diego firing Marty Schottenheimer 14-2, but it wouldn't have been a shock either.
It was a long time ago, but I still distinctly remember many rumors/rumblings about Carroll perhaps being fired really early on - not just at the end.
Certainly the first time he did not make the playoffs, whenever that would happen in this hypothetical, he'd be gone.

Parcells was a media favorite, sitting around and talking with members of the press for hours, giving them plenty of quotes, etc. They loved him for that. Anybody that followed was not going to Parcells, and therefore not going to be their favorite buddy. The press in turn molded public opinion. Carroll had his flaws, but the cards were stacked against him from the beginning. In retrospect I don't believe he was as bad as I thought he was 25 years ago.

I was a fan of Carroll and didn’t think he was the problem.

What I do remember was that both coordinators (Ernie Zampese and Steve Sidwell were highly criticized). I first started hearing Carroll’s potential exit during their collapse after the embarrassing home loss on MNF against the Jets.

Seattle was mediocre and I think the Pats could’ve taken them.

However, I think they would’ve been ran out of the stadium in Jacksonville as Miami was.