Jan 14 Anniversaries: Ben Watson runs down Champ Bailey; Tomlinson whines after Pats win AFCCG at San Diego

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson Runs Down Champ Bailey

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

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 […]

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.​

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Game at Invesco Field
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Patriots finish 11-5, ending hopes for a three-peat
Broncos improve to 14-3; move on to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

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.

Click below for four 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 reality is they 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 late Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an 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):
​

 

[TheRainMaker]

That was a touchback! Pats ball.

If only Marlon McCree just listened to his HC, they are hosting the Colts in the AFCCG.

 

[captain stone]

So very, very many ****-ups in this game... and that's before even beginning the discussion about the zebras...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tomlinson Whines After Pats Mimic Chargers' "Lights Out" Dance in San Diego​

Sunday January 14, 2007 at 4:30
2006 AFC Divisional Round 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
Patriots improve to 14-4; head to #3 Indy for AFCCG
Chargers finish 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.​

Patriots 24-21 Chargers (Jan 14, 2007) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers NFL game from January 14, 2007 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

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 couldn't even get one, losing in a flurry of turnovers, dropped passes, silly…

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

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Brady, Pats tame Tebowmania 45-10​

Saturday January 14, 2012 at 8:15
2011 AFC Divisional Round Game at Gillette
New England Patriots 45, Denver Broncos 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, John Fox
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Tim Tebow
Odds: Patriots favored by 13½
Patriots improve to 14-3; advance to AFCCG vs Ravens
Broncos finish 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

NFL Films, Top Ten Playoff Performances (1:48 Highlight Video):
​

 

[captain stone]

Today in Patriots History
Tomlinson Whines After Pats Mimic Chargers' "Lights Out" Dance in San Diego​

Sunday January 14, 2007 at 4:30
2006 AFC Divisional Round 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
Patriots improve to 14-4; head to #3 Indy for AFCCG
Chargers finish 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.​

Patriots 24-21 Chargers (Jan 14, 2007) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. San Diego Chargers NFL game from January 14, 2007 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

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 couldn't even get one, losing in a flurry of turnovers, dropped passes, silly…

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

Game #2 of 4 Games to Glory...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Dion Lewis scores 3 TD - running, receiving, returning​

Saturday January 14, 2017 at 8:15
2016 AFC Divisional Round Game at Gillette
New England Patriots 34, Houston Texans 16
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Bill O'Brien
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Brock Osweiler
Odds: Patriots favored by 16
Patriots improve to 15-2; advance to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh
Texans finish 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 18-38 for 287 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Highlight Video (10:05):
​

 

[denverpatsfan]

Ugh. I was at that Denver game. BRUTAL loss. Fecking Jake Plummer. You have to be kidding me. The fans goaded the refs into one of the worst DPI calls in organized sports history. I hate the Donks.

 

[fourhour]

My Bride and I were having a beer last night at our favorite beer joint. The TV was on the NFL channel but we couldn't hear the audio. They were talking to Tomlinson about the Pats/Bills game and I mentioned that it was Lady Tomlinson and she asked why I called him that. Had to explain his whing after that game. Memories.....

 

[captain stone]

Ugh. I was at that Denver game. BRUTAL loss. Fecking Jake Plummer. You have to be kidding me. The fans goaded the refs into one of the worst DPI calls in organized sports history. I hate the Donks.

Yep, the Pats ****ed up All... Game... Long... and thereby allowed the incompetent zebras to inculcate themselves into key moments of the game... I am deadly serious when I state that the score should've been 20 - ****ing Nothing before the ****ing Donkeys could've done anything about it...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Birthdays and Signings​

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 DC in 2006, after two years as the Pats linebackers coach. He was probably going to be fired had he not resigned; Pees then spent eight seasons with Baltimore. Mike Vrabel hired Dean as his DC for Tennessee in 2018; he now holds that same position with Atlanta.



Happy 38th 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

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 (26th all time in team history and forced five fumbles. He went on to play five more seasons, with the the Bears, Washington and Giants.




Happy 50th 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

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. The 6'6 Penn State grad had 343 receptions and 25 TD in 13 seasons.




In memory of Mel West (1939-2003), who would have been 83 today.
Born Jan 14, 1939 in Columbia, MO
Patriot HB, 1961; uniform #24
Pats 11th round (82nd overall) selection of the 1961 draft, from Missouri

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 went back to Missouri University 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

Happy 62nd birthday to Joaquin Zendejas
Born Jan 14, 1960 in Curimeo, Mexico
Patriot kicker, 1983; uniform #2
Signed as a free agent on Dec 6, 1983

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 two cousins who were also NFL placekickers.




Happy 30th 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

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 this past season with a hip injury, limiting him to 24 receptions for 244 yards with Jacksonville in 2021. In seven seasons with Kansas City and Jacksonville he has 112 receptions and three touchdowns.



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 in 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-players in 1945.

 

[203Pat]

That was a touchback! Pats ball.

If only Marlon McCree just listened to his HC, they are hosting the Colts in the AFCCG.

I am glad this was the first comment because it my first thought every single time I see this play.

 

[captain stone]

Today in Patriots History
Birthdays and Signings​

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 DC in 2006, after two years as the Pats linebackers coach. He was probably going to be fired had he not resigned; Pees then spent eight seasons with Baltimore. Mike Vrabel hired Dean as his DC for Tennessee in 2018; he now holds that same position with Atlanta.



Happy 38th 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

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 (26th all time in team history and forced five fumbles. He went on to play five more seasons, with the the Bears, Washington and Giants.




Happy 50th 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

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. The 6'6 Penn State grad had 343 receptions and 25 TD in 13 seasons.




In memory of Mel West (1939-2003), who would have been 83 today.
Born Jan 14, 1939 in Columbia, MO
Patriot HB, 1961; uniform #24
Pats 11th round (82nd overall) selection of the 1961 draft, from Missouri

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 went back to Missouri University 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

Happy 62nd birthday to Joaquin Zendejas
Born Jan 14, 1960 in Curimeo, Mexico
Patriot kicker, 1983; uniform #2
Signed as a free agent on Dec 6, 1983

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 two cousins who were also NFL placekickers.




Happy 30th 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

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 this past season with a hip injury, limiting him to 24 receptions for 244 yards with Jacksonville in 2021. In seven seasons with Kansas City and Jacksonville he has 112 receptions and three touchdowns.



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 in 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-players in 1945.

**** Dean Mister Peesbody... Worst DC here until Little Steven...

And especially **** Stomper Meriweather... Little Billy could've had Eric Weddle, the ****ing idiot.

 

[italian pat patriot]

Today in Patriots History
Ben Watson Runs Down Champ Bailey

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

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 […]

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.​

Saturday January 14, 2006 at 8:15
2005 AFC Divisional Round Game at Invesco Field
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Shanahan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Jake Plummer
Odds: Broncos favored by 3
Patriots finish 11-5, ending hopes for a three-peat
Broncos improve to 14-3; move on to AFCCG vs Pittsburgh

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.

Click below for four 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 reality is they 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 late Denver scored another touchdown, and the Broncos had an 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...

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“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.’​

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“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.”​

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Champ Bailey's Interception Return (0:57):
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One of the best play ever in Team history