Today In Patriots History Oct 26, 2014: Brady throws 5 TDs; Pats pummel Bears 51-23

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2014: Pats crush Da Bears, 51-23
Patriots score three times in 57 seconds
Tom Brady throws five touchdown passes
NE scores on each of their first six possessions in blowout win​

Sunday October 26, 2014 at 1:02
Week 8, Game 8 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 51, Chicago Bears 23
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Marc Trestman
QBs: Tom Brady, Jay Cutler
Odds: New England 6-point home favorites
TV: Fox; Sam Rosen, John Lynch; Pam Oliver
Cloudy, 54º, humidity 53%; 14 mph wind with 25 mph gusts
Referee: Brad Allen; paid attendance: 68,756; time: 3:02
Patriots improve to 6-2, Bears drop to 3-5

​

The Patriots scored on each of their first six possessions - actually seven, if you include a defensive score - to demolish the Bears in Foxborough. The final score was not indicative of how bad a drubbing this was, as Chicago scored a pair of garbage time touchdowns.

When the Pats took the second half kickoff and went 80 yards in six plays for their fifth touchdown - Rob Gronkowski's third TD of the game, a 46-yard pass from Tom Brady - the score was 45-7. For Brady - who was a near-perfect 30-35, 354 yards, 148.4 passer rating - that was his fifth touchdown pass on the afternoon. Of the five incomplete passes, four were drops.

The Pats scored three touchdowns in a 57-second span during the final two minutes of the first half to turn a 17-7 game into a 38-7 blowout. It was the fastest three-touchdown flurry since the Patriots performed the same feat in 52 seconds on November 22, 2012 against the Jets - when the Pats scored 35 points in the second quarter of what became Bill Belichick's 200th win.

Only three NFL teams have scored three touchdowns in less than a minute since the 1970 merger, and the Patriots became the only team to achieve that milestone twice.

#1.) Gronk (9 catches on 9 targets, 149 yards, 3 TD) got the ball rolling by hauling in a two-yard touchdown pass from Brady with 1:57 left in the half to make the score 24-7, capping a ten-play, 80-yard drive.

#2.) After a quick three-and-out highlighted by Akeem Ayers' sack at the six yard line, a 43-yard Julian Edelman punt return gave the Patriots possession at the Chicago nine yard line. Brady found Brandon LaFell (11 receptions on 11 targets, 124 yards) for a 9-yard TD on the next play. That gave New England a 31-7 lead with 1:07 to go.

#3.) Following the kickoff that went into the end zone for a touchback, on Chicago's first play Zach Moore forced a Jay Cutler fumble that was recovered by Rob Ninkovich and returned 15 yards for another touchdown. That play gave the Patriots a 38-7 lead with 55 seconds left in the half.

This was the fourth of what turned out to be a seven-game winning streak for the Patriots, who went on to defeat Seattle in the Malcolm Bulter super bowl game in Arizona.


The headlines sum it up:

Tom Brady throws 5 TDs as Pats roll over Bears, 51-23

FOXBORO — The Patriots embarrassed the Bears, 51-23, to win their fourth consecutive game today at Gillette Stadium, and they appear to be playing their best football in time for next week’s AFC Championship Game rematch against…

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots Rout Bears, 51-23

Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes, and the Patriots dominated throughout.

www.cbsnews.com

Brady throws 5 TDs, Patriots rout Bears 51-23

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) From unacceptable to unwatchable. One week after a shouting match in the locker room following a loss that receiver Brandon Marshall

www.si.com

Brady Chucks 5 TDs As Patriots Drub Bears 51-23

Tom Brady threw five scoring passes and the streaking New England Patriots crammed three touchdowns into the last two minutes of the first half, cruising…

www.wgbh.org

Final: New England Patriots 51, Chicago Bears 23

Keep it right here with the latest updates on Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears.

www.masslive.com

Game Recap: Patriots crush Bears, 51-23

The Patriots dominated from start to finish, scoring on their first six possessions of the game en route to a 51-23 victory over the Chicago Bears.Tom Brady was nearly flawless, as he completed 30-of-35 passes for 354 yards and five…

www.bostonherald.com

Brady throws 5 TDs, Patriots rout Bears 51-23

Flashback Friday: Patriots pummel Bears 51-23 in 2014

The Chicago Bears visited the New England Patriots October 26, 2014, in Foxboro. Tom Brady was nearly perfect on the day. Brady went 30 for 35, threw for 354 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich scored with less than…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

New England Patriots overwhelm Chicago Bears 51-23

The Bears suffered a crushing 51 - 23 loss to the New England Patriots. This comes after last week’s loss to the Dolphins and a locker room breakdown that had Bears’ players questioning their capabilities. WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl-Raye Stout joins us on the line to discuss how the Bears plan…

www.wbez.org

Patriots Throttle Bears 51-23

Rob Gronkowski scored three times, and Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes as the New England Patriots blew out the Chicago Bears 51-23 on Sunday.

www.nbcchicago.com

Five Takeaways From the Patriots' 51-23 Win Over the Bears

After an extra long week, the Patriots entered a gauntlet-like stretch of their schedule and blew doors, destroying the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium.

www.boston.com

3. Jonas Gray Might Be The Ideal Replacement For Stevan Ridley
Before the game, reports circulated that the Pats might be in the market for a running back. Then they went out and thrashed the Bears with Gray, the rookie not even two weeks off the practice squad rolling up 86 yards on 17 attempts, good for over five yards a pop. How much Gray’s success is a product of the Bears’ run defense and linebacking corps being horrendous is open to interpretation. And the Broncos, next week’s opponent, are very stingy against the run, allowing a league-best 72.4 yards per game. But Gray, who was fast, showed a quick burst and carried some would-be tacklers with him on a few plays, proved that he’s capable of handling the workload of a featured back.​

1:46 Highlight Video
2014 - Week 8: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady highlights



1:52 Highlight Video
Bears vs Patriots 2014 Week 8



30:15 Extended Highlights
2014-10-26 Chicago Bears vs New England Patriots



2:05:40 Full Game
2014 Week 8 - Bears @ Patriots
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Pats Media Dept Week 8 Pre-Game Press Release

Week 8 Injury Report

Week 8 Pats-Bears Depth Charts and Rosters

Pats Media Dept Week 8 Post-Game Notes

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

Chicago Bears at New England Patriots - October 26th, 2014 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Chicago Bears 23 at New England Patriots 51 on October 26th, 2014 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 2014 - Chicago Bears at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 2014 - Chicago Bears at New England Patriots boxscore and game statistics.

www.profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
19 WR Brandon LaFell
77 LT Nate Solder
63 LG Dan Connolly
66 C Bryan Stork
62 RG Ryan Wendell
76 RT Sebastian Vollmer
47 TE Michael Hoomanawanui
11 WR Julian Edelman
80 WR Danny Amendola
12 QB Tom Brady
34 RB Shane Vereen

Patriots Starting Defense:
50 LDE Rob Ninkovich
75 LDT Vince Wilfork
94 RDT Chris Jones
74 RDE Dominique Easley
91 LLB Jamie Collins
54 RLB Dont'a Hightower
24 LCB Darrelle Revis
23 SS Pat Chung
32 FS Devin McCourty
39 RCB Brandon Browner
26 DB Logan Ryan

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

 

[Pape]

Crushing the bears = a Good thing

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
October 26, 2008: Pats rally in 4th quarter, beat Rams 23-16
Kevin Faulk with awesome endzone catch for game-winning score
Deltha O'Neal's interception with 1:08 left seals win​

Sunday October 26, 2008 at 1:00
Week 8, Game 7 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 23, St. Louis Rams 16
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Jim Haslett
QBs: Matt Cassel, Marc Bulger
Odds: New England 9-point home favorites
TV: Fox; Chris Rose, JC Pearson; Nischelle Turner
Sunny, 61º, humidity 54%
Referee: Scott Green; Paid Attendance 68,756; Time 3:06
Patriots improve to 5-2, Rams drop to 2-5


In a back-and-forth game the Patriots came from behind to win in the fourth quarter. Kevin Faulk scored on a 15-yard pass from Matt Cassel with 3:13 left to play to give the Pats the lead, then Deltha O'Neal picked off a Marc Bulger pass with 1:08 remaining clinched the comeback victory.

Faulk, split wide, had linebacker coverage from Pisa Tinoisamoa and made a nice grab on a ball lobbed to the end zone after a pump-and-go from Cassel.

Pats have some bad moments ... but still come away with a win

They counter some miscues with moments of redemption during a 23-16 victory over the Rams at Gillette Stadium.

www.patriotledger.com

Let’s coin a phrase. This was a “but” game. As in ...​

- The Patriots were gouged for passing plays of 69, 44, 35 and 27 yards by Rams quarterback Marc Bulger ... but they allowed only one touchdown and 16 points.​

- Deltha O’Neal left early with what we assume was a concussion ... but he came back to make the saving interception.​

- Matt Cassel threw a pair of picks ... but he directed a fourth-quarter rally.​

- The kickoff coverage team nodded off on an onsides attempt ... but they also pinned the Rams deep several times.​

- Randy Moss dropped an easy TD ... but had a 100-yard game.​

- Wes Welker butchered one pass ... but he caught seven others.​

- The third quarter was a miserable mess ... but the fourth quarter was rock solid.​

- The Patriots coughed and sputtered at times ... but they hung on for a 23-16 win.​

- And the best “but” of all – the Patriots have looked painfully mortal and eminently beatable ... but somehow they’re 5-2 without Tom Brady and are tied for first in the AFC East after Buffalo stubbed its toe (hoof?) in Miami on Sunday.​

Faulk’s TD with 3:19 left gives Pats 23-16 win

The Patriots’ best pass-catching running back hung onto Matt Cassel’s 15-yard pass on the left edge of the end zone with 3:19 remaining as the Patriots rallied for a 23-16 win Sunday.

www.enterprisenews.com

Short-handed but sure-handed, the Patriots got by the St. Louis Rams on a fingertip touchdown catch by Kevin Faulk.​

The Patriots’ best pass-catching running back hung onto Matt Cassel’s 15-yard pass on the left edge of the end zone with 3:19 remaining as the Patriots rallied for a 23-16 win Sunday.​

Another timely grab – a juggling interception by Deltha O’Neal with 1:08 left – ended the Rams’ last threat.​

Faulk, Patriots hang on to beat visiting Rams

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Short-handed but sure-handed, the New England Patriots grabbed another win. Kevin Faulk grasped a 15-yard touchdown pass just inbounds — holding onto the ball despite being hit by…

www.sj-r.com

Faulk had shouldered a bigger running load than usual with Laurence Maroney sidelined for the season and the top two backups in the ground game, Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan, out with injuries. But Faulk did what he does best – catching the ball– just in time as the Patriots (5-2) won their second straight game.​

Until then, St. Louis’ Josh Brown and New England’s Stephen Gostkowski each kicked three field goals. BenJarvus Green-Ellis’ 2-yard run on the Patriots first possession had given them a 7-3 lead. Then the Rams went ahead 10-7 on a 69-yard pass play from Marc Bulger to Donnie Avery.​

Patriots come from behind to beat Rams - The Boston Globe

The injury-ravaged Patriots shook off their problems and scored 10 fourth-quarter points, then came up with a game-sealing interception, to record a 23-13 win against the Rams at home.

www.bostonglobe.com

Faulk led the Patriots with 60 yards on 13 carries and added four receptions for 47 yards. Cassel was 21-for-33 for a career-high 267 yards as the replacement for Tom Brady.​

The winning drive began at the Patriots 47 after a punt. Cassel was sacked for an 8-yard loss by rookie Chris Long on the first play. But then he connected with Randy Moss for gains of 23 and 3 yards before a 7-yard run by Faulk gave the Patriots a first down at the Rams 28.​

Cassel threw an 8-yard completion to Moss and Faulk ran 5 yards before Cassel lofted the winning throw into Faulk’s hands.​

Their hands rescue the Patriots, 23-16 (Published 2008)

www.nytimes.com

The Rams took a 3-0 lead on Brown’s 20-yard field goal on their first series before Green-Ellis’ touchdown. Gostkowski kicked field goals of 30 and 27 yards in the last 1:49 of the half to give the Patriots a 13-10 lead.​

Brown tied the game with a 44-yard field goal then put the Rams ahead with a 25-yard kick early in the fourth quarter. Gostkowski answered with a 41-yard field goal, tying the game at 16 with 8:22 left.​

But the Rams (2-5) couldn’t overcome the absence of Steven Jackson, their leading rusher and receiver who missed the game with a strained right thigh muscle. And defensive end Leonard Little left in the first half with a hamstring injury.​

They lost for the first time since Jim Haslett replaced Scott Linehan, who was fired with an 0-4 record.​

Faulk catches game winner in 23-16 Patriots win

Kevin Faulk rushed for 60 yards on 13 carries with Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan out with injuries



Faulk also had four receptions for 47 yards


Mike Vrabel congratulates Kevin Faulk after the running back's game-winning TD


Deltha O'Neal celebrates after his game-clinching interception


3:07 Highlight Video
Rams vs Patriots 2008 Week 8



1:41:43 Full Game
2008 Rams @ Patriots
​

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

St. Louis Rams at New England Patriots - October 26th, 2008 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

St. Louis Rams 16 at New England Patriots 23 on October 26th, 2008 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

2008 St. Louis Rams (NFL) Scores, Roster, Stats , Coaches, Draft

Get the trusted source for the 2008 St. Louis Rams. Get information on scores, rosters, statistics, coaches, draft picks and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
81 WR Randy Moss
84 TE Ben Watson
72 LT Matt Light
70 LG Logan Mankins
67 C Dan Koppen
74 RG Billy Yates
64 RT Mark LeVoir
86 TE Dave Thomas
83 WR Wes Welker
61 QB Matt Cassel
42 RB Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Patriots Starting Defense:
94 LDE Ty Warren
75 NT Vince Wilfork
93 RDE Richard Seymour
50 LOLB Mike Vrabel
51 LILB Jerod Mayo
54 RILB Tedy Bruschi
96 ROLB Adalius Thomas
21 LCB Deltha O'Neal
31 SS Brandon Meriweather
36 FS James Sanders
27 RCB Ellis Hobbs

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

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
October 26, 2003: Pats 9, Browns 3 in the rain
Romeo Crennel's defense leaves Cleveland dazed and confused
Adam Vinatieri's three field goals prove to be just enough​

Sunday October 26, 2003 at 1:00
Week 8, Game 8 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 9, Cleveland Browns 3
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Butch Davis
QBs: Tom Brady; Tim Couch, Kelly Holcomb
Odds: New England 4½-point home favorites
TV: CBS; **** Enberg and Dan Dierdorf; Bonnie Bernstein
Overcast, cloudy. light drizzle; 62º, humidity 80%; 15-22 mph wind
Referee: Bernie Kukar; Paid Attendance: 68,436; Time: 2:53
Patriots improve to 6-2, Browns drop to 3-5


Patriots' numbers deceiving
Some statistics don't do this team any justice

Yesterday, the Patriots held the Browns to 203 total yards (84 rushing, 119 passing) and only 3-of-14 third-down conversions. Another important aspect of the contest was field position, as Cleveland's average drive started at its own 19, while in contrast, New England's average drive began at its own 30.​

In all, the Browns advanced into Patriots' territory just once.​

"Sometimes you have to play tight, play clean, and trust your special teams to punt the ball and your punt return to get you some better field position," said Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi. "You have to play the field-position battle sometime. If we got backed up a bit on offense, we'd make a few first downs, a nice punt, and all of a sudden, the field position is back switched the other way. Then we'd hold them and the offense receives the punt at midfield. Offense, defense, special teams, it's one cohesive unit."​

It's 'V' for Vinatieri, Vrabel ... and Victory

Mike Vrabel and the New England defense baffled Cleveland's quarterbacks, then knocked them to the ground.

www.latimes.com

Mike Vrabel and the New England defense baffled Cleveland’s quarterbacks, then knocked them to the ground.​

Vrabel’s three sacks helped Adam Vinatieri’s three field goals stand up in the Patriots’ 9-3 win over the Browns on Sunday, stretching New England’s winning streak to four games.​

New England (6-2) leads the AFC East and stopped a Cleveland offense with Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb playing behind a makeshift line. For the second time in three games, the Patriots didn’t give up a touchdown.​

“One week it’s the line, one week it’s the secondary,” Vrabel said. “It just happened to be a day for me to take advantage.”​

The game didn’t provide much excitement, but Vrabel was energized. He sat out three games because of a broken right arm before playing sparingly a week earlier in a 19-13 victory over Miami.​

The Browns (3-5) are playing with a offensive line that’s missing three starters who are injured. And Holcomb didn’t start because he wasn’t healthy enough to practice fully. Holcomb had sat out three games because of a broken right leg before taking over for an ineffective Couch a week earlier.​

But when Couch left with a sprained thumb in the second quarter, Holcomb had to play.​

And Vrabel took advantage.​

“We worked all week on just trying to confuse whatever quarterback was in the game,” he said.​

Mike Reiss column from early in his career:

Patriots beat: Defense like a hurricane

www.milforddailynews.com

"You know what this was like?" running back James Jackson said of the Patriots' 9-3 victory. "It's like the University of Miami. When you think of the University of Miami and our name (Hurricanes) and our aggressive attitude, it's like 'Shoot, we have to play them.​

"With Mr. Belichick here, you have to prepare for so many defensive schemes and I think that can take away from you a bit. It seems every week he's coming up with something different. When you're preparing for any other team, maybe they have one defensive scheme or two defensive schemes that you can just key on. But with him, sometimes he can throw five linebackers in there, six (defensive backs) in there. You have to prepare for so much.​

"If you're not smart, you can get lost."​

Jackson, the former Miami Hurricane, realized his Browns ran into a different type of hurricane yesterday - a Patriots defense that is gaining confidence by the week. The 'D' has allowed six, 13 and three points in its last three games, all wins.​

Against the Giants three weeks ago, the Patriots primarily played a 3-4 defense. Last week in Miami, it was eight men in the box. Yesterday against a Cleveland offense that entered the game missing four projected opening-day starters on its offensive line and ranked No. 28 out of 32 NFL teams, it was mostly 4-3, but ...​

"They still do different things within that," said second-year Browns center Melvin Fowler. "Sometimes they run up with five linebackers. Maybe it's four linebackers. One down linemen. No down linemen. Six defensive backs. It gets pretty challenging."​

Confused?​

Browns quarterback Kelly Holcomb acknowledged he was just that "a couple of times," while fellow Cleveland QB Tim Couch added, "They played with a lot of different looks ... They do things to challenge you mentally."​

So when considering how the Patriots' defense is experiencing its recent success, you can look at an improved performance against the run and stellar production on third down, but any analysis should truly start with the unit's make-up. The Patriots, with unsung coordinator Romeo Crennel calling the shots, are F-L-E-X-I-B-L-E.​

Daniel Graham (7 receptions, 110 yards) with a 38-yard catch to set up Adam Vinatieri's second FG


Vinatieri was 3-4 on his field goal attempts, accounting for all of New England's points


Ty Law (one pick, seven tackles, on TFL) breaks up a pass intended for Quincy Morgan


Kevin Faulk rushed for 96 yards, and had another 58 yards receiving


Richard Seymour pressures Kelly Holcomb


Mike Vrabel had three sacks; this one on Tim Couch for a loss of 13 yards in the opening drive set the tone for the game



2:18 Primetime Highlights
2003 Browns at Patriots Week 8



2:21 Highlight Video
Browns vs Patriots 2003 Week 8



1:58:15 Full Game
2003 Week 8 - Cleveland at New England
​

Pats Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots - October 26th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Cleveland Browns 3 at New England Patriots 9 on October 26th, 2003 - Full team and player stats and box score

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October 26, 2003 - Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 2003 - Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots boxscore and game statistics.

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Patriots Starting Offense:
83 WR Deion Branch
72 LT Matt Light
65 LG Damien Woody
67 C Dan Koppen
63 RG Joe Andruzzi
68 RT Tom Ashworth
88 TE Christian Fauria
80 WR Troy Brown
81 WR Bethel Johnson
12 QB Tom Brady
33 RB Kevin Faulk

Patriots Starting Defense:
91 LDE Bobby Hamilton
94 LDT Ty Warren
93 RDT Richard Seymour
97 RDE Jarvis Green
95 LLB Roman Phifer
54 MLB Tedy Bruschi
58 RLB Matt Chatham
24 LCB Ty Law
37 SS Rodney Harrison
26 FS Eugene Wilson
38 RCB Tyrone Poole

Patriots Special Teams:
4 K Adam Vinatieri
13 P Ken Walter
66 LS Lonie Paxton
81 KR Bethel Johnson
35 KR Patrick Pass
80 PR Troy Brown

 

[lancerman]

Was this the game where Lamar Houston injured himself for celebrating a sack on a back up QB when down by 25 points with 3 minutes to go in the 4th?

****ty way to derail your career.

 

[jmt57]

Was this the game where Lamar Houston injured himself for celebrating a sack on a back up QB when down by 25 points with 3 minutes to go in the 4th?

****ty way to derail your career.

Yes, good memory!

Chicago Bears DE Lamarr Houston injures knee while celebrating

Chicago Bears defensive end Lamarr Houston injured his knee Sunday celebrating a sack while the Bears were down 25 to the New England Patriots.

www.si.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
October 26, 1986: Pats 23, Bills 3
Tippett (3½ sacks) & Lippett (2 picks) lead defense
Eason wins in return from injury​

Sunday October 26, 1986 at 1:00
Week 8, Game 8 at Rich Stadium
New England Patriots 23, Buffalo Bills 3
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Hank Bullough
QBs: Tony Eason, Jim Kelly
Odds: New England 7-point road favorites
TV: NBC; Len Berman and Sam Rutigliano
Cloudy, some drizzle, 55º, humidity 80%, 10 mph wind
Referee: Bob McElwee; Time 3:31
80,381 tickets sold; 2,573 no-shows; actual attendance 77,808
Patriots improve to 5-3, Bills drop to 2-6


Tony Eason returned to the starting lineup after having been knocked out two weeks prior against Miami. The game pitted two quarterbacks drafted in the first round of the 1983 draft: #14 Eason vs #15 Jim Kelly. In this game, and throughout the 1986 season, it appeared that Eason was the better pick; that notion obviously did not hold up in the longterm.


The story of the game was the Patriots defense, which came away with five sacks and four interceptions - which were returned for a total of 139 yards. Andre Tippett had 3½ sacks and Ronnie Lippett had a pair of picks. Craig James and Robert Weathers both rushed for a touchdown, and Tony Franklin kicked three field goals.


New England sports fans were a bit distracted on this day. The previous night the Red Sox had blown Game 6 of the World Series to the Mets, the game ending with the infamous Bill Buckner error. The Sox were off on this Sunday, and would lose Game 7 the next day.

Patriots Bring Down Kelly and Take Bills Along for Ride, 23-3

Winter hasn't even set in yet, and already Jim Kelly has to wonder what he's doing in Buffalo.

www.latimes.com

Winter hasn’t even set in yet, and already Jim Kelly has to wonder what he’s doing in Buffalo.​

The New England Patriots sacked Kelly five times and intercepted four Buffalo passes Sunday while pounding out a 23-3 victory over the Bills.​

“Our bread and butter is our defense,” said New England linebacker Andre Tippett, who helped harass Kelly until the Bills (2-6) replaced him with Frank Reich in the final quarter.​

New England, which entered the game with the third-ranked defense in the NFL, smothered the Bills’ receivers with man-to-man coverage, sometimes sending seven pass rushers at Kelly.​

Two Buffalo scoring drives ended near the New England end zone when Kelly threw interceptions. Reich had two more passes picked off.​

“The Patriots definitely have a very good defense,” Kelly said after completing 13 of 26 passes for 166 yards. “Probably the best one I’ve seen this year. They put a lot of pressure on me. As a quarterback, you try not to look at the guys coming at you. Today, it looked like they were coming all day long.”​

While the Patriots (5-3) were able to keep Kelly in the pocket, New England quarterback Tony Eason found a lot of running room when his receivers were covered. Eason scrambled for a career-high 55 yards, and two of his four runs gave the Patriots first downs during a drive that produced New England’s first touchdown, a two-yard run by Craig James.​

“We kept them away from the big play, but he’d scramble and keep the drive alive,” said Bills’ linebacker Eugene Marve.​

The Patriots built a 17-0 halftime lead as Robert Weathers added a 16-yard scoring run and Tony Franklin kicked a 31-yard field goal.​

Franklin added a 27-yard field goal with six seconds left in the third quarter and a 26-yard field goal as the game ended. The Bills scored on a 26-yard field goal by Scott Norwood in the third quarter.​

Buffalo twice missed legitimate scoring chances in the second quarter. Ronnie Harmon fumbled Kelly’s pass into the New England end zone, but the Bills kept the ball because the Patriots’ Roland James held Harmon as he tried to recover the fumble.​

Two plays later, Kelly threw an interception to Johnny Rembert at the New England four. Rembert returned the ball 37 yards, then lateraled to Andre Tippett, who who ran 32 yards to the Bills’ 27, setting up Weathers’ touchdown.​

23:51 1986 Patriots Yearbook
1986 New England Patriots Team Season Highlights "Fight To The Finish"
​

The Game-By-Game Narrative Of The 1986 New England Patriots – OUAT Sports

ouatsports.com

1986

1986 Buffalo Bills - The Messiah by Bill Choinski The USFL was hemorrhaging money and desperate to stay afloat. Originally designed as a low overhead spring league, flamboyant owners like Donald Trump drove salaries skyward in bidding wars for top talent. Like the AFL 25 years ago, they...

www.billszone.com

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - October 26th, 1986 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 23 at Buffalo Bills 3 on October 26th, 1986 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1986 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1986 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

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Patriots Starting Offense:
86 WR Stanley Morgan
76 LT Brian Holloway
66 LG Paul Fairchild
58 C Pete Brock
61 RG Ron Wooten
67 RT Steve Moore
27 TE Greg Hawthorne
80 WR Irving Fryar
11 QB Tony Eason
33 HB Tony Collins
32 FB Craig James

Patriots Starting Defense:
96 LDE Brent Williams
90 NT Toby Williams
60 RDE Garin Veris
56 LOLB Andre Tippett
57 LILB Steve Nelson
50 RILB Larry McGrew
55 ROLB Don Blackmon
42 LCB Ronnie Lippett
38 SS Roland James
31 FS Fred Marion
26 RCB Ray Clayborn

Patriots Special Teams:
K Tony Franklin
P Rich Camarillo
LS Guy Morriss
KR Stephen Starring
PR Irving Fryar

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
October 26, 1975: Pats 24, 49ers 16
Rookie Steve Grogan takes over at QB
for injured Jim Plunkett
Pats win second straight after 0-4 start​

Sunday October 26, 1975 at 1:00
Week 6, Game 6 at Schaefer Stadium
New England Patriots 24, San Francisco 49ers 16
Head Coaches: Chuck Fairbanks, **** Nolan
QBs: Jim Plunkett, Steve Grogan; Norm Snead
Odds: New England 2-point home favorites
TV: CBS; Al Michaels and Tim Van Galder
Cloudy, cool, 57º; humidity 49%, wind 13 mph
Referee: Bob Frederic; time: 2:37
60,691 tickets distributed; 333 no-shows; actual attendance 60,358
Patriots improve to 2-4, 49ers drop to 2-4


The Patriots dominated the line of scrimmage, outgaining San Fran on the ground by a margin of 155 yards to 31. The Pats defense forced four turnovers, and after jumping out to a 17-0 halftime lead held on to win - despite having to turn the keys over to an unproven fifth round rookie QB named Steve Grogan.


At the end of the first quarter Jim Plunkett took off on a 3rd-and-8 when the offensive line protection broke down. The quarterback gained five yards attempting to make a first down, and when tackled he dislodged a pin holding his previously separated shoulder in place. The subsequent field goal attempt was blocked, keeping the score 3-0. Grogan came in and went 12-20 the rest of the way, with two touchdown passes and no interceptions.


Andy Johnson was the offensive star of the game, with 103 yards rushing (4.9 ypc), and another 27 yards receiving (including an 11-yard TD reception from Grogan). Randy Vataha had seven receptions for 70 yards; his 7-yard TD reception from Grogan put the Patriots up 24-10 in the fourth quarter. Ron Bolton and Bob Howard both had picks off 36-year old Norm Snead, in his next to last season in the NFL.



10/27/75:

Plunkett Hurt Again; Bartkowski Injured (Published 1975)

www.nytimes.com

Jim Plunkett, the New England Patriot's quarterback, reinjured his separated left shoulder and Steve Bartkowski rookie signal-caller of the Atlanta Falcons, suffered a dislocated left elbow yesterday.​

Steve Grogan, a rookie fifth-round draft choice out of Kansas State, stepped in after Plunket — playing his fourth game since returning to action with a pin in his shoulder — was hurt in the last minute of the first quarter of the game with the San Francisco 49ers at Foxboro, Mass. Grogan threw two touchdown passes and directed 46-yard scoring drive to lead the Patriots to a 24-16 victory.​

10/28/75:

Quarterback Shift: Grogan, McQuilken (Published 1975)

www.nytimes.com

Steve Grogan, a 6-foot, 4-inch farm boy from Pomona, Kan. (population 1,000), and Kim McQuilken, Lehigh's leading contribution to pro football, become the No. 1​

About Pro Football quarterbacks for their teams today, Grogan for the New England Patriots is in place of Jim Plunkett and McQuilken for the Atlanta Falcons over Steve Bartkowski. Plunkett Is in California seeing his surgeon and will miss at least two games - or perhaps all the rest of the season - because the pin holding his separated shoulder became dislodged when he was tackled on a quarterback run play by a San Francisco linebacker, Dave Washington.​

10/29/75:

Plunkett Is Slated For Surgery Today (Published 1975)

www.nytimes.com

Jim Plunkett, New England Patriots’ quarterback who separated his left shoulder for a second time last Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers, will undergo surgery for the second time in seven weeks at the Palo Alto (Calif.) Medical Center tomorrow, the team announced today.​

Plunkett told Chuck Fairbanks, Patriots’ coach, he expected to begin practicing from five to seven days after the operation.​

Fairbanks also announced that Neil Graff had been re-signed to back up Steve Grogan, who directed the Patriots for the final three periods Sunday after Plunkett was injured. Graff had replaced Plunkett for the first two games of the regular season before being put on waivers.​

2:55 Highlight Video
10/26/1975 San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots highlights, National Football League Week 6
​

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots - October 26th, 1975 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

San Francisco 49ers 16 at New England Patriots 24 on October 26th, 1975 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1975 - San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1975 - San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots boxscore and game statistics.

www.profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
18 WR Randy Vataha
70 LT Leon Gray
73 LG John Hannah
67 C Bill Lenkaitis
61 RG Sam Adams
63 RT Shelby Jordan
81 TE Russ Francis
84 WR Darryl Stingley
16 QB Jim Plunkett
39 RB Sam Cunningham
32 RB Andy Johnson

Patriots Starting Defense:
78 LDE Tony McGee
71 NT Ray Hamilton
85 RDE Julius Adams
90 LOLB George Webster
57 LILB Steve Nelson
50 RILB Sam Hunt
54 ROLB Steve Zabel
24 LCB Bobby Howard
34 SS Prentice McCray
25 FS John Sanders
27 RCB Ron Bolton

Patriots Special Teams:
1 K John Smith
2 P Mike Patrick
21 KR Allen Carter
84 PR Darryl Stingley

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
October 26, 1962: Pats 26, Raiders 16
Boston vaults into first place in AFL East
Gino kicks five field goals as Pats overcome three turnovers​

Friday October 26, 1962 at 8:00
Week 8, Game 7 at Boston University Field, later known as Nickerson Field
Boston Patriots 26, Oakland Raiders 16
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Bill Conkright
QBs: Babe Parilli, Cotton Davidson
Odds: Boston 17-point home favorites
TV: Not Televised; Radio: WEEI AM-590, Bob Gallagher and Fred Cusick
Overcast and cool, 37º, humidity 82% with a chance of snow later; wind 15-25 mph
Patriots improve to 5-2, Raiders drop to 0-7


The Patriots kept shooting themselves in the foot, fumbling the ball five times in the first half, resulting in three turnovers. Fortunately they were playing the outmatched winless Raiders, and were able to keep the deficit to just 13-6 at halftime. The win, combined with a Houston Oilers 31-7 loss to the Dallas Texans two days later, gave the Patriots a one-game lead in the AFL East.


The Pats received the second half kickoff but went nowhere. Tom Yewcic dropped back to punt, but took off for a 20-yard gain and a first down. Babe Parilli connected with Tony Romeo on passes for 13 and 16 yards, and then threw a 13-yard TD to Gino Cappelletti to tie the score.


The Raiders drove into Pats territory, but a bobbled snap on a field goal attempt led to Gino's fourth field goal. That put the Patriots up by three at the end of the third quarter, but Oakland came back. Cotton Davidson hit former Patriot RB Alan Miller on a 71-yard catch-and-run, and Davidson's 19-yard field goal tied the score.


Larry Garron ran the ensuing kickoff back to the Pats 38 yard line, and on first down blasted through the line for a gain of 15. Then on 3rd-and-five Garron took off for a 41-yard touchdown to give the Patriots the lead.


From there the Boston defense forced a three and out, but the Patriots had to punt the ball right back. The Patriot defense held Oakland again, and did not get fooled when the Raiders attempted to run on a fake punt. The Pats wound down the clock with Ron Burton gaining 42 yards on seven carries. That set up Cappelletti's fifth field goal of the game, sealing a victory for the Patriots.

PATRIOTS DEFEAT RAIDERS BY 26-16; Cappelletti of Boston Ties a Mark With 4 Field Goals (Published 1962)

www.nytimes.com

26:33 1962 Yearbook
1962 Boston Patriots highlight film "Professional Football with the Boston Patriots"
​

AFL Media Game Summary, with halftime/full game team & individual stats, and faded full play-by-play

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Oakland Raiders at Boston Patriots - October 26th, 1962 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Oakland Raiders 16 at Boston Patriots 26 on October 26th, 1962 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1962 - Oakland Raiders at Boston Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1962 - Oakland Raiders at Boston Patriots boxscore and game statistics.

www.profootballarchives.com

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

Patriots Starting Defense:
89 LDE Bob Dee
62 LDT **** Klein
75 RDT Jesse Richardson
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
53 LLB Tommy Addison
85 MLB Nick Buoniconti
80 RLB Jack Rudolph
24 LCB **** Felt
33 LS Fred Bruney
25 RS Ross O'Hanley
34 RCB Chuck Shonta

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Billy Yates (Kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
40 KR Larry Garron
41 KR Claude King
46 KR Rommie Loudd
22 PR Ron Burton

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2025: Pats 32, Browns 13
Drake Maye: 18-24, 282 yards, 3 TD
Pats survive Myles Garrett's five-sack game​

Sunday October 26, 2025 at 1:02
Week 8, Game 8 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 32, Cleveland Bears 13
Head Coaches: Mike Vrabel, Kevin Stefanski
QBs: Drake Maye, Dillon Gabriel
Odds: New England 7-point home favorites
TV: Fox; Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth; Kristina Pink
Sunny, 53º, humidity 52%, precipitation 0%, 7 mph wind
Referee: Alex Moore; paid attendance: 64,628; time: 3:00
Patriots improve to 6-2, Browns drop to 2-6

​

* Pats win fifth straight game, their longest winning streak in four years

* Drake Maye had his 7th straight game with a passer rating over 100 (one off Tom Brady's team record)
* Maye tied a career-high with three touchdown passes
* Maye became 5th player in NFL history with 7 consecutive games of both 200 yards passing, and passer rating over 100
* Maye moved past Hugh Millen into 8th place in franchise history for career passing yards

* Pats rushed for season-high 177 yards
* Pats rushed for over 175 yards for the 2nd straight game

* Pats are only NFL team to not allow a RB to rush for 50 yards this season

* TreVeyon Henderson had a career-long run (27 yards) and career-high single game rushing (77 yards on 10 carries)

* Mack Hollins led the team with 7 receptions for 89 yards, both personal second-bests in his NFL career

* Stefon Diggs had his first TD reception as a Patriot (71st TD of his career)

* Jaylinn Hawkins had an interception after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury

* LB Anfernee Jennings also returned after missing two games

* Robert Spillane returned an interception 31 yards to set up Diggs' TD, which put the Pats up 23-7

* Spillane had 14 tackles, making this the 4th time in 2025 with double-digit tackles

* The Pats recorded their first safety of the season on an intentional grounding in the end zone

* Pats remain undefeated at Gillette Stadium versus Cleveland (6-0)

* DT Joshua Farmer made his first NFL start, and S Richie Grant made his debut as a New England Patriot

* Myles Garrett set a Browns single game franchise record and personal best with five sacks

* Garett set a single-game record for the Patriots as well, for most sacks allowed to single player in a game

* This was the first time in NFL history a player had five or more sacks, and his team lost by by more than four points

* Garrett passed Reggie White for most career sacks before the age of 30 (108½)

* Cleveland's Dillon Gabriel entered the game with zero interception on 107 passes; he was picked off twice

* The Patriots were introduced individually pre-game for the first time since the 2001 season, when the team famously suprised NFL fans and media by being introduced as a team for Super Bowl 36

Why Mike Vrabel changed decades-long Bill Belichick tradition at Gillette Stadium

Mike Vrabel changed a key part of the Patriots' introductions on Sunday, changing a format that has been in place since the 2001 season.

www.boston.com

The Patriots introduced individual players at home for the first time since the 2001 season

Mike Vrabel was a player for the Patriots when they decided to do away with individual player introductions before their Super Bowl XXXVI win over the Rams to cap the 2001 season and that tradition held until Sunday's game against the Browns.

www.nbcsports.com

Patriots Pregame Thread - Week 8: Browns @ Pats

Seems like a good time for the team to stop sucking at home. Gabriel is a game manager type QB but he does have a top weapon Jeudy. Let's see if the Pats can force him into mistakes. Also seems like a good time for the defense to start better than they did on Sunday. Their defense is no...

www.patsfans.com

MORSE: Cleveland Browns Preview and Patriots Game Prediction | PatsFans.com

The Cleveland Browns enter the 2025 NFL season with anticipation and renewed optimism. After years of ups and downs, the team is looking to build on recent successes and address lingering challenges. This preview examines the Browns’ coaching staff and roster.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots-Browns Week 8, Keys To The Game, Key Matchups | PatsFans.com

Gabriel has completed just 11 of his 31 throws over 10 air yards, the worst completion rate in the league (35.5 percent).

www.patsfans.com

Patriots News, 10-26, All Eyes Will Be On Maye Today | PatsFans.com

But while everyone is talking about the Browns defense (and rightfully so), the Patriots’ defense has actually been better against the run.

www.patsfans.com

Game Day Thread - OFFICIAL Week 8: New England Patriots vs Cleveland Browns

5-2 New England Patriots vs the 2-5 Cleveland Browns Patsfans.com Pats v Browns History https://www.patsfans.com/nfl/vs_patriots/browns/

www.patsfans.com

Patriots 32-13 Browns (Oct 26, 2025) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Cleveland Browns NFL game from October 26, 2025 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

MORSE: Good, Bad and Ugly from Patriots 32-13 Victory over Browns | PatsFans.com

Drake Maye was outstanding again this week. He was 18 of 24 passes for 282 yards, 3 TDs and 3 TDs. He ran for 50 yards but was sacked 6 times for 37 yards. Another MVP worthy performance against the Browns #1 Defense coming into this week.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Overcome Slow Start Blast Browns 32-13 | PatsFans.com

Maye said. “He made a great, great move on them and just trying to give him a chance... he made a nice adjustment to it and a great catch.”

www.patsfans.com

GEORGE: 21 Takeaways From the NFL as the Patriots Kept Rolling in Week 8 | PatsFans.com

Some random takeaways from the Patriots and the NFL coming off another busy Week 8

www.patsfans.com

MORSE: Clearing The Notepad and Patriots Transactions | PatsFans.com

The Patriots passed the test! Drake Maye was facing the #1 defense in the league. It didn’t matter. Maye not only is a top ten QB in the league, but he is in serious contention for MVP. This Brown’s defense was legitimate, and he shredded them in the second half. All he did was go 8 for 8...

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Week 8 Report Card In 32-13 Blowout Win Over Cleveland | PatsFans.com

In the second half, Maye added a perfect passer rating of 158.3, going 8-8, 114 yards, three touchdowns, and 34 yards on the ground.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Media Dept Pre-Game Press Release

Patriots-Browns Injury Reports

Patriots-Browns Rosters and Depth Charts

Patriots Media Dept Post-Game Notes

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
National Football League Game Summary

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots - October 26th, 2025 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Cleveland Browns 13 at New England Patriots 32 on October 26th, 2025 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
13 WR Mack Hollins
85 TE Hunter Henry
81 TE Austin Hooper
66 LT Will Campbell
58 LG Jared Wilson
65 C Garrett Bradbury
71 RG Mike Onwenu
76 RT Morgan Moses
8 WR Stefon Diggs
10 QB Drake Maye
38 RB Rhamondre Stevenson

Patriots Starting Defense:
2 OLB Harold Landry
92 DT Joshua Farmer
95 DL Khyiris Tonga
97 DT Milton Williams
44 LB K'Lavon Chaisson
51 LB Jack Gibbens
14 LB Robert Spillane
53 LB Christian Elliss
7 CB Carlton Davis
0 CB Christian Gonzalez
21 S Jaylinn Hawkins

Patriots Special Teams:
36 K Andres Borregales
17 P Bryce Barringer
23 LS Julian Ashby
32 KR TreVeyon Henderson
25 PR Marcus Jones

 

[Vindicate]

Jonas Gray, what a short story. Has a player ever become some bold and inflated off of one game?

 

[jmt57]

Jonas Gray, what a short story. Has a player ever become some bold and inflated off of one game?

The best comparison I can think of is Timmy Smith.

Had 200+ yards in the Super Bowl for Washington. That was the game that Denver grabbed an early 10-0 lead, then lost by about five touchdowns. Doug Williams strained his knee, looked like he wasn't going to be able to play, came back on the field and threw about 4 or 5 touchdowns.

I think Smith averaged about nine yards per carry in that game, with several very long runs.

IIRC he held out for new contract, got way out of shape and never played again after that game.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Jim Bowman​

Happy 62nd birthday to Jim Bowman
Born October 26, 1963 in Cadillac, Michigan
Patriot strong safety, 1985-1989; uniform #28
Selected by the Pats in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1985 draft, from Central Michigan
Pats résumé: five seasons, 73 games (12 starts), plus five postseason games


During his rookie year, in the Divisional Playoff game against the Oakland Raiders, Bowman recovered two fumbles on Special Teams - one of which led to a Tony Eason touchdown pass two plays later. The second fumble recovery occurred following a Raiders fumble on a kickoff. Mosi Tatupu knocked the ball loose, and it rolled into the end zone where Bowman recovered it - for what proved to be the game-winning score in a 27–20 Patriots victory.


Even though Bowman never really played up to his draft status, he was still a good special teamer and reliable depth player in sub packages.

Jim Bowman (1998) - Marcy Weston CMU Athletics Hall of Fame - Central Michigan University Athletics

Central Michigan University Athletics

cmuchippewas.com

A stellar defensive back for the Chippewas, Jim was a third team All-American selection in 1984 before being drafted in the second round by the New England Patriots - the highest Chippewa ever selected ... played in the Super Bowl in his first season with the Patriots ... still holds CMU's career record for interceptions with 16 and the single-season mark with eight in 1983 ... three-year letterwinner ... first team All-Mid-American Conference choice in 1983 and '84, and a second team pick in 1982 ... product of Cadillac High School.​

Raiders Give the Game to the Patriots, 27-20 : 3 Interceptions and 3 Fumbles Result in Loss

The New England Patriots found a simple formula to advance to their first AFC title game ever: When in doubt, kick off.

www.latimes.com

Squish the Fish: 1985 Patriots Run One of the Greatest in NFL History

For those of you who’ve only lived through Brady and Belichick, know one thing about the ‘85 Patriots: You would have absolutely loved them.

www.boston.com

Jim Bowman Patriots DB 1985-89 - Untold Patriots Stories

Latest podcast features Jim Bowman former DB from 85-89. This was Jim's first podcast appearance and he took it to the house! We discuss his undeafted high school career and his playing days at Central Michigan for the Chippewas where ...

www.buzzsprout.com

Jim Bowman Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Jim Bowman Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Jim Bowman Pro Football Record

The trusted source for pro football information about Jim Bowman. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

www.profootballarchives.com

 

[scott99]

I remember that trouncing is the Bears game in 2014 like it was yesterday, and remember it very fondly. I was up in Boston with my family, and we were out to lunch (it was my sisters birthday), and my phone kept buzzing like it was a pin ball machine. Brady & Gronk went crazy in that game.

You can tell that team might be something special, even though we waited 10 years (oh the horror) for SB win number 4, this team looked special. I also remember fondly because my mom was still alive and healthy. She was 74, but in better shape than all of us. So it was fun walking all over Boston that weekend. 2014 was just a carefree and happy time.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bob Golic​

Happy 68th birthday to Bob Golic
Born October 26, 1957 in Cleveland; hometown Willowick, Ohio
Patriot inside linebacker, 1979-1981; uniform #51
Selected by the Pats in the second round (52nd overall) of the 1979 draft, from Notre Dame
Pats résumé: three seasons, 33 games (12 starts)


At Notre, Bob Golic was a unanimous All-American football player as well as a two-time All-American heavyweight wrestler. Golic was a defensive co-captain for the Fighting Irish, and held school records for career tackles (479) and single game tackles (26, versus Michigan).


Golic spent nearly his entire rookie season on injured reserve with a training camp shoulder injury, then split playing time first with John Zamberlin in 1980, then Bill Matthews (wtf?) in 1981. The following season Ron Meyer replaced Ron Erhardt, and as often happens, new coaches want 'their' guys, or come in with a different scheme.


Meyer released Golic at the end of camp, and he was claimed on waivers by his hometown Cleveland Browns. Head coach Sam Rutigliano made a brilliant decision, moving him from linebacker to the line, where he could utilize skills developed as a wrestler for leverage against opponents. Golic proceeded to play in 154 games for the Browns and Raiders over the next 11 seasons, and was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls while in Cleveland.


While not as well known as his brother Mike from ESPN talk show fame, Bob was actually a much better football player. He also did a bit of television acting, including two sequels of the teen sitcom Saved by the Bell.

Bob Golic

The National Wrestling Hall Of Fame

nwhof.org

Golic wrestled at Notre Dame and was a two-time All-American at heavyweight, finishing fourth in 1977 and third in 1978. He lost in the winner’s bracket both years to three-time NCAA champion Jimmy Jackson.

Golic was an Ohio state heavyweight wrestling champion, defeating Harold Smith, who represented the United States at the World Championships in 1981.

He was a two-time All-American in football for Notre Dame in 1977 and 1978, and helped the Irish win the national title in 1977.

Golic played 14 seasons in the National Football League with the New England Patriots, Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Raiders from 1979-1992.

Bob Golic Career Game Log | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Get Bob Golic Career game log for regular season and playoff games on Pro-football-reference.com.

www.pro-football-reference.com

Bob Golic Pro Football Stats

The trusted source for pro football information for Bob Golic. Get statistics, transactions. biographical data and more at Pro Football Archives.

profootballarchives.com

Bob Golic - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Buffalo 28, Boston 21
Bills win with 28 seconds remaining
on Jack Kemp's 72-yard TD pass​

Saturday October 26, 1963 at 8:06
Week 8, Game 8 at War Memorial Stadium
Buffalo Bills 28, Boston Patriots 21
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Lou Saban
QBs: Babe Parilli, Jack Kemp
Odds: Buffalo 2½-point home favorites
Not televised; WEEI 590 am radio, with Bob Gallagher and Fred Cusick
Hazy, 62º, humidity 87%, 8 mph wind
Attendance 29,243
Patriots drop to 4-4, Bills improve to 3-4-1

Down 21-7 to the Bills in the fourth quarter, with three minutes left the Patriots scored twice. An interception by safety Ron Hall set up the first score, a two-yard run by Harry Crump. Then Babe Parilli connected down the middle to Art Graham, who took it all the way home for a 77-yard score tying the game. Unfortunately future congressman Jack Kemp connected on a 72-yard bomb with 30 seconds remaining to give Buffalo the win.


Parilli had a tough game, completing only 12 of 31 passes, throwing two picks and taking two sacks. He did however come up with some big plays finishing with 217 yards passing (18 yards per completion), and threw touchdown passes to Tony Romeo and Art Graham. Jimmy Colclough had four recptions for 69 yards, and Jim Crawford ran for 43 yards on seven carries.


With Houston winning the next day at Kansas City, the Oilers took possession of first place in a tight race in the AFL East. Houston stood on top with a 5-3 record, followed by the Patriots at 4-4, Buffalo at 3-4-1, and the Jets at 3-3-1. The following week the Pats defeated Houston 45-3 to regain the lead.

Oct. 26, 1963 | Bills vs. Patriots highlights
1:32 Highlight Video
​

Buffalo clicks on a 73-yard TD pass in the last 30 seconds to nip the Patriots

October 26, 1963 ... With only 30 seconds left, and the goal line 73 yards away, Buffalo quarterback Jack Kemp threw a long bomb to Charlie Ferguson who was streaking through the Boston secondary. The ball caught up with him at the 24 yard line and he scampered into the end zone to give the Bills a 28-21 thriller win over the Pats at Buffalo’s War Memorial Stadium.​

The Bills had dominated the game for the first 45 minutes. Their defense had dominated the Patriots’ offense allowing them only to cross midfield once in the first half. The Buffalo offense started with a Kemp pass to Elbert Dubennion on the Pats’ 11 yard line. Cookie Gilchrest bulled down to the nine and then caught a pass to the one. Kemp snuck in for the first of three touchdowns he would score the same way.​

Two more times in the first half, Kemp put the ball in the hands of his receivers in the end zone, only to see the ball dropped, and so Boston went in at half time down only one touchdown, 7-0.​

Babe Parilli engineered a 77 yard drive to start the second half, in six plays and tied up the score on a six yard pass to Tony Romeo.​

It was short lived, as Buffalo took the next kickoff 71 yards in seven plays to take the lead once again. Cookie Gilchrist rolled down to the Pats 12 and Dubennion caught a pass to the one, setting up another quarterback sneak by Kemp, 14-7.​

Their third touchdown was set up with John Tracey intercepting a Parilli pass and taking it to the 17 yard line. Kemp once again took it in himself, giving the Bills a 21-7 lead.​

An interception by Pats’ defensive back Ron Hall, then set up the Patriots’ next score. With three minutes left, Parilli connected down the middle to Art Graham at the Boston 45. Graham took it all the way home for a 77 yard score tying the game after Gino Cappelletti's extra point. That was two big touchdowns in three minutes which changed the mood of the crowd from boisterous to sullen.​

Then with a fourth down situation on the their own 29 yard line, it was try for it, or kick it away for a tie. Kemp and company went for the long shot and it paid off, to bring home a thrilling victory for the home town fans.​

10/26/1963 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights American Football League Week 8
1:32 Highlight Video
​

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play
American Football League Media Game Summary

Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills - October 26th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 21 at Buffalo Bills 28 on October 26th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1963 - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1963 - Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
20 SE Gino Cappelletti
71 LT Don Oakes
76 LG Charlie Long
54 C Walt Cudzik
73 RG Billy Neighbors
50 RT Bob Yates
86 TE Tony Romeo
81 FL Jim Colclough
15 QB Babe Parilli
36 HB Tom Neumann
40 FB Larry Garron

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

Patriots Special Teams:
20 K Gino Cappelletti (FG, PAT)
50 K Bob Yates (Kickoffs)
14 P Tom Yewcic
45 LS Tom Stephens
40 KR Larry Garron
21 KR Bob Suci
45 PR Stephens
21 PR Bob Suci

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1969: Jets 23, Pats 17
Patriots lose seventh straight
Fall to 0-7​

Sunday October 26, 1969 at 1:34
Week 7, Game 7 at Shea Stadium
New York Jets 23, Boston Patriots 17
Head Coaches: Clive Rush, Weeb Ewbank
QBs: Mike Taliaferro, Joe Namath
Odds: New York 17-point home favorites
TV: NBC; Jim Simpson, Al DeRogatis
Sunny, mild, 59º, humidity 29%, 9 mph wind
Referee: Jack Reader; time 2:23
Attendance 62,298
Patriots drop to 0-7, Jets improve to 5-2


To get an idea of how much the commercialization of pro football has changed, consider this. games used to kickoff at 1:30, to accomodate and appease churches. Despite the half-hour later start, the games still ended early enough to not interfere with a 4:00 kickoff. Now we have games beginning a half hour earlier in the early time slot, as well as a half hour later in the late time slot.


This was the seventh consecutive loss to begin the season for Clive Rush and company, though it was a bit of a moral victory. The Pats easily covered the 17-point spread, and led through three quarters. The game plan was to blanket coverage on the Jets receivers, and that worked pretty well - until Ewbank and Namath adjusted by letting running backs Matt Snell and Emerson Boozer run free on play action passes and draw plays.


Bill Rademacher was the offensive star of the game for the Patriots, with six receptions for 78 yards, including a 22-yard first quarter touchdown. Mike Taliaferro (12-24, 139 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int, 1 sack, 64.4 passer rating) surprisingly slightly outperformed the reigning super bowl MVP, Joe Namath (10-21, 115 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT, 1 sack, 44.7 passer rating) on the road. On defense Jim Cheyunski had nine tackles plus an assist, Marty Schottenheimer had eight tackles, Jim Lee Hunt had a sack, John Charles had an interception he returned 25 yards to prevent a scoring threat, and Daryl Johnson and John Outlaw both had three pass deflections.


Perhaps this game gave the Patriots a boost of confidence. A week later they shutout the Houston Oilers 24-0 at Alumni Stadium for their first win, and went 4-3 in the second half of the season after an 0-7 start.


Today in Pro Football History - 1969: Jets Run for 210 Yards to Defeat Patriots

The New York Jets had won the 1968 AFL Championship and stunned the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III and were 4-2 as they hosted the Boston Patriots on October 26, 1969. Coached for the seventh year by Weeb Ewbank, the Jets were known primarily for their passing offense, and that centered around star QB Joe Namath and the outstanding wide receivers Don Maynard and George Sauer. With HB Emerson Boozer and FB Matt Snell, they could run the ball, too. On defense they were sound on the line and at linebacker, but there were concerns about the defensive backfield.​

Boston was 0-6 and had already lost to the Jets at home. Their first-year head coach was Clive Rush, a former New York assistant, and another ex-Jet was the starting quarterback, Mike Taliaferro. There were promising young players such as HB Carl Garrett and G Mike Montler, but the defense was missing star MLB Nick Buoniconti, dealt away to Miami. However, the strong suit was the defensive backfield, and the Patriots hoped to disrupt New York’s passing attack.​

It was a sunny and pleasant day at Shea Stadium with 62,298 fans in attendance. The Patriots had the first possession and drove 82 yards in seven plays. QB Mike Taliaferro had completions of 16 yards to WR Charley Frazier and 19 yards to Carl Garrett and connected with WR Bill Rademacher, yet another ex-Jet, in the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown. Gino Cappelletti added the extra point.​

Mike Taliaferro had his most productive pro season, throwing for 2,160 yards and 19 touchdowns, which tied Namath for second in the league. He was also named to the AFL All-Star game. Bill Rademacher’s performance against the Jets was the best of his career. A backup who caught just three passes during five years with New York, he had 17 receptions for 217 yards (12.8 avg.) and three TDs in ’69.​

Jets Defeat Patriots by 23-17 With a Late Rally
Namath's Ramble Sparks Comeback
Boozer Scores From the 2 and Turner Boots Third Field Goal After Run

As if startled out of their lethargy by the incongruous sight of Joe Namath hobbling upfield for a 16-yard gain in a critical third-down situation early in the final quarter, the New York Jets rallied yesterday for a 23-17 victory over the Boston Patriots.​

The world champions had been booed at half-time by most of the 62,298 spectators at Shea Stadium, and entering the final quarter the Patriots remained in command, 17-13. The Patriots, a 17-point betting underdog, had arrived with an 0-6 won-lost record, the worst in the American Football League this season.​

But suddenly, at the Jets' 21-yard line, Namath scrambled in his stiff-kneed style.​

"It was third and 10," the quarterback explained later, "and we didn't have any receivers open, and they had dropped back deep. So I just ran. I saw Sauer go down, and he had been my last receiver. So I took off.”​

Penalty Helps Jets​

Namath got to the 37 before the Patriots converged on him. When a Patriot linebacker, John Bramlett, was penalized 15 yards for tripping George Sauer Jr., the Jets had a first down at Boston's 47-yard line.​

Awake now, the Jets soon scored the go-ahead touchdown on Emerson Boozer's stand-up 2-yard burst. Not long after that, Jim Turner contributed his third field goal after Gerry Philbin and John Elliott of the Jet defensive unit had combined to provide possession on the Patriots' 31. Philbin had jarrred the ball from Mike Taliaferro, the Patriot quarterback, and Elliott had pounced on the fumble.​

Turner's field goals, of 38, 32 and 13 yards, supplied the victory margin for the third time in the Jets' 5-2 record. The almost automatic place-kicker has booted 18 field goals in 25 attempts, a .720 average.​

With their fourth consecutive victory, achieved belatedly in the big-play manner by both units that symbolized their Super Bowl saga last season, the Jets preserved first place in the Eastern Division. They acted like champions in only one quarter, but that was enough. In that final quarter, Matt Snell and Boozer produced a total of 109 rushing yards as Namath disdained passing against the Patriots' stacked-deck defense.​

Once again, Clive Rush, the former Jet aide who is now the Patriots' head coach, minimized Sauer and Don Maynard by using double coverage most of the time on the Jets' wide receivers. But that weakened his defense against the run, as Snell accumulated 107 yards in 23 carries and Boozer 67 in 15.​

Snell Gets Ground Lead​

Snell moved ahead of Boozer for the club lead, 439 yards to 430, as the Jets remained leaders in the A.F.L.'s team-rushing statistics.​

Namath completed 10 of 21 passes, but for only 115 yards. For the second consecutive game, he had an interception returned for a touchdown, this one from the Jets' 25 by John Charles on an underthrown pass to Wayne Stewart, who replaced Pete Lammons at tight end for most of the first half.​

Perhaps significantly, Lammons returned for the winning drive. He also participated in the earlier touchdown drive when Snell scored from the 12 following Mike Battle's 46-yard kickoff return. Lammons has a painful pulled leg muscle, but it didn't affect his blocking prowess.​

The Patriots jolted the Jets with Taliaferro's 22-yard touchdown pass to Bill Rademacher, an ex-Jet, who outmaneuvered John Dockery, the left cornerback, after the opening kickoff.​

But following Snell's retaliatory touchdown, the Jets took a nap until Joe Namath took things into his own legs.​

Box Score, First Half & Full Game Summaries, Team & Individual Stats, Handwritten Notes, and Full Detailed Play-by-Play:
American Football League Media Game Summary

Boston Patriots at New York Jets - October 26th, 1969 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 17 at New York Jets 23 on October 26th, 1969 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1969 - Boston Patriots at New York Jets Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1969 - Boston Patriots at New York Jets boxscore and game statistics.

profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
81 WR Charlie Frazier
73 LT Tom Funchess
64 LG Mike Montler
56 C Jon Morris
60 RG Len St. Jean
77 RT Tom Neville
82 TE Jim Whalen
33 WR Bill Rademacher
17 QB Mike Taliaferro
30 RB Carl Garrett
35 RB Jim Nance

Patriots Starting Defense:
80 LDE Karl Henke
79 LDT Jim Lee Hunt
65 RDT Houston Antwine
72 RDE Larry Eisenhauer
52 LLB Ed Philpott
50 MLB Jim Cheyunski
57 RLB John Bramlett
41 LCB Larry Carwell
25 LS John Charles
42 RS Don Webb
23 RCB Daryl Johnson

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1980: Bills 31, Pats 13
Pats 5-game win streak comes to end
Buffalo takes over 1st place in AFC East​

Sunday October 26, 1980 at 1:00
Week 8, Game 8 at Rich Stadium
Buffalo Bills 31, New England Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Ron Erhardt, Chuck Knox
QBs: Steve Grogan, Joe Ferguson
Odds: New England 2-point road favorites
TV: NBC; Charlie Jones, Len Dawson
Cloudy, windy, 42º, humidity 71%, 25 mph wind, with gusts up to 40 mph
Referee: Ben Dreith; time 2:58
Paid attendance 76,337; 1,245 no-shows; actual attendance 75,092
Patriots drop to 6-2, Bills improve to 6-2


Buffalo ended a two-game losing streak, and the Patriots ended a five-game winning streak at Orchard Park. Buffalo led 14-3 at halftime, but the Patriots cut the deficit to one on a 26-yard touchdown pass from Steve Grogan to Russ Francis, and John Smith's second field goal. But in the fourth quarter the Pats went three-and-out deep in their own territory, and Mike Hubach's punt into a strong wind traveled only eight yards. On the next play Joe Cribbs ran 16 yards around the left side for a touchdown, giving Buffalo a 24-13 lead with 9:37 to go. Three minutes later Grogan's 3rd-and-16 pass was intercepted, and soon after Cribbs scored his second TD on a five-yard sweep, to give Buffalo an insurmountable 18-point lead with 2:00 to play.


For the most part Buffalo dominated this game. Smith's first field goal was set up by a short Buffalo punt into the wind, and his second field goal came about after an interception gave the Patriots the ball in the red zone. New England had only one good drive, with Grogan completing a 19-yard pass to Horace Ivory, a 20-yard pass to Harold Jackson, and then the 26-yard TD to Francis. Other than that the New England offense struggled all day.


Team Stats:
First Downs: Buffalo 21, Patriots 8
Buffalo Rushing: 50 carries for 181 yards, 2 TD, 3.62 ypc, 11 1st downs
Patriots Rushing: 17 carries for 39 yards, 0 TD, 2.29 ypc, zero 1st downs
Net Avg per Pass Play: Buffalo 6.3 yards, Patriots 3.4 yards
Total Yardage: Buffalo 357, Patriots 148
Third Down: Buffalo 7-17 (41%), Patriots 0-11 (zero%)
Offensive Plays: Buffalo 78, Patriots 49
Yards per Play: Buffalo 4.6, Patriots 3.0
Time of Possession: Buffalo 38:28, Patriots 21:32


Mike Hubach struggled with the wind, averaging 28.1 yards on eight punts. In addition Grogan threw four interceptions, and was sacked three times for a loss of 29 yards.


The loss turned out to be critical, as Buffalo won the AFC East with an 11-5 record, one game ahead of the Patriots. Although the Pats finished second in the NFL and first in the AFC in scoring, it wasn't enough. New England had the best point-differential in the conference, but missed the postseason with a 10-6 record.

1980 NFL Standings & Team Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Check out the 1980 NFL Standings & Team Stats including AFC and NFC results and standings on Pro-football-reference.com

www.pro-football-reference.com

1980 Oct 26 Patriots at Bills
17:40 highlight video from a worn VHS cassette
​

Box Score, Halftime and Full Game Team and Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:
National Football League Game Summary

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - October 26th, 1980 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 13 at Buffalo Bills 31 on October 26th, 1980 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 1980 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 1980 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills boxscore and game statistics.

www.profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
86 WR Stanley Morgan
62 LT Dwight Wheeler
73 LG John Hannah
67 C Bill Lenkaitis
61 RG Sam Adams
74 RT Shelby Jordan
81 TE Russ Francis
29 WR Harold Jackson
14 QB Steve Grogan
43 RB Vagas Ferguson
44 FB Don Calhoun

Patriots Starting Defense:
72 LDE Mel Lunsford
71 NT Ray Hamilton
85 RDE Julius Adams
59 LOLB Mike Hawkins
57 LILB Steve Nelson
54 RILB John Zamberlin
56 ROLB Rod Shoate
26 LCB Ray Clayborn
30 SS Roland James
48 FS Tim Fox
40 RCB Mike Haynes

Patriots Special Teams:
1 K John Smith
6 P Mike Hubach
28 KR Bill Currier
23 KR Horace Ivory
40 PR Mike Haynes

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Other October 26 Trivia
Ras-I becomes Ras-IR
Victor Kiam demands Tony Eason play for free​

October 26, 1973:
OT Bob Reynolds and WR Nate Dorsey are placed on Injured Reserve
Charlie Richards is waived
TE Bob Adams is placed on the inactive list
RB Claxton Welch is activated
TE John Mosier and OT Kevin Hunt are signed

Reynolds had started 15 games for the Pats in '72-73, and was previously a three-time Pro Bowl LT for the St Louis Cardinals
Dorsey was a backup whose only two NFL games came with the Pats in '73
Adams soon returned and played in 25 games with 12 starts for NE in '73-'74, with 31 receptions
Welch had previously spent three seasons with the Cowboys and Saints, but only appeared in two games with the Pats
Mosier played in 25 games for the Broncos and Colts in '71-'72, but never got on the field for NE
Hunt was a local guy (born in Framingham, raised in Vermont) who played in just one game for New England, and went on to play for seven years in the NFL, mostly for the Houston Oilers


Despite all that activity, two days later the Patriots lost to Miami 30-14 at Schaefer Stadium

October 26, 1974:
The Patriots sign free agent LB Gail Clark

A 4th round pick in '73 from Michigan State by the Steelers, Clark played in eight games for NE in '74, primarily on special teams




October 26, 1987:
One day after a 30-16 loss at Indianapolis, four players are placed on Injured Reserve:
RB Craig James (right knee)
WR Larry Linne (right knee)
LB Jerry McCabe (left foot/ankle)
LB Randy Sealby (left wrist)

James was never the same after that injury, running the ball just four times in '88 before going on IR with a dislocated shoulder, and retiring at the age of 27 prior to the start of the '89 training camp

Craig James (2011) - Hall of Fame - SMU Athletics

Craig James, Class: 1982 Induction: 2011 Sport(s): Football - Football (1979-82) Played football for SMU between 1979 and 1982 SMU's third all-time leading

smumustangs.com

October 26, 1989:
Victor Kiam demands that Tony Eason take a pay cut that would equate to him not making any money at all for the rest of the season

Eason refused to accept Kiam's ridiculous, insane 'offer', and was cut five days later.

PATS WANT EASON TO TAKE PAY CUT

The New England Patriots reportedly have asked Tony Eason, now their fourth-string quarterback, to take a drastic cut in pay. If he doesn't, he could be waived, possibly by the end of this week.

www.deseret.com

The New England Patriots reportedly have asked Tony Eason, now their fourth-string quarterback, to take a drastic cut in pay.​

If he doesn't, he could be waived, possibly by the end of this week.Eason agreed to a two-year, $2.35 million contract with the National Footbal League club last spring. It calls for him to be paid $1.1 million this season.​

Turns out that it more than just a "drastic pay cut"; Victor Kiam didn't want to pay him anything:

PATS DON'T WANT TO PAY EASON, SO THEY RELEASE HIM

Tony Eason, who sank from starting quarterback to fourth stringer in just 19 days, was released after resisting the New England Patriots' proposal that he work for free. Owner Victor Kiam contended that he had agreed last spring to pay $1.1 million this season and $1.25 million in 1990 on...

www.deseret.com

Tony Eason, who sank from starting quarterback to fourth stringer in just 19 days, was released after resisting the New England Patriots' proposal that he work for free.​

Quarterback Tony Eason was released by the...

Quarterback Tony Eason was released by the New England Patriots after a salary dispute with owner Victor Kiam.

www.latimes.com

Quarterback Tony Eason was released by the New England Patriots after a salary dispute with owner Victor Kiam.​

Kiam contended that he signed Eason to a $2.35-million, two-year contract because he thought Eason would be the starter.​

After Eason was demoted to fourth-string, Kiam proposed that Eason be paid his weekly salary of $68,750 only if he played half of a game, but otherwise he would get nothing.​

October 26, 1995:
Rupert Grant, who was cut the previous day, is re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers




October 26, 2012:
CB Ras-I-Dowling is placed on Injured Reserve for the second straight season, and earns the nickname 'Ras-IR- Dowling'

Ras-I Dowling Placed on Season-Ending Injured Reserve by Patriots - NESN.com

Ras-I Dowling's 2012 season is ending the same way his 2011 season did — with a trip to the IR. The Patriots announced Friday that they have placed Dowling on injured reserve with a thigh injury, thus ending the cornerback's season prematurely. Dowling appeared in six games this season, and...

nesn.com

Following up on Ras-I Dowling

In his "Monday Morning Quarterback" piece on SI.com today, Peter King provides a progress report on second-year Patriots cornerback Ras-I Dowling."The hip rehab is going very well.

www.espn.com

October 26, 2017:
DL Mike Purcell, who was signed to the practice squad the previous day, is released
WR Jake Kumerow is signed to the practice squad in his place




October 26, 2022:
DL LaBryan Ray is placed on the practice squad injured list
K Tristan Vizcaino is re-signed to the practice squad




October 26, 2023:
Patriots sign WR Jalen Reagor
QB Malik Cunningham is signed to the practice squad

Reagor must hold the franchise record for worst completion rate by a wide receiver.
In his 11 games he was targeted 23 times, with seven passes completed - a completion rate of 21.7%

​

 

[Mike the Brit]

Today in Patriots History
2014: Pats crush Da Bears, 51-23
Patriots score three times in 57 seconds
Tom Brady throws five touchdown passes
NE scores on each of their first six possessions in blowout win​

Sunday October 26, 2014 at 1:02
Week 8, Game 8 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 51, Chicago Bears 23
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Marc Trestman
QBs: Tom Brady, Jay Cutler
Odds: New England 6-point home favorites
TV: Fox; Sam Rosen, John Lynch; Pam Oliver
Cloudy, 54º, humidity 53%; 14 mph wind with 25 mph gusts
Referee: Brad Allen; paid attendance: 68,756; time: 3:02
Patriots improve to 6-2, Bears drop to 3-5

​

The Patriots scored on each of their first six possessions - actually seven, if you include a defensive score - to demolish the Bears in Foxborough. The final score was not indicative of how bad a drubbing this was, as Chicago scored a pair of garbage time touchdowns.

When the Pats took the second half kickoff and went 80 yards in six plays for their fifth touchdown - Rob Gronkowski's third TD of the game, a 46-yard pass from Tom Brady - the score was 45-7. For Brady - who was a near-perfect 30-35, 354 yards, 148.4 passer rating - that was his fifth touchdown pass on the afternoon. Of the five incomplete passes, four were drops.

The Pats scored three touchdowns in a 57-second span during the final two minutes of the first half to turn a 17-7 game into a 38-7 blowout. It was the fastest three-touchdown flurry since the Patriots performed the same feat in 52 seconds on November 22, 2012 against the Jets - when the Pats scored 35 points in the second quarter of what became Bill Belichick's 200th win.

Only three NFL teams have scored three touchdowns in less than a minute since the 1970 merger, and the Patriots became the only team to achieve that milestone twice.

#1.) Gronk (9 catches on 9 targets, 149 yards, 3 TD) got the ball rolling by hauling in a two-yard touchdown pass from Brady with 1:57 left in the half to make the score 24-7, capping a ten-play, 80-yard drive.

#2.) After a quick three-and-out highlighted by Akeem Ayers' sack at the six yard line, a 43-yard Julian Edelman punt return gave the Patriots possession at the Chicago nine yard line. Brady found Brandon LaFell (11 receptions on 11 targets, 124 yards) for a 9-yard TD on the next play. That gave New England a 31-7 lead with 1:07 to go.

#3.) Following the kickoff that went into the end zone for a touchback, on Chicago's first play Zach Moore forced a Jay Cutler fumble that was recovered by Rob Ninkovich and returned 15 yards for another touchdown. That play gave the Patriots a 38-7 lead with 55 seconds left in the half.

This was the fourth of what turned out to be a seven-game winning streak for the Patriots, who went on to defeat Seattle in the Malcolm Bulter super bowl game in Arizona.


The headlines sum it up:

Tom Brady throws 5 TDs as Pats roll over Bears, 51-23

FOXBORO — The Patriots embarrassed the Bears, 51-23, to win their fourth consecutive game today at Gillette Stadium, and they appear to be playing their best football in time for next week’s AFC Championship Game rematch against…

www.bostonherald.com

Patriots Rout Bears, 51-23

Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes, and the Patriots dominated throughout.

www.cbsnews.com

Brady throws 5 TDs, Patriots rout Bears 51-23

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) From unacceptable to unwatchable. One week after a shouting match in the locker room following a loss that receiver Brandon Marshall

www.si.com

Brady Chucks 5 TDs As Patriots Drub Bears 51-23

Tom Brady threw five scoring passes and the streaking New England Patriots crammed three touchdowns into the last two minutes of the first half, cruising…

www.wgbh.org

Final: New England Patriots 51, Chicago Bears 23

Keep it right here with the latest updates on Sunday's game between the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears.

www.masslive.com

Game Recap: Patriots crush Bears, 51-23

The Patriots dominated from start to finish, scoring on their first six possessions of the game en route to a 51-23 victory over the Chicago Bears.Tom Brady was nearly flawless, as he completed 30-of-35 passes for 354 yards and five…

www.bostonherald.com

Brady throws 5 TDs, Patriots rout Bears 51-23

Flashback Friday: Patriots pummel Bears 51-23 in 2014

The Chicago Bears visited the New England Patriots October 26, 2014, in Foxboro. Tom Brady was nearly perfect on the day. Brady went 30 for 35, threw for 354 yards, five touchdowns and no interceptions. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich scored with less than…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

New England Patriots overwhelm Chicago Bears 51-23

The Bears suffered a crushing 51 - 23 loss to the New England Patriots. This comes after last week’s loss to the Dolphins and a locker room breakdown that had Bears’ players questioning their capabilities. WBEZ sports contributor Cheryl-Raye Stout joins us on the line to discuss how the Bears plan…

www.wbez.org

Patriots Throttle Bears 51-23

Rob Gronkowski scored three times, and Tom Brady threw five touchdown passes as the New England Patriots blew out the Chicago Bears 51-23 on Sunday.

www.nbcchicago.com

Five Takeaways From the Patriots' 51-23 Win Over the Bears

After an extra long week, the Patriots entered a gauntlet-like stretch of their schedule and blew doors, destroying the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium.

www.boston.com

3. Jonas Gray Might Be The Ideal Replacement For Stevan Ridley​

Before the game, reports circulated that the Pats might be in the market for a running back. Then they went out and thrashed the Bears with Gray, the rookie not even two weeks off the practice squad rolling up 86 yards on 17 attempts, good for over five yards a pop. How much Gray’s success is a product of the Bears’ run defense and linebacking corps being horrendous is open to interpretation. And the Broncos, next week’s opponent, are very stingy against the run, allowing a league-best 72.4 yards per game. But Gray, who was fast, showed a quick burst and carried some would-be tacklers with him on a few plays, proved that he’s capable of handling the workload of a featured back.​

1:46 Highlight Video
2014 - Week 8: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady highlights



1:52 Highlight Video
Bears vs Patriots 2014 Week 8



30:15 Extended Highlights
2014-10-26 Chicago Bears vs New England Patriots



2:05:40 Full Game
2014 Week 8 - Bears @ Patriots
​

Pats Media Dept Week 8 Pre-Game Press Release

Week 8 Injury Report

Week 8 Pats-Bears Depth Charts and Rosters

Pats Media Dept Week 8 Post-Game Notes

Box Score, Halftime & Full Game Team & Individual Stats, Drive Charts and Full Play-by-Play:
NFL Media Game Summary

Chicago Bears at New England Patriots - October 26th, 2014 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Chicago Bears 23 at New England Patriots 51 on October 26th, 2014 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

October 26, 2014 - Chicago Bears at New England Patriots Box Score and Game Statistics

The most complete, accurate and reliable reference source for October 26, 2014 - Chicago Bears at New England Patriots boxscore and game statistics.

www.profootballarchives.com

Patriots Starting Offense:
19 WR Brandon LaFell
77 LT Nate Solder
63 LG Dan Connolly
66 C Bryan Stork
62 RG Ryan Wendell
76 RT Sebastian Vollmer
47 TE Michael Hoomanawanui
11 WR Julian Edelman
80 WR Danny Amendola
12 QB Tom Brady
34 RB Shane Vereen

Patriots Starting Defense:
50 LDE Rob Ninkovich
75 LDT Vince Wilfork
94 RDT Chris Jones
74 RDE Dominique Easley
91 LLB Jamie Collins
54 RLB Dont'a Hightower
24 LCB Darrelle Revis
23 SS Pat Chung
32 FS Devin McCourty
39 RCB Brandon Browner
26 DB Logan Ryan

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

I was there. More importantly, I was there with my daughter (then 16 years old). At the very, very end, the Bears scored a consolation touchdown through Martellus Bennett, who caught the ball and held onto it despite being rugby tackled by Brandon Browner. Belichick clearly noticed it too and it led to MB's very well-deserved Super Bowl ring. You want players on your team who will play hard even in a losing cause!