Today In Patriots History September 14, 1997: Parcells returns to Foxborough; Pats beat Jets in OT

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Tuna Bowl: Bill Parcells returns to Foxborough
Patriots 27, Jets 24 in Overtime​

Sunday Sept 14, 1997 at 8:00
Week 3, Game 3 at Foxboro Stadium
New England Patriots 27, New York Jets 24 in OT
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Bill Parcells
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Neil O'Donnell
Odds: New England Patriots favored by 10
Patriots improve to 3-0; Jets drop to 1-2


The Patriots had gone 11-5 with Tuna as their head coaach the previous season, before he infamously checked out prior to the Super Bowl loss to Green Bay. The Jete had underperformed in '96, going 1-15 under Rich Kotite with the NFL's second worst defense.

This game was the first showdown against Bill Parcells since he bolted from Foxboro to work for the Jets. Chris Canty returned the opening kickoff 63 yards and then Drew Bledsoe hit Ben Coates for a 32 yard score, giving the Pats a 7-0 lead less than two minutes into the game. On the next possession Tom Tupa's punt was blocked, leading to a NY touchdown. Curtis Martin ran for 33 yards on the first play of the Pats third possession, and ended the drive with a 2-yard TD to finish the first quarter up 14-7.

The Jets scored a field goal early in the second quarter, but squandered two ensuing drives. On 2nd and 4 from the 13 Jimmy Hitchcock tackled WR Jeff Graham a yard short of the sticks, then Chris Slade blanketed Graham on 4th and 1 for a turnover on downs. Just before halftime Neil O'Donnell completed a 1st and 5 from the six screen pass to Richie Anderson, but Ty Law stripped the ball and recovered the fumble.

On the Pats first possession of the second half Mo Lewis picked off Bledsoe and returned the interception 43 yards for a touchdown, giving the Jets a 17-14 led. After an Adam Vinatieri field goal, Chris Slade sacked O'Donnell and Willie McGinest recovered the fumble, giving the Pats the ball near midfield. The Patriots put together a 10-play, 7:58 drive capped by a 10-yard TD from Bledsoe to Lovett Purnell to put the Pats up 24-17.

Keyshawn Johnson's 24-yard TD reception tied the score with just over two minutes to go. Derrick Cullors fumbled away the ensuing kickoff, giving the Jets a golden opportunity to win the game - but the 29 yard would-be game winning field goal was blocked by Mike Jones.

The Pats again tried to give the game away on the opening drive in overtime, with Bledsoe being picked off by Otis Smith. The defense responded though, with Chris Slade delivering a loss of 8 on a sack and then Tedy Bruschi stopping Wayne Chrebet well short of a first down to force a punt.

On the next drive Carroll came to his senses and took the ball away from Bledsoe. Curtis Martin - who rushed for 199 yards on the day - carried the ball on seven of the next eight plays, down to the Jet 17 yard line. Vinatieri connected on a 34 yard field goal and the Pats won, 27-24. New England improved to 3-0, while the Jets dropped to 1-2.



There is a good summary from the Sports Illustrated archives (9/22/1997 edition) on what is was like leading up to this game, as well as summary here:

TUNA BOWL THE PATRIOTS HELD OFF THE JETS IN OVERTIME, BUT NOT BEFORE GETTING A LESSON OR TWO FROM THEIR OLD BOSS

The upshot of the game variously referred to as the Tuna Bowl,the Soap Opera Bowl and World War Tuna: While the New EnglandPatriots' undefeated season lives

vault.si.com

The upshot of the game variously referred to as the Tuna Bowl, the Soap Opera Bowl and World War Tuna: While the New England Patriots' undefeated season lives on, the honeymoon of their first-year coach, Pete Carroll, does not. "Carroll, this loss is on yaw shouldahs, you s.o.b," bayed one disgruntled lout in the north end zone of Foxboro Stadium on Sunday night. It had taken a single play to swing the mood in this rusting structure from grim to downright ugly. After the New York Jets tied the game 24-24 with 31 seconds left, New England return man Derrick Cullors fumbled away the ensuing kickoff. Three plays later, Jets rookie kicker John Hall lined up for a chip-shot field goal to win the game.​

"Hey, Carroll, you better put 'em in f------ pads this week," shouted another salty fan. Unlike the man who bailed out as Patriots coach last January to take over the Jets--Bill (the Tuna) Parcells, identified on one placard as BILL PAR SELL OUT--Carroll requires his players to hit only once during the week, trusting they will remember how to block and tackle on Sunday. What with New England about to lose to a club that went 1-15 last season, and to Parcells, it seemed to the Foxboro crowd as good a time as any to start second-guessing the new guy.​

Then, with a single, well-timed leap, Patriots reserve defensive end Mike Jones performed two difficult feats, blocking a field goal attempt with his arm and transforming Parcells into a sympathetic figure. In overtime Curtis Martin rushed for 40 of his 199 yards, Adam Vinatieri kicked a 34-yard field goal, and New England stole a game it had tried hard to give away.​

Patriots fans, at least, were truthful about their feelings. You'd be candid too if kickoff was at 8 p.m. and you'd been drinking since breakfast. The Foxboro partisans resented the 56-year-old Parcells for walking away from the Pats after having assured everyone when he took over as coach in 1993 that the job in New England would be his last. They complained that this master tactician, ever adept at insulating his squad from distractions, abetted the creation of the Mother of All Distractions last January in New Orleans, where his players spent Super Bowl week commenting on rumors about his imminent departure.​

Instead of snapping up CAN THE TUNA T-shirts; instead of writing signs demonstrating their ignorance of spelling and punctuation--BILL, YOUR A QUITTER- and instead of blowing up dead fish by stuffing small explosives down their gullets, as some nitwits did in a stadium parking lot before the game, Patriots fans should have been forced, under penalty of having their Jagermeister supply cut off, to write Parcells a thank-you note.​

Dear Bill,​

Just wanted to let you know that despite the vastness of your ego and the gracelessness of your exit, we appreciated the job you did when you were here, inheriting a 2-14 team and getting it to the Super Bowl in four years. Thanks again, and sorry we threw those size-D batteries at you on Sunday night.​

2:05 Highlight Video
1997 Jets at Patriots Week 3



2:55:31 Full Game
1997 Week 3 - N.Y. Jets at New England
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

New York Jets at New England Patriots - September 14th, 1997 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New York Jets 24 at New England Patriots 27 on September 14th, 1997 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

We had headed for the exit to get ahead of traffic after Collors fumbled. We were part of a large group that had walked out the gate a split second before the missed field goal.

Everyone turned around and ran back in. My 2 brothers and my father got in but somehow security grabbed me. I just looked at them and security looked at everyone else trying to get back in and just let me go with them.

 

[Hyped]

Fun game...still can't believe we blocked that figgie....

It would be the last time we beat the Jets for a while outside of Vinny's injury game before finally beating them in 2001 en route to the Superbowl...

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2003: Pats respond from "They Hate Their Coach" Game
Patriots thump Eagles, 31-10​

Sunday Sept 14, 2003 at 4:15
Week 2, Game 2 at Lincoln Financial Field
New England Patriots 31, Philadelphia Eagles 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Andy Reid
QBs: Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb
Odds: Philadelphia Eagles favored by 4
Patriots improve to 1-1; Jets drop to 0-2


While I suppose that at the time somebody could have thought that these two teams would soon meet in the Super Bowl, I don't imagine anybody was thinking that the two head coaches would end up being among the top of the leader board for most wins in NFL history.

Seven days after the 31-0 loss to Lawyer Milloy and the Buffalo Bills, the team showed Tom Jackson that he may have been a bit premature in burying the Patriots. TB12 passed for 255 yards and three touchdowns, and the defense had seven sacks and forced six turnovers. Christian Fauria caught two TD passes, Willie McGinest had two sacks and one fumble recovery and Tedy Bruschi returned an interception 18 yards for a TD for the Pats. The Patriots evened their record at 1-1, while Philly dropped to 0-2.

​

Patriots handle Eagles - AP Report

Embarrassed in a 31-0 loss to Buffalo in their season opener, the Patriots (1-1) scored two first-half touchdowns off turnovers and kept the Eagles winless at the new Lincoln Financial Field.​

The two-time NFC East champion Eagles, coming off a 17-0 loss to Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay on Monday night, are 0-2 for the first time since losing their first four games in 1999, Andy Reid's first year as coach.​

After losing consecutive NFC title games, Philadelphia wouldn't settle for less than a trip to the Super Bowl this season. The Eagles will have to get to .500 first, and they'll have two weeks to think about their disastrous start with a bye next week.​

In his worst game since his rookie season, Donovan McNabb completed just 18 of 46 passes for 186 yards, threw two interceptions - one returned for a TD - lost two fumbles, was sacked seven times and heard loud boos for the first time since the day he was drafted. Eagles fans who attended the 1999 draft in New York wanted running back Ricky Williams and booed McNabb's selection with the No. 2 overall pick.​

​

Matt Chatham sacks Donovan McNabb and forces a fumble during the 4th quarter​

Christian Fauria caught two TD passes, Willie McGinest had two sacks and one fumble recovery and Tedy Bruschi returned an interception 18 yards for a TD for New England.​

The Patriots' loss to the Bills capped an emotional week in which safety Lawyer Milloy, a team leader, was cut for salary cap reasons, then signed with Buffalo in time to play against his former teammates.​

Patriots bounce back, 31-10 - Patriots.com

Two Eagle turnovers led to 14 first half points for the Patriots and that was all New England needed as they rebounded from Week One's loss to keep Philly winless by the score of 31-10.​

Tom Brady finished 30 of 44 passing for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns while Deion Branch led the New England receivers with 6 catches for 89 yards and a score.​

On defense, Tedy Bruschi was the team's sparkplug, especially with the Eagles in catch-up mode, with a sack and an interception for a score. Willie McGinest also had a strong game with two sacks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.​

Eugene Wilson started at free safety for Antwan Harris, and the rookie fared well.​

On the day, the Eagles had four fumbles and two interceptions as the team was roundly booed for most of the game.​

Both teams offenses' started slowly with the Eagles first two drives marred by penalties and the Patriots' having to punt on their initial two tries.​

With 1:10 left in the first quarter, it was the Patriots to score the first points of the 2003 season for either team, a 27-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri. New England's drive finished at the Eagles 10-yard line and was mostly an air-affair with Kevin Faulk nabbing 25-yarder grab early in the drive followed by a Branch 15-yard catch two plays later.​

That lead was short-lived as Philly opened the second quarter with its own scoring drive. New England had a chance to stop the action at midfield when, on third and 3, Tyrone Poole seemed to have dropped Brian Westbrook on an end run for a loss. But Poole was flagged for a facemask penalty giving the Eagles a first down 15 yards down the field. The Eagles made the Patriots pay as Duce Staley scored on a 2-yard run up the middle for the 7-3 lead.​

It looked like the Patriots would answer right back when they drove down to the Eagles 22 on their next possession but on third and 4, Brady just missed being picked off as he looked for David Patten in the end zone with Sheldon Brown in coverage. Vinatieri came on for a 40-yard field goal and something that hasn't happened in a long time for this team, finally reared its ugly head. Holder Ken Walter let the snap go through his hands and the Eagles took over at the 35.​

Not to be outdone by that miscue, Philly gave the ball right back as Donovan McNabb dropped back and bumped into his own player and fumbled. Rosevelt Colvin recovered and the Patriots had a second chance to make good (Colvin was injured on the play and did not return to the game).​

This time they did as Brady hit Faulk for a 27-yard pickup down to the Eagles 8. The finisher was a Brady to Christian Fauria touchdown pass from the 8 with 7:59 left in the first half.​

The Eagles second turnover of the first half came after the Patriots went three and out and punted from their own 33. Michael Westbrook attempted to field the kick but let the ball bounce off his hands and into a wild scrum of players looking for the recovery. When the dust cleared it was Bethel Johnson giving the Patriots the ball at the Eagles 14. A pass to Branch for 9 yards set up the second touchdown for Brady and Fauria on the day, a 5-yard strike.​

Now up by 10 at 17-7, New England's defense closed out the half by stopping Philly on its last two drives of the half. McNabb and his receivers did their part with four incompletes along with a sack in their final two possessions.​

The Eagles did their best to continue their charitable ways as they opened the second half with yet another fumble. Roman Phifer knocked the ball loose from Duce Staley and McGinest recovered. This time, the Patriots could not take advantage after Brady was sacked by Corey Simon and then flagged for grounding on the subsequent drive.​

That didn't stop Philadelphia from its woeful ways on offense. After going three and out on its next series and looking awful in the process, the Patriots took over at their own 48. A 17-yard pass to Bethel Johnson started things out and the drive ended with a Brady to Branch strike on third and 1 from the 26. The call completely took the Eagles defense off guard and had the Philly fans, already in boo-mode with their team down 24-7, seething and calling for back-up quarterback A.J. Feeley.​

A McGinest forced fumble on McNabb forced the Eagles to attempt a 57-yard field goal with just under 11 minutes left in the game. David Akers was good on the try, the longest of his career and the Eagles closed to within two touchdowns.​

That was as close as Philly could get as McNabb gift wrapped a pass to Bruschi for an easy six points with just over five minutes left in the game. The Eagles were working from their own 14-yard line and McNabb threw well behind Freddie Mitchell. Bruschi stepped in front of the pass and trotted in for the score.​

That made the score 31-10 Patriots and with McNabb fumbling yet again as the game wound down, it was just a matter of a few running plays while milking the clock for New England to enjoy its first win of the season.​

2:35:15 Full Video
2003 Week 2 - New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles - September 14th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 31 at Philadelphia Eagles 10 on September 14th, 2003 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

Today in Patriots History
2003: Pats respond from "They Hate Their Coach" Game
Patriots thump Eagles, 31-10​

Sunday Sept 14, 2003 at 4:15
Week 2, Game 2 at Lincoln Financial Field
New England Patriots 31, Philadelphia Eagles 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Andy Reid
QBs: Tom Brady, Donovan McNabb
Odds: Philadelphia Eagles favored by 4
Patriots improve to 1-1; Jets drop to 0-2


While I suppose that at the time somebody could have thought that these two teams would soon meet in the Super Bowl, I don't imagine anybody was thinking that the two head coaches would end up being among the top of the leader board for most wins in NFL history.

Seven days after the 31-0 loss to Lawyer Milloy and the Buffalo Bills, the team showed Tom Jackson that he may have been a bit premature in burying the Patriots. TB12 passed for 255 yards and three touchdowns, and the defense had seven sacks and forced six turnovers. Christian Fauria caught two TD passes, Willie McGinest had two sacks and one fumble recovery and Tedy Bruschi returned an interception 18 yards for a TD for the Pats. The Patriots evened their record at 1-1, while Philly dropped to 0-2.

​

Patriots handle Eagles - AP Report

Embarrassed in a 31-0 loss to Buffalo in their season opener, the Patriots (1-1) scored two first-half touchdowns off turnovers and kept the Eagles winless at the new Lincoln Financial Field.​

The two-time NFC East champion Eagles, coming off a 17-0 loss to Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay on Monday night, are 0-2 for the first time since losing their first four games in 1999, Andy Reid's first year as coach.​

After losing consecutive NFC title games, Philadelphia wouldn't settle for less than a trip to the Super Bowl this season. The Eagles will have to get to .500 first, and they'll have two weeks to think about their disastrous start with a bye next week.​

In his worst game since his rookie season, Donovan McNabb completed just 18 of 46 passes for 186 yards, threw two interceptions - one returned for a TD - lost two fumbles, was sacked seven times and heard loud boos for the first time since the day he was drafted. Eagles fans who attended the 1999 draft in New York wanted running back Ricky Williams and booed McNabb's selection with the No. 2 overall pick.​

​

Matt Chatham sacks Donovan McNabb and forces a fumble during the 4th quarter​

Christian Fauria caught two TD passes, Willie McGinest had two sacks and one fumble recovery and Tedy Bruschi returned an interception 18 yards for a TD for New England.​

The Patriots' loss to the Bills capped an emotional week in which safety Lawyer Milloy, a team leader, was cut for salary cap reasons, then signed with Buffalo in time to play against his former teammates.​

Patriots bounce back, 31-10 - Patriots.com

Two Eagle turnovers led to 14 first half points for the Patriots and that was all New England needed as they rebounded from Week One's loss to keep Philly winless by the score of 31-10.​

Tom Brady finished 30 of 44 passing for 255 yards and 3 touchdowns while Deion Branch led the New England receivers with 6 catches for 89 yards and a score.​

On defense, Tedy Bruschi was the team's sparkplug, especially with the Eagles in catch-up mode, with a sack and an interception for a score. Willie McGinest also had a strong game with two sacks, a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.​

Eugene Wilson started at free safety for Antwan Harris, and the rookie fared well.​

On the day, the Eagles had four fumbles and two interceptions as the team was roundly booed for most of the game.​

Both teams offenses' started slowly with the Eagles first two drives marred by penalties and the Patriots' having to punt on their initial two tries.​

With 1:10 left in the first quarter, it was the Patriots to score the first points of the 2003 season for either team, a 27-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri. New England's drive finished at the Eagles 10-yard line and was mostly an air-affair with Kevin Faulk nabbing 25-yarder grab early in the drive followed by a Branch 15-yard catch two plays later.​

That lead was short-lived as Philly opened the second quarter with its own scoring drive. New England had a chance to stop the action at midfield when, on third and 3, Tyrone Poole seemed to have dropped Brian Westbrook on an end run for a loss. But Poole was flagged for a facemask penalty giving the Eagles a first down 15 yards down the field. The Eagles made the Patriots pay as Duce Staley scored on a 2-yard run up the middle for the 7-3 lead.​

It looked like the Patriots would answer right back when they drove down to the Eagles 22 on their next possession but on third and 4, Brady just missed being picked off as he looked for David Patten in the end zone with Sheldon Brown in coverage. Vinatieri came on for a 40-yard field goal and something that hasn't happened in a long time for this team, finally reared its ugly head. Holder Ken Walter let the snap go through his hands and the Eagles took over at the 35.​

Not to be outdone by that miscue, Philly gave the ball right back as Donovan McNabb dropped back and bumped into his own player and fumbled. Rosevelt Colvin recovered and the Patriots had a second chance to make good (Colvin was injured on the play and did not return to the game).​

This time they did as Brady hit Faulk for a 27-yard pickup down to the Eagles 8. The finisher was a Brady to Christian Fauria touchdown pass from the 8 with 7:59 left in the first half.​

The Eagles second turnover of the first half came after the Patriots went three and out and punted from their own 33. Michael Westbrook attempted to field the kick but let the ball bounce off his hands and into a wild scrum of players looking for the recovery. When the dust cleared it was Bethel Johnson giving the Patriots the ball at the Eagles 14. A pass to Branch for 9 yards set up the second touchdown for Brady and Fauria on the day, a 5-yard strike.​

Now up by 10 at 17-7, New England's defense closed out the half by stopping Philly on its last two drives of the half. McNabb and his receivers did their part with four incompletes along with a sack in their final two possessions.​

The Eagles did their best to continue their charitable ways as they opened the second half with yet another fumble. Roman Phifer knocked the ball loose from Duce Staley and McGinest recovered. This time, the Patriots could not take advantage after Brady was sacked by Corey Simon and then flagged for grounding on the subsequent drive.​

That didn't stop Philadelphia from its woeful ways on offense. After going three and out on its next series and looking awful in the process, the Patriots took over at their own 48. A 17-yard pass to Bethel Johnson started things out and the drive ended with a Brady to Branch strike on third and 1 from the 26. The call completely took the Eagles defense off guard and had the Philly fans, already in boo-mode with their team down 24-7, seething and calling for back-up quarterback A.J. Feeley.​

A McGinest forced fumble on McNabb forced the Eagles to attempt a 57-yard field goal with just under 11 minutes left in the game. David Akers was good on the try, the longest of his career and the Eagles closed to within two touchdowns.​

That was as close as Philly could get as McNabb gift wrapped a pass to Bruschi for an easy six points with just over five minutes left in the game. The Eagles were working from their own 14-yard line and McNabb threw well behind Freddie Mitchell. Bruschi stepped in front of the pass and trotted in for the score.​

That made the score 31-10 Patriots and with McNabb fumbling yet again as the game wound down, it was just a matter of a few running plays while milking the clock for New England to enjoy its first win of the season.​

2:35:15 Full Video
2003 Week 2 - New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles - September 14th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 31 at Philadelphia Eagles 10 on September 14th, 2003 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

03 & 04 I think were the most dominant teams of our 6. The streaks from those years get a little forgotten by 07 but they shouldn't. Teams just don't do that.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2014: Matt Cassel loses in first game vs his old team
New England 30, Minnesota 7​

Sunday Sept 14, 2014 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at TCF Bank Stadium
New England Patriots 30, Minnesota Vikings 7
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Zimmer
QBs: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel
Odds: New England Patriots favored by 5½
Patriots improve to 1-1; Vikings drop to 1-1


The master schooled the understudy in Matt Cassel's first game against his old team. Minnesota got on the board first with a 25-yard TD from Cassel to Matt Asiati, but it was all Patriots after that. New England's defense dominated, sacking Cassel six times and picking off four of his passes. Stevan Ridley rushed for 101 yards, Julian Edelman caught six passes for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Tom Brady completed 67% of his passes for the Pats offense.

Cassel went on injured reserve a few days prior to the KC-New England game in 2011, delaying his first game against the Patriots to this date. He would unfortunately go on IR again a week later, and sign with Buffalo the following year. There would be four other games when his team would face the Patriots - with both the Bills and Cowboys in 2015, the Titans during the 2017 playoffs, and the Lions in 2018 - but he did not play as a backup in any of those games.

Patriots bounce back, pound Vikings, 30-7

MINNEAPOLIS — The Patriots put the sky back together today in Minnesota.After a surprising beating from the Dolphins, the Pats claimed their first victory of the season today by knocking around the Vikings by a 30-7 count at TCF Bank…

www.bostonherald.com

Local – NBC Boston

In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston and New England area.

www.necn.com

The Vikings were without star running back Adrian Peterson, who is out on bond after being charged with child abuse for hitting his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch.​

Without Peterson, Minnesota rushed for just 54 yards against New England.​

Patriots dominate Peterson-less Vikings, 30-7

Patriots D dominates Peterson-less Vikings with 6 sacks, 4 interceptions in 30-7 victory

www.usatoday.com

Minnesota's first outdoor home opener in 33 years was staged on a spectacularly sunny afternoon. The crowd was fired up for a premier opponent, New England.​

One problem: Adrian Peterson was missing. The Patriots took full advantage, harassing Matt Cassel with six sacks and four interceptions and breezing by the Vikings 30-7 on Sunday to give coach Bill Belichick his 200th career win.​

Devin McCourty, Darrelle Revis, Logan Ryan and Dominique Easley all picked off Cassel, setting up 17 points for the Patriots. Chandler Jones had two sacks and returned his blocked field goal for a touchdown.​

Tom Brady found Julian Edelman six times for 81 yards and a score, Stevan Ridley ran 25 times for 101 yards and a touchdown and the Patriots improved to 35-4 in the regular season after losses since 2003.​

BELICHICK MILESTONE: The victory moved Belichick into a tie for fifth place with Marty Schottenheimer on the NFL's all-time list, behind Don Shula, George Halas, Tom Landry and Curly Lambeau. That's quite the company.​

For Brady, there was a remarkable feat, too: his 149th win as a starter, pushing him past John Elway into third place all time behind Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.​

STILL THE STARTER: Despite this dud in his first start against close friend and former mentor Brady, Cassel will keep the job next week at New Orleans. Zimmer said he didn't consider bringing rookie Teddy Bridgewater in.​

WIDESPREAD STRUGGLES: Cassel was far from the only Vikings player who'll be cringing when watching the film.​

Kyle Rudolph had five catches for 53 yards, but the normally sure-handed tight end dropped a couple of balls. Greg Jennings, smothered all game by Revis, had one reception for 4 yards and two penalties for 15 yards. The offensive line leaked often, and left tackle Matt Kalil was pushed aside often by Jones, including on the blocked kick.​

Cornerback Xavier Rhodes couldn't handle Edelman, who was almost solely responsible for the scoring drive following the interception by Revis in the second quarter. After totaling five sacks in the season-opening 34-6 win at St. Louis, the Vikings rarely pressured Brady on his 23 drop-backs. Tom Johnson had the only sack, in the fourth quarter.​

BOUNCE BACK: After allowing 191 rushing yards in defeat last week, the Patriots were downright dominant on defense, allowing just 217 total yards.​

Ryan filled in for cornerback Alfonzo Dennard and kept Patterson quiet. Dont'a Hightower had two sacks and eight tackles. With starting outside linebacker Jamie Collins also out with a thigh injury, Jones moved back and forth from defensive end to a stand-up linebacker spot and had three quarterback hurries and eight tackles.​

Vikings miss Adrian Peterson in loss to Patriots

MINNEAPOLIS — The face of the franchise was nowhere to be found as the Minnesota Vikings flailed away against the New England Patriots on Sunday, and it's not clear when, if ever, Adrian Peterson wil…

www.telegram.com

Patriots-Vikings Live Blog: Pats Crush Vikings 30-7

Follow along for all the updates as the Patriots go for their first win of the season against the Vikings in Minneapolis.

www.cbsnews.com

FINAL: New England Patriots 30 - Minnesota Vikings 7

Get live updates and analysis right here for the New England Patriots' Week 2 matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium.

www.masslive.com

Patriots Report Card: Week 2 at Minnesota

It didn't happen right away but order was restored to the Patriots 2014 campaign on Sunday afternoon in Minneapolis in the form of a 30-7 win over the Vikings, the 200th victory of Bill Belichick's career.

www.boston.com

5 things we learned from Sunday's Patriots game

To name a few, Stevan Ridley and the defense had strong outings, but penalties are still a problem.

www.patriotledger.com

Jerod Mayo, Sealver Siliga Stand Out In Patriots-Vikings Film Review - NESN.com

The New England Patriots easily could have collapsed after consecutive unsuccessful offensive and defensive series’ to open Sunday’s matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Patriots came out of the locker room looking like the team that rolled over in the second half of its Week 1 33-20 loss...

nesn.com

1:54 Highlight Video
Patriots vs Vikings 2014 Week 2



4:49 Highlight Video
Patriots @ Vikings | 2014 Week 2 Patriots Highlights



2:14:59 Full Game
2014 Week 2 - Patriots @ Vikings
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings - September 14th, 2014 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 30 at Minnesota Vikings 7 on September 14th, 2014 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

All these years of making fun of the Colts banners......

1.8K views · 57 reactions | #Otd in 1986, the 1985 #AFCChampionship banner was raised at Sullivan Stadium in a pregame ceremony prior to the season opener. Billy Sullivan, the owner at the time, was joined by the governors from each of the #NewEnglan

#Otd in 1986, the 1985 #AFCChampionship banner was raised at Sullivan Stadium in a pregame ceremony prior to the season opener. Billy Sullivan, the owner at the time, was joined by the governors from...

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[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2009: Ben Watson catches two TDs in final minutes
Patriots come from behind, beat Buffalo 25-24​

Monday Sept 14, 2009 at 7:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 25, Buffalo Bills 24
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, **** Jauron
QBs: Tom Brady, Trent Edwards
Odds: New England Patriots favored by 13½


The Buffalo Bills were coming off a 7-9 season, but they nearly pulled off a huge upset on Monday Night Football in week one. In his first full game in 19 months, Tom Brady threw for 378 yards - and two touchdowns in the final 2:06 to enginner a 4th quarter comeback victory. Pierre Woods made a critical play on a kickoff, forcing a fumble that was recovered by Stephen Gostkowski to set up the game winning drive.

Tom Brady's 16-yard pass with 50 seconds to play gave the Pats a 25-24 comeback win over Buffalo​

Brady rallies Patriots past Bills, 25-24 -- Patriots.com

Brady Rallies Patriots Past Bills, 25-24

A year after being sidelined with torn knee ligaments, quarterback Tom Brady resembled a rusty game manager more than the invincible record-setting quarterback who guided the Patriots to a perfect 2007 regular season. Yet, he threw two touchdown passes in the final 2:06 as New England beat the...

www.wbur.org

Tom Brady doesn't do mediocre.​

That's not what all those long rehab sessions and months of preparing for his return to the NFL were about. So while Brady's performance was pedestrian for much of Monday night's season opener, when the spotlight was at its most intense, he lived up to the advance billing.​

It seemed to take forever, though.​

A year after being sidelined with torn knee ligaments, Brady resembled a rusty game manager more than the invincible record-setting quarterback who guided the Patriots to a perfect 2007 regular season. Yet, he threw two touchdown passes in the final 2:06 as New England beat the Buffalo Bills 25-24.​

Brady needed help in the form of Leodis McKelvin's fumble on a kickoff return after the Patriots pulled within five points.​

Placekicker Stephen Gostkowski, of all people, recovered at the Buffalo 31. Brady needed three plays before hitting Benjamin Watson over the middle for the decisive 16-yard touchdown with 50 seconds to go.​

Just 1:16 earlier, he found Watson on a similar play for an 18-yard score. It was vintage Brady, who threw for a record 50 TDs two years ago in leading New England to a perfect record.​

"Two-minute drives always are fun for a quarterback," Brady said. "Spread it out, the pass rush gets a little tired, you get a feel for the coverage, you just have to be patient."​

That unbeaten season was spoiled in Brady's last full game that counted, the February 2008 Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. He was hurt in last season's opener.​

Now he's back, although for much of the game he and the Patriots played conservatively, even passively. Indeed, Buffalo seemed ready to break an 11-game losing streak against New England and win for the first time in Gillette Stadium.​

Then came the late fireworks, demonstrating that Tom Terrific hasn't lost his touch.​

Patriots 25, Bills 24: Vintage Brady, in the end

A year after being sidelined with torn knee ligaments, for much of the night Tom Brady resembled a rusty game manager more than the invincible record-setting quarterback who guided the Patriots to a …

www.metrowestdailynews.com

Buffalo did a lot of things well, but got a shocking loss.​

Coming off a 1-4 preseason in which the offense flopped, the Bills made plenty of big plays.​

Trent Edwards outperformed Brady for much of the game and threw for two scores. A 10-yard screen pass TD to Fred Jackson put Buffalo ahead 24-13 with 5:32 to go - even though its new spotlight-grabber, Terrell Owens, barely caused a ripple. Owens had two catches for 46 yards.​

When the offense wasn't doing the damage, defensive end Aaron Schobel was rambling 26 yards with an interception for a first-half TD.​

Still, these are the Patriots, who have not lost a regular-season game with Brady at quarterback since Dec. 10, 2006. And they still have all those threats in the passing game, from Randy Moss (12 catches, 141 yards) to Wes Welker (12, 93) to tight end Watson (6, 77, two TDs).​

Although Brady had those impressive stats, he never looked deep and struggled to convert key plays until the final moments. Perhaps that big hit he took on his shoulder from Albert Haynesworth in the preseason limited Brady. And maybe his team was uncomfortable in the throwback red uniforms or being introduced as the Boston Patriots for the first of the NFL's tribute games to the old AFL. Something wasn't right in Foxboro - until the end.​

"It has nothing to do with his layoff," Moss said. "I think it's just first-game jitters. I'm not making an excuse, we just had to settle down and get to playing football the way we know how."​

Live Blog:

Final: Patriots 25, Bills 24

Keep it here for all in-game updates, including starting lineups, scoring plays, and other observations.

www.boston.com

5:08 Highlight Video
2009 Bills @ Patriots Week 1 MNF Highlights



2:19:49 Full Game
2009 Bills @ Patriots
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - September 14th, 2009 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Buffalo Bills 24 at New England Patriots 25 on September 14th, 2009 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2008: Matt Cassel wins in his first NFL start
Patriots beat Mangini & Favre's Jets, 19-10​

Monday Sept 14, 2008 at 4:15
Week 2, Game 2 at Giants Stadium
New England Patriots 19, New York Jets 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Eric Mangini
QBs: Matt Cassel, Brett Favre
Odds: New Jersey Jets favored by 1
Patriots improve to 2-0; Jete drop to 1-1


The lead up to this game was overshadowed by ESPN's contrived, made-for-tv drama focused on whether or not Bill Belichick would shake hands with Eric Mangini, after The Jets head coach ratted him out and instigated the NFL witch hunt known as spygate. That of course was another story that ESPN bled for all they could, with various reporters attempting to one-up each other with speculation and outright lies. Why worry about journalistic ethics when there is an upcoming Neilsen ratings report about to be published?

As for the game itself, Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals and Matt Cassel won in his first start at quarterback since he was in high school eight years earlier. The Pats improved to 2-0 while the Jets, who had just spent $100 million in free agency, dropped to 1-1.

The Cast Changes, but You Know the Ending (Published 2008)

Those looking for the Jets and Brett Favre to assume A.F.C. East supremacy after Tom Brady’s knee injury were disappointed as the Patriots remained dominant.

www.nytimes.com

Despite the new season, the new optimism and the new quarterbacks, the teams finished with the most familiar of results. This ended 19-10 in favor of the Patriots, who silenced the 78,554 at Giants Stadium with a victory typical in its boring, plodding dominance. The win, the Patriots’ 21st straight in the regular season, extended their N.F.L. record.​

The Patriots won without Brady, who sustained a season-ending knee injury last week. They won without the full use of Laurence Maroney, who played sparingly after sustaining a knee injury of his own. And they won, for the most part, without Randy Moss, the star receiver whom Revis held to a mortal two receptions.​

The Patriots won with four field goals from Stephen Gostkowski, with receiver Wes Welker abusing the Jets off short passes, with the same plug-and-go, everybody-bets-against-us mentality that characterizes all teams coached by Bill Belichick, football’s master motivator.​

Patriots 19, Jets 10: New England survives without Brady

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Life without Tom Brady might not be so bad for New England after all. Matt Cassel was efficient running the offense in his first NFL start, taking over for the injured quarter…

www.oklahoman.com

Matt Cassel was efficient running the offense in his first NFL start, taking over for the injured quarterback and leading the Patriots over Brett Favre and the New York Jets 19-10 on Sunday.​

"I thought Matt did a good job,” coach Bill Belichick said. "It wasn't perfect. We had some rough spots. He did a good job of making good decisions. I thought he managed the game well.”​

Cassel, who hadn't started at any level since his senior year of high school, was 16-of-23 for 165 yards, Sammy Morris ran for a touchdown and Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals.​

"To come in here, to this hostile environment, and win when everyone picked you to lose, is great,” safety Rodney Harrison said. "With all the stuff we had to go through and endure last week with Tom, this is a great victory.”​

Favre went 18-of-26 for 181 yards and a TD for the Jets.​

Patriots: Cassel manages to get a win

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Life without Tom Brady might not be so bad for New England after all.

www.capecodtimes.com

Life without Tom Brady might not be so bad for New England after all.​

The Matt Cassel era has opened on a winning note. Making his first start at quarterback any level since his senior year of high school, Cassel was 16-of-23 for 165 yards - and no turnovers - and Stephen Gostkowski kicked four field goals as the Patriots beat the Jets.​

The Patriots (2-0) ruined the Jets' home opener and Brett Favre's first regular-season home start for New York. Favre went 18-of-26 for 181 yards and a TD for the Jets (1-1), but the Patriots took advantage of a big mistake by the veteran.​

With the Jets facing a third-and-22 from their 11, Favre ran out of the pocket to his left and flung a pass to Chansi Stuckey for 28 yards. Three plays later, though, Favre made a poor decision, hanging a pass intended for Chris Baker that was easily picked off by Brandon Meriweather. It was Favre's first interception with the Jets.​

On third-and-9 from the 30, Cassel threw a screen to Kevin Faulk, who got a few blocks and got down to the 8. Three plays later, Morris leaped over the pile for a 1-yard touchdown to make it 13-3.​

"A lot of it is comfort level," said Cassel, who backed up Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart at Southern California. "I don't have as much experience as Tom, of course, but I think I was OK managing the game."​

Gostkowski added a 28-yard field goal with 17 seconds left in the third quarter.​

Favre led the Jets back into it, connecting with Stuckey for a 2-yard touchdown with 10:18 left, but Gostkowski kicked a 27-yard field goal to make it 19-10 as the Patriots ticked 5 minutes off the clock.​

The Jets went three-and-out on their next possession, and the Patriots ran out the clock to seal it.​

The Jets, slight favorites going into the game, had their opening 11-play drive end with Jay Feely, filling in for the injured Mike Nugent, missing a 31-yard attempt.​

Cassel then led the Patriots on a 12-play drive, capped by Gostkowski's 21-yard field goal.​

Gostkowski's 37-yarder gave the Patriots a 6-0 lead.​

The Jets wasted an impressive drive that featured a vintage play by Favre. The veteran quarterback scrambled on third-and-9 from their 21, stepped up and threw across his body, finding Coles down the right sideline for 54 yards.​

A zigzagging 11-yard run by Leon Washington got the ball to the 3, but the Jets gave the ball to Thomas Jones three times for 1, 1 and minus-2 yards. They had to settle for a 21-yard field goal by Feely.​

Adalius Thomas sacked a terrified Brett Favre for a loss of twenty yards
on the Jets last possession, sealing the victory for the Patriots​

Pats 19, Jets 10 (Week 2)

The Jets crash and burn in their attempt to assert themselves as the new favorites in the AFC East. The Tom Brady-less Pats, led by Matt Cassel, beat the Jets, 19-10.

www.nydailynews.com

Patriots Show Season Is Far From Lost (Published 2008)

New England’s victory against the Jets was among the Patriots’ most meaningful regular-season victories in recent years.

www.nytimes.com

Bill Belichick reeled in his grin as quickly as he could Sunday night, but the brief flash of giddiness he revealed to the cameras made it clear that New England’s 19-10 victory against the Jets was among the Patriots’ most meaningful regular-season victories in recent years.​

Without Tom Brady, and with Matt Cassel making his first start since he was a California high school star almost nine years ago, Belichick was in his motivational wheelhouse. It was a game against a team the Patriots hate in a season that almost everyone believed was lost.​

Belichick thrives in the us-against-the-world universe, and Patriots players buy the company line. Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs walked off the field saying, to nobody in particular, “They can’t do it; Tom’s not here.”​

But a more private sideline moment, as the clock wound down, indicated that this meant a little more than merely quieting the critics. Belichick went to each of his coaches and spoke to them, a quiet reminder that this was no routine victory in a season in which nothing may be predictable.​

Patriots...19 Jets...10

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Life without Tom Brady might not be so bad for New England after all.

www.latimes.com

The Jets and Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss said New England was still the team to beat even without Brady.​

The Patriots (2-0) then showed why, ruining the Jets’ home opener and Favre’s first regular-season home start for New York (1-1). New England won its 21st consecutive regular-season game, and beat the Jets for the eighth straight time at the Meadowlands.​

Quoteworthy: “I’ve been in the system for four years, so I’m confident I know I can run it.” -- Matt Cassel, Patriots quarterback​

3:41 Highlight Video
Features Adalius Thomas' famous sack on Brett Favre
Patriots vs Jets 2008 Week 2
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats, and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at New York Jets - September 14th, 2008 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 19 at New York Jets 10 on September 14th, 2008 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1980: Steve Bartkowski throws three TDs
Falcons trample Patriots, 37-21​

Sunday Sept 14, 1980 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at Schaefer Stadium
Atlanta Falcons 37, New England Patriots 21
Head Coaches: Ron Erhardt, Leeman Bennett
QBs: Steve Bartkowski, Steve Grogan
Odds: New England Patriots favored by 8
Patriots drop to 1-1; Falcons improve to 1-1


Leeman Bennett's biggest claim to fame is being the head coach for Atlanta's first playoff game in 1978, a 14-13 victory over the Eagles; the Falcons would not win again in the postseason until their 26th year of existence, in 1991. What I mostly remeber Bennett for is being a short-lived head coach for Tampa Bay, compiling back-to-back 2-14 seasons for the creamsicle winking pirates in the mid eighties. That was during the time that the Bucs didn't know what to do with Steve Young and they inadvisably selected Bo Jackson with the first overall draft pick, after he had made it quite clear that there was no way he would sign with the moribund franchise. In 1980 his Falcons went 12-4; he had a 38-65 record in his seven other seasons as head coach.


The Falcons had slipped back to 6-10 in 1979, so the 1980 NFL season didn’t open with soaring expectations. A disappointing loss at Minnesota started the year, when a missed extra point was the difference in a 24-23 loss. QB Steve Bartkowski took charge the following week against the Pats. With the score tied at 14 he threw consecutive touchdown passes to rookie TE Junior Miller, and went 19-30 for 244 yards and three touchdowns. Miller finished the day with eight receptions for 177 yards (22.1 ypc) while FB William Andrews rushed for 124 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries (6.5 ypc) and added 30 yards on four receptions.

The Pats were favored by 8, but were hurt by three turnovers. The Patriots opened with a 9-yard TD from Steve Grogan to Don Hasselbeck, and tied the score at 14 on a Don Calhoun run. After Miller's two touchdowns, Grogan hit Stanley Morgan on a 25 yard pass to make the score 28-21 at the half. The Patriot defense was a sieve, allowing 404 yards of offense and only getting to Bartkowski for one sack. Atlanta shut the Patriots out in the second half while settling for three field goals for the final score of 37-21.

Both teams had 1-1 records after this game, with Atlanta finishing the season 12-4 and winning the NFC West; the Pats went 10-6, second in the AFC East and missing the playoffs by one game.

When I googled "1980 falcons 37 patriots 21" one of the links was to this post below on Patriots.com, which provided a quick synopsis for this game. What that has to do with the interview with a smiling Pats cheerleader, I have no idea. Her birthday was on this date, perhaps? Whatever the reason, thank you for the photo.; it was more pleasant than researching the details of this putrid game.

10 Questions with Patriots Cheerleader Delaney

We asked Patriots Cheerleader Delaney some quick-hit questions.

www.patriots.com

1:40 Highlight Video
9/14/1980 Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots highlights, National Football League Week 2



35:58 Extened Highlight Video
1980-09-14 Atlanta Falcons vs New England Patriots



2:38:26 Full Game, for masochists
1980 Falcons @ Patriots
​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots - September 14th, 1980 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Atlanta Falcons 37 at New England Patriots 21 on September 14th, 1980 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1969: First Game of the Clive Rush Error
Denver Broncos 35, Boston Patriots 7​

Sunday Sept 14, 1969 at 4:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 35, Boston Patriots 7
Head Coaches: Clive Rush, Lou Saban
QBs: Mike Taliaferro, Steve Tensi
Odds: Denver Broncos favored by 4½


In 1966 the Patriots were upset in the final game of the season, denying them a chance to play for the AFL title and something that would later become known as the super bowl. Things went south quickly after that, with the entire roster seeming to age and slow down simultaneously. After a pair of ten-loss seasons Mike Holovak was fired and replaced by the franchise's third head coach, Clive Rush.

Rush - who was selected to be head coach over Chuck Noll because Rush was an OC with the super bowl winning Jets, as opposed to Noll being a DC with the team they defeated, the Baltimore Colts - lasted only a season and a half, quitting with a 5-16 record with the Pats.

Today in Patriots History: Clive Rush is electrocuted | PatsFans.com

The press conference would proceed to become an unforgettable moment in the history of the Patriots franchise. It was also an omen of the Clive Rush era - or error.

www.patsfans.com

50 years ago, an electric shock almost killed a Patriots coach during a press conference

The Patriots have come a long way from where the team was half a century ago. The current Super Bowl champions were in a very different place in early 1969. Nothing epitomized that more than a bizarre press conference on Feb. 12 of that year, when newly installed coach Clive Rush had to receive...

www.boston.com

Patriots owner Billy Sullivan (left), Clive Rush (center), and George Sauer (right) at the infamous press conference.​

Mike Taliaferro threw four picks in this blowout. The Pats only score came in the fourth quarter on a Carl Garrett run - after they were down by 35. Jim Nance had 70 yards on 12 carries and RC Gamble had five catches for 71 yards for the Pats.

Denver's Rich Jackson, Dave Costa and Pete Duranko pressure Patriot QB Mike Taliaferro​

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Boston Patriots at Denver Broncos - September 14th, 1969 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 7 at Denver Broncos 35 on September 14th, 1969 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[TheRainMaker]

Bledsoe with his signature throwing to the LB against the Jets. How much did that piss you guys off?

Loved watching Curtis Martin run. He's still my all time favorite Pats RB.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1963: Battle of AFL Heavyweights
Chargers edge Patriots 17-13​

Saturday Sept 14, 1963 at 4:00
Week 2, Game 2 at Balboa Stadium
San Diego Chargers 17, Boston Patriots 13
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Sid Gillman
QBs: Babe Parilli/Tom Yewcic, Tobin Rote/John Hadl
Odds: San Diego Chargers favored by 4½
Patriots drop to 1-1; Chargers improve to 2-0


The stout Pats defense limited a prolific San Diego offense to 240 yards, but two big plays were the difference. In the 2nd quarter Lance Alworth scored on a 43 yard pass from Tobin Rote, then the Pats D was fooled on a 71 yard halfback option TD pass from Paul Lowe to Jerry Robinson. Tom Yewcic came off the bench to replace an ineffective Babe Parilli at QB, and scored on a 1-yard keeper to make it 14-10 at halftime. Gino Cappelletti's 36 yard 4th quarter field goal cut the deficit to one, but the Pats were unable to score again.

San Diego improved to 2-0 while the Pats dropped to 1-1. In November the Chargers would win another close game over the Patriots by the score of 7-6 at Fenway Park, and then the two teams would meet for the AFL championship - a game that the Chargers famously throttled the Patriots, 51-10 when Keith Lincoln rushed for 206 yards and caught seven passes for another 123 yards.

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Boston Patriots at San Diego Chargers - September 14th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 13 at San Diego Chargers 17 on September 14th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com