Today In Patriots History September 28, 2003: Steve Spurrier beats Bill Belichick

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2003: Spurrier outcoaches Belichick
Brady throws three interceptions
Washington 20, New England 17​

September 28 is an oddity in the history of the Patriot franchise: the team has never won a game on this date. The Pats are 0-4 on 9/28, with losses coming to teams with four legendary head coaches - though one is known for being a great college football coach, and considered to be a bust in the NFL.

Sunday Sept 28, 2003 at 1:00
Week 4, Game 4 at FedEx Field
Washington Redskins 20, New England Patriots 17
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Steve Spurrier
QBs: Tom Brady, Patrick Ramsey
Odds: Washington favored by 3½
Patriots drop to 2-2, Skins improve to 3-1


After losing to Buffalo 31-0 in the season opener, the Patriots settled down with a 31-10 victory at Philadelphia and a 23-16 win against the Jets. Washington was a slight home favorite after playing in three close games: a 3-point win over the Jets, a 2-point win at Atlanta, and a 3-point overtime loss to the Giants. For the Pats this was their third road game in four weeks to start the season.

When this game ended the talking heads were saying that the Patriot 'dink and dunk' offense was too predictable. Opponents had caught on to the play calling, and without a vertical passing game the offense would never succeed. The Patriots would instead win the next 21 games in a row, including Super Bowl 38 against Carolina.

At the same time Steve Spurrier was being lauded after this game for out-coaching Belichick. The Patriot game plan was to take away what Spurrier liked to do - pass the ball downfield - and he responded by throwing the fewest passes of his NFL coaching career (22), while running the ball 29 times. But after a 3-1 start Washington went 2-10 the rest of the way. Spurrier was fired after his second season as an NFL coach, compiling a 12-20 record. Dan Snyder hired Joe Gibbs for a second stint as head coach in Washington in 2004, making him the fourth Washington HC in five seasons (Gibbs, Spurrier, Norv Turner, Marty Schottenheimer. Gibbs lasted four seasons, with two playoff appearances offset by two seasons with 10+ losses.

Washington Redskins 2003 Season Recap - Washington Post

Patriots victims of their own mistakes in loss to Redskins - The Boston Globe

Tom Brady threw three interceptions and failed to capitalize on a short field on the Patriots’ final drive in a 20-17 loss at Washington that would mark New England’s last defeat in more than a year.

www.bostonglobe.com

The Redskins certainly were good stagehands. On their last drive, they committed three false starts - moving back from their 22 to their 7 - and Bryan Barker was forced to punt from deep in his end zone.​

His kick was downed at the Washington 45, and 83,632 fans were shaking in their boots.​

The drive started with Brady firing incomplete to Deion Branch. Next came a 5-yard toss to Larry Centers. On third and 5, Centers ran a draw up the middle for 2 yards. It was fourth and 3 at the 38 with 43 seconds left when Brady tried to drill a 20-yard pass to Graham. The ball was thrown slightly behind the second-year tight end and was broken up Ifeanyi Ohalete. Game over.​

- - -​

After a battle between kickers John Hall and Vinatieri in the first half, the Patriots were fortunate to trail, 6-3, at the half. The Patriots were blitzing frequently. The offense was trying the gimmicks, including end arounds, a sure sign a team is hurting. Rookie Dan Klecko blocked a 48-yard field goal late in the first half, but it didn't give the Patriots the needed momentum as Brady came up short on a throw to the end zone intended for Branch and was picked off by Ohalete.​

With 1:05 remaining in the half, the Patriots were driving again as Brady completed a 17-yard pass to Branch to the Redskins 44. Brady took another shot downfield, but Champ Bailey stepped in front of a pass intended for David Givens, ending the threat.​

Things began to unravel in the third quarter when Kevin Faulk tried to sweep right and was caught flush by Bailey, who forced a fumble that was recovered by Matt Bowen at the New England 1. Ladell Betts slammed it in from there, giving the home team a 13-3 lead just 1:25 into the third quarter.​

The Patriots made three first downs on their next possession, but then Vinatieri missed his first field goal of the season. The Redskins then drove it down the field; another missed opportunity for the Patriots came when Trung Canidate was stripped of the ball from behind by Tyrone Poole after a 20-yard run. The ball rolled to the 12, where Washington receiver Rod Gardner made the recovery. Moments later Rock Cartwright swept into the end zone from 3 yards out, giving Washington a 20-3 cushion with 5:15 remaining in the third.​

Turnovers cost Patriots, then Redskins hang on

Limping home LANDOVER, Md. — Maybe the Washington Redskins are just destined to play every game close this season. At least they're winning most of them. The Redskins nearly blew a 17-point lead …

www.capecodtimes.com

The Patriots (2-2) played without nine injured opening-day starters, including three linebackers. Two offensive linemen made their first NFL starts. Brady has been nursing a sore elbow, but he said it wasn't a factor in his three picks.​

The Redskins led 20-3 in the third quarter before two touchdown passes by Brady put the Patriots within three points with 2:10 to play.​

Washington then mismanaged the clock, throwing two incomplete passes and committing three false-start penalties -- including two by Pro Bowl tackle Chris Samuels. Laveranues Coles' tough catch appeared to convert a third-and-16, but it was ruled incomplete after a video review.​

Bryan Barker's short punt gave the Patriots the ball at Washington's 45 with 1:39 to go, and they moved to the 38 to set up fourth-and-3. Instead of sending Adam Vinatieri on for a 55-yard field goal attempt that could tie the game, coach Bill Belichick kept the offense on the field. Brady's pass was broken up by Ifeanyi Ohalete to end the final threat.​

New England's inactive list would make a good basis for a team in itself: LB Mike Vrabel, LB Ted Johnson, G Damien Woody, T Adrian Klemm, WR David Patten, NT Ted Washington and FB Fred McCrary. OLs Tom Ashworth and Russ Hochstein made their first NFL starts.​

Patriots Are Bedeviled by the Details
Questionable Calls On Last Drive Cut Short Rally

The Patriots instead ran a four-play drive that stalled at the 38-yard line and left enough questions hanging over the field to keep the couch quarterbacks and call-in shows in New England busy all day today.​

Why didn't the Patriots use their final timeout at fourth and three from the 38-yard line? Why did Brady throw 15 yards downfield on the final play instead of waiting out his short receivers? Why not go for the field goal? And why call a draw play at third and five?​

As for the final timeout, Belichick said he thought his team had more than enough time on the clock to pull out a leisurely comeback.​

Brady's first play from the 45 was an incomplete pass to Deion Branch. He then connected with fullback Larry Centers for a five-yard gain. Brady went to Centers up the middle again for another two yards, giving New England fourth and three from the 38.​

Centers said he was poised to convert the fourth down with 43 seconds left but instead saw the ball fly over his head. The ball was tipped about 10 yards away by Redskins safety Ifeanyi Ohalete, ending the Patriots' comeback and inviting all of the questions.​

Patriots place kicker Adam Vinatieri said a potential 55-yard field goal was just outside the range he and the coaching staff had set for the south end zone before the game: within 54 yards. His longest career field goal is a 57-yarder kicked last season against Chicago, but the chances of converting a fourth down seemed more likely.​

"If it would've been fourth and 12, I guarantee you we would've kicked it," Vinatieri said. "But we thought we were going to get a first down and have a chance to score a touchdown."​

The Patriots' final drive fell far short of the one that set it up: With 3 minutes 34 seconds left, Brady directed a nearly flawless scoring drive in which he had consecutive completions of 22, 14, 15, 12 and 7 yards to make the score 20-17.​

Brady was positioned to redeem his three interceptions -- two in the first half -- but they only appeared even more glaring after the game.​

 

[Pape]

the 03 team was strong, had no business losing to the 'skins... We play them a month later we finish 15-1... But it was the last loss we had in 21 straight games, so eh, I coped

 

[jmt57]

One Spurrier win with Redskins had big impact on Patriots

As the Ol’ Ball Coach steps down from coaching and his coaching career is eulogized, not much time will be spent on Steve Spurrier’s two-year run as head coach of the Redskins. The Skins went 12-20 while Spurrier was in charge and the 2003 season was particularly bleak as they lost 10 of their...

www.nbcsportsboston.com

After losing two of their last three and missing the playoffs in 2002, the Patriots started the 2003 season with a 31-0 shutout loss in Buffalo. The Patriots waxed the Eagles and Donovan McNabb in Week 2 then got past the Jets in Week 3, but things still weren’t rosy in Foxboro just weeks after the controversial release of Lawyer Milloy.​

Tom Brady was still regarded by some as a system quarterback and plenty of people were forecasting an arc in New England similar to the one Bill Belichick experienced in Cleveland.​

And then the Patriots went to Washington and – despite outplaying the Skins – lost 20-17 thanks to three picks from Brady, a missed field goal from Adam Vinatieri and yet another fumble by Kevin Faulk.​

Brady was picked off in Redskins territory on the last two drives before the half and Faulk fumbled on the Pats first possession after halftime. Vinatieri missed a 46-yarder on the next Pats’ possession.​

After that loss, Brady – in full uniform – sat staring into his locker for an exceptionally long time before showering and meeting the media.​

It was a high point for Spurrier’s tenure in Washington. It was a low point for the Patriots. The following week, the Patriots won a shootout against the Titans with Mike Cloud going off in a 38-30 win. It was the first of 21 consecutive wins including three playoffs games for the Patriots, who didn’t lose another until Halloween in Pittsburgh in 2004.​

After that loss in Washington, the Patriots went 32-2 through the end of the 2004 season and won two Super Bowls. By the time that was over, nobody was calling Brady a system quarterback or bringing up Cleveland anymore.​

PRO FOOTBALL; In a Change of Pace, the Redskins Win With Defense (Published 2003)

Washington Redskins defeat New England Patriots, 20-17 (M)

www.nytimes.com

The fire and brimstone was missing from Steve Spurrier's offense today. The Washington Redskins were more methodical than freewheeling on an afternoon when their defense deserved most of the accolades. There is, however, something to be said for winning gritty.​

The Redskins, who came into the game with the top-ranked offense in the N.F.L., improved to 3-1, their best start since 1999, with a 20-17 victory over New England.​

The Patriots' hopes died with 43 seconds left when safety Ifeanyi Ohalete knocked down a Tom Brady pass intended for Daniel Graham on a play that typified a well-rounded team effort.​

Washington threw 22 passes, the fewest in Spurrier's 20 games as Redskins coach. Apparently, this team does not need to get into a shootout to win.​

''Today the running game took off for us, and I'm excited,'' said wide receiver Laveranues Coles, who had 5 catches for 62 yards, the first game this season he was under 100 yards. ''Now teams need to look at us as a total offense.''​

The Redskins averted what would have been a particularly painful defeat after losing a week earlier in overtime to the Giants.​

''Any time you lose, there's not going to be a happy-go-lucky feeling in the building,'' offensive tackle Jon Jansen said. ''We had a chip on our shoulders after that game, and it's still there. You never forget a loss like that.''​

​

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the Redskins' game today was that they completed only two passes in the second half, for 12 yards.​

​

The running game took over after the Redskins went ahead by 20-3 with 5 minutes 15 seconds left in the third quarter and Spurrier tried to run time off the clock. Running backs Trung Canidate and Ladell Betts were kept busy in the second half, combining for 12 carries and 73 yards.​

​

It was a strategy that nearly backfired.​

With the Redskins' offense stalled, the Patriots (2-2) waged a comeback that just fell short. They scored their first touchdown with 2:19 left in the third quarter, cutting Washington's lead to 20-10 when Brady hit David Givens, who made an acrobatic diving catch in the end zone, on a 29-yard throw.​

New England scored another touchdown on Larry Centers' 7-yard reception from Brady with 2:10 left in the game to cut Washington's lead to 20-17.​

​

Patriots Coach Bill Belichick decided not to go for the onside kick on the next play, and the Redskins' possession stalled when Coles was unable to control a sideline pass that would have given Washington a first down.​

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The play was reviewed, and it appeared that Coles had the ball as he was going out of bounds before bobbling it. He said afterward that he was told by the referee that it was called an incomplete pass because of a new rule that says a player must have a firm grasp of the ball even when his momentum carries him out of bounds.​

After Bryan Barker's punt, New England took over at the Washington 45. The Patriots reached the Washington 38, and Belichick decided to go for it on fourth-and-3 with 43 seconds left rather than trying what would have been a 55-yard field-goal attempt by Adam Vinatieri. But Ohalete broke up Brady's pass.​

The Patriots dug too deep a hole early in the game. Every time they seemed ready to get the offense rolling, they made a costly mistake. Brady was intercepted three times and running back Kevin Faulk fumbled the ball away near the start of the third quarter that led to a Washington touchdown.​

On a trick play from the Patriots' 21, the ball was snapped to Faulk, who was hit hard by cornerback Champ Bailey, which caused the ball to come loose. Matt Bowen recovered the ball at the 1, and Betts ran it in for a touchdown on the next play.​

It was one of a handful of big plays made by the Washington defense.​

Washington Redskins' Memorable Wins Against the New England Patriots - Bleacher Report

2:51 Highlight Video
Patriots vs Redskins 2003 Week 4
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Patriots Media Pre-Game Press Release

NFL Media Game Summary

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

New England Patriots at Washington Redskins - September 28th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 17 at Washington Redskins 20 on September 28th, 2003 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[signbabybrady]

the 03 team was strong, had no business losing to the 'skins... We play them a month later we finish 15-1... But it was the last loss we had in 21 straight games, so eh, I coped

The 21 straight gets a little forgotten after 18-1. It's a shame because that's the best football this team played out of all 6 titles. It straddled 03-04 and it was absolutely dominant football capped of by 2 SB wins.

"Back to back yes it's a dynasty!"

 

[jmt57]

the 03 team was strong, had no business losing to the 'skins... We play them a month later we finish 15-1... But it was the last loss we had in 21 straight games, so eh, I coped

I have no way of knowing what went on in the minds of the players , but it seemed as though the Washington loss was a jolt to their senses, a wakeup call. It certainly seems that way in hindsight, given the streak the team went on after this game.


Not that it is an excuse, but I had completely forgotten how many players were injured and missed this game: Mike Vrabel, Ted Johnson and Ted Washington on defense; Damien Woody and David Patten on offense; and two players making their first career NFL start on the offensive line (Russ Hochstein, Tom Ashworth). That's a lot to overcome.

 

[Pape]

I have no way of knowing what went on in the minds of the players , but it seemed as though the Washington loss was a jolt to their senses, a wakeup call. It certainly seems that way in hindsight, given the streak the team went on after this game.


Not that it is an excuse, but I had completely forgotten how many players were injured and missed this game: Mike Vrabel, Ted Johnson and Ted Washington on defense; Damien Woody and David Patten on offense; and two players making their first career NFL start on the offensive line (Russ Hochstein, Tom Ashworth). That's a lot to overcome.

and injuries are what ended it in '04

The 21 straight gets a little forgotten after 18-1. It's a shame because that's the best football this team played out of all 6 titles. It straddled 03-04 and it was absolutely dominant football capped of by 2 SB wins.

"Back to back yes it's a dynasty!"

and its not a fake winning streak like the one they credit the clots with... 23 game "regular season win streak" my ass... frauds

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1986: Red Zone Offense Sputters
Broncos rally in second half
Denver 27, New England 20​

Sunday Sept 28, 1986 at 4:00
Week 4, Game 4 at Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 20
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Dan Reeves
QBs: Tony Eason, John Elway
Odds: Denver favored by 3
Patriots drop to 2-2, Broncos improve to 4-0


The Patriots have a long history of losses to John Elway. For once the Pats contained him, limiting him to 188 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. It didn't matter as Elway and the Broncos still found a way to win.

Backed by a strong running game (29 rushes for 156 yards) and stingy defense (5 sacks for -44 yards; 40 yards rushing allowed on 20 carries) Denver scored 24 unanswered points in the second half for a comeback victory. Tony Collins had nine catches for 94 yards, but was limited to six yards on five rushes.


The Patriots would finish 11-5 to win the AFC East in '86, then lose at Denver again, 22-17 in the playoffs. The Broncos won their next postseason game against Cleveland in OT; that contest is better known as 'The Drive'. Two weeks later Denver lost 39-20 to the Giants in Super Bowl 21; that game earned Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick their first super bowl rings.

Patriots Let Broncos Off Floor : Denver Avoids Knockout and Rallies to Win, 27-20

Football is like boxing in one way. When the other guy is on the ropes, you'd better put him away.

www.latimes.com

Football is like boxing in one way. When the other guy is on the ropes, you’d better put him away.​

The New England Patriots had that opportunity here Sunday. Time after time they were in position to overpower the Denver Broncos in the first half, when they drove to the Denver 15, 14, 11 and 26-yard lines on 4 of their 6 offensive series.​

But they tried for the knockout with trick plays that bombed, and settled for only 13 points. This took the heart out of the Patriots and transferred it to the Broncos, who came on in the second half to win, 27-20, after falling behind at halftime, 13-3.​

On a calm, sunny afternoon at Mile High Stadium, a record crowd of 75,804 saw quarterback John Elway lead the Broncos 72, 68 and 53 yards to touchdowns on 3 of his first 4 series in the second half as New England dropped out of the game, 24-13.​

This put Denver (4-0) alone atop the AFC West with Seattle losing at Washington, and left defending conference champion New England (2-2) a game behind the New York Jets in the AFC East.​

Elway’s spectacular comeback followed his worst half as a pro, a half in which Denver earned only three first downs and incredibly held possession of the ball for only 9 minutes to New England’s 21 minutes.​

The other quarterback, Tony Eason, whose accurate early passing made the Patriots appear to be much the better of the two teams, said: “Our offense only showed up for the first half.”​

It was New England’s game, said Patriot fullback Craig James, until the last two minutes of the half.​

“Then I made a poor pass on the option play,” he said.​

He was right about all that. “The (option) interception was the turning point,” Denver Coach Dan Reeves said.​

James’ fullback pass, badly underthrown, was one of several trick plays the Patriots attempted in the second quarter when their offensive line was beating up the Broncos and when Eason’s passes were tearing up the Bronco secondary.​

The Patriot play caller, backup quarterback Steve Grogan, sent in the James option on first down from the Denver 11 after Eason’s throws and halfback Tony Collins’ runs moved New England that far.​

Collins was open for a probable touchdown, but James underthrew him, free safety Steve Foley getting a lucky interception for Denver.​

A moment later, a clever New England punt run by Irving Fryar and Eason’s passes returned the Patriots to the Denver 26. This time on first down, Grogan put Eason in shotgun formation and called James on a draw play.​

The Broncos stuffed it. And the Patriots, whose conventional offense was too much for Denver for two quarters, were never heard from again.​

On the second of the Broncos’ three touchdown drives, the one that put them ahead, Elway overcame third and 21 with a throw to wide receiver Clint Sampson, who lateraled to halfback Gerald Willhite for a first down.​

“That got their fans into the game,” New England Coach Raymond Berry said.​

“We just had too many occasions (after that) when we had three downs and out.”​

Also talking about the noisy stadium, James said: “We lost the momentum when their fans got in the game.”​

Karl Mecklenburg had 2½ of Denver's five sacks on Tony Eason​

The mile-high altitude here didn’t help New England, either.​

“I think we wore them down in the second half,” Reeves said.​

The turnabout was a rare one for even this altitude. The Broncos, who’d had the ball for only 9 minutes in the first half, had it for 20 of the 30 in the second.​

Exact time of possession: New England 30:46, Denver 29:14.​

“It was two different ballgames,” Reeves said.​

Added Elway: “The second one was a confidence booster for us.”​

NFL Media Game Summary

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - September 28th, 1986 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 20 at Denver Broncos 27 on September 28th, 1986 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1975: Dolphins rally in 2nd half comeback
No Csonka, No Kiick, No Problem
Miami 22, New England 14​

Sunday Sept 28, 1975 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at Schaefer Stadium
Miami Dolphins 22, New England Patriots 14
Head Coaches: Chuck Fairbanks, Don Shula
QBs: Neil Graff, Bob Griese
Odds: Miami favored by 8
Patriots drop to 0-2, Dolphins improve to 1-1


Neil Graff got the start for the second week in a row, filling in for an injured Jim Plunkett who would return the next week. Graff was in his second NFL season and making the second (and last) start of his career. Chuck Fairbanks gave him the nod over rookie Steve Grogan, who did enter the game briefly.

Things started out well, with Graff throwing the only touchdowns of his NFL career. He hit Randy Vataha on a 31-yard score in the first quarter, then Russ Francis on a five-yard toss to make it 14-0 at the half. For the rookie tight end it was the first touchdown of his pro football career.

Miami came back with two touchdowns and three field goals, outscoring the Patriots 22-0 the rest of the way. Don Nottingham gained 105 of his 120 yards in the second half, and the Dolphins rushed for 210 yards overall compared to New England's 78 yards on 33 carrries (2.36 ypc). Nottingham and Norm Bulaich each scored for the Dolphins who also had three field goals by Garo Yepremian. Freddie Solomon's 46-yard punt return set up the first Miami score and Jake Scott's interception led to the second.


The 1975 Dolphins were without Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Paul Warfield, all of whom had signed with the new World Football League. Miami finished the season 10-4 but the Colts won the AFC East on a tiebreaker, and the Dolphins did not make the playoffs despite their .714 winning percentage.

The Pats had finished 7-7 in 1974, but lost their first four games (and final six games) in '75, dropping to a 3-11 record that year. In the next offseason Plunkett was traded for a bounty of draft picks, and the Pats would have an incredible turnaround in '76.

2:33 Highlight Video
9/28/1975 Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots highlights, National Football League Week 2



12:40 Highlight Video
1975-9-28 Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots + NFL Highlights Week 2
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NFL Media Game Summary, complete with handwritten notes.

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - September 28th, 1975 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Miami Dolphins 22 at New England Patriots 14 on September 28th, 1975 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1969: another early lead vanishes
Lamonica throws four touchdown passes
Oakland 38, Boston 23​

Sunday Sept 28, 1969 at 1:30
Week 3, Game 3 at Alumni Stadium
Oakland Raiders 38, Boston Patriots 23
Head Coaches: Clive Rush, John Madden
QBs: Mike Taliaferro, Daryle Lamonica
Odds: Oakland favored by 16
Patriots drop to 0-3, Raiders improve to 3-0

The Pats appeared to be on their way to a stunning upset early on. Mike Taliaferro hit Charley Frazier (18 yards) and Jim Whalen (4 yards) on touchdown passes to give the Patriots a 13-0 first quarter lead. At halftime the Pats still led 13-10, but Oakland charged back with 38 unanswered points, including three Daryle Lamonica touchdown passes in the third quarter. Rookie head coach John Madden got his third straight win for the Raiders, who dominated the line of scrimmage en route to a 423-170 advantage in total yards.

Boston turned the ball over three times and could not take advantage of 13 penalties called on the Raiders for a loss of 176 yards. The Patriots were unable to get their running game going; Carl Garrett and Jim Nance were both limited to less than 20 yards rushing. Ron Sellers had two receptions for 57 yards for the Pats, and Whalen had three catches for 42 yards and the TD.


The game was more of a blowout than the final score would indicate. The Raiders led 38-13 in the fourth quarter before the Pats made the final score a bit more respectable on a one-yard pass from Taliaferro (12-29, 139 yards, 3 TD, 2 Int) to Garrett and a 16-yard Gino Cappelletti field goal (rather than going for it on fourth down from the eight yard line).

9/8/1969: Boston Patriots MLB Jim Cheyunski prepares to tackle Oakland Raiders RB Hewritt Dixon at Alumni Stadium​

The Patriots finished the season 4-10 in Rush's first season as head coach; he would be fired halfway through the 1970 season after a 1-6 start. Oakland went 12-1-1 to win the AFL West. After annihilating Houston 56-7 in the playoffs, the defending champion Raiders lost to Kansas City 17-7 in the 1969 AFL title game.

2:06 Highlight Video
1969 Raiders at Patriots week 3 AFL
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AFL Media Game Summary, with handwritten notes

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Oakland Raiders at Boston Patriots - September 28th, 1969 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Oakland Raiders 38 at Boston Patriots 23 on September 28th, 1969 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Pape]

Today in Patriots History
1986: Red Zone Offense Sputters
Broncos rally in second half
Denver 27, New England 20​

Sunday Sept 28, 1986 at 4:00
Week 4, Game 4 at Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 20
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Dan Reeves
QBs: Tony eason, John Elway
Odds: Denver favored by 3
Patriots drop to 2-2, Broncos improve to 4-0


The Patriots have a long history of losses to John Elway. For once the Pats contained him, limiting him to 188 yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. It didn't matter as Elway and the Broncos still found a way to win.

Backed by a strong running game (29 rushes for 156 yards) and stingy defense (5 sacks for -44 yards; 40 yards rushing allowed on 20 carries) Denver scored 24 unanswered points in the second half for a comeback victory. Tony Collins had nine catches for 94 yards, but was limited to six yards on five rushes.


The Patriots would finish 11-5 to win the AFC East in '86, then lose at Denver again, 22-17 in the playoffs. The Broncos won their next postseason game against Cleveland in OT; that contest is better known as 'The Drive'. Two weeks later Denver lost 39-20 to the Giants in Super Bowl 21; that game earned Bill Parcells and Bill Belichick their first super bowl rings.

Patriots Let Broncos Off Floor : Denver Avoids Knockout and Rallies to Win, 27-20

Football is like boxing in one way. When the other guy is on the ropes, you'd better put him away.

www.latimes.com

Football is like boxing in one way. When the other guy is on the ropes, you’d better put him away.​

The New England Patriots had that opportunity here Sunday. Time after time they were in position to overpower the Denver Broncos in the first half, when they drove to the Denver 15, 14, 11 and 26-yard lines on 4 of their 6 offensive series.​

But they tried for the knockout with trick plays that bombed, and settled for only 13 points. This took the heart out of the Patriots and transferred it to the Broncos, who came on in the second half to win, 27-20, after falling behind at halftime, 13-3.​

On a calm, sunny afternoon at Mile High Stadium, a record crowd of 75,804 saw quarterback John Elway lead the Broncos 72, 68 and 53 yards to touchdowns on 3 of his first 4 series in the second half as New England dropped out of the game, 24-13.​

This put Denver (4-0) alone atop the AFC West with Seattle losing at Washington, and left defending conference champion New England (2-2) a game behind the New York Jets in the AFC East.​

Elway’s spectacular comeback followed his worst half as a pro, a half in which Denver earned only three first downs and incredibly held possession of the ball for only 9 minutes to New England’s 21 minutes.​

The other quarterback, Tony Eason, whose accurate early passing made the Patriots appear to be much the better of the two teams, said: “Our offense only showed up for the first half.”​

It was New England’s game, said Patriot fullback Craig James, until the last two minutes of the half.​

“Then I made a poor pass on the option play,” he said.​

He was right about all that. “The (option) interception was the turning point,” Denver Coach Dan Reeves said.​

James’ fullback pass, badly underthrown, was one of several trick plays the Patriots attempted in the second quarter when their offensive line was beating up the Broncos and when Eason’s passes were tearing up the Bronco secondary.​

The Patriot play caller, backup quarterback Steve Grogan, sent in the James option on first down from the Denver 11 after Eason’s throws and halfback Tony Collins’ runs moved New England that far.​

Collins was open for a probable touchdown, but James underthrew him, free safety Steve Foley getting a lucky interception for Denver.​

A moment later, a clever New England punt run by Irving Fryar and Eason’s passes returned the Patriots to the Denver 26. This time on first down, Grogan put Eason in shotgun formation and called James on a draw play.​

The Broncos stuffed it. And the Patriots, whose conventional offense was too much for Denver for two quarters, were never heard from again.​

On the second of the Broncos’ three touchdown drives, the one that put them ahead, Elway overcame third and 21 with a throw to wide receiver Clint Sampson, who lateraled to halfback Gerald Willhite for a first down.​

“That got their fans into the game,” New England Coach Raymond Berry said.​

“We just had too many occasions (after that) when we had three downs and out.”​

Also talking about the noisy stadium, James said: “We lost the momentum when their fans got in the game.”​

Karl Mecklenburg had 2½ of Denver's five sacks on Tony Eason​

The mile-high altitude here didn’t help New England, either.​

“I think we wore them down in the second half,” Reeves said.​

The turnabout was a rare one for even this altitude. The Broncos, who’d had the ball for only 9 minutes in the first half, had it for 20 of the 30 in the second.​

Exact time of possession: New England 30:46, Denver 29:14.​

“It was two different ballgames,” Reeves said.​

Added Elway: “The second one was a confidence booster for us.”​

NFL Media Game Summary

Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - September 28th, 1986 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 20 at Denver Broncos 27 on September 28th, 1986 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

i hate the broncos... and i hate losing to the broncos more than losing to any other team... irks the eff out of me to no end

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
J.R. Redmond​

Happy 47th birthday to J.R. Redmond
Born Sept 28, 1977 in Los Angeles
Patriot RB, 2000-2002; uniform #21
Pats 3rd round (76th overall) selection of the 2000 draft, from Arizona State


While his career stats (790 yards in three seasons with the Pats; 1,178 yards total in five NFL seasons) were nothing to write home about, one game - or one drive - made Redmond a Patriot legend.

April 16, 2000: J.R. Redmond Draft Bio - Patriots.com

In the 2001 divisional round playoff game versus Oakland - aka the Snow Bowl Game to Pats fans (and the Tuck Rule Game to everyone else), Redmond had four catches on four targets, for 43 yards. Three of those receptions came in overtime, including a 20-yard catch-and-run that gave the Pats a first down at the Oakland 45.

I donated to The Silverback Foundation

Join me in supporting The Silverback Foundation with a donation.

www.givesignup.org

Joseph Robert Redmond is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He played for the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders, and won Super Bowl XXXVI as a member of the Patriots over the St. Louis Rams. A Heisman candidate and Doak Walker Finalist, Redmond was drafted in the 3rd round, 76th pick of the NFL draft to the New England Patriots.​

Redmond played his collegiate football career at Arizona State University from 1996-1999, there he finished 3rd in school history in rushing yards and offensive MVP for 3 consecutive years.​

Five years into retirement Redmond’s battled depression and was eventually diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder with Psychosis, Posttraumatic stress disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-concussion Syndrome, and Chronic Pain Syndrome. The next phase of his life was challenging as J.R. was faced with homelessness, family issues, valuable possession lost due to the diagnosis. Finding treatment soon after allowed him to understand how to improve daily life. This foundation roots in the life J.R. experienced prior to treatment and the valuable lessons and accolades he has received after treatment. Along with the J. R. Redmond Silverback Foundation, J.R. owns an apparel design and production company that has grown tremendously over the years. Implementing proceeds from his apparel line will tie into the overlying growth of his foundation for many years to come.​

1:59 Highlight Video
Patriots vs.Raiders "Tuck Rule" game Highlights



2:24: 19 Full Game
2001 AFC Divisional Round: Raiders vs. Patriots | "Tuck Rule Game" | NFL Full Game
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Irving Fryar​

Happy 62nd birthday to Irving Fryar
Born Sept 28, 1962 in Mount Holly, New Jersey
Patriot WR/PR, 1984-1992; uniform #80
Pats 1st round (1st overall) selection of the 1984 draft, from Nebraska


Lots of nice stats, offset by lots of not so nice off the field incidents and distractions.

In his first six seasons Fryar averaged 31 receptions for 511 yards and 4.5 touchdowns. Not horrible, but not what one would hope for from the number one overall pick of an NFL draft. His production picked up over the next three years (avg of 59 catches for 887 yards), though the number of touchdowns remained low (3.7 per year).


This was Fryar's most famous play in college; why were our pro expectations so high?

​

Fryar moved on to Miami and then Philadelphia, where - of course - he had better success; he was named to four Pro Bowls with those two teams.


Fryar missed the '85-'86 AFC 'Squish the Fish' Championship Game after cutting his hand on a knife in a domestic dispute with his pregnant wife.

The following season Fryar separated his shoulder in a game against the Bills. He left the stadium before the game was over, and then got a concussion when he crashed his car into a tree - while the game was still being played.

In October of 1990 Fryar was and Hart Lee Dykes were involved in a closing time altercation at a Providence bar. Dykes was beaten up and suffered a severe eye injury; he would return to play only five more games in his NFL career.

More recently, Fryar was sentenced to five years in prison for conspiracy and theft by deception charges in a mortgage scam.

Ex-Pats, Dolphins WR Fryar sentenced to 5 years

Former NFL star Irving Fryar has been sentenced to five years in a New Jersey prison for his role in a mortgage scam.

www.espn.com

3:17 Highlight Video
Irving Fryar Hail Mary catch, Patriots-Rams 1986
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Marcus Forston and other birthdays​

Happy 35th birthday to Marcus Forston
Born Sept 28, 1989 in Miami
Patriot DT, 2012-2013; uniform #98

Marcus played in four games with the Patriots, bouncing back and forth between the practice squad and the active roster for two years. Hampered by shoulder injuries and medical procedures, his career never took off; he was released at the end of the 2014 training camp.

A criminology major at the University of Miami, Forston is now a police officer in Atlanta.




Other pro football players born on this date with a New England connection:

Turk Edwards (1907-1973);
Boston Braves/Boston Redskins
Hall of Fame LT played from 1932-1940 for the Braves/Redskins.

Bob Clasby, 64 (1960);
Boston College High School
DT played for the St Louis/Phoenix Cardinals from 1986-1990.

Bill Stetz, 79 (1945);
Boston College
Played guard for the Saints and Eagles in 1967.

Leo Brennan (1919-2007);
Marlborough MA
A two-way player at Holy Cross, Leo played tackle in 1942 for the Eagles before enlisting in WWII. After the war he did not return to the NFL, instead teaching history at Marlborough High and coaching football.

Bill Petrilas (1915-1976);
New Haven
After graduating from James Hillhouse High School in New Haven, Petrilas did not play any college football, instead enlisting in the Navy. He then briefly played for the Wilmington Clippers of the minor league American Association. Two years later at the age of 29 Petrilas became a halfback for the Giants. After two seasons with New York he returned to play for Wilmington, in what was then renamed the American Football League. His final season of pro football was in 1947 for Ottawa of the ORFU, the predecessor to the Canadian Football League.

Floyd Rhea (1920-2010);
Boston Yanks
'Scrappy' Rhea was a guard for four seasons, from 1943-1947.

Ching Hamill (1902-1925);
Bridgeport
The blocking back from UConn passed away soon after his 23rd birthday during his rookie season with the Providence Steam Roller.



Other notable pro football players born on Sept 28 include:

HoF WR Steve Largent (1954)

HoF WR Charley Taylor (1941)

DE/K Lou Michaels (1935)

WR Mel Gray (1948)

SS David Fulcher (1964)

WR Jake Reed (1967)

HB Tom Harmon (1919)
The first overall pick of the 1941 draft retired after 13 broken noses in two seasons. He survived two crashes as a pilot in WWII, and married Hollywood starlet Elyse Knox.

Together they had a son Mark, aka Gibbs on the tv show NCIS. The younger Harmon married Pam Dawber, aka Mindy to Robin Williams' Mork on the popular 70s sitcom.

Tom's daughter Kelly first married automaker John DeLorean, then Sports Illustrated publisher Robert Miller; his other daughter Kristin married musician Ricky Nelson. Ricky and Kris had four kids, including Tracy Nelson (Sister Stephanie on the Father Dowling Mysteries, opposite Tom Bosley), and a couple of rock musicians I once met at a charity event, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.