Today In Patriots History September 7, 2008: Bernard M0+#$@f*</!$^& Pollard takes out Tom Brady

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The 2008 'Unfinished Business' Season Ends In Just Eight Minutes​

Sun Sept 7, 2008 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 17, Kansas City Chiefs 10
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Herm Edwards
QBs: Tom Brady/Matt Cassel, Brodie Croyle, Damon Huard
Odds: New England favored by 16


The Patriots and their fans had a huge chip on their shoulder heading into the 2008 season, thanks to the gut punch of Super Bowl 42 combined with the bitter aftertaste of the NFL League ofices and ESPN's witchunt and misinformation campaign of 2007. Seven minutes and 22 seconds into the season opener, Bernard Pollard lunged from the ground at Tom Brady's knee as he was throwing a 26-yard completion to Randy Moss. Pollard's helmet hit Brady's planted left knee, causing torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments.

On the next series Matt Cassel took over from the two yard line, and two running plays nearly resulted in a safety. He then completed a pass to Moss for a 51-yard gain, and finished the 98-yard drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Moss that gave New England a 7-0 lead. The Patriots also scored on an 80-yard drive on their first possession of the second half that was highlighted by short passes to David Thomas for 18 yards and Wes Welker for 13 yards. Runs by Laurence Maroney (17 yards) and Sammy Morris (12 yards) set up a five-yard rush by Morris for a TD and a 14-3 lead.

The Chiefs came back with a 13-yard TD from former Patriot Damon Huard to Dwayne Bowe early in the fourth quarter. The Pats defense came through on the next two Kansas City possessions. Mike Vrabel's sack forced a three-and-out, and on the first play of the next drive Ellis Hobbs intercepted a pass intended for Bowe near midfield. That turnover set up a 37-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowski to extend the lead to 17-10.

Kansas City took over with 2:20 remaining, and a 68-yard completion from Huard to gave the Chiefs a first down at the five yard line with 53 seconds remaining. The Patriots defense forced three incomplete passes and a run for no gain, allowing Cassel to take a knee to run out the clock.


My biggest takeaway from 16 years ago was the despicable behavior of fans around the country, especially by Steeler fans, loudly and joyfully cheering the injury and fist pumping and congratulating each other every time the hit was replayed on television in sports bars. The smear campaign orchestrated by Roger Goodell and various ESPN talking heads was insane, with one member of the media attempting to outdo the next with an even wilder story. John Tomase, Chris Mortensen, Peter King, Mark Brunell and others amplified rumors and speculation and presenting them as facts, while a spinless Robert Kraft did nothing to dispel the falsehoods originated by those within the Jets and Colts organizations as well as the NFL league offices. The end result was that the nation had formulated opinions based on outright lies, the result of a propaganda machine that rivaled Russia's Pravda and TASS.



As for Pollard, his name would be connected to three more injuries to Patriots over his career. A year later Wes Welker tore his ACL and MCL while attempting to evade Pollard, ruining the Pats playoff chances. In the AFC Championship Game following the 2011 season Pollard's full body weight landed on Gronk's ankle, resulting in a high ankle sprain, rendering him useless in the Super Bowl two weeks later. And a year later in the AFCCG a helmet-to-helmet hit on Steven Ridley knocked Ridley out, resulting in a turnover - and a concussion to Ridley.


Ten years later, remembering the shock that fell over Patriots when Tom Brady injured his knee - Jeff Howe/The Athletic

Pollard on the Brady hit

Chiefs safety Bernard Pollard comments on the hit that knocked Patriots QB Tom Brady from the game.

www.boston.com

Minutes In, Brady’s Season Is in Jeopardy (Published 2008)

New England quarterback Tom Brady left the season opener in the first quarter with a knee injury that will probably end his season.

www.nytimes.com

Manhattan Cheered Tom Brady's Injury. Did You?

Did you cheer (or smile) when Tom Brady was injured? Why?

fifthdown.blogs.nytimes.com

New York Post, Classy as Always, Sorta Celebrates Tom Brady's Injury

Filed under: Jets, Patriots, AFC East, NFL Injuries While most of New England is coming to grips with the idea that Tom Brady‘s 2008 season is in the books, and more sobering, Matt Cassel is the future, New York — the New York Post, in particular — took great delight in the the Jets’ sudden...

www.nbcnewyork.com

Tom Brady 2008 Injury - 1:23 Video

 

[signbabybrady]

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2017: Chiefs score 3 TD in 4th quarter
Upset Pats, 42-27​

Thursday Sept 7, 2017 at 8:30
Week 1, Game 1 at Gillette Stadium
Kansas City Chiefs 42, New England Patriots 27
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Andy Reid
QBs: Tom Brady, Alex Smith
Odds: New England favored by 8


The Chiefs were coming off a 12-4 season with 17 starters returning, so it is a bit supring that the Patriots were favored by eight to nine points. Yes, the Pats were defending Super Bowl champions and had lost just two games in 2016, but they had also lost Julian Edelman for the season after tearing his ACL in a week three preseason game against Detroit.

The Patriots led 27-21 after Stephen Gostkowski kicked a field goal with twelve seconds left in the third quarter. That drive was actually a win for the Chiefs, as the Pats had a first and goal after a 54 yard pass to newly acquired Brandin Cooks and a couple of James White runs. Kansas City had a couple of huge plays in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns to break open what had been a close game.

Tom Brady was limited to just 16 completions on 36 attempts for 267 yards in the loss, with six of the completions to Danny Amendola, who had his eighth career 100-yard game. Amendola was unable to finish the game, departing in the fourth quarter for concussion protocoal.

Barstool Sports distributed 70,000 towels depicting Roger Goodell wearing a clown nose in the parking lot before the game. The Kommisar
was serenaded with a torrent of boos and expletives when he appeared on the field an hour before kickoff.

Patriots routed in 2nd half, Chiefs win 42-27

Alex Smith threw two long touchdown passes and rookie Kareem Hunt, after fumbling on his first NFL carry, scored three times as Kansas City stunned New England 42-27 in the season opener

www.boston.com

Kareem Hunt, after fumbling on his first NFL carry, scored three times and set an NFL mark in a 42-27 stunner Thursday night to open the NFL season. Hunt’s 246 yards in his pro debut were a record since the 1970 merger.​

Alex Smith threw two long touchdown passes and became the first quarterback with 300-plus yards, four TDs and no interceptions against coach Bill Belichick. The 42 points were the most the Patriots have allowed in Belichick’s 17-plus seasons.​

Coming off their sensational Super Bowl rally to a fifth Lombardi Trophy, the Patriots faded badly in the second half. A raucous sold-out crowd of 65,878 celebrated the unveiling of yet another championship banner, and there was plenty of talk about Tom Brady leading them to a 19-0 record.​

After Week 1, though, they are winless.​

Mistakes Doom Patriots Defense In 42-27 Loss To Chiefs

So much for another stab at 19-0.

www.wbur.org

Seven months after shutting down the Atlanta Falcons late in a dramatic Super Bowl comeback win, the New England Patriots defense couldn't find the brakes Thursday night, giving up 28 second-half points in a stunning 42-27 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. It was the most points allowed by New England under coach Bill Belichick, with Kansas City piling up 537 yards on offense.​

The Patriots also lost starting linebacker Dont'a Hightower to a knee injury. The defense was already weaker up front following the retirement of veteran linebacker Rob Ninkovich and the departure of defensive end Chris Long in free agency, so Hightower's absence could be an especially destabilizing blow.​

Long strikes proved the biggest problem, including a 75-yard touchdown catch by Tyreek Hill to give Kansas City its first lead early in the third quarter, and a 78-yard touchdown catch by Kareem Hunt in the fourth quarter that put the Chiefs back in front for good.​

The secondary blundered throughout. Cornerback Malcolm Butler's pass interference in the end zone set up Hunt's 3-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. Stephon Gilmore also badly blew a coverage on Hill's long touchdown. And with Hightower sidelined, linebacker Kyle Van Noy and defensive end Cassius Marsh allowed Hunt to get behind the defense on his 78-yard romp.​

Rough Start: Chiefs Score 3 Touchdowns in 4th Quarter to Beat Patriots 42-27

The wheels came off for the Patriots in the fourth quarter of the season opener against the Kansas City Chiefs, with New England losing 42-27.

www.nbcboston.com

There may be a learning curve for New England's offense without Julian Edelman after all.​

Despite committing an unfathomable 15 penalties for 139 yards, Kansas City spoiled the unveiling of New England's fifth Super Bowl banner at Gillette Stadium thanks to one of the best games of quarterback Alex Smith's career and a breakout performance from rookie running back Kareem Hunt.​

Smith, labeled as a "game manager" for much of his career after being drafted first overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005, threw for 368 yards — the second highest total of his 13-year career — and four touchdowns, also the second-best mark of his career. Smith finished 28 for 35 with a passer rating of 148.6.​

Hunt was filling in as featured back for Spencer Ware, an integral part of the Chiefs' offense who, like Edelman, was also lost for the season to a knee injury.​

The rookie out of Toledo University could not have had a more miserable start to the game than by losing a fumble on the very first carry of his NFL career. But Hunt's response may well have been the difference in the game, as he exploded for 246 all-purpose yards (148 rushing, 98 receiving) and three touchdowns.​

Kansas City Chiefs shock New England Patriots for opening win - UPI.com

Alex Smith threw for four touchdown passes as the Kansas City Chiefs spoiled the Patriots' Super Bowl celebration with a stunning 42-27 upset.

www.upi.com

The Patriots had been 81-0 at Gillette Stadium when leading at the half in the regular season -- 95-1 counting the postseason -- before the Chiefs came back from a 17-14 halftime deficit. New England also was 105-2 when leading after three quarters as it entered the fourth up 27-21.​

Wild stats from the Kansas City Chiefs stunning defeat of the New England Patriots

From total yards to points allowed, last night was something Patriots fans haven't seen under coach Bill Belichick.

www.usatoday.com

? 42 points is the most points allowed by a Bill Belichick-coached Patriots team (307th game including playoffs).​

? New England’s defense allowed 537 yards — also the most ever for a Belichick-led defense — along with three touchdown drives of at least 90 yards.​

? The Chiefs are the first AFC team to beat Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady at home (when he played the whole game) since the Jets in Week 10 of 2006.​

? Brady lost for the first time at home when taking a lead into the fourth quarter in 105 games.​

? It was the first time the Patriots lost at Gillette Stadium when leading at halftime, a span of 82 games.​

? The Patriots had won 87 consecutive home games when leading at halftime before the loss (previous loss came Dec. 24, 2000 vs Dolphins)​

? From 2013-16, the Patriots allowed zero 90-yard touchdown drives at home. The Chiefs had two of 'em in the first half on Thursday.​

? The Chiefs notched their first regular-season win in New England since 1990.​

? The Chiefs had just one offensive play go for over 75 yards last season. They have two touchdown passes of 75 yards against the Pats. Both were from QB Alex Smith, who had only thrown two of that distance in his entire career prior. He became the second Chiefs signal caller with two 75-yard TD passes in a game; Len Dawson did it on Nov. 17, 1968 against the Boston Patriots. Smith (368 yards, 4 TDs, 0 INTs) finished with a much more impressive stat line than the 40-year old Brady (16 for 36 for 267 yards with zero TDs).​

? The Chiefs' Kareem Hunt, after fumbling on his first NFL carry, scored three times and set an NFL mark with his 239 yards in his pro debut — a record since the 1970 merger.​

? One of the only bright spots: Patriots newcomer Mike Gillislee scored on three short runs, becoming the first player since Terrell Owens of Philadelphia in 2004 to score three touchdowns in his debut with a new team.​

? Brady and Belichick were 8-0 at home in season openers heading into Thursday. They're 8-1 now.​

8:07 Official Highlight Video
Chiefs vs. Patriots | NFL Week 1 Game Highlights



25:01 Condensed Game Video
Chiefs vs. Patriots NFL Game Pass Condensed Full Game | Every Play from Week 1
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[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

I wonder if we make the Super Bowl this year if Brady didn’t go down

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2014: Pats wilt in South Florida Heat
Dolphins 33, Patriots 20​

Sunday Sept 7, 2014 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Sun Life Stadium
Miami Dolphins 33, New England Patriots 20
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Joe Philbin
QBs: Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill
Odds: New England favored by 5


The Dolphins took advantage of their home field advantage in week one, with New England fading away in the second half in the South Florida heat. While the Pats got off to a slow start - 2-2 in the month of September - they would proceed to win seven in a row en route to a thrilling 28-24 victory over Seattle in Super Bowl 49. Miami on the other hand finished 8-8 for the second straight season, in the midst of a seven-year span without a single winning record.



Patriots wilt in Miami, lose 33-20 - AP/Patriot Ledger

Simply dominated in the second half, the Patriots wilted on a steamy day in South Florida and wound up losing a season-opener for the first time in 11 years. Outgained 222-67 and outscored 23-0 after halftime, New England is in a most unusual spot — looking up at everyone else in the AFC East — after losing 33-20 to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.​

The last time New England got outscored by such a wide margin after halftime was against Pittsburgh on Nov. 30, 2008 — 94 games ago.​

Patriots Drop First Season Opener in a Decade, Losing to Dolphins

Tom Brady was pressured and harassed in the pocket and the Patriots were shut out in the second half, losing their 2014 season opener to the Miami Dolphins 33-20 at Sun Life Stadium.

www.boston.com

Tom Brady was pressured and harassed in the pocket and the Patriots were shut out in the second half, losing their 2014 season opener to the Miami Dolphins 33-20 at Sun Life Stadium.​

Dolphins running back Knowshon Moreno, who gashed the Patriots for 224 yards as Denver Bronco in the regular season last year, compiled 135 yards and a touchdown, including 92 in the second half.​

The Dolphins scored 23 unanswered points, fueled in part by a shaky Patriots offensive line that couldn’t seem to contain defensive linemen Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon, and Chris McCain. Wake had two sacks and a forced fumble while Vernon and McCain had a sack each, all which came in the second half.​

Dolphins Dominate 2nd Half, Top Patriots 33-20

The Patriots had a 10-point lead at the half, which usually means a Patriot win. New England had prevailed in 16 of its last 17 games where it held a double-digit edge at intermission. But on Sunday, an 89-degree day that felt like 99 degrees when factoring in the humidity, New England wilted.

www.wbur.org

Tom Brady threw a scoring pass to Rob Gronkowski, and Shane Vereen had a rushing touchdown for New England. Brady finished 29 of 56 passing for 249 yards.​

The Patriots had a 10-point lead at the half, which usually means a Patriot win. New England had prevailed in 16 of its last 17 games where it held a double-digit edge at intermission.​

But on Sunday, an 89-degree day that felt like 99 degrees when factoring in the humidity, New England wilted.​

Ryan Tannehill (18 of 32 passes for 178 yards) connected with Mike Wallace for a 14-yard score midway through the third quarter to tie the game, Caleb Sturgis added one of his four field goals on the day later in the third to put the Dolphins on top, and then Miami sealed it in the fourth quarter.​

Helped by a roughing-the-passer penalty early in the drive and a pair of third-down completions by Tannehill as it went along, the Dolphins went 85 yards in about 6 minutes to put the game away. Moreno barged in from the 4 with 3:36 remaining to push the lead to 30-20, and the outcome was mostly academic from there.​

The Dolphins blocked a punt on the game's first possession, then took advantage of the short field with Tannehill connecting with Miller for a 4-yard touchdown. It marked the first time since 1992 - when a couple of guys named Dan Marino and Mark Duper hooked up for the honors - that Miami's initial offensive sequence of a season ended with a passing touchdown.​

The Patriots answered with a 13-play, 80-yard drive to tie the game on Vereen's 2-yard run. And with the Dolphins, went into implosion mode, with turnovers on three consecutive possessions that New England turned into a total of 10 points.​

Wallace fumbled away a catch, Tannehill was intercepted trying to find Wallace with a deep ball, setting up a possession where Brady found Gronkowski for a score. And that was followed by Miami's Lamar Miller - on a run where he would have gotten a first down - getting flipped over on a play where both one of his shoes and the football went flying.​

It was 20-10 at the half, New England outgaining the Dolphins 248-138 to that point. And then everything changed.​

Box Score and Stats:

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins - September 7th, 2014 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 20 at Miami Dolphins 33 on September 7th, 2014 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

3:10 Highlight Video
Patriots vs Dolphins 2014 Week 1



2:27:29 Full Game Video
2014 Week 1 - Patriots @ Dolphins
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2003: "They Hate Their Coach" Game
Bills Shut Patriots Out, 31-0​

Sunday Sept 7, 2003 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Ralph Wilson Stadium
Buffalo Bills 31, New England Patriots 0
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Gregg Williams
QBs: Tom Brady, Drew Bledsoe
Odds: Buffalo favored by 1


Five days prior to this game the Patriots cut four-time Pro Bowl safety Lawyer Milloy to make room under the salary cap after contract renegotiations went nowhere. Milloy signed with the Bills and along with former Patriot Drew Bledsoe, helped Buffalo shut out the Patriots.

​

It was an ugly, listless game full of errors for the Patriots, who turned the ball over four times (including one pick-six) and committed twelve penalties for 121 yards. The Bills dominated throughout, controlling the clock (33:50 TOP) and outgaining the Pats by a margin of 322 yards to 239.

Buffalo scored on each of their first two drives for a 14-0 lead, sandwiched by a New England three and out. After a pair of punts Sam Adams had a 37-yard pick-six, and it was already 21-0 with ten minutes still to go in the first half. Travis Henry scored on a 9-yard run early in the fourth quarter, and the game was over.



The Patriots famously got their revenge on the final game of the season, winning by an identical 31-0 score. New England lost to Washington three weeks later, but would not lose another game for the rest of the season, a streak of 15 games that culminated in their 32-29 victory over Carolina. That winning streak would extend through the first six games of 2004, an NFL record of 21 straight wins.

Buffalo defeated Jacksonville the following week, but things went south for them after that. The Bills finished 6-10, and Gregg Williams and most of his staff were fired at the end of the season.



Pats not troubled by hate - AP/South Coast Today

On Sunday ESPN's Tom Jackson reported that Patriots players were so angry about Milloy being cut that "they hate their coach." Some of the players saw the report before they left for the stadium for their late-afternoon game.​

"I respect Tom Jackson but that is one of the stupidest things I ever heard" Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said yesterday. "He has no idea what we think about Belichick."​

Harrison who signed with the Patriots in the offseason after he became a salary cap casualty in San Diego said the players are too professional to take the Milloy move personally.​

"Sometimes you have to make business decisions" he said. "I was disappointed that Lawyer left but it's business."​

Belichick who was a low-level assistant on the Denver staff when Jackson was playing for the Broncos said he has spoken to Jackson recently. But asked how it felt to hear Jackson report such a thing Belichick repeated "I am not going to dignify the comments with any type of response."​

Belichick's Expletive at Tom Jackson Remains One of the Funnier Moments in Patriots History | PatsFans.com

Looking back at the 2003 season, one of the defining moments of that year came in Week 1 following the Patriots blowout loss to the Bills in Week 1.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Fourth And Two Podcast: The 2003 Patriots - 'They Hate Their Coach'

In this episode, Russ shares his thoughts on the Patriots loss to the Bills, and the comments by Tom Jackson after the game.

www.patsfans.com

Box Score, Stats and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 7th, 2003 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 0 at Buffalo Bills 31 on September 7th, 2003 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

2:25 Highlight Video
2003 Patriots at Bills Week 1


4:50 ESPN NFL Prime Time Post-Game Video - Chris Berman and Tom Jackson
2003 Bills vs Patriots Week 1 Highlights


10:40 Highlight Video
Brady/Belichick Era's WORST Loss! (Patriots vs. Bills 2003, Week 1)
​

 

[TheRainMaker]

Pollard should've been suspended for the season for that cheap hit.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1998: Broncos 27, Patriots 21
Elway, Shanahan continue to own Pats​

Monday Sept 7, 1998 at 8:20
Week 1, Game 1 at Mile High Stadium
Denver Broncos 27, New England Patriots 21
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Mike Shanahan
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, John Elway
Odds: Denver favored by 7


New England was coming off a pair of 10-plus win, AFC East title seasons, so there was some optimism heading into the game. The problem was that the Patriots were up against John Elway, who holds a perfect 11-0 record against the Pats, including a 22-17 playoff victory in January of 1987. Head coach Mike Shanahan was in the midst of a five-game winning streak against the Patriots as well; he finished his coaching career with a 10-5 record against New England.

Denver jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the first half with touchdowns by TE Shannon Sharpe and RB Terrell Davis. Kicker Jason Elam put up the games' first points with a 53-yard field goal on the Broncos' opening drive.

The Patriots came within three points of the Broncos in the third quarter on a 24 yard TD catch by Troy Brown, making it 17-14. With time winding down in the fourth quarter, a touchdown catch by WR Vincent Brisby brought New England within seven points of the lead (27-21), but the Patriots could not convert the onside kick.

Statistically the two teams were even, including an identical 339 total net yards of offense, with no turnovers by either team. Shawn Jefferson had a 55 yard reception to set up a Robert Edwards touchdown, Troy Brown had five receptions for 97 yards and a TD, and Terry Glenn had five catches for 71 yards. Terrell Davis rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns for Denver, and Ed McCaffrey led the Broncos with seven receptions for 97 yards.



Box Score, Stats and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos - September 7th, 1998 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 21 at Denver Broncos 27 on September 7th, 1998 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

2:07 Highlight Video
1998 Patriots at Broncos MNF Week 1



12:13 Highlight Video
Patriots vs Broncos 1998 Week 1
​

 

[sb1]

Today in Patriots History
2017: Chiefs score 3 TD in 4th quarter
Upset Pats, 42-27​

This is what Mahomes inherited. Must have been nice

 

[oldrover]

@jmt57

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1997: Drew Bledsoe throws 4 Touchdowns
Patriots Sack Harbaugh, Colts, 31-6​

Monday Sept 7, 1997 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at the RCA Dome
New England Patriots 31, Indianapolis Colts 6
Head Coaches: Pete Carroll, Lindy Infante
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Jim Harbaugh
Odds: New England favored by 4½
Patriots advance to 2-0; Colts fall to 0-2


New England sacked Colts QB Jim Harbaugh five times - once each by Ferric Collons, Chris Slade, Michael McGruder, Tedy Bruschi and Chad Eaton - and the Patriots cruised to a 31-6 victory. Curtis Martin rushed for 125 yards (4.8 yards per carry), Shawn Jefferson had 98 yards receiving and Drew Bledsoe went 15-25 for 267 yards and four touchdowns.

Bledsoe efficiently spread the ball around, connecting on TD passes of 34 yards to Jefferson (who also had a 64 yard catch), 21 yards to Martin, six yards to Vincent Brisby and 21 yards to Troy Brown. That last TD was set up by a fumble recovery on a strip sack by Tedy Bruschi, an exclamation point on the game that sealed the victory for the Patriots.

Despite the sacks Harbaugh actually had a good day for the Colts (30-38-241), but the Pats defense limited Marshall Faulk to just 23 yards rushing on 15 carries (1.5 ypc). The lone bright spot for Indy was Marvin Harrison, who caught all nine passes thrown his way for 74 yards.

2:14 Highlight Video
1997 Patriots at Colts Week 2
​

PATRIOTS 31, COLTS 6

New England’s Drew Bledsoe threw four touchdown passes for the second consecutive game. Eight different receivers have scored for the Patriots this season; on Sunday, it was Shawn Jefferson, Curtis Martin, Vincent Brisby and Troy…

www.chicagotribune.com

Box Score, Stats and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts - September 7th, 1997 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 31 at Indianapolis Colts 6 on September 7th, 1997 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

@jmt57

It took a while, but I finally found a game that the Patriots won.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1986: Eason rebounds from Super Bowl loss;
Patriots crush Indianapolis, 33-3​

Sunday Sept 7, 1986 at 4:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Sullivan Stadium
New England Patriots 33, Indianapolis Colts 3
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Rod Dowhower
QBs: Tony Eason, Gary Hogeboom
Odds: New England favored by 9½


New England was coming off a roller coaster 1985 season, reaching a euphoric high point with the Squish the Fish Game, followed two weeks later with what was at that time the worst defeat in Super Bowl history. The offseason was a rocky tabloid affair, with head coach Raymond Berry having to admit to the Boston Globe that several players had tested positive for marijuana or cocaine.

Patriots Admit Having 'Serious Drug Problems'

At least five New England Patriots have a serious drug problem and five to seven more are suspected of having a problem, Coach Raymond Berry told The Boston Globe in a copyright interview in today's editions.

www.latimes.com

COCAINE AND A SUPER BOWL TEAM: THE LAST STRAW : Patriots' Action Brings a Swift Reaction : Drug Abuse by Players Is Not That Surprising Anymore, the Fans Say

The admission by New England Coach Raymond Berry that at least five and possibly a dozen of his Patriot players have serious drug problems came as little surprise to a sampling of Southland sports fans who have heard perhaps too many similar stories in recent years.

www.latimes.com

Aside from that distraction, John Hannah, one of the greatest lineman in NFL history, had retired. While that would be an issue for any team, it was problematic for the Patriots, who had no other Pro Bowl talent on the offensive line. There was also a question at quarterback, with many wondering how Tony Eason would respond after his dismal Super Bowl 20 performance.

The Pats finished 11-5 - the same record as the previous year - and Eason had a good season, going 10-4 while throwing for 19 TD versus 10 interceptions, completing 62% of his passes for 3,328 yards. There was no memorable postseason this time though, as Denver eliminated the Pats in the division round game by the score of 22-17.

Indy was a typical Irsay family led mess. Three years after they had the worst record - but John Elway wisely refused to have anything to do with the franchise, forcing a trade - the Colts appeared to be heading towards another number one overall pick, when they lost their first 13 games in a row. They somehow avoided a similar situation by winning their final three games, while equally moribund Tampa Bay claimed the first overall pick (Vinny Testaverde) by finishing with a 2-14 record. Near the end of the season the Colts fired head coach Rod Dowhower, and replaced him with former Patriot HC Ron Meyer.



Back to this game: Eason went 18-29 for 252 yards and one touchdown, and avoided any PTSD by taking just one sack, for a loss of only one yard. Stanley Morgan had seven receptions for 116 yards and a beautiful 43-yard TD in the third quarter, and Stephen Starring had five catches for 102 yards. The Pats held onto the ball for over 34 minutes, with Craig James' 70 yards rushing helping to control the clock.

On the other side of the line of scrimmage, the defense harrassed Colt QB Gary Hogeboom all day long. The D sacked Hogeboom six times, forced six more scrambles for short gains, and constantly pressured him in to a 15-32 (47% completion) performance. Don Blackmon was the defensive star with three sacks, while Andre Tippett, Garin Veris and Brent Williams added one sack apiece.




Box Score, Team & Individual Stats:

Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots - September 7th, 1986 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Indianapolis Colts 3 at New England Patriots 33 on September 7th, 1986 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
1980: Grogan throws 3 Touchdowns
Patriots cruise past Cleveland, 34-17​

Sunday Sept 7, 1980 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Schaefer Stadium
New England Patriots 34, Cleveland Browns 17
Head Coaches: Ron Erhardt, Sam Rutigliano
QBs: Steve Grogan, Brian Sipe
Odds: New England favored by 6


New England had an impressive coaching staff in 1980. Head coach Ron Erhardt had served as Chuck Fairbanks, and was an architect of the influential Erhardt-Perkins offensive system. Jim Ringo - who was the offensive line coach for Buffalo's 'Electric Company' when OJ Simpson was slashing his way into the NFL record books, replaced Erhardt as the Offensive Coordinator. Fritz Shurmur, who later developed the concept of th 'Big Nickel' defense was the Defensive Coordinator; he would later win a Super Bowl as DC for Green Bay. Future head coaches Raymond Berry and Bill Parcells were position coaches, for the wide receivers and linebackers respectively.

The Patriots improved from 9-7 to 10-6 in 1980, but they missed the playoffs by one game. The AFC was very evenly balanced, with five teams finishing with an 11-5 record. The Oakland Raiders, who squeezed in as a wild card team, won four playoff games to take home the Lombardi trophy.

The Browns were an improving team that included two future hall of famers: tight end Ozzie Newsome and right guard Joe DeLamielleure. They had a fine coaching staff as well, with DC Marty Schottenheimer, WR coach Rich Kotite, LB coach **** MacPherson and QB coach Jim Shofner.

Cleveland had gone 8-8 in '78 and 9-7 in '79, and seemed poised to finally compete with division rival Pittsburgh. QB Brain Sipe would go on to beccome the 1980 NFL MVP, throwing for 4,132 yards while engineering three 4th quarter comebacks and four 4th quarter game winning dives. The Browns passed the Steelers to win the AFC Central with an 11-5 record, before falling to Oakland 14-12 in the playoffs.


While the Browns may have had a break through season, they didn't look special at all in this game. The Patriot defense dominated, limiting Cleveland to 48 yards rushing and 2.9 yards per carry. Steve Grogan went 17-26 for 277 yards and three touchdowns, spreading the ball around to nine different receivers.

After a pair of John Smith field goals, Grogan threw a 10-yard TD pass to Stanley Morgan as the Pats took a 13-3 halftime lead. The Patriots broke it open on a 67 yard bomb to Stanley Morgan, and a two-yard rush by Don Calhoun gave New England a 27-3 lead after three quarters. Grogan connected with Don Hasselbeck for a 17 yard TD early in the fourth quarter before Cleveland scored a couple of meaningless garbage time touchdowns to make the score more respectable.

Stanley Morgan led the Patriots with 102 yards receiving on just three receptions, and Harold Jackson had four catches for 77 yards. The Patriots gained 186 yards rushing, led by Vagus Ferguson (64 yards rushing, one catch for 11 yards) and (51 yards rushing).

Don't let the final score fool you, this was a blowout.

1:14 Highlight Video
9/7/1980 Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots highlights, National Football League Week 1



2:10:04 Full Game
1980 week 1 Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots
​

Box Score, Team and Individual Stats:

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots - September 7th, 1980 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Cleveland Browns 17 at New England Patriots 34 on September 7th, 1980 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

Erhardt-Perkins Offense

www.patspropaganda.com

 

[NFL Mystique]

The 08 Patriots definitely win the division with Brady. But the defense was changing and they weren't going to repeat the 07 offensive output. I mean...who could?

That said, the league was pretty weak that year. Tennessee with old Kerry Collins were the 1 seed. Pittsburgh was god..but Brady owned them.

I actually think the 08 Giants were the best in the league. And they looked unstoppable towards a repeat before Burress shooting happened.

 

[cmasspatsfan]

I wonder if we make the Super Bowl this year if Brady didn’t go down

My take is they would have, he was dialed in, like a machine throwing right on the money, he looked great and looked like he was on a mission until Pollard.

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

My take is they would have, he was dialed in, like a machine throwing right on the money, he looked great and looked like he was on a mission until Pollard.

Would have been great to see

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Bruce Armstrong​

Happy 59th birthday to Bruce Armstrong
Born Sept 7, 1965 in Miami
Patriot OT, 1987-2000; uniform #78
Pats 1st round (23rd overall) selection of the 1987 draft, from Louisville


Bruce Armstrong played and started in 212 NFL games, all with the Patriots, for what was then a franchise record. He was an iron man, missing just four games in his rookie season and eight in 1992 (due to a torn MCL, ACL and PCL) - plus starting in all seven postseason games. Armstrong was selected to six Pro Bowls (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997). He was also a three-time second team All Pro; a member of the 1987 All-Rookie Team; named to the Patriots all decade team for both the 1980s and 1990s; a member of the Patriots 35th Anniversary Team and 50the Anniversary Team; and a member of the University of Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor.

Armstrong is only one of three players in league history to play with the same team over three different decades. After beginning his career at right tackle for three seasons, he anchored the left tackle position for the next eleven seasons.

In 2001 Bruce Armstrong became the 11th player to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame. His number 78 is one of eight jersey numbers to be retired by the Patriots.

Bruce Armstrong (1983-86) (2006) - Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Louisville Athletic

University of Louisville Athletic

gocards.com

Bruce Armstrong (1983-86) caught 33 passes as a tight end for two seasons at UofL before new coach Howard Schnellenberger moved him reluctantly to offensive tackle where he would soon flourish. The Miami, Fla., native did not allow a sack in his final 18 collegiate games and anchored the Cardinal offensive line for two years.​

The political science major was drafted with the 23rd pick of the first round in the NFL Draft by the New England Patriots in 1987 to begin an association that would continue for 14 seasons. A six-time NFL Pro Bowl honoree (1990, 1991, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997), Armstrong set a franchise record by starting 212 games for the Patriots, including the last 118 consecutive of his career.​

He was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2001.​

Bruce Armstrong | The Patriots Hall of Fame

www.patriotshalloffame.com

Bruce Armstrong holds the team record with 212 games played, starting in every one of them. A six-time Pro Bowl participant, Armstrong was only one of three players in league history to play with the same team in three different decades. Though somewhat undersized for his tackle position, Armstrong anchored the offensive line through the late 1980s and 1990s. He played the last eight games of the 1999 season with three torn ligaments in his right knee and was name an alternate to the Pro Bowl that season. His battles with Buffalo’s Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith were legendary during the peak of both players’ careers. Armstrong was selected for the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2001.​

New England Patriots Of The Past: Bruce Armstrong - Last Word On NFL

Bruce Armstrong's long and storied career with the New England Patriots cemented his legacy as one of the greatest offensive tackles ever to play the game.

lastwordonsports.com

The New England Patriots offensive linemen have often been the unsung heroes of Tom Brady‘s illustrious career. But some of the most talented offensive linemen operated before Brady’s career even began. The very first New England Patriots of the Past article featured the greatest guard of all time: John Hannah. In early April, the office sang the praises of unbreakable center Jon Morris. This week, the spotlight shines on the career of another stone wall on the offensive line, Bruce Armstrong.​

Before the Patriots​

Armstrong began his professional career as the 23rd overall pick of the 1987 draft out of the University of Louisville. He actually began his time at Louisville as a tight end, snagging 33 passes in two seasons. He was moved to offensive tackle at the onset of Howard Schnellenberger‘s time as the head coach of the Cardinals. The move turned out to be a fortuitous one for Armstrong, and he collected the distinction of “Most Outstanding Lineman” during his senior season. During his years at Louisville, he allegedly put on muscle weight by hauling kegs for a beer distributor.​

As a Patriot​

When the Patriots drafted him in 1987, Armstrong was undersized for a tackle, but his incredible talent more than made up for his perceived lack of size. The Patriots director of player development at the time, **** Steinberg, touted his versatility: “[He] can play any position. He’s a guy we’d kind of set our sights on.”​

He would go on to play 14 seasons in New England. His durability was unparalleled. In 14 seasons, he failed to appear in all 16 regular-season games only twice: once during his rookie season, and again in 1992. A midseason game against the Buffalo Bills in 1992 resulted in a shredded knee, tearing his MCL, ACL, and PCL, forcing him to miss the remaining eight games of that season.​

He quickly established himself as a starter for the Patriots, and they never once doubted that decision. Armstrong appeared in a franchise-record 212 games, and he was part of the starting lineup in all 212. His 212 starts stood as a franchise record until 2015, when Brady took over as the all-time starting leader. Armstrong’s unfailing contributions to the team earned him six selections to the Pro Bowl between 1990 and 1997, including four consecutive selections beginning in 1994.​

To illustrate both Armstrong’s durability, talent, and dedication to the team, in 1999, he re-tore the ligaments in his knee halfway through the season. He played the remaining eight games of the 1999 season and was still named an alternate for the Pro Bowl that year.​

Relationship with Bruce Smith​

One of the highlights of his career was his relationship with Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith. Smith, one of the greatest pass rushers in football history, became fast friends with his on-field foe after the 1992 knee injury sidelined Armstrong. While the two had demonstrated mutual respect for each other’s play on the field, Smith’s phone call to Armstrong the day after the injury confirmed a mutual respect off the field as well.​

Smith spoke well of Armstrong in an article by the Hartford Courant: “Army, he’s one heck of an individual. You don’t find many people like him. He’s very sincere. He’ll do anything for you. He’ll give you the shirt off his back.”​

After the Patriots​

The 1999 injury was expected to doom Armstrong’s career, but he returned for the 2000 season to protect Drew Bledsoe one last time. He retired following the 2000 season and was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame the very next year. To honor his contributions, the organization retired number 78 from the field.​

Sept 7, 2021:

Patriots great and college football legend Sam Cunningham dies at 71

Sam Cunningham, who had a legendary college football career and played for the Patriots for a decade, has died at the age of 71.

www.nbcsports.com

R.I.P. Sam Cunningham

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/07/patriots-great-and-college-football-legend-sam-cunningham-dies-at-71/

www.patsfans.com

 

[Vindicate]

Never have come close to hating a player as much as I hated Bernard Pollard.

 

[Koma]

Let’s not forget the Steelers fan selling “Nice hit, Bernard” shirts.