Today In Patriots History September 8, 2019: Patriots troll Steelers, 33-3

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats blow out Steelers, 33-3
After raising sixth banner in front of Pittsburgh​

Sun Sept 8, 2019 at 8:20
Week 1, Game 1 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 3
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin
QBs: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger
Odds: New England favored by 5½

Patriots 33-3 Steelers (Sep 8, 2019) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers NFL game from September 8, 2019 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

The team unveiled their sixth championship banner before the game in a ceremony that included fireworks and a highlight video projected onto a screen covering much of the field.​

Drew Bledsoe, Ty Law, Willie McGinest, Rob Ninkovich and Martellus Bennett brought out the first five Lombardi Trophies. Owner Robert Kraft brought out the one the team won in February by beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 -- the one that was dented by Rob Gronkowski when he used it for batting practice at the Boston Red Sox opener.​

Kraft received a big cheer from the fans, who seemed unbothered by charges that he solicited prostitution in a Florida massage parlor. Gronkowski, who retired in March, also received a loud cheer.​

Patriots Pummel Pittsburgh in Season Opener

Antonio Brown hasn’t even arrived yet and the Patriots offense is playing like a cheat code. Seven players caught at least one pass from Tom Brady, who was downright surgical in New England’s 33-3 rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the same night the Patriots unveiled a sixth Super Bowl banner.

www.nbcboston.com

Seven players caught at least one pass from Tom Brady, who was downright surgical in New England’s 33-3 rout of the Pittsburgh Steelers on the same night the Patriots unveiled a sixth Super Bowl banner.​

New England’s most recent championship matched Sunday night’s opponent at Gillette Stadium for the most Super Bowls of all-time. Take your guess as to which team is closer to a seventh.​

The Steelers were supposed to be reinvigorated. Instead, a stale offense was exposed by a Patriots defense that’s given up six points in its last eight quarters of football dating back to Super Bowl LIII.​

The mismatch was even more apparent when New England had the ball, Brady finishing a methodical 24 for 36 passing for 341 yards and three touchdown passes.​

Phillip Dorsett was on the receiving end for two of Brady’s touchdowns, the first multi-score game of his five-year career. He led the team with 95 yards receiving to boot.​

When New England’s receiving corps is at full strength, Dorsett might be the Patriots’ fifth-best option beyond Brown, Julian Edelman, Josh Gordon and Demaryius Thomas.​

Gordon, in his return to the NFL following an indefinite suspension which cost him the final two games of the regular season and all of the playoffs in 2018, broke open the game’s scoring with a 20-yard touchdown pass from Brady in the first quarter, bouncing off of two defenders around the 5-yard line before trotting in.​

Edelman finished with six catches for 83 yards, his first grab of the night the 500th of his career. If you’re looking for space on the “Edelman is a Hall of Famer” train, he’s got more receptions than two of the 18 wide receivers currently enshrined in Canton (Lynn Swann, 336 and Paul Warfield, 427 and has a real chance to pass two more in 2019 (John Stallworth, 537 and Fred Biletnikoff, 589).​

Coaching has always been a mismatch between the Patriots and Steelers, at least as long as it’s been Bill Belichick vs. Mike Tomlin, and Sunday was no exception. Down 20-0 early in the third quarter, facing a fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, Tomlin sent out his field goal unit to keep it a three-score game.​

There’s going to be some 2007 chatter over the coming weeks and it’s 100 percent warranted.​

Patriots 33, Steelers 3: Tom Brady drops bombs on Pittsburgh and more of the best and worst of New England’s win

Picking the best and worst Patriots performances from Sunday's season opener against Pittsburgh.

www.masslive.com

It’s safe to say no player in NFL history has ever enjoyed a better start to his 20th season.​

Tom Brady connected on touchdown passes of 20, 25 and 58 yards en route to a 24-for-36 night worth 341 yards and three scores. He completed passes to seven different receivers, slicing and dicing the Steelers’ secondary in both halves. When Brady was afforded a clean pocket, the Steelers defense had no chance.​

Josh McDaniels threw a small kitchen sink at Pittsburgh, rolling out six different personnel groups, various tempos and tons of misdirection. He covered for New England’s hole at tight end by deploying a second pass-catching running back on passing downs or a third receiver on several standard downs. Masterful plan by McDaniels.​

Four times the Steelers faced third or fourth-and-1 Sunday night. Four times they retreated back to their sideline.​

The Pats stuffed a pair of third-and-1 runs in the second quarter, then broke up a short pass on fourth-and-1 moments before halftime. In the third quarter, they turned Pittsburgh away again while backed up against their own goal line after consecutive misfires from Roethlisberger, which forced a field goal.​

In a shutdown performance from start to finish, New England’s secondary earned its only interception late when Devin McCourty picked off an end-zone heave from Roethlisberger. Stephon Gilmore successfully shadowed JuJu Smith-Schuster, while no other receiver topped 55 yards.​

Dating back to last season, Dorsett has converted his last 20 targets into catches. His four Sunday went for 95 yards and two touchdowns, the latter a 58-yard bomb that split Pittsburgh’s two deep safeties.​

33 thoughts on the Patriots' 33-3 win over the Steelers

COMMENTARY Thirty-three thoughts on the Patriots’ 33-3 win over the Steelers … It sounds arrogant, but who cares? It’s the expectation and the accusation no matter what at this point. It’s also appropriate, and saying it after the Patriots’ systematic dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers...

www.boston.com

They tormented the Steelers Sunday night, first by unveiling a sixth championship banner, matching Pittsburgh for the most all-time, then proving on the field that they are much, much closer to a seventh. The Patriots held the Steelers to 3 points, Ben Roethlisberger to 276 yards and no touchdown passes, and James Conner to 21 rushing yards, and they did it without stalwart linebacker Kyle Van Noy.​

Thoughts on the offensive line: Isaiah Wynn, last year’s first-rounder who was making his NFL debut at left tackle, was excellent, allowing just one rush of Brady (per NBC) in his first 33 drop-backs. Ted Karras, trying to fill the void left by David Andrews, did a fine job blocking, though his shotgun snaps had a little bit of hang time. Right tackle Marcus Cannon, one of the more underrated Patriots, left with a shoulder injury after battling T.J. Watt for three quarters. And the guards, Joe Thuney and Shaq Mason, were rough and relentless as usual.​

Jonathan Jones, the fourth-year cornerback who agree to terms on a three-year, $21 million extension Saturday in the second most-noteworthy transaction of the day, started at cornerback as the Patriots went with five defensive backs right away. His development almost makes you wonder whether his absence from the Super Bowl LII loss to the Eagles was a bigger deal than Malcolm Butler’s in retrospect.​

Let the record show that the first touchdown of the Patriots season was scored by someone we weren’t even sure would play a snap this year. Josh Gordon, reinstated in mid-August after violating the conditions of a previous conditional reinstatement for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy, scored from 20 yards out with a little over 4 minutes left in the first quarter.​

Gordon hurdled one would-be tackler and rammed through another to get into in the end zone. But it might not have been his most impressive play. Gordon had a 44-yard catch in the second quarter in which he took a huge pop from Pittsburgh’s Terrell Edmonds and still made a difficult grab. Didn’t look rusty to me.​

Van Noy was a surprising inactive for a good reason – his wife had gone into labor. Cris Collinsworth said on the broadcast that Van Noy was the best defender in the playoffs last year. I’d vote Stephon Gilmore there, but the versatile Van Noy was excellent, especially in the Super Bowl. It’s impressive that the defense didn’t miss a beat without him.​

Gilmore, currently the best cornerback in the NFL, had five tackles and neutralized Steelers star receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster until garbage time (he ended up with 78 yards). He does honor to that number 24.​

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

Pittsburgh Steelers at New England Patriots - September 8th, 2019 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Pittsburgh Steelers 3 at New England Patriots 33 on September 8th, 2019 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[oldrover]

@jmt57

 

[sb1]

Ben looked fatter than ever in that one.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats blow out Steelers, 33-3
After raising sixth banner in front of Pittsburgh​

Sun Sept 8, 2019 at 8:20
Week 1, Game 1 at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 3
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin
QBs: Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger
Odds: New England favored by 5½


AP Report on the game:

Brady starts his 20th season by beating Steelers 33-3

The New England Patriots trolled the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday and then blew them out Sunday night. A day after the acquiring former Steelers malcontent Antonio Brown, the reigning Super Bowl champions showed they might not even need him, getting 341 yards and three touchdown passes from...

m.turnto10.com

Facing the last team to beat them, back in Week 15 last year, the Patriots opened a 20-0 lead before Pittsburgh kicked a field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 1 with 10:17 left in the third quarter. Brady responded with a 58-yard touchdown pass to Dorsett and a 27-3 lead.​

Dorsett had four catches for 95 yards and the first multi-score game of his career. He will be moving down the depth chart Monday when the Patriots are expected to make Antonio Brown's signing official.​

Roethlisberger completed 27 of 47 passes for 277 yards and an interception, though 116 of the yards came on non-scoring drives in the fourth quarter with the Steelers down four scores. The offense showed the effects of losing two of its biggest playmakers: Brown, who talked and tweeted his way out of both Pittsburgh and Oakland in one offseason, and running back Le'Veon Bell, a two-time All-Pro who sat out all of last season to avoid a franchise tag.​

In their place, James Conner gained 21 yards on 10 carries; the Steelers gained only 32 yards rushing in all. Top receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster caught six passes for 78 yards, 26 of it coming on one throw in the final six minutes with the Steelers already trailing 33-3.​

The drive ended when Roethlisberger threw it into the end zone from the 41-yard line and was picked off by Devin McCourty.​

The Steelers had five full possessions in the first half and punted on four of them, going three-and-out three times.​

Some Pittsburgh-centric reports on the game:

Steelers blown out by New England Patriots 33-3

The Steelers' season opener was devastating loss to the New England Patriots that Antonio Brown surely will have enjoyed.

www.pennlive.com

Ben Roethlisberger got time. He could scramble, shuffle and wait at minimal speed.​

There receivers downfield and routes were broken off, but no one could get open. Or if they could, he couldn’t find them. Or if they could and he could, they dropped the ball. Were it not for the cuts the New England Patriots tore open in the Steelers secondary on Sunday night, the post-Antonio Brown void on offense would’ve swallowed the game whole.​

These next two articles gives a good drive-by-drive description of the game, again from a Steeler fan's point of view:

Steelers fall flat on their faces in 33-3 loss to the Patriots

The New England Patriots completely embarrass the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1.

www.behindthesteelcurtain.com

When you give Brady more possessions, Brady usually converts those into points. After two big passes to Julian Edelman, Brady connected with Dorsett for the second New England touchdown of the half, making the score 17-0 with 3:49 left in the half.​

After Ben Roethlisberger hit JuJu Smith-Schuster for 19 yards, giving them their first third down conversion of the game, a pass which hit Donte Moncrief in between the numbers was dropped on 4th-and-1 turning the ball over on downs. Brady moved the ball easily into field goal range, but had to settle for another kick making the score 20-0 heading into halftime.​

The Steelers received the ball to start the second half, and were finally able to get the football into New England territory. After a James Washington sideline catch got them into field goal range, they failed to convert on 3rd and 1 at the goalline and settled for a Chris Boswell field goal, making the score 20-3.​

How did the Steelers’ defense respond? On 3rd-and-10, Brady went over the top and hit Phillip Dorsett for his second touchdown of the game, making the score 27-3 after Gostkowski’s extra point.​

Patriots Punk Out Steelers 33-3 in 2019 Season Opener @ Gillette

The Pittsburgh Steelers opened the 2019 season by getting punked out 33-3 by the New England Patriots in a game not nearly as close as the score suggests.

steelcurtainrising.com

The Steelers defense started the game by forcing a New England punt; after that, it was all offense all the time for the Patriots, as they scored on seven of their next eight possessions.​

The Steelers were faced with another short-yardage situation on their following drive–this time a fourth and one from the New England 47. Unfortunately, Donte Moncrief couldn’t hold on to a catchable pass, and the Patriots closed out the quarter with a Stephen Gostkowski 41-yard field goal to make it 20-0 at the half.​

The Steelers had their best drive to open the second half, with the key play coming on a 45-yard pass from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to receiver James Washington that set the offense up at the New England 18. One play later, Moncrief dropped another catchable pass in the end zone. Five plays later, the Steelers faced a third and goal from the one, but a fade pass from Roethlisberger to Moncrief fell harmlessly incomplete. Instead of going for it, however, the Steelers settled for a Chris Boswell 19-yard field goal to make it 20-3.​

Four plays later, it was over, as Brady found Dorsett for a second touchdown–this time from 58 yards out–to make it 27-3.​

8:40 Official NFL Highlight Video
Steelers vs. Patriots Week 1 Highlights | NFL 2019
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats upset Bengals in Cincinnati, 16-10
Largest upset in NFL Week one​

Sun Sept 8, 2024 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Paycor Stadium
New England Patriots 16, Cincinnati Bengals 3
Head Coaches: Jerod Mayo, Zac Taylor
QBs: Jacoby Brissett, Joe Burrow
Odds: Cincinnati favored by 8


Jerod Mayo gets a win in his first game as an NFL head coach. The much maligned Pats offensive line got the job done, allowing just one sack on Jacoby Brissett. Alex Van Pelt utilized rookie OT Caeden Wallace as an eligible receiver/blocking tight end on several occasions, helping RB Rhamondre Stevenson - returning from a down 2023, sidelined for the last month of the season with a high ankle sprain - to rush for 120 yards (4.8 ypc). The Pats also forced three fumbles (two recovered), one that was recovered on the one yard line to prevent a Bengal touchdown.

Patriots News 9-8, Players To Watch, Predictions For Week 1 | PatsFans.com

I care more about their growth and their development more than anything. I say players win games, and coaches lose games. - Jerod Mayo

www.patsfans.com

Patriots Open With Shocker In Cincinnati | PatsFans.com

So little is expected from the 2024 Patriots. Some experts have the Patriots winning as few as two games this year. Las Vegas has the Patriots winning only four. A Globe article this morning cautioned all of you to prepare for a biblically bad season.

www.patsfans.com

TRANSCRIPT: Jerod Mayo's Postgame Press Conference 9/8 | PatsFans.com

Here’s the full transcript of New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo’s press conference following their win over the Bengals on Sunday, September 8, 2024.

www.patsfans.com

Game Day Thread - OFFICIAL 2024 Week 1 Game Thread - NE @ CIN

www.patsfans.com

PostGame Thread - OFFICIAL 2024 Week 1 Postgame Thread - Patriots Open 1-0 with a win over Cincy

Great to be 1-0. Nice job by the team today. Let's discuss it here.

www.patsfans.com

Patriots 16-10 Bengals (Sep 8, 2024) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals NFL game from September 8, 2024 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Brissett directed a methodical 80-yard drive in the first quarter that included six first downs and was capped by Stevenson's 3-yard TD run.​

The Bengals were simply bad in the first half and for most of the second.​

Cincinnati went three-and-out on its first three possessions. Joe Burrow moved the Bengals into the red zone in the second quarter and came away with nothing.​

Tight end Mike Gesicki appeared to make a falling catch in the back corner of the end zone, but a replay showed he hadn’t maintained control.​

On the next play, a third-and-11 from the Patriots 15, Burrow connected with tight end Tanner Hudson at the 9-yard-line, but safety Kyle Dugger stripped the ball at the goal line and cornerback Marcus Jones scooped it up and ran 17 yards the other way.​

Burrow, fully healthy to start a season for the first time since his rookie year in 2020, finished a pedestrian 21 of 29 for 164 yards.​

In the second half, Cincinnati's Charlie Jones fumbled away a punt, which led to a Patriots field goal. Then the Bengals came up a yard short on a fourth-down pass and turned the ball over.​

3 big reasons why the Patriots pulled off a season-opening upset win over the Bengals

The Patriots pulled off a surprising upset for Jerod Mayo's first victory. Here's three reasons why the were able to do it.

www.boston.com

This Patriots’ defense showed early on that it has a nose for the football.​

Long snapper Joe Cardona literally put his facemask on the ball to force a fumble on a punt early in the third quarter. The hit jarred the ball loose from the arms of Cincinnati’s Charlie Jones and Jaylinn Hawkins dove on it to give the Patriots the ball just outside of the redzone.​

The biggest momentum swing of the game came during a pair of plays from Kyle Dugger late in the second quarter. At first, it appeared that Dugger had gotten beat by former Patriot Mike Gesicki on a 15-yard touchdown grab that would have tied the game at 7. However, the ball came out as Gesicki hit the ground and the officials ruled it incomplete after a review.​

Dugger went and got the Patriots the ball back on the very next play. Cincinnati tight-end Tanner Hudson carried the ball high and loose as he hauled in a 13-yard catch and rumbled to New England’s two yard line. Dugger smacked the ball out, and Marcus Jones scooped it to complete the touchdown-saving play.​

Second-year defensive lineman Keion White had more sacks on Sunday (2.5) than he did in all of last season. White was overpowering at times, using bull rushes to knock his blocker backward and put pressure on Joe Burrow.​

His power also helped disrupt the Cincinnati run game with a pair of tackles for losses. The Bengals were held to 70 yards on 16 carries, with most of the production coming in the second half.​

It was a dominant start for the young defensive lineman who is expected to play a big role in replacing Matthew Judon’s production this season.​

10 Patriots takeaways from rugged upset of Bengals

Here are 10 Patriots takeaways from a stunning start to the Jerod Mayo Era.

www.masslive.com

The Patriots set the tone in this one from the jump, flying around on defense and establishing the run on the offensive side of the ball. It was one of those games where everyone was getting into the mix, perhaps best exemplified by Jonathan Jones croaking Bengals wideout Andrei Iosivas on a 4th-and-2 to force a turnover on downs. The 183-pound Jones has always been a willing tackler, but the pop he delivered was a bone-cruncher. New England was playing with an edge.​

On the other side of the ball, Rhamondre Stevenson had the best seat in the house for the offensive line’s performance, as the Patriots ran for more than 6 yards per carry in the first half.​

Lots to be alarmed about in Cincinnati Bengals' loss to New England Patriots - Cincinnati Enquirer


Box Score, Stats and Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals - September 8th, 2024 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 16 at Cincinnati Bengals 10 on September 8th, 2024 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats Avoid Upset, Rally for Comeback
On Two 4th Quarter Gostkowski Field Goals​

Sun Sept 8, 2013 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at The Ralph
New England Patriots 23, Buffalo Bills 21
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Doug Marrone
QBs: Tom Brady, EJ Manuel
Odds: New England favored by 10½


AP Report on the game:

Patriots 23-21 Bills (Sep 8, 2013) Game Recap - ESPN

Expert recap and game analysis of the New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills NFL game from September 8, 2013 on ESPN.

www.espn.com

Whatever chemistry Brady still lacks within the Patriots new-look offense, the quarterback overcame by rallying New England to a 23-21 season-opening win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. Brady marched New England 49 yards in 12 plays to set up Stephen Gostkowski's 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds left.​

Shaking off a sloppy start, Brady completed all six attempts for 34 yards on a final drive during which he twice completed passes to convert third downs. That included threading a throw to Danny Amendola in traffic for a 10-yard gain on third-and-8 at the Bills 39. Shane Vereen ran 15 yards on the next play, and the Patriots settled on running time off the clock before Gostkowski won it.​

Amendola, an offseason free-agent addition, showed grit by returning to the game despite a nagging groin injury he aggravated late in the first half. And Brady leaned heavily on his most experienced returning receiver, Julian Edelman, who caught both touchdown passes.​

Brady finished 29 of 52 for 288 yards and two touchdowns in helping the Patriots win their 10th straight season opener. That ties Portsmouth/Detroit (1930-39) for the NFL's third-longest streak. It also marked the 36th time of Brady's career that he's led the Patriots to victory while tied or trailing in the fourth quarter. Belichick won his 206th career game to move one ahead of Marty Schottenheimer for sixth place on the NFL list.​

The new-look Bills nearly pulled off a stunning upset in their first game under coach Doug Marrone and rookie quarterback EJ Manuel. It instead turned into an all-too-familiar outcome for the Bills against their AFC East rivals. They dropped to 1-19 in their past 20 meetings. They are 3-24 in 27 games since Belichick took over as Patriots coach in 2000.​

The Bills squandered an encouraging debut by Manuel, the rookie first-round draft pick out of Florida State. Manuel was inconsistent, but looked poised in the pocket in completing 18 of 27 passes for 150 yards with two touchdowns. After trailing the entire first half, Manuel put the Bills ahead 21-17 on the first possession of the third quarter by capping an 11-play, 80-yard march with an 18-yard pass to Stevie Johnson.​

The Bills had difficulty mustering any further offense, managing just three first downs and 73 yards on their final five possessions. Buffalo also squandered a sturdy effort by a revamped defense that forced three turnovers, including safety Da'Norris Searcy returning Stevan Ridley's fumble 74 yards for a touchdown. The Bills also limited the Patriots to 6 points on three drives inside Buffalo's 20 in the second half. Discipline was an also an issue for Buffalo, which was penalized 10 times for 75 yards.​

The Patriots' defense was opportunistic, too. Cornerback Kyle Arrington forced two fumbles, both of which set up touchdowns.​

Patriots rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins finished with four catches for 42 yards despite being targeted 14 times.​

And then there was Ridley. After fumbling by slipping at the line of scrimmage without being touched, Ridley spent the rest of the game on the sideline with his helmet perched on his head. Vereen took over and finished with 14 carries for a career-high 101 yards.​

Game 1: Patriots at Bills

Stephen Gostkowski (right) kicked a game-winning field goal with only 5 seconds remaining in the game to lift the Patriots to a 23-21 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the season opener for both teams. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and linebacker Jerod Mayo knew New England survived a close...

www.boston.com

The Buffalo Bills had their moments to close the door on Tom Brady and the Patriots Sunday, with more than one opportunity to end New England’s nine-game season-opening win streak.​

But rookie quarterback E.J. Manuel couldn’t move the offense when Buffalo needed it most, leaving Brady the one thing he needs: a chance. And Brady, as he’s done time and again, made the most of it, moving an otherwise shaky defense 49 yards in 12 plays, enough for Stephen Gostkowski to make a 35-yard field goal with just five seconds left in the game.​

Rob Ninkovich recovered a fumble in the second quarter by Buffalo’s Maquise Goodwin.



Danny Amendola hauls in a first half pass.



Kyle Arrington jarred the ball loose from Bills RB C.J. Spiller during the first half, and the Patriots’ Tommy Kelly recovered the ball.



Stephen Gostkowski was 3-for-3 on field goal attempts, connecting from 48 and 33 yards before the game-winner from 35 yards.



3:31 Highlight Video
Patriots vs Bills 2013 Week 1
​

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

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 8th, 2013 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 23 at Buffalo Bills 21 on September 8th, 2013 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I love how 3 times they made the Steelers watch our banner raising and then we kicked their ass in every game too

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 2005:
Patriots 30, Raiders 20​

Thurs Sept 8, 2005 at 9:00
Week 1, Game 1 at The Razor
New England Patriots 30, Oakland Raiders 20
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Norv Turner
QBs: Tom Brady, Kerry Collins
Odds: New England favored by 7½


AP Report on the game:

Patriots still look just super in their opener

FOXBORO, Mass. – The new-look Oakland Raiders strutted their stuff for awhile on Thursday night. They aired one out to Randy Moss. They showed they can run it with ex-Jet LaMont Jordan. Even their previously porous run defense played well. Unfortunately, they were playing the same-look New...

www.spokesman.com

Patriots win 30-20 on banner night

The New England Patriots raised its third championship banner amidst a wild pregame show befitting the reigning champs. More importantly, they came away with their first win of the 2005 season, 30-20 against the Oakland Raiders.​

It was no masterpiece but in the end New England cruised to a 30-20 win over the Oakland Raiders in the Patriots and NFL's season opener.​

Tom Brady had a fine game for a first night out, throwing for 306 yards on 24 of 38 passing and two touchdowns. His main target was Deion Branch who had 7 catches for 99 yards and a touchdown. Close behind was Troy Brown with his 6 catches and 51 yards.​

Although Oakland did a good job stopping the run, Dillon managed two touchdowns along with his 63 yards on 23 carries.​

Oakland's main threat, Randy Moss, did his part for the Raider cause with 5 catches, 130 yards and a score but it wasn't nearly enough as the Patriots defense, after a shakey start, clamped down on its opponent in the second half.​

Aside from the Patriots defensive 11, the Raiders killed themselves with a whopping 16 penalties for 149 yards.​

After all the pregame hoopla and the smoke had cleared, the Raiders wasted no time marching down the field for six points and they did it in chunks. A pass to Moss for 29 yards and another to Jordan for 28 put the ball on the Patriots 4. Collins then hit Courtney Anderson with McGinest in coverage as he rolled right for the score.​

New England got three right back on a 26-yard Vinatieri field goal. The drive started with a nice 26-yard kickoff return by Faulk. Benjamin Watson showed up big with two catches for 20 and 35, both coming on third down. His second was on third and 6 from the Raiders 44. After the catch, Watson picked up some hard-earned yards fending off would-be tacklers down to the 9. From there, Oakland's run defense stiffened and Vinatieri was brought on.​

The Patriots defense fared better in its second chance against the high-powered Raiders offense. Tim Dwight returned the punt 27 yards to the 32. Brady then went to work, first to Branch for 29 and then Brown for 20. The rest of the way it was Branch, 10 yards to the Oakland 14. After Dillon was locked up for a loss of 4, it was Branch again on a pass from Brady from 18 yards out for the touchdown.​

The first quarter ended with the Patriots up 10-7 and Oakland with the ball first and 10 at their own 45. While Brady was looking sharp, Dillon was being held to 4 carries for -3 yards while Oakland's Jordan had 7 carries for 30.​

Collins escaped a third and 12 in his series that opened the second quarter with a pass over the middle to Jerry Porter for 27 yards but that was it as Sebastian Janikowski missed from 43 yards out. Other than a 7-yard run by Jordan to open the drive, the Patriots run defense showed signs of coming together, holding Jordan to a net 2 yards on four other attempts.​

That defensive ground success was quickly overshadowed by a Collins to Moss air strike for 73 yards and a touchdown later in the quarter. It was a one play scoring drive that gave Oakland the lead, 14-10.​

Defense was in short supply up to this point as New England found themselves on the Oakland 5 in only five plays. Givens caught two passes, for 5 and 26 yards. Graham was sure on a 17-yard catch and then Dwight held on to the 5-yard touchdown pass, making the catch a yard out at the left sideline and slipping into the end zone past his defender.​

As the first half's two minute warning sounded, Oakland was lined up in punt formation as the Patriots defense managed to stop Oakland. Key to the defense was a 4-yard tackle for loss by Mike Vrabel on Jordan.​

Brady and the offense could not take advantage although a third and 4 incomplete to Watson should have been challenged by the upstairs NFL officials as the replay showed it possibly being a catch.​

Oakland was content to watch the clock run out without a shot downfield and the half ended at 17-14, Patriots.​

Some superb punting highlighted early second half action. Two Josh Miller punts were downed inside the 5 as both teams' offense cooled off after the halftime break.​

After the stalemate was continued by a Raider stuff of Dillon on fourth and 1, Collins dropped back on first down from his 30. Richard Seymour bull rushed his man up the middle into the Oakland quarterback and the ball popped into the air. Big Vince Wilfork got his paws on it for the interception and New England took over.​

Two plays later, Brady hit Branch for 12 yards. From 8 yards out, Dillon finally broke free for the score. New England only picked up six points as Vinatieri's point-after attempt was blocked.​

On the other side of the ball, the Patriots defense was completely shutting down Oakland. When Collins had time, he couldn't find a receiver. On other attempts, New England brought pressure from all over the field, moving Collins off his spot and forcing him to throw the ball away.​

New England essentially put the game away in the fourth quarter on a 2-yard Dillon run, his second score of the night. A beautiful double fake by Brady midway through the drive opened up the right side of the field for a little pass to Dillon behind a wall of blockers. That play went for 25 yards. Oakland's Stanford Routt was then called for pass interference on Troy Brown at the 2-yard line. Dillon's score came on the next play.​

At 4:00 remaining in the game, Miller had a punt blocked by Randal Williams. Oakland recovered on the Patriots 21 and moved to the 5 where Collins hit a wide open Anderson for the touchdown. Down by 10 at 30-20, Oakland went for the two-point conversion but were unsuccessful.​

Next up was an onside kick by Oakland but it, like the two-point play, failed. And like so many games last season, this one ended on Tom Brady's knee.​

Pre-game scratches for the Patriots: Matt Cassel (3rd QB); Andre Davis; Duane Starks; James Sanders; Tully Banta-Cain; Brandon Gorin; Bethel Johnson; Marquise Hill.​

3:55 Highlight Video
2005 Raiders at Patriots Week 1



10:31 Highlight Video
Raiders vs Patriots 2005 Week 1



2:29:23 Full Game
2005 Week 1 - Oakland at New England
​

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1996: Pats Fall to 0-2
Bills 17, Patriots 10​

Sunday September 8, 1996 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at Rich Stadium
Buffalo Bills 17, New England Patriots 10
Head Coaches: Bill Parcells, Marv Levy
QBs: Drew Bledsoe, Jim Kelly
Odds: Buffalo favored by 4½


Jim Kelly's fourth quarter 63-yard touchdown pass to Quinn Early broke a tie on a rainy day in Buffalo for a Bills win. The Patriots picked off Kelly three times, but the Buffalo defense sacked Drew Bledsoe four times while limiting the Pats to 9-23 on third down.

2:14:53 Full Game
1996 - Week 2 - New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
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Box Score, Stats and Full Play-by-Play:

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 8th, 1996 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New England Patriots 10 at Buffalo Bills 17 on September 8th, 1996 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1991: **** MacPherson loses home HC debut 20-0
To Bill Belichick's Cleveland Browns​

Sunday September 8, 1991 at 1:00
Week 2, Game 2 at Foxboro Stadium
Cleveland Browns 20, New England Patriots 0
Head Coaches: **** MacPherson, Bill Belichick
QBs: Tom Hodson, Bernie Kosar
Odds: Cleveland favored by 1
Both teams go to 1-1


This was essentially an early season Toilet Bowl game, unworthy of any television coverage.
The Browns were coming off a 3-13 season that resulted in Jim Shofner being fired and replaced by Bill Belichick.
The Patriots were coming off a 1-15 season that resulted in Rod Rust being fired and replaced by **** MacPherson.

New England's offensive line was a mess, with Tommy Hodson being sacked four times, throwing two picks and passing for a mere 95 net yards on 26 passes. The Pats defense kept it close (7-0 at halftime, 10-0 after three quarters) before Cleveland broke it open in the fourth quarter on a 65-yard pass from Bernie Kosar to Michael Jackson. The Browns dominated (37:33 time of possession) while the pathetic Patriot offense went 3-11 on third down, managing an embarassing 143 total yards of offense. Leonard Russell led the Pats with 60 yards rushing on twelve carries, while Irving Fryar was limited to two receptions for 23 yards.

Yuck.



Box Score and Stats:

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots - September 8th, 1991 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Cleveland Browns 20 at New England Patriots 0 on September 8th, 1991 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1985: Berry's Pats open Super Bowl season
With 26-20 win over Packers​

Sunday September 8, 1985 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Sullivan Stadium
New England Patriots 26, Green Bay Packers 20
Head Coaches: Raymond Berry, Forrest Gregg
QBs: Tony Eason, Lynn ****ey
Odds: New England favored by 4


The Patriots jumped off to a 26-6 lead on a 65-yard touchdown run by Craig James, and held on to a late Packer rally for a six-point win. The Patriots rushed for 208 yards while limiting the Packers to 59 yards on the ground, but five turnovers almost cost them the game.

Tony Collins (63 yards rushing, 43 yards receiving) and James both had over 100 yards from scrimmage for the Pats, while Tony Eason completed 75% of his passes for 241 yatds and a touchdown pass to Cedric Jones. The Patriots controlled the ball for 36:47 and held a two-to-one advantage in total yards, 410 yards to 210. However, the Pats fumbled the ball away four times, yet somehow held on long enough to win this game. Rookie Derwin Williams had five catches for 94 yards to lead the Pats receiving corps, in what would turn out to be the best gane of his career.

2:04:31 Full Video
1985 Week 1 Packers at Patriots
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Box Score and Stats:

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots - September 8th, 1985 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Green Bay Packers 20 at New England Patriots 26 on September 8th, 1985 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1968: Patriots Shut Down Bills, 16-7​

Sunday September 8, 1968 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at War Memorial Stadium
Boston Patriots 16, Buffalo Bills 7
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Joe Collier
QBs: Mike Taliaferro, Dan Darragh
Odds: Buffalo favored by 6½


Two years earlier th Patriots had been a serious contender to play in the very first Super Bowl, but fell to last place in the AFL East as the roster aged and was hit by injuries. Buffalo was in a similar situation, dropping from AFL East champions in 1966 to 4-10 in 1967.

To get an idea of how pro football has changed, consider this. The Patriots ran the ball 43 times, compared to 13 pass attempts (plus two sacks). R.C. Gamble rushed for 90 yards, highlighted by a 45-yard touchdown run that gave the Patriots a 10-7 third quarter lead. Larry Garron added 61 yards on the ground, and Gino Cappelletti kicked two fourth quarter field goals for the final score.

The Pats defense forced four turnovers and compiled four sacks, with Daryl Johnson and Leroy Mitchell both registering an interception. Mike Holovak pretty much took the ball out of Mike Taliaferro's hands, as the QB went just 5-13 for 60 yards, with no touchdowns, one pick and two sacks.

6:54 Highlight Video
9/8/1968 Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills highlights Week 1 American Football League
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Box Score and Stats:

Boston Patriots at Buffalo Bills - September 8th, 1968 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 16 at Buffalo Bills 7 on September 8th, 1968 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1963: Patriots Break It Open In The Second Half
Down the Jete, 38-14​

Sunday September 8, 1963 at 1:00
Week 1, Game 1 at Alumni Stadium
Boston Patriots 38, New York Jets 14
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Weeb Ewbank
QBs: Babe Parilli, **** Wood
Odds: Boston favored by 10


The Patriots broke open a 14-14 halftime lead with four consecutive second half scores to spank the Jets, 38-14. Larry Garron had 129 yards from scrimmage and Tony Romeo had six receptions for 90 yards to lead the Pats offense. The Patriot defense stifled the Jets, led by **** Felt's two interceptions. Nick Buoniconti, Thomas Stephens and Bob Suci also had picks - a total of five turnovers for a dominant Patriot defense.


September 1, 1963 – Jets at Patriots | Tales From The American Football League

Box Score and Stats:

New York Jets at Boston Patriots - September 8th, 1963 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

New York Jets 14 at Boston Patriots 38 on September 8th, 1963 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Sept 8, 1962: Abner Haynes Scores Four Touchdowns
Dallas Texans 42, Boston Patriots 28​

Saturday September 8, 1962 at 4:00
Week 1, Game 1 at the Cotton Bowl
Dallas Texans 48, Boston Patriots 28
Head Coaches: Mike Holovak, Hank Stram
QBs: Babe Parilli, Len Dawson
Odds: Dallas Texans favored by 7½


Hank Stram's Dallas Texans began the season with a convincing victory over the Patriots, and three months later would proceed to become the American Football League champions. Dallas controlled the game, rushing for 265 yards in comparison to Boston's 113. Abner Haynes - a much overlooked superstar of the old AFL - ran for 122 yards on 19 carries (6.4 ypc) and scored four touchdowns.

The score was 21-14 at the half, but Haynes scored on a 30-yard run and then a 9-yard pass from Len Dawson to put the game out of reach. Tony Romeo (five catches for 84 yards and one touchdown) was the bright spot for the Patriots.




Box Score and Stats:

Boston Patriots at Dallas Texans - September 8th, 1962 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Boston Patriots 28 at Dallas Texans 42 on September 8th, 1962 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com