It is the first season since 1999 without quarterback Tom Brady on the roster, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six, and had been their primary starting quarterback from 2001 to 2019.[1][2] The Patriots signed long-time Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015MVPCam Newton on June 29, and named him the starting quarterback on September 3.[3]
The Patriots attempted to win their 12th consecutive AFC East title and their first since 1997 without Tom Brady. However, they began the season 2–5, their worst record through 7 games since 2000. They failed to improve on their 12–4 record from the previous season following a Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and failed to match that record following a Week 8 loss to the division rival Buffalo Bills. Following a Sunday Night win by the Bills over the Steelers in week 14, the Patriots failed to win their division for the first time since 2008, and they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2008 with a Week 15 loss to the Dolphins, ending their winning season streak at 19. This leaves the record to the Dallas Cowboys at 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985. After their blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in week 16, the New England Patriots finished the 2020 season with a losing record for the first time since 2000.
This was only the 3rd time since 2000 the Patriots have missed the playoffs and failed to win the division.[4][5] With their 11-year streak of playoff appearances snapped, the Kansas City Chiefs now hold the league's longest playoff streak, making the playoffs every year since 2015. In addition, New England's streak of 10+ win seasons that dated back to their 2003 Super Bowl-winning season, which was an NFL record, also came to an end following a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.[6]
For the season, the Patriots adopted a modified version of their Color Rush jerseys as their primary home uniform while introducing a new road uniform for the first time since 2000.[7]
Contents
1 Roster changes
1.1 Free agency
1.1.1 Unrestricted
1.1.2 Restricted
1.1.3 Exclusive-Rights
1.1.4 Signings
1.2 Releases/waivers
1.3 Retirements
1.4 Trades
2 Draft
2.1 Undrafted free agents
3 Staff
4 Final roster
5 Preseason
6 Regular season
6.1 Schedule
6.2 Game summaries
6.2.1 Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins
6.2.2 Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks
6.2.3 Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders
6.2.4 Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs
6.2.5 Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos
6.2.6 Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers
6.2.7 Week 8: at Buffalo Bills
6.2.8 Week 9: at New York Jets
6.2.9 Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens
6.2.10 Week 11: at Houston Texans
6.2.11 Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals
6.2.12 Week 13: at Los Angeles Chargers
6.2.13 Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams
6.2.14 Week 15: at Miami Dolphins
6.2.15 Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
6.2.16 Week 17: vs. New York Jets
6.3 Standings
6.3.1 Division
6.3.2 Conference
7 Notes
8 References
9 External links
Roster changes[edit]
Free agency[edit]
Unrestricted[edit]
Position
Player
2020 team
Date signed
Contract
QB
Tom Brady
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
March 20, 2020[8]
2 years, $50 million[9]
DE
Shilique Calhoun
New England Patriots
March 24, 2020[10]
1 year, $1.5 million[11]
OLB
Jamie Collins
Detroit Lions
March 25, 2020[12]
3 years, $30 million[13]
WR
Phillip Dorsett
Seattle Seahawks
March 30, 2020[14]
1 year, $1 million[15]
FS
Nate Ebner
New York Giants
March 26, 2020[16]
1 year, $2 million[17]
C
James Ferentz
New England Patriots
September 16, 2020[18]
1 year, $825,000[19]
K
Nick Folk
New England Patriots
August 24, 2020[20]
1 year, $1,05 million[21]
C
Ted Karras
Miami Dolphins
March 20, 2020[22]
1 year, $4 million[23]
FS
Devin McCourty
New England Patriots
March 17, 2020[24]
2 years, $23 million[25]
OT
Marshall Newhouse
Tennessee Titans
November 27, 2020[26]
1 year, $72,000[27]
MLB
Elandon Roberts
Miami Dolphins
March 24, 2020[28]
1 year, $2 million[29]
DT
Danny Shelton
Detroit Lions
March 24, 2020[30]
2 years, $8 million[31]
WR
Matthew Slater
New England Patriots
March 13, 2020[32]
2 years, $5.3 million[33]
G
Joe Thuney
New England Patriots
March 20, 2020[34]
Signed franchise tender worth 1 year, $14.8 million[35]
OLB
Kyle Van Noy
Miami Dolphins
March 21, 2020[36]
4 years, $51 million[37]
Restricted[edit]
Position
Player
2020 team
Date signed
Contract
DT
Adam Butler
New England Patriots
April 17, 2020[38]
Signed tender worth $3.3 million[39]
G
Jermaine Eluemunor
New England Patriots
April 16, 2020[40]
Signed tender worth $2.1 million[41]
Exclusive-Rights[edit]
Position
Player
2020 team
Date signed
Contract
DE
Keionta Davis
New England Patriots
March 17, 2020[42]
1 year, $675,000[43]
Signings[edit]
Position
Player
Previous team
Date signed
Contract
DT
Beau Allen
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
March 20, 2020[44]
2 years, $7 million[45]
S
Adrian Phillips
Los Angeles Chargers
March 21, 2020[46]
2 years, $6 million[47]
FB
Danny Vitale
Green Bay Packers
March 21, 2020[48]
1 year, $1.3 million[49]
WR
Damiere Byrd
Arizona Cardinals
March 23, 2020[50]
1 year, $1.4 million[51]
FS
Cody Davis
Jacksonville Jaguars
March 23, 2020[52]
1 year, $1.5 million[53]
OLB
Brandon Copeland
New York Jets
March 25, 2020[54]
1 year, $1.1 million[55]
QB
Brian Hoyer
Indianapolis Colts
March 25, 2020[56]
1 year, $1.1 million[57]
WR
Marqise Lee
Jacksonville Jaguars
April 28, 2020[58]
1 year, $1.1 million[59]
QB
Cam Newton
Carolina Panthers
July 8, 2020[60]
1 year, $7.5 million[61]
WR
Will Hastings
New England Patriots
July 27, 2020[62]
1 year, $610,000[63]
QB
Brian Lewerke
New England Patriots
July 30, 2020[64]
1 year, $610,000[65]
WR
Isaiah Zuber
New England Patriots
August 5, 2020[66]
1 year, $610,000[67]
DT
Darius Kilgo
Detroit Lions
August 11, 2020[68]
1 year, $825,000[69]
C
Tyler Gauthier
Jacksonville Jaguars
August 12, 2020[70]
1 year, $675,000[71]
RB
Lamar Miller
Houston Texans
August 13, 2020[72]
1 year, $2.55 million[73]
G
Ben Braden
New York Jets
August 17, 2020[74]
1 year, $675,000[75]
TE
Paul Butler
Oakland Raiders
1 year, $610,000[76]
TE
Alex Ellis
Philadelphia Eagles
1 year, $825,000[77]
TE
Paul Quessenberry
N/A
August 22, 2020[78]
3 years, $2.3 million[79]
DT
Xavier Williams
Kansas City Chiefs
1 year, $910,000[80]
WR
Andre Baccellia
Kansas City Chiefs
August 29, 2020[81]
1 year, $610,000[82]
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2019 season.
Releases/waivers[edit]
Position
Player
2020 team
Date released/waived
K
Stephen Gostkowski
Tennessee Titans
March 23, 2020[83]
QB
Cody Kessler
April 1, 2020[83]
DE
Keionta Davis
April 27, 2020[84]
S
Obi Melifonwu
CB
Lenzy Pipkins
July 25, 2020[85]
S
Malik Gant
July 26, 2020[86]
WR
Will Hastings
QB
Brian Lewerke
S
Adarius Pickett
WR
Sean Riley
QB
J'Mar Smith
LB
Kyahva Tezino
DT
Courtney Wallace
WR
Isaiah Zuber
New England Patriots
DE
Nick Coe
Miami Dolphins
August 13, 2020[72]
WR
Quincy Adeboyejo
New England Patriots
August 15, 2020[87]
TE
Alex Ellis
August 22, 2020[78]
DT
Darius Kilgo
Denver Broncos
WR
Will Hastings
August 28, 2020[88]
DT
Michael Barnett
September 3, 2020[89]
CB
Mike Jackson Sr.
New England Patriots
WR
Mohamed Sanu
San Francisco 49ers
WR
Andre Baccellia
September 5, 2020[90]
TE
Rashod Berry
New England Patriots
DE
Tashawn Bower
New England Patriots
G
Ben Braden
Green Bay Packers
CB
Myles Bryant
New England Patriots
TE
Jake Burt
New England Patriots
TE
Paul Butler
K
Nick Folk
New England Patriots
C
Tyler Gauthier
Miami Dolphins
LB
Terez Hall
New England Patriots
LB
De'Jon Harris
Green Bay Packers
QB
Brian Lewerke
LB
Cassh Maluia
New England Patriots
RB
Lamar Miller
Chicago Bears
DT
Bill Murray
New England Patriots
TE
Paul Quessenberry
New England Patriots
K
Justin Rohrwasser
New England Patriots
CB
D'Angelo Ross
New England Patriots
WR
Devin Ross
New England Patriots
RB
J. J. Taylor
New England Patriots
WR
Jeff Thomas
DE
Nick Thurman
New England Patriots
DT
Xavier Williams
Cincinnati Bengals
WR
Isaiah Zuber
New England Patriots
LB
Cassh Maluia
New England Patriots
November 10, 2020[91]
G
Hjalte Froholdt
Houston Texans
November 21, 2020[92]
LB
Derek Rivers
Los Angeles Rams
WR
Isaiah Ford
Miami Dolphins
December 5, 2020[93]
Retirements[edit]
Position
Player
Date retired
TE
Benjamin Watson
March 18, 2020[94]
FB
James Develin
April 27, 2020[95]
C
Dustin Woodard
August 13, 2020[72]
Trades[edit]
March 18: the Patriots traded safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).[96]
April 21: the Patriots traded tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for the Buccaneers' fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall).[97]
August 9: the Patriots traded a conditional 2022 seventh-round selection to the Detroit Lions in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.[98]
November 3: the Patriots traded a 2022 seventh-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Isaiah Ford.[99]
Draft[edit]
Main article: 2020 NFL Draft
2020 New England Patriots Draft
Round
Selection
Player
Position
College
Notes
2
37
Kyle Dugger
S
Lenoir-Rhyne
from Los Angeles Chargers
60
Josh Uche
OLB
Michigan
from Baltimore
3
87
Anfernee Jennings
OLB
Alabama
91
Devin Asiasi
TE
UCLA
from Las Vegas
101
Dalton Keene
TE
Virginia Tech
from Seattle via New York Jets
5
159
Justin Rohrwasser
K
Marshall
from Las Vegas
6
182
Michael Onwenu
G
Michigan
from Detroit via Indianapolis
195
Justin Herron
OT
Wake Forest
from Denver
204
Cassh Maluia
MLB
Wyoming
from Houston
7
230
Dustin Woodard
C
Memphis
from Atlanta
Notes
New England traded a 2020 first-round selection (No. 23 overall) to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2020 second-round selection (No. 37 overall) and a 2020 third-round selection (No. 71 overall).
New England traded a 2020 second-round selection (No. 55 overall) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
New England acquired a 2020 second-round selection (No. 60 overall) and a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) in exchange for two 2020 third-round selections (No. 71 overall and No. 98 overall).
New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 91 overall) and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 159 overall) in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection (No. 100 overall), a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall), and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).
New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 101 overall) in exchange for two 2020 fourth-round selections (No. 125 overall and No. 129 overall) and a 2021 sixth-round selection.
New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 125 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2019 third- and sixth-round selections to the Chicago Bears.
New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
New England traded a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall).
New England traded a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 168 overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) and defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
New England acquired a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall) as a part of a trade that sent safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions.
New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 182 overall) as part of a trade that sent two 2020 sixth-round selections (No. 212 overall and No. 213 overall) to the Indianapolis Colts.
New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 195 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Duke Dawson and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 237 overall) to the Denver Broncos.
New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 202 overall) to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for offensive tackle Korey Cunningham.
New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 204 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Keion Crossen to the Houston Texans.
New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for center Russell Bodine.
New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 230 overall) as part of a trade that sent safety Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons.
New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Jacob Hollister to the Seattle Seahawks. As the result of the negative differential of free agent signings and departures that the Patriots experienced during the first wave of the 2019 free agency period, the team received the league-maximum four compensatory selections for the 2020 draft.[100] Free agent transactions that occurred after May 7, 2019 did not factor into the team's formula for determining compensatory selections.[101]
Undrafted free agents[edit]
Position
Player
Date signed
TE
Rashod Berry
May 5, 2020[102]
CB
Myles Bryant
TE
Jake Burt
DE
Nick Coe
LB
De'Jon Harris
WR
Will Hastings
QB
Brian Lewerke
DT
Bill Murray
WR
Sean Riley
QB
J'Mar Smith
RB
J. J. Taylor
LB
Kyahva Tezino
WR
Jeff Thomas
DT
Courtney Wallace
WR
Isaiah Zuber
DT
Michael Barnett
August 24, 2020[103]
Staff[edit]
2020 New England Patriots staff
Front office
Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
President – Jonathan Kraft
Director of Player Personnel – Nick Caserio
Assistant Director of Player Personnel – Dave Ziegler
College Scouting Coordinator – Brian Smith
Director of Pro Personnel – Vacant
Director of Scouting Administration – Nancy Meier
Football Research Director – Ernie Adams
Director of Football/Head Coach Administration – Berj Najarian
Scouting Consultant – Eliot Wolf
Head coaches
Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator – Bill Belichick
Offensive coaches
Offensive Coordinator – Josh McDaniels
Quarterbacks – Jedd Fisch
Running Backs – Ivan Fears
Running Backs/Kick Returners – Troy Brown
Wide Receivers – Mick Lombardi
Tight Ends/Fullbacks – Nick Caley
Offensive Line – Cole Popovich
Offensive Line – Carmen Bricillo
Offensive Assistant – Tyler Hughes
Defensive coaches
Defensive Line – DeMarcus Covington
Outside Linebackers – Steve Belichick
Inside Linebackers – Jerod Mayo
Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino
Safeties – Brian Belichick
Defensive Assistant – Vinnie Sunseri
Special teams coaches
Special Teams Coordinator – Cameron Achord
Assistant Special Teams – Joe Houston
Strength and conditioning
Head Strength and Conditioning – Moses Cabrera
Assistant Strength and Conditioning – Deron Mayo
Final roster[edit]
2020 New England Patriots final roster
Quarterbacks
2 Brian Hoyer
1 Cam Newton
4 Jarrett Stidham
Running backs
47 Jakob Johnson FB
26 Sony Michel
42J. J. Taylor
28 James White
Wide receivers
10 Damiere Byrd
15 N'Keal Harry
16 Jakobi Meyers
14 Donte Moncrief KR
80 Gunner Olszewski PR
18 Matthew Slater ST
Tight ends
86Devin Asiasi
44Dalton Keene
Offensive linemen
60 David Andrews C
74 Korey Cunningham T
72 Jermaine Eluemunor G
66 James Ferentz C
75Justin Herron T
68 Marcus Martin C
69 Shaq Mason G
71Michael Onwenu T
62 Joe Thuney G
Defensive linemen
43Rashod Berry DE
70 Adam Butler DT
99 Byron Cowart DT
93 Lawrence Guy DT
55 John Simon DE
52 Akeem Spence DT
50 Chase Winovich DE
91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE
Linebackers
51 Ja'Whaun Bentley MLB
90 Shilique Calhoun OLB
59 Terez Hall OLB
58Anfernee Jennings OLB
46Cassh Maluia MLB
Defensive backs
29 Justin Bethel SS
25 Terrence Brooks FS
41Myles Bryant CB
22 Cody Davis FS
35Kyle Dugger SS
27 J. C. Jackson CB
45 Mike Jackson Sr. CB
31 Jonathan Jones CB
32 Devin McCourty FS
30 Jason McCourty CB
21 Adrian Phillips SS
38 Dee Virgin CB
33 Joejuan Williams CB
Special teams
7 Jake Bailey P
49 Joe Cardona LS
6 Nick Folk K
Reserve lists
19 Quincy Adeboyejo WR (IR)
94 Beau Allen DT (IR)
76Michael Barnett DT (IR)
38 Brandon Bolden RB (Opt-out)
96 Tashawn Bower DE (IR)
34 Rex Burkhead RB (IR)
77 Yodny Cajuste OT (IR)
61 Marcus Cannon OT (Opt-out)
23 Patrick Chung SS (Opt-out)
52 Brandon Copeland OLB (IR)
98 Carl Davis DT (IR)
11 Julian Edelman WR (IR)
24 Stephon Gilmore CB (IR)
37 Damien Harris RB (IR)
54 Dont'a Hightower MLB (Opt-out)
85 Ryan Izzo TE (IR)
36 Brandon King OLB (PUP)
83 Matt LaCosse TE (Opt-out)
13 Marqise Lee WR (Opt-out)
68 Najee Toran G (Opt-out)
53Josh Uche OLB (IR)
45 Danny Vitale FB (Opt-out)
76 Isaiah Wynn OT (IR)
Practice squad
9 Roberto Aguayo K
65 Caleb Benenoch G (Injured)
82Jake Burt TE (Injured)
8 Jake Dolegala QB
94 Isaiah Mack DT (COVID-19)
97Bill Murray DT
48Michael Pinckney LB (Suspended)
64 Ross Reynolds G
5Justin Rohrwasser K
39 D'Angelo Ross CB
13 Devin Smith WR
67Jordan Steckler OT
92 Nick Thurman DT
17Kristian Wilkerson WR
19Isaiah Zuber WR
Rookies in italics 53 active, 23 inactive, 11 practice squad (+4 exempt)
Preseason[edit]
The Patriots' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[104]
Week
Date
Opponent
Venue
Result
1
August 13
Detroit Lions
Gillette Stadium
Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2
August 20
Carolina Panthers
Gillette Stadium
3
August 27
at Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field
4
September 3
at New York Giants
MetLife Stadium
Regular season[edit]
Schedule[edit]
The Patriots' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.[104]
Week
Date
Opponent
Result
Record
Venue
Recap
1
September 13
Miami Dolphins
W 21–11
1–0
Gillette Stadium
Recap
2
September 20
at Seattle Seahawks
L 30–35
1–1
CenturyLink Field
Recap
3
September 27
Las Vegas Raiders
W 36–20
2–1
Gillette Stadium
Recap
4[A]
October 5
at Kansas City Chiefs
L 10–26
2–2
Arrowhead Stadium
Recap
5
Bye
6[B]
October 18
Denver Broncos
L 12–18
2–3
Gillette Stadium
Recap
7
October 25
San Francisco 49ers
L 6–33
2–4
Gillette Stadium
Recap
8
November 1
at Buffalo Bills
L 21–24
2–5
Bills Stadium
Recap
9
November 9
at New York Jets
W 30–27
3–5
MetLife Stadium
Recap
10
November 15
Baltimore Ravens
W 23–17
4–5
Gillette Stadium
Recap
11
November 22
at Houston Texans
L 20–27
4–6
NRG Stadium
Recap
12
November 29
Arizona Cardinals
W 20–17
5–6
Gillette Stadium
Recap
13
December 6
at Los Angeles Chargers
W 45–0
6–6
SoFi Stadium
Recap
14
December 10
at Los Angeles Rams
L 3–24
6–7
SoFi Stadium
Recap
15
December 20
at Miami Dolphins
L 12–22
6–8
Hard Rock Stadium
Recap
16
December 28
Buffalo Bills
L 9–38
6–9
Gillette Stadium
Recap
17
January 3
New York Jets
W 28–14
7–9
Gillette Stadium
Recap
Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.
Game summaries[edit]
Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins[edit]
Week One: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Dolphins
0
3
0
8
11
Patriots
0
7
7
7
21
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: September 13
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Partly cloudy, 70 °F (21 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Adrian Hill
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:12 Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:11.
MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 3:53 Patriots 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:16.
Third quarter
NE – Cam Newton 11-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:14 Patriots 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:46.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzpatrick run), 10:31 Patriots 14–11. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:23.
NE – Sony Michel 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:23 Patriots 21–11. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08.
Top passers
MIA – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 20/30, 191 yards, 3 INT
NE – Cam Newton – 15/19, 155 yards
Top rushers
MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 40 yards
NE – Cam Newton – 15 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD
Top receivers
MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 47 yards
NE – Julian Edelman – 5 receptions, 57 yards
This was the Patriots' first game without long-time quarterback Tom Brady since October 2, 2016, and their first without Brady on the roster since January 2, 2000. Nonetheless, new starting quarterback Cam Newton performed admirably, finishing with a 79% completion percentage and leading a rush-heavy offensive attack with 75 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, as the Patriots finished with 217 rushing yards overall. With the win, New England opened the season at 1–0.[108]
Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks[edit]
Week Two: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
7
7
3
13
30
Seahawks
7
7
14
7
35
at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington
Date: September 20
Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT
Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
NE – Devin McCourty 43-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 13:39. Patriots 7–0.
SEA – Tyler Lockett 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 5:27. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 8:12.
Second quarter
NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:59. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:28.
SEA – DK Metcalf 54-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 6:57. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:51.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 10:12. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 4:48.
SEA – David Moore 38-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 7:04. Seahawks 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
SEA – Freddie Swain 21-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 2:00. Seahawks 28–17. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:30.
Fourth quarter
NE – Jakob Johnson 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (run failed), 14:14. Seahawks 28–23. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:46.
SEA – Chris Carson 18-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 4:32. Seahawks 35–23. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:24.
NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:16. Seahawks 35–30. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:16.
Top passers
NE – Cam Newton – 30/44, 397 yards, TD, INT
SEA – Russell Wilson – 21/28, 288 yards, 5 TD, INT
Top rushers
NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TD
SEA – Chris Carson – 17 rushes, 72 yards
Top receivers
NE – Julian Edelman – 8 receptions, 179 yards
SEA – DK Metcalf – 4 receptions, 92 yards, TD
A competitive matchup versus the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football saw Seattle pull away during the third quarter, though the Patriots offense kept pace in the fourth quarter. A potential game-winning drive by the Patriots was snuffed out when Cam Newton, who passed for nearly 400 yards, was stuffed short of the goal line on a quarterback keeper in the final seconds of the game.[109] This was New England's third loss in four career meetings with former Patriots head coach Pete Carroll. It was also Newton's sixth loss in eight career games against the Seahawks.
Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders[edit]
Week Three: Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Raiders
3
7
0
10
20
Patriots
0
13
10
13
36
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: September 27
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), partly cloudy
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
LV – Daniel Carlson 29-yard field goal, 0:20. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:35.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 12:32. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:46.
NE – Nick Folk 23-yard field goal, 7:56. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:06.
NE – Rex Burkhead 11-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 0:34. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 5:04.
Running back Rex Burkhead scored three touchdowns in a blowout win over the previously undefeated Raiders; the game was Belichick's 275th career win with the Patriots.
Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs[edit]
Week Four: New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
0
3
0
7
10
Chiefs
6
0
7
13
26
at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Date: October 5[A]
Game time: 7:05 p.m. EDT/6:05 p.m. CDT
Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
Game attendance: 12,729
Referee: Tony Corrente
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
KC – Harrison Butker 23-yard field goal, 10:08. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:52.
KC – Harrison Butker 39-yard field goal, 0:13. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:25.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 9:31. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 5:20.
Third quarter
KC – Tyreek Hill 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 0:42. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:10.
Fourth quarter
NE – N'Keal Harry 4-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 13:45. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:57.
KC – Mecole Hardman 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (kick failed), 8:57. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:48.
The game was postponed to Monday night after Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. With Newton out, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer made the start for the Patriots. A low-scoring defensive affair in the first half saw the New England defense shut down Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes for much of the half, though the Patriots offense was likewise ineffective, with Hoyer taking a sack on the last play of the first half that prevented a potential game-tying field goal. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense came to life late in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns on back-to-back drives as Hoyer was benched for Jarrett Stidham, who threw his first career touchdown but also two interceptions, including a pick-six to Tyrann Mathieu that all but sealed the game and dropped New England to 2–2.[110]
Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos[edit]
Week Five: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Broncos
6
6
6
0
18
Patriots
0
3
0
9
12
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: October 18
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Scott Novak
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 45-yard field goal, 13:02. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:58.
DEN – Brandon McManus 44-yard field goal, 8:05. Broncos 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:27.
Second quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 27-yard field goal, 12:13. Broncos 9–0. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 5:54.
NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 5:20. Broncos 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:53.
DEN – Brandon McManus 52-yard field goal, 0:19. Broncos 12–3. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 5:01.
Third quarter
DEN – Brandon McManus 20-yard field goal, 3:32. Broncos 15–3. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:07.
DEN – Brandon McManus 54-yard field goal, 0:37. Broncos 18–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:31.
Fourth quarter
NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (run failed), 8:31. Broncos 18–9. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:43.
NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 3:23. Broncos 18–12. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:52.
Top passers
DEN – Drew Lock – 10/24, 189 yards, 2 INT
NE – Cam Newton – 17/25, 157 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
DEN – Phillip Lindsay – 23 rushes, 101 yards
NE – Cam Newton – 10 rushes, 76 yards, TD
Top receivers
DEN – Tim Patrick – 4 receptions, 101 yards
NE – James White – 8 receptions, 65 yards
Despite scoring the game's only touchdown, this was the Patriots' first home loss to Denver in 14 years as they fell below .500, the first time they failed to be above .500 following Week 6 since 2002. In addition, it was the first time the Patriots lost without giving up a touchdown in the Bill Belichick era.
Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers[edit]
Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
49ers
7
16
7
3
33
Patriots
0
3
3
0
6
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: October 25
Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Shawn Smith
TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
SF – Jeff Wilson 3-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 9:56. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:04.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 14:56. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:06.
SF – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 9:00. 49ers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:56.
SF – Kyle Juszczyk 4-yard run (kick failed), 6:23. 49ers 16–3. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:23.
SF – Jeff Wilson 16-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 0:59. 49ers 23–3. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:43.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 10:48. 49ers 23–6. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:12.
SF – Jeff Wilson 7-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:32. 49ers 30–6. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:16.
Fourth quarter
SF – Robbie Gould 32-yard field goal, 13:27. 49ers 33–6. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 6:20.
Top passers
SF – Jimmy Garoppolo – 20/25, 277 yards, 2 INT
NE – Cam Newton – 9/15, 98 yards, 3 INT
Top rushers
SF – Jeff Wilson – 17 rushes, 112 yards, 3 TD
NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 58 yards
Top receivers
SF – Brandon Aiyuk – 6 receptions, 115 yards
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 4 receptions, 60 yards
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made his first return to New England since the Patriots traded him to the 49ers in October 2017. Garoppolo played for the Patriots from 2014 to 2017 and was part of their 2014 and 2016 Super Bowl-winning teams. This was the Patriots' worst home loss in the Belichick era and their worst loss since their 2003 season opener versus the Buffalo Bills, where they were shut out 31–0. It was also the Patriots' first time losing three games in a row since 2002.
Week 8: at Buffalo Bills[edit]
Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
0
6
8
7
21
Bills
7
0
7
10
24
at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, New York
Date: November 1
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Rain, 41 °F (5 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Clete Blakeman
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
A game that featured strong rushing performances by both teams was played down to the wire. As the Patriots were driving down the field for a score to win or tie the game down 24–21 in the last two minutes, Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer forced Cam Newton to fumble at the Buffalo 14-yard line, sealing the loss for New England. This was the Patriots' first loss to the Bills in four years; also their first road loss to them since the Pats' 2011 AFC Championship season. The Patriots also began the season 2–5 for the first time since 2000.[111]
Week 9: at New York Jets[edit]
Week Nine: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
7
3
7
13
30
Jets
3
17
7
0
27
at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
Date: November 9
Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
Game weather: Clear, 61 °F (16 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Alex Kemp
TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
Against the winless Jets, the Patriots fell behind 20–10 by halftime, but mounted a comeback, limiting the Jets to just four plays in the fourth quarter. Nick Folk's game-winning 51 yard field goal as time expired ended the Patriots' four-game losing streak, also giving them their first road win this season. New England improved to 3–5 with the win and began 3-5 for the first time since 1994.[112]
Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens[edit]
Week Ten: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Ravens
0
10
7
0
17
Patriots
0
13
10
0
23
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: November 15
Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
Game weather: Rain, 52 °F (11 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Shawn Hochuli
TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
BAL – Willie Snead 6-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 14:54. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 8:04.
NE – Rex Burkhead 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:08.
BAL – Justin Tucker 24-yard field goal, 5:32. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:14.
NE – Rex Burkhead 24-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (kick failed, wide left), 1:02. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30.
Third quarter
NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:17. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:43.
NE – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 6:24. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:16.
BAL – Willie Snead 18-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 0:08. Patriots 23–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:16.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
BAL – Lamar Jackson – 24/34, 249 yards, 2 TD, INT
NE – Cam Netwon – 13/17, 118 yards, TD
Top rushers
BAL – Lamar Jackson – 11 rushes, 55 yards
NE – Damien Harris – 22 rushes, 121 yards
Top receivers
BAL – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 59 yards
NE – Willie Snead – 5 receptions, 64 yards, 2 TD
In the rain, the Patriots were able to sneak out a 23–17 win against the previously 6-2 Ravens. With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–5, and this was their first winning streak this season. They also began 4-5 for the first time since 1988.
Week 11: at Houston Texans[edit]
Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
Cam Newton's last-second Hail Mary was not enough as the Patriots suffered their second straight loss to the Texans. Their two-game win streak ended as they fell to 4–6, their first 4–6 start since 1994. They also lost 6 games in a season for the first time since 2009.
Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals[edit]
Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Cardinals
10
0
0
7
17
Patriots
0
7
10
3
20
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: November 29
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Sunny, 52 °F (11 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Bill Vinovich
TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 12:09. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards, 1:29.
ARI – Zane Gonzalez 47-yard field goal, 1:49. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:24.
Second quarter
NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:15. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:34.
Third quarter
NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 7:46. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:57.
NE – James White 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:30. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:51.
Fourth quarter
ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 8:02. Tied 17–17. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 7:19.
NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 1:47.
Top passers
ARI – Kyler Murray – 23/34, 170 yards, INT
NE – Cam Newton – 9/18, 84 yards, 2 INT
Top rushers
ARI – Kenyan Drake – 22 rushes, 78 yards, 2 TD
NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 47 yards
Top receivers
ARI – DeAndre Hopkins – 5 receptions, 55 yards
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 52 yards
Nick Folk's last-second 50-yard field goal improved the Patriots to a 5–6 start for the first time since 1994 and increased their home win streak to two games.
Week 13: at Los Angeles Chargers[edit]
Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
7
21
7
10
45
Chargers
0
0
0
0
0
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Date: December 6
Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST
Game weather: Clear, 70 °F (21 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Carl Cheffers
TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Amanda Balionis
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:50. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:10.
Second quarter
NE – Gunner Olszewski 70-yard punt return (Nick Folk kick), 14:02. Patriots 14–0.
NE – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:51. Patriots 21–0. Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 5:41.
NE – Devin McCourty 44-yard return of blocked field goal (Nick Folk kick), 0:00. Patriots 28–0.
Third quarter
NE – N'Keal Harry 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 8:44. Patriots 35–0. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 3:38.
Fourth quarter
NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 11:21. Patriots 38–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:04.
NE – Gunner Olszewski 38-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 6:50. Patriots 45–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23.
Top passers
NE – Cam Newton – 12/19, 69 yards, TD
LAC – Justin Herbert – 26/53, 209 yards
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 80 yards
LAC – Austin Ekeler – 8 rushes, 36 yards
Top receivers
NE – Gunner Olszewski – 1 reception, 38 yards, TD
LAC – Keenan Allen – 5 receptions, 48 yards
With the blowout win, the Patriots improve to 6-6 and were now at an even .500. This was only their second road win this season.
Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams[edit]
Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
0
3
0
0
3
Rams
10
7
7
0
24
at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
Date: December 10
Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 p.m. PST
Game weather: Clear, 60 °F (16 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Craig Wrolstad
TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Amazon Prime): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
LAR – Jared Goff 1-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 11:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:39.
LAR – Matt Gay 35-yard field goal, 5:16. Rams 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:25.
Second quarter
LAR – Kenny Young 79-yard interception return (Matt Gay kick), 14:46. Rams 17–0.
NE – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 1:04. Rams 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:36.
Third quarter
LAR – Cooper Kupp 2-yard pass from Jared Goff (Matt Gay kick), 1:33. Rams 24–3. Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 9:42.
Fourth quarter
No scoring plays.
Top passers
NE – Cam Newton – 9/16, 119 yards, INT
LAR – Jared Goff – 16/25, 137 yards, TD, INT
Top rushers
NE – Damien Harris – 11 rushes, 50 yards
LAR – Cam Akers – 29 rushes, 171 yards
Top receivers
NE – Damiere Byrd – 5 receptions, 48 yards
LAR – Tyler Higbee – 5 receptions, 33 yards, TD
With the loss, the Patriots dropped below .500 again as they fell to 6–7, losing at least 7 games for the first time since 2002 and beginning 6-7 for the first time since 1987. This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Rams since their 2001 Super Bowl-winning season.
Despite 4 red zone trips, the Patriots’ only score came from a Nick Folk field goal; their three points scored were the lowest the Patriots have scored in a game since a 2016 Week 4 shutout against the Buffalo Bills. This was also their fewest points scored in a game in which their first-string quarterback made a start, since a 2006 shutout loss against the Miami Dolphins (Brady was serving his four-game suspension in that 2016 loss against the Bills).
In addition, with the Bills beating the Steelers later on NBC Sunday Night Football, the Patriots failed to win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.
Week 15: at Miami Dolphins[edit]
Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Patriots
0
6
3
3
12
Dolphins
0
0
7
15
22
at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
Date: December 20
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
Game attendance: 13,354
Referee: Brad Allen
TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
No scoring plays.
Second quarter
NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:55. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:10.
NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 4:19. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 2:32.
Third quarter
MIA – Salvon Ahmed 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 10:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28.
NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 4:23. Patriots 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:16.
Fourth quarter
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Tua Tagovailoa–Salvon Ahmed pass), 12:55. Dolphins 15–7. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:25.
NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Dolphins 15–12. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:52.
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 3:17. Dolphins 22–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:46.
Top passers
NE – Cam Newton – 17/27, 209 yards
MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 20/26, 145 yards, INT
Top rushers
NE – Sony Michel – 10 rushes, 74 yards
MIA – Salvon Ahmed – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD
Top receivers
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 7 receptions, 111 yards
MIA – Durham Smythe – 5 receptions, 40 yards
With the loss, the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and were ensured a non-winning season for the first time since 2000. During the 2nd quarter, cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore suffered a partially torn quad that would cause him to miss the remainder of the season. Quarterback Cam Newton also lost to the Dolphins for the first time in his 9-year career. It was the team's first 6–8 start since 1971. They also finished 2-6 on the road.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills[edit]
Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Bills
3
21
7
7
38
Patriots
3
6
0
0
9
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: December 28
Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
Game weather: Clear, 41 °F (5 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Ronald Torbert
TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge and John Parry
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 12:44. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:16.
With the loss, the Patriots suffer their first losing record since 2000, and have been swept by the Bills for the first time since 1999. This is also the first time since 2000 a division rival swept New England. The 29 point home loss is the worst in the Bill Belichick era, and the 2nd worst loss overall (Buffalo won 31–0 in Week 1 of the 2003 season in then-Ralph Wilson Stadium).
Week 17: vs. New York Jets[edit]
Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
1
2
3
4
Total
Jets
0
7
7
0
14
Patriots
7
0
7
14
28
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Date: January 3, 2021
Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
Game weather: Cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
Game attendance: 0
Referee: Brad Rogers
TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely
Recap, Game Book
Game information
First quarter
NE – James White 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:26. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:37.
Second quarter
NYJ – Chris Herndon 21-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:40. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:07.
NE – Cam Newton 19-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (Nick Folk kick), 2:22. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:45.
Fourth quarter
NE – Devin Asiasi 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 13:56. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:13.
NE – Sony Michel 31-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:42. Patriots 28–14. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:29.
Top passers
NYJ – Sam Darnold – 23/34, 266 yards, TD, 2 INT
NE – Cam Newton – 21/30, 242 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
NYJ – Josh Adams – 11 rushes, 47 yards, TD
NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 79 yards
Top receivers
NYJ – Breshad Perriman – 3 receptions, 84 yards
NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 68 yards
The Patriots completed their fifth straight season-sweep of the Jets, and won 10 in a row in the rivalry. New England also avoided a double digit loss season, something that has not happened since 2000.
Standings[edit]
Division[edit]
AFC East
view
talk
edit
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
PF
PA
STK
(2) Buffalo Bills
13
3
0
.813
6–0
10–2
501
375
W6
Miami Dolphins
10
6
0
.625
3–3
7–5
404
338
L1
New England Patriots
7
9
0
.438
3–3
6–6
326
353
W1
New York Jets
2
14
0
.125
0–6
1–11
243
457
L1
Conference[edit]
AFC
v
t
e
#
Team
Division
W
L
T
PCT
DIV
CONF
SOS
SOV
STK
Division leaders
1
Kansas City Chiefs
West
14
2
0
.875
4–2
10–2
.465
.464
L1
2
Buffalo Bills
East
13
3
0
.813
6–0
10–2
.512
.471
W6
3
Pittsburgh Steelers
North
12
4
0
.750
4–2
9–3
.475
.448
L1
4[a]
Tennessee Titans
South
11
5
0
.688
5–1
8–4
.475
.398
W1
Wild Cards
5[b][c]
Baltimore Ravens
North
11
5
0
.688
4–2
7–5
.494
.401
W5
6[c][d]
Cleveland Browns
North
11
5
0
.688
3–3
7–5
.451
.406
W1
7[a][b][d]
Indianapolis Colts
South
11
5
0
.688
4–2
7–5
.443
.384
W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8
Miami Dolphins
East
10
6
0
.625
3–3
7–5
.467
.347
L1
9
Las Vegas Raiders
West
8
8
0
.500
4–2
6–6
.539
.477
W1
10[e]
New England Patriots
East
7
9
0
.438
3–3
6–6
.527
.429
W1
11[e]
Los Angeles Chargers
West
7
9
0
.438
3–3
6–6
.482
.344
W4
12
Denver Broncos
West
5
11
0
.313
1–5
4–8
.566
.388
L3
13
Cincinnati Bengals
North
4
11
1
.281
1–5
4–8
.529
.438
L1
14
Houston Texans
South
4
12
0
.250
2–4
3–9
.541
.219
L5
15
New York Jets
East
2
14
0
.125
0–6
1–11
.594
.656
L1
16
Jacksonville Jaguars
South
1
15
0
.063
1–5
1–11
.549
.688
L15
Tiebreakers[f]
^ a bTennessee finished ahead of Indianapolis based on division record.
^ a bBaltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker used to eliminate Cleveland (see below).
^ a bBaltimore finished ahead of Cleveland based on head-to-head sweep.
^ a bCleveland finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
^ a bNew England finished ahead of the LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory.
^When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.
Notes[edit]
^ a bDue to positive COVID-19 tests from Chiefs' practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and Patriots' quarterback Cam Newton, the NFL announced the game would be postponed to give both teams time to see if any other players had caught the virus. Following all additional tests coming back negative, the NFL announced the game would be played on October 5.[105]
^After the Patriots' game against the Chiefs, Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19. The Broncos announced the NFL had postponed the game to October 12.[106] The game would later be postponed again after another positive case.[107]
References[edit]
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^ a bShook, Nick (July 27, 2020). "Roger Goodell writes letter to NFL fans as training camps start across U.S." NFL. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
^Baca, Michael (October 4, 2020). "Patriots-Chiefs game rescheduled for Monday night; Falcons-Packers now at 8:50 p.m. ET". NFL. Retrieved October 4, 2020.
^Legwold, Jeff (October 8, 2020). "Sources: Sunday's Denver Broncos-New England Patriots game moved to Monday". ESPN. Retrieved October 8, 2020.
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