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2020 New England Patriots season

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2020 New England Patriots season
OwnerRobert Kraft
General managerBill Belichick
Head coachBill Belichick
Home fieldGillette Stadium
Results
Record7–9
Division place3rd AFC East
Playoff finishDid not qualify
Pro BowlersCB Stephon Gilmore
ST Matthew Slater
P Jake Bailey
AP All-ProsPR Gunner Olszewski (1st team)
P Jake Bailey (1st team)
ST Matthew Slater (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2020 season was the New England Patriots' 51st in the National Football League (NFL), their 61st overall, and their 21st under head coach Bill Belichick.

It was 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, and would go on to win Super Bowl LV with his new team, his seventh overall.[1][2] The Patriots signed long-time Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015 MVP Cam 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 saw many key players opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns and battled numerous injuries throughout the season. 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 third time after 2000 the Patriots 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]

This was also the final season of Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman’s career. He played his final game in Week 6 against the San Francisco 49ers. He underwent precautionary surgery for a chronic knee injury and did not return for the remainder of the season. On April 12, 2021, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

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]

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

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Strength and conditioning

  • Head strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera
  • Strength and conditioning assistant – Deron Mayo
  • Director of skill development – Joe Kim

Final roster

[edit]
2020 New England Patriots final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists


Practice squad


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
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 3 0811
Patriots 0 7 7721

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

This was the Patriots' first game without longtime 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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 7 31330
Seahawks 7 7 14735

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Raiders 3 7 01020
Patriots 0 13 101336

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

Running back Rex Burkhead scored three touchdowns in a blowout win over the previously undefeated Raiders with the Patriots rushing for 250 yards; 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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 0710
Chiefs 6 0 71326

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

Game information

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 Six: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Broncos 6 6 6018
Patriots 0 3 0912

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
49ers 7 16 7333
Patriots 0 3 306

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

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. This was also the final game of Julian Edelman’s career, as he would undergo a precautionary procedure to address his chronic injury, land on the IR, and miss the final 10 games of the season. He announced his retirement on April 12, 2021.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 6 8721
Bills 7 0 71024

at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 3 71330
Jets 3 17 7027

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Ravens 0 10 7017
Patriots 0 13 10023

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

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 3 7320
Texans 7 14 3327

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Cardinals 10 0 0717
Patriots 0 7 10320

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 21 71045
Chargers 0 0 000

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

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 003
Rams 10 7 7024

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

Game information

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 6 3312
Dolphins 0 0 71522

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

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
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 3 21 7738
Patriots 3 6 009

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

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 as well as for the first time under Bill Belichick's tenure. 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
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 7 7014
Patriots 7 0 71428

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

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
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
# 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]
  1. ^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Indianapolis based on division record.
  2. ^ a b Baltimore finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker used to eliminate Cleveland (see below).
  3. ^ a b Baltimore finished ahead of Cleveland based on head-to-head sweep.
  4. ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory.
  5. ^ a b New England finished ahead of the LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory.
  6. ^ 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]
  1. ^ a b Due 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]
  2. ^ 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]

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