2021 New England Patriots season

62nd season in franchise history

The 2021 season was the New England Patriots' 52nd season in the National Football League (NFL), their 62nd overall, their 20th playing home games at Gillette Stadium, and their 22nd under head coach Bill Belichick.

Following the team's 7–9 finish the previous season, their first losing record since 2000, the Patriots spent a record $163 million in guaranteed money to sign new free agent acquisitions. 11 free agents were added to the roster on March 19, with the largest contracts awarded to linebacker Matthew Judon, tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith, cornerback Jalen Mills, and wide receiver Nelson Agholor. In the 2021 NFL draft, New England selected quarterback Mac Jones 15th overall, marking the first time the Patriots drafted a first-round quarterback since Drew Bledsoe in 1993. Jones also became the first rookie quarterback to start for the Patriots since Bledsoe after he was named the starter ahead of the season opener.

The Patriots began the season 2–4, but won their next 7 games in a row to get control of the AFC #1 seed.[1] However, the team went 1-3 in their final games, lost control of the #1 seed and the AFC East, and finished with a 10–7 record, still managing to secure a wild card berth. In their first playoff appearance without quarterback Tom Brady since 1998 and their first as a wild card under Belichick, they were defeated 47-17 by the division rival Buffalo Bills, the worst postseason loss of Belichick's tenure. The playoff game was also the Patriots' last with Belichick.

Roster changes

Free agency

Unrestricted

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
C David Andrews New England Patriots March 22, 2021[2] 4 years, $19 million[3]
CB Justin Bethel New England Patriots March 12, 2021[4] 3 years, $6 million[3]
FS Terrence Brooks Houston Texans March 23, 2021[5] 1 year, $1.75 million[6]
RB Rex Burkhead Houston Texans June 1, 2021[5] 1 year, $1.5 million[7]
DT Adam Butler Miami Dolphins March 18, 2021[8] 2 years, $7.5 million[9]
WR Damiere Byrd Chicago Bears May 4, 2021[10] 1 year, $1.128 million[11]
OLB Shilique Calhoun San Francisco 49ers August 10, 2021[12] 1 year, $990,000[13]
OLB Brandon Copeland Atlanta Falcons March 19, 2021[14] 1 year, $1.04 million[15]
DT Carl Davis New England Patriots March 15, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.078 million[3]
FS Cody Davis New England Patriots March 19, 2021[2] 2 years, $4.3 million[3]
OT Jermaine Eluemunor Miami Dolphins June 14, 2021[8] 1 year, $1.128 million[16]
C James Ferentz New England Patriots May 17, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.020 million[17]
K Nick Folk New England Patriots March 23, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.625 million[18]
DT Lawrence Guy New England Patriots March 30, 2021[2] 4 years, $11.5 million[3]
QB Brian Hoyer New England Patriots May 18, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.075 million[19]
CB Jason McCourty Miami Dolphins May 7, 2021[8] 1 year, $1.213 million[20]
WR Donte Moncrief Houston Texans March 22, 2021[5] 1 year, $1.15 million[21]
QB Cam Newton New England Patriots March 12, 2021[22] 1 year, $5.1 million[23]
DE John Simon Tennessee Titans July 25, 2021[24] 1 year, $1.075 million[25]
G Joe Thuney Kansas City Chiefs March 18, 2021[26] 5 years, $80 million[27]
RB James White New England Patriots March 25, 2021[2] 1 year, $2.463 million[3]
DE Deatrich Wise Jr. New England Patriots March 19, 2021[2] 4 years, $22 million[3]

Restricted

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
CB J. C. Jackson New England Patriots April 16, 2021[2] Tendered (second-round) for 1 year, $3.384 million[3]

Exclusive-rights

Position Player 2021 team Date signed Contract
WR Quincy Adeboyejo
FB Jakob Johnson New England Patriots March 25, 2021[2] 1 year, $850,000[3]

Signings/waiver claims

Position Player Previous team Date signed Contract
DE Montravius Adams Green Bay Packers March 19, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.095 million[28]
WR Nelson Agholor Las Vegas Raiders 2 years, $22 million[3]
DE Henry Anderson New York Jets 2 years, $7 million[3]
WR Kendrick Bourne San Francisco 49ers 3 years, $15 million[3]
TE Hunter Henry Los Angeles Chargers 3 years, $37.5 million[3]
LB Matthew Judon Baltimore Ravens 4 years, $54.5 million[3]
C Ted Karras Miami Dolphins 1 year, $3 million[3]
LB Raekwon McMillan Las Vegas Raiders 1 year, $1.149 million[3]
CB Jalen Mills Philadelphia Eagles 4 years, $24 million[3]
TE Jonnu Smith Tennessee Titans 4 years, $50 million[3]
LB Kyle Van Noy Miami Dolphins 2 years, $12 million[3]
DT Davon Godchaux Miami Dolphins March 23, 2021[2] 2 years, $15 million[3]
LB LaRoy Reynolds Atlanta Falcons March 24, 2021[29] 1 year, $1.213 million[30]
LB Harvey Langi New York Jets May 10, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.057 million[3]
G Alex Redmond Cincinnati Bengals May 17, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.080 million[31]
LS Wesley Farnsworth Denver Broncos May 20, 2021[2] 1 year, $660,000[32]
FS Adrian Colbert New York Giants May 21, 2021[2] 1 year, $990,000[33]
RB Tyler Gaffney San Francisco 49ers 1 year, $660,000[34]
TE Troy Fumagalli Denver Broncos May 27, 2021[2] 1 year, $850,000[35]
WR Marvin Hall Cleveland Browns June 4, 2021[2] 1 year, $1.015 million[36]
G R. J. Prince Baltimore Ravens June 17, 2021[2] 1 year, $780,000[37]
WR Devin Ross New England Patriots June 21, 2021[2] 1 year, $660,000[38]
TE David Wells New England Patriots July 23, 2021[2] 1 year, $660,000[39]
QB Jake Dolegala Green Bay Packers July 28, 2021[2] 1 year, $780,000[40]
OT Jerald Hawkins Pittsburgh Steelers July 30, 2021[2] 1 year, $920,000[41]
LB Cassh Maluia New England Patriots August 7, 2021[2] 1 year, $780,000[42]
LS Brian Khoury Baltimore Ravens August 9, 2021[2] 1 year, $660,000[43]
SS Malik Gant New England Patriots August 10, 2021[2] 1 year, $660,000[44]
TE Kahale Warring Houston Texans August 24, 2021[2] 4 years, $3.640 million[45]
WR Malcolm Perry Miami Dolphins September 2, 2021[2] 4 years, 3.370 million[3]
LB Jamie Collins Detroit Lions October 6, 2021[2] 1 year, 1.075 million[46]

Releases/waivers

Position Player Date released/waived
DT Beau Allen March 18, 2021[2]
WR Marqise Lee
LB Cassh Maluia March 23, 2021[2]
LB Michael Pinkney
K Justin Rohrwasser
G Ross Reynolds April 9, 2021[2]
DT Michael Barnett April 12, 2021[2]
C Dustin Woodard April 16, 2021[2]
QB Jake Dolegala April 30, 2021[2]
G Najee Toran May 18, 2021[2]
LB LaRoy Reynolds May 27, 2021[2]
FB Danny Vitale
K Roberto Aguayo June 17, 2021[2]
LS Wesley Farnsworth
WR Devin Smith July 27, 2021[2]
QB Jake Dolegala August 9, 2021[2]
RB Tyler Gaffney August 10, 2021[2]
DE Rashod Berry August 15, 2021[2]
WR Marvin Hall
TE David Wells
OT Jerald Hawkins August 16, 2021[2]
TE Troy Fumagalli August 17, 2021[2]
SS Malik Gant August 24, 2021[2]
LS Brian Khoury
LB Cassh Maluia
G R. J. Prince
WR Devin Ross
TE Kahale Warring August 27, 2021[2]
DT Montravius Adams August 31, 2021[2]
DE Tashawn Bower
CB Myles Bryant
FS Adrian Colbert
OT Korey Cunningham
C James Ferentz
K Nick Folk
QB Brian Hoyer
CB Mike Jackson Sr.
TE Matt LaCosse
DT Bill Murray
QB Cam Newton
WR Tre Nixon
G Alex Redmond
CB D'Angelo Ross
OT Will Sherman
DT Akeem Spence
DT Nick Thurman
CB Dee Virgin
WR Kristian Wilkerson
WR Isaiah Zuber

Retirements

Position Player Date retired
S Patrick Chung March 18, 2021[47]
WR Julian Edelman April 12, 2021[48]

Trades

Draft

2021 New England Patriots Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 15 Mac Jones QB Alabama
2 38 Christian Barmore DT from Cincinnati
3 — Selection forfeited
96 Ronnie Perkins DE Oklahoma Compensatory pick
4 120 Rhamondre Stevenson RB
5 177 Cameron McGrone LB Michigan Compensatory pick
6 188 Joshuah Bledsoe FS Missouri from Houston
197 William Sherman OT Colorado
7 242 Tre Nixon WR UCF

Notes

  • The Cincinnati Bengals' 2021 second-round selection (No. 38 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent the Patriots' 2021 second-round selection (No. 46 overall) and two fourth-round selections (No. 122 and 139 overall) to the Bengals.
  • The Patriots forfeited their third-round selection as the punishment for illegal filming of the field and sidelines by the team's television crew of a 2019 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.[50]
  • The Houston Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sent offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously acquired Dallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.[51]
  • A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the New York Jets.[52] The Jets re-acquired this selection when the Patriots traded two of their 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.[53]
  • An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sent defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys.[54]

Undrafted free agents

Position Player School Date signed
K Quinn Nordin Michigan May 6, 2021[2]

Staff

  • July 23: Cole Popovich left the team as co-offensive line coach after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[55]
2021 New England Patriots staff

Front office

  • Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
  • President – Jonathan Kraft
  • Director of player personnel – Dave Ziegler
  • Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith
  • College scouting coordinator – Matt Groh
  • Pro scouting coordinator – Steve Cargile
  • Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
  • National scout – Camren Williams
  • Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian
  • Associate director of football administration – Bobby Brown
  • Scouting consultant – Eliot Wolf
  • Director of research – Richard Miller

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

  • Special teams coordinator – Cameron Achord
  • Special teams assistant – Joe Houston

Support staff

  • Director of skill development – Joe Kim
  • Research and analysis/coaching – Evan Rothstein
  • Senior football advisor – Matt Patricia

Strength and conditioning

Final roster

2021 New England Patriots final roster
Quarterbacks

Running backs

Wide receivers

Tight ends

Offensive linemen

Defensive linemen

Linebackers

Defensive backs

Special teams

Reserve lists
  • 94 Henry Anderson DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Joshuah Bledsoe FS (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 99 Byron Cowart DT (PUPTooltip Physically unable to perform)
  • -- Troy Fumagalli TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • -- Terez Hall OLB (PUPTooltip Physically unable to perform)
  • -- Anfernee Jennings OLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 31 Jonathan Jones CB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 44 Dalton Keene TE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 52 Harvey Langi MLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 45 Cameron McGrone OLB (NF-Inj.Tooltip Non-football injury and illness)
  • 46 Raekwon McMillan MLB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  •  2 Jalen Mills CB (COVID-19)
  • 51 Ronnie Perkins DE (IRTooltip Injured reserve)
  • 19 Malcolm Perry WR (Futures)
  • 26 Shaun Wade CB (COVID-19)
  • 28 James White RB (IRTooltip Injured reserve)


Practice squad


Rookies in italics
 51 active, 16 inactive, 16 practice squad (+1 exempt)

Preseason

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 August 12 Washington Football Team W 22–13 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 19 at Philadelphia Eagles W 35–0 2–0 Lincoln Financial Field Recap
3 August 29 at New York Giants W 22–20 3–0 MetLife Stadium Recap

Regular season

Schedule

The Patriots' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.

Week Date Opponent Result Record Venue Recap
1 September 12 Miami Dolphins L 16–17 0–1 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 September 19 at New York Jets W 25–6 1–1 MetLife Stadium Recap
3 September 26 New Orleans Saints L 13–28 1–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
4 October 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers L 17–19 1–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
5 October 10 at Houston Texans W 25–22 2–3 NRG Stadium Recap
6 October 17 Dallas Cowboys L 29–35 (OT) 2–4 Gillette Stadium Recap
7 October 24 New York Jets W 54–13 3–4 Gillette Stadium Recap
8 October 31 at Los Angeles Chargers W 27–24 4–4 SoFi Stadium Recap
9 November 7 at Carolina Panthers W 24–6 5–4 Bank of America Stadium Recap
10 November 14 Cleveland Browns W 45–7 6–4 Gillette Stadium Recap
11 November 18 at Atlanta Falcons W 25–0 7–4 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap
12 November 28 Tennessee Titans W 36–13 8–4 Gillette Stadium Recap
13 December 6 at Buffalo Bills W 14–10 9–4 Highmark Stadium Recap
14 Bye
15 December 18 at Indianapolis Colts L 17–27 9–5 Lucas Oil Stadium Recap
16 December 26 Buffalo Bills L 21–33 9–6 Gillette Stadium Recap
17 January 2 Jacksonville Jaguars W 50–10 10–6 Gillette Stadium Recap
18 January 9 at Miami Dolphins L 24–33 10–7 Hard Rock Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 7 3 7017
Patriots 0 10 3316

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 12
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 82 °F (28 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 10:17. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:56.
  • NE – Nelson Agholor 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:35. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:36.
  • MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

  • MIA – Jaylen Waddle 3-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:51. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:09.
  • NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 2:50. Dolphins 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 8:01.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 10:36. Dolphins 17–16. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 5:37.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

In rookie quarterback Mac Jones' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running back Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock.[56] With the close loss, the Patriots began the season 0–1 for the first time since 2017.

Week 2: at New York Jets

Week 2: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 10 3 9325
Jets 0 3 036

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: September 19
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)
  • Game attendance: 75,626
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 46-yard field goal, 4:46. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 7 yards, 2:59.
  • NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:57. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:13.

Second quarter

  • NYJ – Matt Ammendola 21-yard field goal, 9:52. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:05.
  • NE – Nick Folk 49-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 1:56.

Third quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 26-yard run (kick failed), 10:24. Patriots 19–3. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:51.
  • NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:09. Patriots 22–3. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:31.

Fourth quarter

  • NYJ – Matt Ammendola 35-yard field goal, 6:11. Patriots 22–6. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:01.
  • NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:57. Patriots 25–6. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:34.

Top passers

Top rushers

  • NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 62 yards, TD
  • NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 59 yards

Top receivers

  • NE – James White – 6 receptions, 45 yards
  • NYJ – Braxton Berrios – 7 receptions, 73 yards

A battle of rookie quarterbacks saw Zach Wilson of the Jets throw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, allowing New England to coast to a 25–6 win, its 11th straight win over divisional rival New York. Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second game in a row.[57]

Week 3: vs. New Orleans Saints

Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Saints 7 7 7728
Patriots 0 3 3713

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: September 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 70 °F (21 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (Fox): Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NO – Marquez Callaway 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:44. Saints 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:00.
  • NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 0:34. Saints 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:10.

Third quarter

  • NO – Malcolm Jenkins 34-yard interception return (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:51. Saints 21–3.
  • NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:32. Saints 21–6. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 9:05.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 22-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:22. Saints 21–13. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:06.
  • NO – Taysom Hill 4-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 2:37. Saints 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:45.

Top passers

  • NO – Jameis Winston – 13/21, 128 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Mac Jones – 30/51, 270 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

  • NO – Alvin Kamara – 24 rushes, 89 yards
  • NE – Mac Jones – 6 rushes, 28 yards

Top receivers

  • NO – Marquez Callaway – 4 receptions, 41 yards, TD
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD

Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight end Jonnu Smith before being returned by P. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2.[58] This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Saints since 2009.

Week 4: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Buccaneers 3 3 7619
Patriots 0 7 01017

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

First quarter

  • TB – Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 4:49. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 3:53.

Second quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 11-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 8:28. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:21.
  • TB – Ryan Succop 44-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 1:36.

Third quarter

  • TB – Ronald Jones II 8-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 3:29. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:48.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Jonnu Smith 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:57. Patriots 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:32.
  • TB – Ryan Succop 27-yard field goal, 7:58. Buccaneers 16–14. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:59.
  • NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 4:34. Patriots 17–16. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:24.
  • TB – Ryan Succop 48-yard field goal, 1:57. Buccaneers 19–17. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:37.

Top passers

  • TB – Tom Brady – 22/43, 269 yards
  • NE – Mac Jones – 31/40, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 75 yards
  • NE – Jakobi Meyers – 8 receptions, 70 yards

This game marked former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the 2019 season, as he was cheered by the Patriots' home crowd during pre-game introductions before being jeered during the game. During the rain-soaked, back-and-forth contest, Brady was held without a touchdown and completed just over half of his passes; he was held to his third lowest passer rating - 70.8 - since joining the Buccaneers but led them to a go-ahead field goal just after the two-minute warning. Jones, who passed for 2 touchdowns and an interception, led the Patriots into position for their own field goal, but Nick Folk's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.[59]

Week 5: at Houston Texans

Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 9 61025
Texans 6 9 7022

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:17. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:37.
  • HOU – Chris Moore 67-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 12:56. Texans 12–6. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:21.
  • HOU – Ka'imi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 1:37. Texans 15–6. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:11.
  • NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 0:02. Texans 15–9. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 1:35.

Third quarter

  • HOU – Chris Conley 37-yard pass from Davis Mills (Ka'imi Fairbairn kick), 13:31. Texans 22–9. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:42.
  • NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 8:25. Texans 22–12. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:57.
  • NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:50. Texans 22–15. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 13-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:31. Tied 22–22. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:54.
  • NE – Nick Folk 21-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 25–22. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:00.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD
  • HOU – Chris Moore – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD

Despite being down 22–9 to Houston at one point, the Patriots came back to win – coincidentally in the same stadium where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. Aside from a missed extra point in the first half, Nick Folk made four field goals during the game, including the game-winner with 15 seconds left in the game.[60] With the win, New England improved to 2–3, taking sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East.

Week 6: vs. Dallas Cowboys

Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34OTTotal
Cowboys 7 3 712635
Patriots 14 0 015029

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 17
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Partly cloudy, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:20. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:41.
  • DAL – Blake Jarwin 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 6:43. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:37.
  • NE – Hunter Henry 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:50. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:53.

Second quarter

  • DAL – Greg Zuerlein 30-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:26.

Third quarter

  • DAL – CeeDee Lamb 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:49. Cowboys 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 4:29.

Fourth quarter

  • DAL – Greg Zuerlein 45-yard field goal, 13:13. Cowboys 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:45.
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:23. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:50.
  • DAL – Trevon Diggs 42-yard interception return (pass failed), 2:27. Cowboys 26–21.
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 75-yard pass from Mac Jones (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 2:11. Patriots 29–26. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:16.
  • DAL – Greg Zuerlein 49-yard field goal, 0:20. Tied 29–29. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 1:51.

Overtime

  • DAL – CeeDee Lamb 35-yard pass from Dak Prescott, 3:52. Cowboys 35–29.

Top passers

  • DAL – Dak Prescott – 36/51, 445 yards, 3 TD, INT
  • NE – Mac Jones – 15/21, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

  • DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 17 rushes, 69 yards, TD
  • NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 101 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • DAL – CeeDee Lamb – 9 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TD
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne – 1 reception, 75 yards, TD

This was the Patriots' first overtime game since the 2018 AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the Pats' first loss to the Cowboys in 25 years and their first home loss to them in 34 years.

Week 7: vs. New York Jets

Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jets 0 7 6013
Patriots 14 17 32054

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 24
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: Sunny, 54 °F (12 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Rogers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, 14:10. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:38.
  • NYJ – Corey Davis 3-yard pass from Mike White (Matt Ammendola kick), 10:39. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:31.
  • NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:29. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:10.
  • NE – Hunter Henry 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:27. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

  • NYJ – Elijah Moore 19-yard run (run failed), 11:38. Patriots 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:22.
  • NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 7:03. Patriots 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:35.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:29. Patriots 41–13. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:39.
  • NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (kick failed), 9:10. Patriots 47–13. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 2:04.
  • NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:59. Patriots 54–13. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:43.

Top passers

  • NYJ – Mike White – 20/32, 202 yards, TD, 2 INT
  • NE – Mac Jones – 24/36, 307 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 37 yards
  • NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 106 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • NYJ – Michael Carter – 8 receptions, 67 yards
  • NE – Brandon Bolden – 6 receptions, 79 yards, TD

With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–4 and swept the Jets for the sixth consecutive season and have won 12 straight meetings.

Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 8: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 6 31127
Chargers 7 7 3724

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

  • Date: October 31
  • Game time: 4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 70,240
  • Referee: Ronald Torbert
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • LAC – Keenan Allen 5-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 12:35. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 2:16.
  • NE – Nick Folk 24-yard field goal, 3:29. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 3:22.
  • NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 0:10. Chargers 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 10 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 3:39. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:09.
  • LAC – Dustin Hopkins 48-yard field goal, 0:39. Chargers 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:00.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Adrian Phillips 26-yard interception return (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 10:11. Patriots 24–17.
  • NE – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 2:19. Patriots 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 6:56.
  • LAC – Josh Palmer 24-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 0:40. Patriots 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 1:39.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 18/35, 218 yards
  • LAC – Justin Herbert – 18/35, 223 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

  • NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 80 yards, TD
  • LAC – Justin Jackson – 3 rushes, 79 yards

Top receivers

  • NE – Nelson Agholor – 3 receptions, 60 yards
  • LAC – Keenan Allen – 6 receptions, 77 yards, TD

With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–4 on the season. It was the Patriots' seventh straight win over the Chargers. Their last loss came on October 12, 2008 in San Diego.

Week 9: at Carolina Panthers

Week 9: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 14 10024
Panthers 0 6 006

at Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

  • Date: November 7
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Sunny, 61 °F (16 °C)
  • Game attendance: 72,203
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • No scoring plays

Second quarter

  • CAR – Zane Gonzalez 39-yard field goal, 12:07. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 3:23.
  • NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:19. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:48.
  • CAR – Zane Gonzalez 49-yard field goal, 4:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 3 yards, 1:54.
  • NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:24. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.

Third quarter

  • NE – J. C. Jackson 88-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 6:55. Patriots 21–6.
  • NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 2:20. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 1:44.

Fourth quarter

  • No scoring plays

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 12/18, 139 yards, TD, INT
  • CAR – Sam Darnold – 16/33, 172 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 2 receptions, 44 yards
  • CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 4 receptions, 54 yards

The Patriots intercepted Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88-yard pick-six by J.C. Jackson. New England improved to 5–4 on the year and 4-0 all-time vs. Darnold. This was also the Patriots first win over the Panthers since 2009.

Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Browns 7 0 007
Patriots 7 17 71445

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 14
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 48 °F (9 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:43. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 23-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:40. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 99 yards, 6:11.
  • NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 0:17. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.

Third quarter

  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:04. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 5:06.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:33. Patriots 38–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:59.
  • NE – Jakobi Meyers 11-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Nick Folk kick), 4:13. Patriots 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 4:02.

Top passers

  • CLE – Case Keenum – 8/12, 81 yards
  • NE – Mac Jones – 19/23, 198 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 19 rushes, 99 yards
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 20 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 7 receptions, 58 yards
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 98 yards, TD

The Patriots outplayed the Browns on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones had one of his better games as a rookie, completing over 80 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Patriots converted 7 of 9 third downs. The defense only allowed points on the first drive of the game, held the Browns to 1 of 11 on third down, and knocked Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game in the third quarter.[61] With Damien Harris sidelined with a concussion from the Panthers game,[62] Rhamondre Stevenson served as the primary running back, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns.[61] With the score 38–7 in the fourth quarter, Brian Hoyer replaced Jones and threw the pass that ended Jakobi Meyers' record touchdown drought.[63]

Week 11: at Atlanta Falcons

Week 11: New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 10 01225
Falcons 0 0 000

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 5:14. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:38.

Second quarter

  • NE – Nelson Agholor 19-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:44. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:29.
  • NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 1:48.

Third quarter

  • No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 53-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 5:21.
  • NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 1:55. Patriots 19–0. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:14.
  • NE – Kyle Van Noy 35-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 1:22. Patriots 25–0.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 22/26, 207 yards, TD, INT
  • ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/28, 153 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

Top receivers

The Patriots defense intercepted all three quarterbacks on the Falcons—Matt Ryan, Josh Rosen, and Feleipe Franks—as New England coasted to a 25–0 win over Atlanta on Thursday Night Football, improving to 7–4.[64] They would gain the AFC East division lead later in the week after the Buffalo Bills lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

Week 12: vs. Tennessee Titans

Week 12: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Titans 0 13 0013
Patriots 7 9 101036

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 28
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 1-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (kick failed), 14:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 8:09.
  • NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 9:50. Patriots 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:38.
  • NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 3:04. Patriots 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:57.
  • NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:58. Patriots 16–6. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 0:53.
  • TEN – Dontrell Hilliard 68-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 0:37. Patriots 16–13. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 28-yard field goal, 11:13. Patriots 19–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:47.
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 41-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:01. Patriots 26–13. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:43.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 6:09. Patriots 29–13. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:50.
  • NE – Damien Harris 14-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:38. Patriots 36–13. Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:48.

Top passers

  • TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 11/21, 93 yards, TD, INT
  • NE – Mac Jones – 23/32, 310 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

  • TEN – Dontrell Hilliard – 12 rushes, 131 yards, TD
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 9 rushes, 46 yards

Top receivers

  • TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 2 receptions, 25 yards, TD
  • NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 98 yards

The Patriots defense put up a show against a banged up Titans team. The offense was only forced to punt once but struggled to finish drives and get the run game going, resulting in five Nick Folk field goals. Mac Jones threw for 310 yards, and completed a pair of touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne, with Damien Harris adding a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on the ground. Cornerback J. C. Jackson secured his seventh interception of the season, while the rest of the defense forced five fumbles, three of which were recovered by the Patriots. The Patriots improved to 8-4 for the AFC East division lead and an overall second place in the AFC.

Week 13: at Buffalo Bills

Week 13: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 8 3 0314
Bills 7 0 3010

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 11:28. Patriots 11–7. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:34.

Third quarter

  • BUF – Tyler Bass 35-yard field goal, 6:35. Patriots 11–10. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:40.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, 13:01. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 8:34.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 2/3, 19 yards
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 15/30, 145 yards, TD

Top rushers

  • NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 111 yards, TD
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 6 rushes, 39 yards

Top receivers

The Patriots entered the game in first place in the AFC following the Baltimore Ravens' loss the previous day, and were playing for first place in the AFC East. The game was impacted by 40 mph (64 km/h) winds;[65] Belichick noted after the game that the winds in the Patriots' Week 17 game in Buffalo in 2008 were "way worse".[66]

The Patriots drew up a run-heavy game plan in which Jones attempted just three passes, completing two for 19 yards (in 2008, Cassel completed six of eight passes for 78 yards). The Patriots ran the ball 46 times, for over 220 yards, utilizing a sixth offensive lineman on the majority of their offensive snaps.[65] The three pass attempts were the fewest in a game since 1974 (when the Bills attempted just two in a game), the fewest in franchise history, and the fewest by a winning team in 30 years.[67]

The Patriots defense was also stout: the Bills' only touchdown came after a N'Keal Harry muffed punt, and Myles Bryant broke up a fourth-down pass in the red zone late in the fourth quarter to preserve the Patriots' 14–10 win.

The Patriots had their bye week after this game, making it their latest regular-season bye since their Week 16 bye in 2001.[68]

Week 15: at Indianapolis Colts

Week 15: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 0 01717
Colts 14 3 3727

at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

  • Date: December 18
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: None (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 67,391
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (NFLN): Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • IND – Michael Badgley 25-yard field goal, 4:31. Colts 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 8:57.

Third quarter

  • IND – Michael Badgley 41-yard field goal, 11:49. Colts 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 1:49.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Hunter Henry 12-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:55. Colts 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:38.
  • NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 8:57. Colts 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:28.
  • NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:21. Colts 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 1:27.
  • IND – Jonathan Taylor 67-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 2:01. Colts 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:20.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 26/45, 299 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • IND – Carson Wentz – 5/12, 57 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 10 rushes, 36 yards
  • IND – Jonathan Taylor – 29 rushes, 170 yards, TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
  • IND – Zach Pascal – 1 reception, 23 yards

The Patriots were flat for much of the game, being shut out in the first half for the first time in 99 games. A late second half comeback brought the Patriots to within three points, but fell short when Jonathan Taylor put the game away with a 67-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Patriots fell to the #3 seed in the AFC prior to Week 15's Sunday games, while still maintaining first place in the AFC East. It was also the first time the Patriots lost to the Colts since Week 10 of the 2009 season.[69] The Patriots gave up 226 rush yards in the loss.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

Week 16: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Bills 7 10 31333
Patriots 0 7 7721

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 26
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 37 °F (3 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Shawn Smith
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 16-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:28. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:09.
  • BUF – Tyler Bass 25-yard field goal, 9:01. Bills 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:27.
  • BUF – Stefon Diggs 12-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 1:45. Bills 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 1:25.

Third quarter

  • BUF – Tyler Bass 34-yard field goal, 9:02. Bills 20–7. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 5:58.
  • NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 1:41. Bills 20–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:21.

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Devin Singletary 2-yard run (pass failed), 11:42. Bills 26–14. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:59.
  • NE – Damien Harris 8-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:37. Bills 26–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
  • BUF – Dawson Knox 2-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:30. Bills 33–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:07.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 14/32, 145 yards, 2 INT
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 30/47, 314 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 103 yards, 3 TD
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 12 rushes, 64 yards

Top receivers

  • NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 59 yards
  • BUF – Isaiah McKenzie – 11 receptions, 125 yards, TD

This was the first time in five years the Pats and the Bills split the season series. Because of this loss (their second straight after a bye week), the Pats fell to the #6 seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Bills did not have a single punt in this game.

Week 17: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Jaguars 3 0 0710
Patriots 7 21 13950

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: January 2
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 46 °F (8 °C)
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Adrian Hill
  • TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burress
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:49. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 7:03.
  • JAX – Matthew Wright 29-yard field goal, 2:18. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:31.

Second quarter

  • NE – Damien Harris 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 12:02. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:16.
  • NE – Kristian Wilkerson 6-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:40. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:37.
  • NE – Jakobi Meyers 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:48. Patriots 28–3. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 1:11.

Third quarter

  • NE – Kristian Wilkerson 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (kick blocked), 11:14. Patriots 34–3. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:46.
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:42. Patriots 41–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03.

Fourth quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 11:46. Patriots 44–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:28.
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 6-yard run (run failed), 7:07. Patriots 50–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:46.
  • JAX – Dare Ogunbowale 28-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Matthew Wright kick), 3:48. Patriots 50–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:19.

Top passers

  • JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 17/27, 193 yards, TD, 3 INT
  • NE – Mac Jones – 22/30, 227 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

  • JAX – Dare Ogunbowale – 9 rushes, 36 yards
  • NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 19 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

A blowout win combined with a Dolphins loss sent the Patriots back to the postseason, following a 1-year absence.

Week 18: at Miami Dolphins

Week 18: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 7 31424
Dolphins 14 3 7933

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: January 9
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Cloudy, 76 °F (24 °C)
  • Game attendance: 66,514
  • Referee: Alex Kemp
  • TV announcers (CBS): Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Jenny Dell
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

Second quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 30-yard field goal 11:09. Dolphins 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 6:58.
  • NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:36. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:33.

Third quarter

  • NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal 8:27. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:33.
  • MIA – Duke Johnson 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:31. Dolphins 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:56.

Fourth quarter

  • MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal 10:55. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 6:30.
  • NE – Brandon Bolden 18-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 6:32. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
  • NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:53. Dolphins 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 1:56.
  • MIA – Sam Eguavoen 0-yard fumble return, 0:00. Dolphins 33–24.

Top passers

Top rushers

Top receivers

This was the first time since 2000 that the Patriots were swept by the Dolphins.

Standings

Division

AFC East
  • view
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  • edit
 W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(3) Buffalo Bills 11 6 0 .647 5–1 7–5 483 289 W4
(6) New England Patriots 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 462 303 L1
Miami Dolphins 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 341 373 W1
New York Jets 4 13 0 .235 0–6 4–8 310 504 L2

Conference

AFC
  • v
  • t
  • e
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division winners
1[a] Tennessee Titans South 12 5 0 .706 5–1 8–4 .472 .480 W3
2[a] Kansas City Chiefs West 12 5 0 .706 5–1 7–5 .538 .517 W1
3 Buffalo Bills East 11 6 0 .647 5–1 7–5 .472 .428 W4
4 Cincinnati Bengals North 10 7 0 .588 4–2 8–4 .472 .462 L1
Wild cards
5[b] Las Vegas Raiders West 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 .510 .515 W4
6[b] New England Patriots East 10 7 0 .588 3–3 8–4 .481 .394 L1
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North 9 7 1 .559 4–2 7–5 .521 .490 W2
Did not qualify for the postseason
8[c] Indianapolis Colts South 9 8 0 .529 3–3 7–5 .495 .431 L2
9[c][d] Miami Dolphins East 9 8 0 .529 4–2 6–6 .464 .379 W1
10[c][d] Los Angeles Chargers West 9 8 0 .529 3–3 6–6 .510 .500 L1
11[e] Cleveland Browns North 8 9 0 .471 3–3 5–7 .514 .415 W1
12[e] Baltimore Ravens North 8 9 0 .471 1–5 5–7 .531 .460 L6
13 Denver Broncos West 7 10 0 .412 1–5 3–9 .484 .357 L4
14[f] New York Jets East 4 13 0 .235 0–6 4–8 .512 .426 L2
15[f] Houston Texans South 4 13 0 .235 3–3 4–8 .498 .397 L2
16 Jacksonville Jaguars South 3 14 0 .176 1–5 3–9 .512 .569 W1
Tiebreakers[g]
  1. ^ a b Tennessee finished ahead of Kansas City based on head-to-head victory.
  2. ^ a b Las Vegas finished ahead of New England based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: Miami, Dallas, LA Chargers, Cleveland, and Indianapolis).
  3. ^ a b c Indianapolis finished ahead of Miami and Los Angeles based on conference record (7–5 vs. 6–6).
  4. ^ a b Miami finished ahead of LA Chargers based on win percentage in common games (5–1 vs. 2–4 against: New England, Las Vegas, Houston, Baltimore, and NY Giants).
  5. ^ a b Cleveland finished ahead of Baltimore based on division record (3–3 vs. 1–5).
  6. ^ a b NY Jets finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  7. ^ 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.

Postseason

Schedule

Round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue Recap
Wild Card January 15 at Buffalo Bills (3) L 17–47 0–1 Highmark Stadium Recap

Game summaries

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: at (3) Buffalo Bills

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (6) New England Patriots at (3) Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Period 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 7717
Bills 14 13 61447

at Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

  • Date: January 15, 2022
  • Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Clear, 7 °F (−14 °C)
  • Game attendance: 69,188
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Game Book
Game information

First quarter

  • BUF – Dawson Knox 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 9:45. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:15.
  • BUF – Dawson Knox 11-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 0:40. Bills 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:00.

Second quarter

  • BUF – Devin Singletary 3-yard run (kick blocked), 7:20. Bills 20–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 6:03.
  • BUF – Devin Singletary 16-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 1:53 . Bills 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 1:51.
  • NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:01. Bills 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 1:52.

Third quarter

  • BUF – Emmanuel Sanders 34-yard pass from Josh Allen (kick blocked), 8:48. Bills 33–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 4:05.
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:12. Bills 33–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:36.

Fourth quarter

  • BUF – Gabe Davis 19-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:22. Bills 40–10. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:50.
  • BUF – Tommy Doyle 1-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 8:37. Bills 47–10. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:36.
  • NE – Kendrick Bourne 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 1:44. Bills 47–17. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 6:53.

Top passers

  • NE – Mac Jones – 24/38, 232 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
  • BUF – Josh Allen – 21/25, 308 yards, 5 TD

Top rushers

  • NE – Damien Harris – 9 rushes, 30 yards
  • BUF – Devin Singletary – 16 rushes, 81 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

  • NE – Kendrick Bourne – 7 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
  • BUF – Dawson Knox – 5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD

In New England's first playoff game since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady, they were unable to stop the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen defensively, with the Bills being the first team in NFL history to never punt, kick a field goal or turn the ball over on any of their drives (every Buffalo offensive possession ended in a touchdown or was the end of the game).[70] It was the New England Patriots' worst playoff loss in franchise history.

Statistics

Team

Category Total yards Yards per game NFL rank
(out of 32)
Passing offense 3,857 226.9 14th
Rushing offense 2,151 126.5 8th
Total offense 6,008 353.4 15th
Passing defense 3,181 187.1 2nd
Rushing defense 2,103 123.7 22nd
Total defense 5,284 310.8 4th

Individual

Category Player Total yards
Offense
Passing yards Mac Jones 3,801
Passing touchdowns Mac Jones 22
Rushing Damien Harris 929
Rushing touchdowns Damien Harris 15
Receiving yards Jakobi Meyers 866
Receiving touchdowns Hunter Henry 9
Defense
Tackles (Solo) Kyle Dugger 70
Sacks Matthew Judon 12.5
Interceptions J. C. Jackson 8

Statistics correct as of the end of the 2021 NFL season[71][72]

References

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External links

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