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New England Patriots Team History Originally known as the Boston Patriots from 1960-1970, the New England Patriots joined the NFL after the merger in 1970. The team went 2-12 in their first season in the NFL, the worst record in the league. In 1971, the team was briefly named the Bay State Patriots but later that year the team became known as the New England Patriots. The team suffered through many losing seasons before putting together an 11-3 record in 1976 behind the play of quarterback Steve Grogan. The team earned a playoff berth for the first time since 1963 but lost to the Oakland Raiders 24-21. The Patriots won their first division championship in 1978. The franchise made its first Super Bowl appearance in 1985, but was demolished by the Chicago Bears 46-10. The Patriots were one of the worst teams in the league in the late 80's and early 90's. The team's worst record in franchise history came in 1990 when the club went 1-15. The team's fortunes began to change when Bob Kraft took over ownership of the Patriots' stadium. Kraft eventually bought the franchise in January 1994 for $200 million. With Bill Parcells as head coach and Drew Bledsoe at quarterback, the Patriots became a legitimate threat in the AFC. In 1997, New England lost Super Bowl XXXI to the Green Bay Packers 35-21 and Parcells left the team to take the New York Jets head coaching position. The Patriots hired current USC head coach Pete Carroll to take over for Parcells. His stint in New England only lasted three seasons after an 8-8 record in 1999. New England hired Bill Belichick as head coach in 2000. After starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe went down with an injury, former University of Michigan quarterback and sixth round draft pick Tom Brady stepped in and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2001. Over the last several seasons, the Patriots have been a perennial force in the AFC East. New England returned to the Super Bowl in 2003 and defeated the Carolina Panthers to win their second Super Bowl crown. Tom Brady was named Super Bowl MVP for the second time. The following season, the Patriots defended their championship, defeating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX. Wide receiver Deion Branch was named MVP. The Patriots have failed to reach the Super Bowl the last two seasons. In an effort to return the team to dominance, the Patriots traded for receiver Randy Moss and Wes Welker as well as signing Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas as a free agent. The Patriots have started the 2007 season 8-0 and are primed to return to glory.New England Patriots Memorable Moments The Patriots lost to the Denver Broncos 13-10 in the first official AFL game in 1960. 1963 was the team's first season at Fenway Park. The Patriots find a permanent home in 1971 in Foxboro,MA. The Patriots were crushed by the Chicago Bears 46-10 in Super Bowl XX. Bill Parcells is hired in 1993 and the team drafts quarterback Drew Bledsoe with the first overall pick. The Patriots were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXI. Bill Parcells resigned five days later to take over the New York Jets. Bill Belichick is hired as head coach in 2000. After an injury to Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady takes over at quarterback in 2001 and leads the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory. The Patriots win the Super Bowl in 2003 and 2004 behind the leadership of Brady. New England Patriots Records
All-time regular season franchise record: 361 - 349 - 9
All-time playoff franchise record: 19 - 12
All-time franchise passing leader: Drew Bledsoe - 29657 yards
All-time franchise rushing leader: Sam Cunningham - 5453 yards
All-time franchise receiving leader: Stanley Morgan - 10352 yards
New England Patriots Playoff Results
2006
AFC Wildcard Game: won 37 - 16 vs. New York Jets
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 24 - 21 at San Diego Chargers
AFC Championship Game: lost 34 - 38 at Indianapolis Colts
2005
AFC Wildcard Game: won 28 - 3 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 13 - 27 at Denver Broncos
2004
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 20 - 3 vs. Indianapolis Colts
AFC Championship Game: won 41 - 27 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl: won 24 - 21 at Philadelphia Eagles
2003
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 17 - 14 vs. Tennessee Titans
AFC Championship Game: won 24 - 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts
Super Bowl: won 32 - 29 vs. Carolina Panthers
2001
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 16 - 13 vs. Oakland Raiders
AFC Championship Game: won 24 - 17 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Super Bowl: won 20 - 17 at St. Louis Rams
1998
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 10 - 25 at Jacksonville Jaguars
1997
AFC Wildcard Game: won 17 - 3 vs. Miami Dolphins
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 6 - 7 at Pittsburgh Steelers
1996
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 28 - 3 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC Championship Game: won 20 - 6 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Super Bowl: lost 21 - 35 vs. Green Bay Packers
1994
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 13 - 20 at Cleveland Browns
1986
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 17 - 22 at Denver Broncos
1985
AFC Wildcard Game: won 26 - 14 at New York Jets
AFC Divisional Playoff: won 27 - 20 at Los Angeles Raiders
AFC Championship Game: won 31 - 14 at Miami Dolphins
Super Bowl: lost 10 - 46 vs. Chicago Bears
1982
AFC Wildcard Game: lost 13 - 28 at Miami Dolphins
1978
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 14 - 31 vs. Houston Oilers
1976
AFC Divisional Playoff: lost 21 - 24 at Oakland Raiders
1963
AFL Divisional Playoff: won 26 - 8 at Buffalo Bills
AFL Championship Game: lost 10 - 51 at San Diego Chargers
All-time playoff record: 19 - 12
SOURCE: Pro Football Reference |
New England Patriots HISTORY 
