Game summaries
Week 1: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
NFL Kickoff Game
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 14.56. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:07.
- NE – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:27. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 11 plays, 82 yards, 5:50.
- KC – Kareem Hunt 3-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 0:13. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 12 plays, 92 yards, 2:34.
Third quarter
- KC – Tyreek Hill 75-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 9:19. Chiefs 21–17. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:09.
- NE – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:01. Patriots 24–21. Drive: 3 plays, 54 yards, 1:21.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 0:09. Patriots 27–21. Drive: 7 plays, 58 yards, 2:41.
Fourth quarter
- KC – Kareem Hunt 78-yard pass from Alex Smith (Cairo Santos kick), 14:07. Chiefs 28–27. Drive: 3 plays, 90 yards, 1:02.
- KC – Kareem Hunt 4-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 5:14. Chiefs 35–27. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:41.
- KC – Charcandrick West 21-yard run (Cairo Santos kick), 4:00. Chiefs 42–27. Drive: 2 plays, 79 yards, 0:15.
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The Patriots started their season at home on Thursday, September 7 as the defending Super Bowl champion. They would strike first in the first quarter when Mike Gillislee ran for a 2-yard touchdown for a 7–0 lead. The Chiefs however tied it later on in the quarter at 7–7 when Alex Smith found Demetrius Harris on a 7-yard pass. In the second quarter, the Pats moved ahead by double digits as Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 25-yard field goal followed up by Gillislee running for another 2-yard touchdown to make the score 10–7 and increased it to 17–7. The Chiefs came within 3 before halftime when Smith found Kareem Hunt on a 3-yard pass for a 17–14 game.
In the third quarter, the Chiefs took the lead as Smith found Tyreek Hill on a 75-yard pass to make it 21–17. Though the Pats moved back into the lead when Gillislee ran for a 1-yard touchdown to make it 24–21. They then closed out the quarter with a 27–21 lead when Gostowski kicked a 32-yard field goal. In the fourth quarter, it was all Chiefs. It all started with Smith finding Hunt again this time on a 78-yard pass to retake the lead 28–27. This was followed by Hunt's 4-yard run for a touchdown to make it 35–27. Finally, they closed the scoring of the game with Charcandrick West's 21-yard run for a touchdown for the final score of 42–27.[147]
This game was the Chiefs' first win in Foxborough since 1990.[148] Additionally, the Patriots defense allowed 537 total yards which is the most yardage ever given up by a Bill Belichick team during a single game as the Patriots began 0–1 for the first time since 2014.[149]
This was the first Patriots game to air on new NBC affiliate WBTS-TV in Boston.[150]
Week 2: at New Orleans Saints
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First quarter
- NE – Rex Burkhead 19-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed, hit left upright), 10:31. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:29.
- NO – Wil Lutz 46-yard field goal, 7:43. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 2:53.
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 53-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:42. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:09.
- NE – Chris Hogan 13-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:16. Patriots 20–3. Drive: 9 plays, 67 yards, 3:53.
Second quarter
- NO – Brandon Coleman 5-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 11:52. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:24.
- NO – Wil Lutz 35-yard field goal, 8:23. Patriots 20–13. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:13.
- NE – Mike Gillislee 2-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:52. Patriots 27–13. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:31.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 0:02. Patriots 30–13. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 2:23.
Third quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 24-yard field goal, 0:44. Patriots 33–13. Drive: 9 plays, 55 yards, 4:15.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 8:54. Patriots 36–13. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 5:30.
- NO – Coby Fleener 4-yard pass from Drew Brees (Wil Lutz kick), 5:04. Patriots 36–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:45.
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The Patriots rebounded from their opening week loss by establishing an early insurmountable lead against the New Orleans Saints in their week 2 matchup for their first visit to Mercedes-Benz Superdome since the Saints' Super Bowl winning 2009 season. Brandin Cooks returned to the Bayou while the controversy for the Saints was around backs Adrian Peterson and Mark Ingram II competing for touches. (Alvin Kamara, who would go on to win 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was not yet getting significant playing time in week 2.) Peterson would later be shipped to the Cardinals in an ironic turn of events for Chris Johnson. Tom Brady completed three first-quarter touchdown passes to Rex Burkhead, Rob Gronkowski, and Chris Hogan. The three touchdowns marked a personal record for Brady, who had never in his career had so many scores in the first quarter of any game.[151] Mike Gillislee added a running touchdown in the second quarter, and the Patriots played a conservative second half to seal the 36–20 victory. This would be the only home loss the Saints would have this season. Grownkowski injured his groin in the third quarter, causing him to leave the game.[152]
Week 3: vs. Houston Texans
Week Three: Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Chris Hogan 7-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:25. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 1 plays, 12 yards, 0:32.
- HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 40-yard field goal, 7:01. Patriots 14–13. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 5:24.
- HOU – Jadeveon Clowney 22-yard fumble return (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 6:15. Texans 20–14. Drive: 2 plays, 3 yards, 0:46.
- NE – Chris Hogan 47-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:58. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:17.
Third quarter
- NE – Brandin Cooks 42-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:45. Patriots 28–20. Drive: 5 plays, 81 yards, 2:15.
- HOU – Ryan Griffin 12-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 7:12. Patriots 28–27. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:33.
Fourth quarter
- HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 31-yard field goal, 12:13. Texans 30–28. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 4:29.
- HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 2:24. Texans 33–28. Drive: 7 plays, 49 yards, 3:31.
- NE – Brandin Cooks 25-yard pass from Tom Brady (Tom Brady-Brandin Cooks pass), 0:23. Patriots 36–33. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 2:01.
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The week 3 matchup vs. the Texans proved to be a greater challenge for the Patriots than the Saints had been in week 2. The Patriots scored first on a 7-play drive ending with a Tom Brady 5-yard throw to Rob Gronkowski, who was playing with a groin injury that took him out of the previous week's game. The game would progress through seven lead changes, as Texans rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson would go drive-for-drive against Brady. Watson threw two touchdowns, one of which to his tight end Ryan Griffin, who attended college in New England at UConn. Two field goals late in the game would give the Texans their final lead at 33–28. With less than 2:25 remaining in the game, Brady led the Patriots on a frantic 8-play 71-yard drive that culminated in a 25-yard reception by Brandin Cooks to give the Patriots the 36–33 win.[153]
Week 4: vs. Carolina Panthers
Week Four: Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
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First quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 41-yard field goal, 11:47. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:13.
- CAR – Graham Gano 32-yard field goal, 7:41. Tied 3–3. Drive: 8 plays, 61 yards, 4:06.
Second quarter
- NE – Chris Hogan 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:39. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 5:32.
- CAR – Fozzy Whittaker 28-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 9:41. Tied 10–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:58.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 35-yard field goal, 4:30. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:11.
- CAR – Devin Funchess 10-yard pass from Cam Newton (Graham Gano kick), 0:26. Panthers 17–13. Drive: 9 plays, 84 yards, 4:04.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 58-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 17–16. Drive: 4 plays, 35 yards, 0:26.
Third quarter
- CAR – Devin Funchess 16-yard pass from Cam Newton (kick failed, wide left), 2:47. Panthers 23–16. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 6:30.
Fourth quarter
- CAR – Cam Newton 7-yard run (Graham Gano kick), 12:58. Panthers 30–16. Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 2:50.
- NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:46. Panthers 30–23. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:12.
- NE – Danny Amendola 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:09. Tied 30–30. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 4:18.
- CAR – Graham Gano 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Panthers 33–30. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 3:09.
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The Patriots' third game at home this season was their second loss of the season. Tom Brady's attempted comeback in the fourth quarter was not enough to beat Cam Newton and the Panthers as Carolina upset New England 33–30 with a last second 48-yard field goal courtesy of Graham Gano. At the end of Week 4, the Patriots' defense was ranked last in the entire NFL.[154] In this rematch of Super Bowl XXXVIII, this was the second consecutive time, after the 2013 season, that the Pats lost a heartbreaker to Cam Newton. This was the last time the Patriots lost a home game until Week 14 of 2019.
With the loss, the Pats fell to 2–2. Brady's record against the Panthers overall also fell to 2–3.
Week 5: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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First quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 27-yard field goal, 1:21. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 89 yards, 7:10.
Second quarter
- TB – Doug Martin 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:26. Buccanneers 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:12.
- NE – Chris Hogan 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:42. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:44.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 23-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 22 yards, 1:33.
Third quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 45-yard field goal, 9:55. Patriots 16–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:25.
Fourth quarter
- TB – Cameron Brate 18-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Nick Folk kick), 2:09. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 9 plays, 74 yards, 2:17.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 48-yard field goal, 1:10. Patriots 19–14. Drive: 4 plays, 7 yards, 0:59.
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For the first time since 2009, the Patriots wore an all-white ensemble for this game, against the Buccaneers.[155] For the first time this season, the Patriots were held to just a single touchdown on offense. Buccaneers place kicker Nick Folk missed all three field goal attempts in this game, which proved fatal to any chance they had at a comeback. After the conclusion of Week 5, the Patriots claimed a share in a three-way tie for the division lead. Star tight-end Rob Gronkowski did not play in the game, after being listed on the injury report for suffering from a thigh injury suffered at practice the previous day.[156]
Week 6: at New York Jets
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NYJ – Jeremy Kerley 31-yard pass from Josh McCown (Chandler Catanzaro kick), 12:18. Jets 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 78 yards, 3:33.
- NE – Dion Lewis 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:19. Jets 14–7. Drive: 9 plays, 93 yards, 4:24.
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:09. Tied 14–14. Drive: 6 plays, 63 yards, 0:26.
Third quarter
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 33-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 11:22. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:38.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 14:10. Patriots 24–14. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 5:31.
- NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 28-yard field goal, 3:40. Patriots 24–17. Drive: 6 plays, 55 yards, 2:52.
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Another interesting chapter was added to the Patriots-Jets rivalry at MetLife. With this victory over the Jets, quarterback Tom Brady earned his 187th regular season win. Brady surpassed Brett Favre and Peyton Manning as the NFL's sole all-time leader in regular season wins.[157] While missing two key components of their defensive secondary, the Patriots were able to overcome a two touchdown deficit in the first half and were able to hold on to secure the victory on a final drive surge from the Jets. Star tight end Rob Gronkowski made his return to the lineup, and contributed two touchdowns as well as several other key catches in the victory. This game also marked the first time since Week 1 that Brady did not throw for 300 yards in addition to the Pats third win in a row against the Jets since 2016.
During this game, in the 4th quarter, a controversial play caused a Jets touchdown to be reversed by official review when it was found that Jets tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins juggled the ball after being hit, resulting in a fumble, and didn't regain control until he was out of bounds which, by rule, is enforced as a turnover and a touchback.
Week 7: vs. Atlanta Falcons
Week Seven: Atlanta Falcons at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: October 22
- Game time: 8:30 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 56 °F (13 °C), cloudy, fog developing in the 2nd quarter
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: Gene Steratore
- TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Brandin Cooks 11-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:26. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:39.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 29-yard field goal, 4:42. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yard, 6:37.
- NE – James White 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:21. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 1:34.
Third quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 4:12. Patriots 20–0. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards,6:23.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 38-yard field goal, 9:15. Patriots 23–0. Drive: 10 plays, 74 yards, 5:17.
- ATL – Julio Jones 1-yard pass from Matt Ryan (Matt Bryant kick), 4:09. Patriots 23–7. Drive: 11 plays, 88 yards, 5:06.
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For the first time since Week 3 of last season, the Patriots wore their all-blue Color Rush uniforms, for this Super Bowl LI rematch.[155] The Patriots defense, for the first time this season, were able to hold an opposing quarterback under 300 passing yards, with Matt Ryan only logging 233. The defense also made key stops, including blocking a field goal, stopping the Falcons in the red zone resulting in a missed field goal, and stopping Atlanta on a 4th down attempt from the 1-yard line. During the game, an extremely dense fog covered the stadium for most of the contest, resulting in the television broadcast being forced to use their on-field cameras much more than normal. As the Chiefs had lost to Oakland on Thursday Night Football, the Patriots' win against the Falcons moved them into a three-way tie for the best record in the AFC with the Chiefs and Steelers.
This was New England's 6th win against the Falcons since 2001.
Week 8: vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Week Eight: Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: October 29
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
- Game weather: 62 °F (17 °C), rain
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: Pete Morelli
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 2-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:56. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 77 yards, 6:19.
- NE – Travis Benjamin tackled in end zone by Brandon King for a safety, 9:08. Patriots 9–7.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 4:06. Patriots 12–7. Drive: 11 plays, 51 yards, 5:02.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 36-yard field goal, 0:20. Patriots 15–7. Drive: 7 plays, 73 yards, 1:40.
Third quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 43-yard field goal, 5:25. Patriots 18–7. Drive: 12 plays, 52 yards, 5:27.
Fourth quarter
- LAC – Travis Benjamin 24-yard pass from Philip Rivers (pass failed), 8:30. Patriots 18–13. Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards, 1:06.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 26-yard field goal, 1:08. Patriots 21–13. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 3:33.
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In their last game before the bye week, the Patriots took on the Los Angeles Chargers at home. The teams traded punts on the opening two possessions. The Chargers scored first on an 87-yard run by Melvin Gordon, matching a 56-year old Chargers record. With the next drive, the Patriots scored on a 2-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski at the start of the second quarter. Later in the second quarter, the Chargers returner Travis Benjamin caught a Ryan Allen punt at his own 8-yard line and ran backwards into his own endzone in an attempt to evade the Patriots coverage team. The resulting safety by Brandon King gave the Patriots their first lead at 9–7, and the Patriots would never trail again, kicking four field goals, and holding off a late-game surge by the Chargers to preserve a 21–13 win.
The game was notable for the performances by Patriots running backs. Heavy rain slowed down the long passing game, so short passes to the running backs dominated the Patriots offensive game plan. Running backs James White and Rex Burkhead led the Patriots in receiving with 85 yards and 68 yards respectively, mostly on yards after catch. Fellow running back Dion Lewis led the Patriots in ground yardage for the fourth straight week, with Mike Gillislee also contributing to key short-yardage situations.
With the win, the Patriots entered the bye week and improved to 6–2. A few days after this, the Patriots sent backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo to the San Francisco 49ers for a second-round draft pick. Garoppolo led the 49ers to five consecutive wins after replacing C. J. Beathard.
Week 10: at Denver Broncos
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First quarter
- NE – Rex Burkhead 14-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 12:36. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 24 yards, 0:46.
- DEN – Brandon McManus 39-yard field goal, 8:42. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 58 yards, 3:57.
- NE – Dion Lewis 103-yard kick return (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:24. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 0 plays, 103 yards, 0:15.
- DEN – Brandon McManus 33-yard field goal, 5:22. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 8 plays, 64 yards, 3:06.
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 25-yard field goal, 13:41. Patriots 17–6. Drive: 14 plays, 68 yards, 6:40.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 28-yard field goal, 8:51. Patriots 20–6. Drive: 5 plays, 20 yards, 1:51.
- DEN – Brandon McManus 36-yard field goal, 2:40. Patriots 20–9. Drive: 12 plays, 63 yards, 6:11.
- NE – Dwayne Allen 11-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:31. Patriots 27–9. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 2:11.
Third quarter
- DEN – Demaryius Thomas 7-yard pass from Brock Osweiler (Brandon McManus kick), 8:01. Patriots 27–16. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:06.
- NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:38. Patriots 34–16. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:18.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Tom Brady 6-yard pass to James White (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:04. Patriots 41–16. Drive: 16 plays, 94 yards, 7:31.
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The Patriots usually play very well coming off of a bye week[158] and 2017 was no exception. The Patriots opened the game with a 3-and-out, but on the ensuing punt, Denver returner Isaiah McKenzie muffed the return, and it was recovered by the Patriots. Brady capitalized quickly, as two quick completions to Rex Burkhead gave the Pats the lead at 12:43 in the first quarter, a lead they would not relinquish. The Broncos answered with a field goal, and on the ensuing kickoff, Pats special teams came through again with a Dion Lewis kick return for a touchdown. The Broncos added a second field goal in the first quarter, while the Patriots responded with one of their own at the start of the second quarter. The Broncos next drive stalled out short of midfield, and Burkhead found a hole in the line to block the Riley Dixon punt, once again giving the Patriots good field position. The Patriots and Broncos traded field goals, and the Patriots closed out the first half with a Brady-to-Dwayne Allen touchdown, his first reception of the season. The Broncos only sustained touchdown drive came at the start of the second half, ending in a Brock Osweiler-to-Demaryius Thomas seven-yard pass. Two more touchdowns by the Patriots (a run by Lewis and a reception by James White) would seal the deal, with Brady taking a rest at the end of the game to give new acquisition Brian Hoyer some game-time reps.
For his performance, Brady was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week, his third this season and the 30th of his career. In addition, running back Dion Lewis also earned honors, receiving the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week award.
Week 11: at Oakland Raiders
NFL International Series
Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders – Game summary
at Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico
- Date: November 19
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/3:25 p.m. CST
- Game weather: 66 °F (19 °C), sunny
- Game attendance: 77,357
- Referee: John Hussey
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Danny Amendola 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 5:23. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 3:32.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 62-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 0:33.
Third quarter
- NE – Brandin Cooks 64-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 14:06. Patriots 24–0. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:54.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 51-yard field goal, 7:04. Patriots 27–0. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:57.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 2:03. Patriots 30–0. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:36.
Fourth quarter
- OAK – Amari Cooper 9-yard pass from Derek Carr (Derek Carr-Michael Crabtree pass), 11:43. Patriots 30–8. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:20.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 29-yard field goal, 8:15. Patriots 33–8. Drive: 8 plays, 59 yards, 3:28.
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Tom Brady became the first player to pass for 300 yards in three different countries: USA, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.[159]
Week 12: vs. Miami Dolphins
Week Twelve: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: November 26
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 47 °F (8 °C), partly cloudy
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: Ronald Torbert
- TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- MIA – Reshad Jones 14-yard fumble return (Cody Parkey kick), 13:19. Patriots 14–7.
- NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 8:29. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:50.
- MIA – Cody Parkey 28-yard field goal, 4:06. Patriots 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:23.
Third quarter
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 15-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 10:28. Patriots 28–10. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 2:46.
Fourth quarter
- MIA – Kenyan Drake 5-yard pass from Matt Moore (Cody Parkey kick), 11:43. Patriots 28–17. Drive: 8 plays, 73 yards, 3:12.
- NE – Brandin Cooks 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:31. Patriots 35–17. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:10.
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Week 13: at Buffalo Bills
Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
- Date: December 3
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 48 °F (9 °C), mostly cloudy
- Game attendance: 68,499
- Referee: Gene Steratore
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 50-yard field goal, 1:30. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 6:21.
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 31-yard field goal, 6:26. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 7 plays, 56 yards, 3:21.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 49-yard field goal, 3:205. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 3:21.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 39-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 9–3. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 2:50.
Third quarter
- NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:02. Patriots 16–3. Drive: 10 plays, 70 yards, 5:58.
- NE – Rex Burkhead 14-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 1:08. Patriots 23–3. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 4:38.
Fourth quarter
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Rob Gronkowski was suspended for one game after a late hit on Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White.
Week 14: at Miami Dolphins
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First quarter
- MIA – Cody Parkey 30-yard field goal, 9:01. Dolphins 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 5:59.
- MIA – Cody Parkey 44-yard field goal, 3:49. Dolphins 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 34 yards, 4:26.
Second quarter
- NE – Rex Burkhead 3-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 6:18. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 5 plays, 51 yards, 2:56.
- MIA – Jarvis Landry 5-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 3:33. Dolphins 13–7. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 2:45.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 0:02. Dolphins 13–10. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.
Third quarter
- MIA – Jakeem Grant 25-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 11:03. Dolphins 20–10. Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 2:21.
- MIA – Jarvis Landry 4-yard pass from Jay Cutler (Cody Parkey kick), 4:43. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 8 plays, 82 yards, 4:21.
Fourth quarter
- NE – James White 3-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 13:05. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 53 yards, 2:29.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 33-yard field goal, 0:53. Dolphins 27–20. Drive: 6 plays, 62 yards, 1:31.
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- NE – Tom Brady – 24/43, 233 yards, TD, 2 INT
- MIA – Jay Cutler – 25/38, 263 yards, 3 TD
Top rushers
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- NE – Danny Amendola – 6 receptions, 76 yards
- MIA – Jarvis Landry – 8 receptions, 46 yards, 2 TD
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The Pats' 14-game road win streak ended in Miami, the same place where they suffered their last regular season road loss on January 3, 2016. Rob Gronkowski missed this game due to suspension.
Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Date: December 17
- Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), mostly cloudy
- Game attendance: 68,574
- Referee: Tony Corrente
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- PIT – Chris Boswell 51-yard field goal, 12:15. Steelers 10–7. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:57.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 32-yard field goal, 9:04. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:11.
- PIT – Martavis Bryant 4-yard pass from Ben Roethlisberger (Chris Boswell kick), 0:25. Steelers 17–10. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 8:39.
Third quarter
- NE – Brandin Cooks 4-yard pass from Tom Brady (kick failed), 8:50. Steelers 17–16. Drive: 12 plays, 75 yards, 6:10.
- PIT – Le'Veon Bell 3-yard run (Chris Boswell kick), 1:33. Steelers 24–16. Drive: 5 plays, 22 yards, 2:58.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 46-yard field goal, 3:56. Steelers 24–19. Drive: 9 plays, 44 yards, 3:42.
- NE – Dion Lewis 8-yard run (Tom Brady-Rob Gronkowski pass), 0:56. Patriots 27–24. Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 1:10.
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The return of Rob Gronkowski, and a late-game interception resulted in the Patriots defeating the Steelers. The Pats won the AFC East for the 9th straight year. The Patriots trailed 24–16 at the end of the third quarter. They scored on a 46-yard field goal with 4:00 left in the game to pull within 24–19. Then, with 56 seconds remaining, Dion Lewis scored on an 8-yard run and the Patriots added a two-point conversion to go ahead 27–24.
JuJu Smith-Schuster set the Steelers up deep in Patriots territory with a 69-yard reception from Ben Roethlisberger. It looked like Pittsburgh regained the lead on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to tight end Jesse James. However, the play was overturned and the Steelers couldn't find the end zone. The game ended on a Roethlisberger interception. With this win, the Patriots improved to 11–3 and clinched the AFC East division title for the 9th consecutive season.
Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown left in the first half with a bruised calf. He was taken to the hospital and didn't return.
Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills
Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: December 24
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 35 °F (2 °C), cloudy
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: Craig Wrolstad
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 41-yard field goal, 5:30. Bills 3–0. Drive: 16 plays, 47 yards, 8:04.
Second quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 14:14. Tied 3–3. Drive: 13 plays, 79 yards, 6:16.
- BUF – Jordan Poyer 19-yard interception return (Stephen Hauschka kick), 10:28. Bills 10–3.
- NE – Rob Gronkowski 17-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 7:06. Tied 10–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 3:22.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 40-yard field goal, 1:55. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 7 plays, 66 yards, 3:00.
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 23-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 13–13. Drive: 13 plays, 71 yards, 1:55.
Third quarter
- BUF – Stephen Hauschka 30-yard field goal, 10:21. Bills 16–13. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 4:39.
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 34-yard field goal, 5:08. Tied 16–16. Drive: 13 plays, 59 yards, 5:13.
- NE – Mike Gillislee 1-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:55. Patriots 23–16. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 1:59.
Fourth quarter
- NE – Dion Lewis 12-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 9:27. Patriots 30–16. Drive: 7 plays, 60 yards, 3:41.
- NE – Dion Lewis 4-yard run (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 3:58. Patriots 37–16. Drive: 8 plays, 54 yards, 3:25.
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Tom Brady passed for a pair of touchdowns and the New England Patriots stayed on track to claim home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs with a 37–16 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday and also with the Jacksonville Jaguars losing late in the day, the Patriots clinched a first round bye for the 8th consecutive season.
Dion Lewis caught a touchdown pass and rushed for a 4-yard score. He carried 24 times for career-high 129 yards. It was just his second-career 100-yard game. Mike Gillislee (former Bill himself), active for the first time in six games, added a 1-yard rushing touchdown.
Week 17: vs. New York Jets
Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Date: December 31
- Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
- Game weather: 13 °F (−11 °C), cloudy and cold
- Game attendance: 65,878
- Referee: Brad Allen
- TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
- Recap, Gamebook
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First quarter
Second quarter
- NE – Brandin Cooks 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 4:14. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 10 plays, 73 yards, 4:23.
- NE – Dion Lewis 5-yard pass from Tom Brady (Stephen Gostkowski kick), 0:20. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 9 plays, 58 yards, 1:41.
Third quarter
- NE – Stephen Gostkowski 21-yard field goal, 1:29. Patriots 24–3. Drive: 12 plays, 77 yards, 6:29.
Fourth quarter
- NYJ – Chandler Catanzaro 35-yard field goal, 10:28. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 8 plays, 79 yards, 3:03.
- NE – Bryce Petty sacked in end zone by Eric Lee for safety, 6:04. Patriots 26–6.
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With the win, the New England Patriots gained the #1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the entire AFC playoffs for the second year in a row.