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2018 New England Patriots season

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2018 New England Patriots season
OwnerRobert Kraft
General managerBill Belichick
Head coachBill Belichick
Offensive coordinatorJosh McDaniels
Home fieldGillette Stadium
Results
Record11–5
Division place1st AFC East
Playoff finishWon Divisional Playoffs
(vs. Chargers) 41–28
Won AFC Championship
(at Chiefs) 37–31 (OT)
Won Super Bowl LIII
(vs. Rams) 13–3
Pro BowlersSelected but did not participate due to participation in Super Bowl LIII:
QB Tom Brady
CB Stephon Gilmore
AP All-ProsCB Stephon Gilmore (1st team)
KR Cordarrelle Patterson (2nd team)
Uniform

The 2018 season was the New England Patriots' 49th in the National Football League (NFL), their 59th overall and their 19th under head coach Bill Belichick. The Patriots entered the season as two-time defending AFC champions.

The Patriots' losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions in Week 2 and 3 marked the franchise's first back-to-back double-digit losses since 2002.[1] After this slow 1–2 start, the Patriots improved to 7–2 after Week 9. Following a notable Week 14 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the Patriots could not match their 13–3 record from 2017. A defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 meant the Patriots had lost five games for the first time since 2009. After a win over the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, the Patriots clinched the AFC East for the tenth consecutive season, surpassing the Dallas Cowboys (1975–1983) and the Indianapolis Colts (2002–2010) for the most consecutive playoff appearances. New England went undefeated at home with a Week 17 win over the New York Jets in which they clinched a first-round bye, and wrapped up the regular season with an 11–5 record that was good enough to give them the AFC's second seed in the postseason. Despite their five losses, the team achieved the rare distinction of going unbeaten against teams that qualified for the playoffs.[2][3][4]

For the first time since 2010, the Patriots did not play the Denver Broncos during the regular season.

The 2018 Patriots became the second team ever in the four major American sports leagues to win at least 10 straight division titles, joining Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves (1991–2005, excluding the strike-shortened 1994 season). The Patriots also secured their 16th-straight 10-win season, tying the San Francisco 49ers' league record streak, set from 1983–98. Notable records set during the season include QB Tom Brady achieving the record for most career passing touchdowns (including playoffs).[5]

In the playoffs, the Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in the Divisional round, 41–28, to advance to the AFC Championship game for a record eighth straight season. The Patriots defeated the Chiefs, 37–31 in overtime, to advance to the Super Bowl for a third straight year, becoming only the third team in NFL history to appear in three or more consecutive Super Bowls (joining the 1971–73 Miami Dolphins and 1990–93 Buffalo Bills). In Super Bowl LIII, they faced the Los Angeles Rams in a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVI, in which the Patriots defeated the then-St. Louis Rams 20–17. The Patriots won the rematch as well by a score of 13–3 to win their sixth Super Bowl, tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for most Super Bowl championships in NFL history.[6]

As of the 2023 season, this is the most recent season the Patriots have won a playoff game, with their Super Bowl victory being the most recent playoff win for the team.

Offseason

[edit]

On February 5, 2018, the Detroit Lions hired Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to serve as head coach.[7]

On February 6, the Indianapolis Colts announced hiring Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as their new head coach.[8] The next day, McDaniels abruptly rejected the offer citing personal reasons, and decided to stay a part of the Patriots' organization.[9] The controversy surrounding this decision led McDaniels' then-agent Bob LaMonte to terminate their professional relationship.[10]

Roster changes

[edit]

Free agents

[edit]

Unrestricted

[edit]
Position Player 2018 Team Date signed Contract
WR Danny Amendola Miami Dolphins March 15, 2018[11] two years, $12 million[12]
CB Johnson Bademosi Houston Texans March 16, 2018[13] two years, $6.25 million[14]
RB Brandon Bolden New England Patriots February 24, 2018[15] one year, $880,000[15]
RB Rex Burkhead New England Patriots March 15, 2018[16] three years, $9.75 million[17]
CB Malcolm Butler Tennessee Titans March 15, 2018[18] five years, $61 million[19]
SS Nate Ebner New England Patriots March 13, 2018[20] two years, $5 million[21]
OT Cameron Fleming Dallas Cowboys March 24, 2018[22] one year, $3.5 million[23]
OLB Marquis Flowers New England Patriots March 22, 2018[24] one year, $2.55 million[24]
DT Ricky Jean Francois Detroit Lions July 25, 2018 one year, $1.01 million[25]
RB Dion Lewis Tennessee Titans March 15, 2018[26] four years, $20 million[27]
WR Matthew Slater New England Patriots March 20, 2018[28] two years, $5.2 million[28]
OT Nate Solder New York Giants March 15, 2018[29] four years, $62 million[30]
OT LaAdrian Waddle New England Patriots March 22, 2018[31] one year, $1.5 million[31]

Restricted

[edit]
Position Player 2018 Team Date signed Contract
SS Brandon King New England Patriots March 8, 2018[32] two year, $2.6 million[32]

Signings

[edit]
Position Player Previous Team Date signed Contract
DE Adrian Clayborn Atlanta Falcons March 17, 2018[33] two years, $12 million[34]
RB Jeremy Hill Cincinnati Bengals March 17, 2018[35] one year, $1.5 million[36]
OT Matt Tobin Seattle Seahawks March 17, 2018[37] one year, $815,000[38]
TE Troy Niklas Arizona Cardinals April 4, 2018[39] one year, $940,000[40]
OG Luke Bowanko Baltimore Ravens April 4, 2018[41] one year, $835,000[40]
WR Jordan Matthews Buffalo Bills April 6, 2018[42] one year, $1 million[43]
OT Ulrick John Green Bay Packers April 24, 2018[44] one year, $745,000[45]
OG Jason King Baltimore Ravens May 18, 2018[46] one year, $481,000[47]
WR Devin Lucien Tampa Bay Buccaneers July 23, 2018[48] one year, $480,000[49]
SS Eddie Pleasant Houston Texans July 24, 2018[50] one year, $875,000[51]
OG Nate Theaker New Orleans Saints July 24, 2018[50] one year, $480,000[52]
WR Paul Turner New Orleans Saints July 27, 2018[53] one year, $555,000[54]
C Brian Schwenke Tennessee Titans July 31, 2018[55] one year, $790,000[56]
FB Henry Poggi Oakland Raiders August 1, 2018[57] one year, $480,000[58]
WR Eric Decker Tennessee Titans August 3, 2018[59] one year, $1.9 million[60]
WR K.J. Maye Tennessee Titans August 27, 2018[61] one year, $480,000[62]
RB Kenneth Farrow Los Angeles Chargers August 27, 2018[61] one year, $480,000[63]
RB Khalfani Muhammad Tennessee Titans August 27, 2018[61] one year, $480,000[64]
WR Amara Darboh Seattle Seahawks September 2, 2018[65]
WR Chad Hansen New York Jets September 2, 2018[65]
C Brian Schwenke New England Patriots September 4, 2018[66] one year, $790,000[67]
WR Corey Coleman Buffalo Bills September 11, 2018[68] one year, $630,000[69]
WR Bennie Fowler III Chicago Bears September 11, 2018[70] one year, $705,000[71]
RB Kenjon Barner Carolina Panthers September 11, 2018[72] one year, $790,000[73]
CB Cyrus Jones Baltimore Ravens September 17, 2018[74] two years, $1,810,000[75]
RB Kenjon Barner New England Patriots September 26, 2018[76]
DE John Simon Indianapolis Colts September 26, 2018[76]
RB Kenjon Barner New England Patriots October 8, 2018[77]
LB Albert McClellan Baltimore Ravens November 6, 2018[77]
S Obi Melifonwu Oakland Raiders November 6, 2018[77]
OT Matt Tobin New England Patriots November 7, 2018[77]
LB Ramon Humber Buffalo Bills November 14, 2018[77]
Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2017 season.

Released/Waived

[edit]
Position Player 2018 Team Date released
DE Caleb Kidder March 6, 2018[21]
WR Bernard Reedy Tampa Bay Buccaneers March 7, 2018[78]
LB Shea McClellin March 19, 2018[79]
G Jason King New England Patriots May 10, 2018[80]
OT Antonio Garcia New York Jets May 11, 2018[81]
WR Darren Andrews New England Patriots May 14, 2018[82]
WR Chris Lacy Detroit Lions May 18, 2018[46]
WR Cody Hollister New England Patriots July 24, 2018[50]
S David Jones Detroit Lions July 27, 2018[83]
TE Troy Niklas July 27, 2018[53]
TE Shane Wimann July 31, 2018[55]
G Nate Theaker August 2, 2018[84]
WR Malcolm Mitchell August 6, 2018[85]
WR Jordan Matthews Philadelphia Eagles August 8, 2018[86]
WR Kenny Britt August 22, 2018[87]
S Eddie Pleasant Arizona Cardinals August 27, 2018[88]
WR Paul Turner August 31, 2018[89]
WR Devin Lucien
RB Khalfani Muhammad Denver Broncos
DT Frank Herron New England Patriots
CB Ryan Lewis Buffalo Bills
DT John Atkins Detroit Lions September 1, 2018[90]
P Corey Bojorquez Buffalo Bills
RB Brandon Bolden Miami Dolphins
G Luke Bowanko Washington Redskins
OT Cole Croston New England Patriots
QB Danny Etling New England Patriots
RB Kenneth Farrow
C James Ferentz New England Patriots
LB Marquis Flowers Detroit Lions
RB Mike Gillislee New Orleans Saints
DE Trent Harris New England Patriots
CB Cyrus Jones Baltimore Ravens
G Jason King
LB Harvey Langi New York Jets
DE Eric Lee Detroit Lions
WR K.J. Maye
WR Riley McCarron New England Patriots
CB A.J. Moore Houston Texans
FB Henry Poggi
G Brian Schwenke New England Patriots
OT Matt Tobin San Francisco 49ers
S Damarius Travis
TE Will Tye Philadelphia Eagles
DT Vincent Valentine New England Patriots
RB Ralph Webb New England Patriots
CB Jomal Wiltz New England Patriots
WR Amara Darboh Seattle Seahawks September 4, 2018[66]
WR Chad Hansen Tennessee Titans September 10, 2018[91]
WR Riley McCarron New England Patriots
WR Bennie Fowler III New York Giants September 15, 2018[92]
WR Corey Coleman New York Giants September 17, 2018[93]
RB Kenjon Barner New England Patriots September 19, 2018[74]
RB Kenjon Barner New England Patriots October 4, 2018[77]
CB Cyrus Jones Baltimore Ravens October 6, 2018[77]
OT Cole Croston New England Patriots November 6, 2018[77]
DE Geneo Grissom Indianapolis Colts November 7, 2018[77]
RB Kenjon Barner Carolina Panthers November 13, 2018[77]
LB Nicholas Grigsby Detroit Lions November 13, 2018[77]
OT Matt Tobin November 26, 2018[77]

Retirements

[edit]
Position Player Date retired
LB David Harris February 23, 2018[94]
TE Martellus Bennett March 7, 2018[95]
LB James Harrison April 16, 2018[96]
OT Andrew Jelks July 19, 2018[97]
WR Eric Decker August 26, 2018[98]

Trades

[edit]
  • On March 10, the Patriots traded their 2019 third-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for defensive tackle Danny Shelton and Cleveland's 2018 fifth-round selection (No. 159 overall).
  • On March 15, the Patriots traded their 2018 sixth-round selection (No. 205) to the Cleveland Browns for cornerback Jason McCourty and Cleveland's 2018 seventh-round selection (No. 219 overall).
  • On March 18, the Patriots traded their 2018 fifth-round selection (No. 159) to the Oakland Raiders for wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson and a 2018 sixth-round selection (No. 210 overall).
  • On April 3, the Patriots traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks and their 2018 fourth-round selection (No. 136) to the Los Angeles Rams for their first-round (No. 23) and sixth-round (No. 198) selections.
  • On April 28, the Patriots traded their third-round selection (95th overall) to San Francisco in exchange for San Francisco's fifth-round selection (143rd overall) and offensive tackle Trent Brown.
  • On August 31, the Patriots traded safety Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons for a 2020 conditional seventh-round pick.[99]
  • On September 17, the Patriots traded a conditional fifth-round selection to the Cleveland Browns for wide receiver Josh Gordon.[93]

Draft

[edit]
Main article: 2018 NFL draft
2018 New England Patriots Draft
Round Selection Player Position College Notes
1 23 Isaiah Wynn OT Georgia from Los Angeles Rams
31 Sony Michel RB Georgia
2 56 Duke Dawson CB Florida from Tampa Bay
5 143 Ja'Whaun Bentley LB Purdue from San Francisco
6 178 Christian Sam LB Arizona State from Cleveland
210 Braxton Berrios WR Miami (FL) from Oakland
7 219 Danny Etling QB LSU from Cleveland
243 Keion Crossen CB Western Carolina from Kansas City
250 Ryan Izzo TE Florida State from Philadelphia

Draft trades

  • The Patriots traded Brandin Cooks and their fourth-round selection (136th overall) to Los Angeles in exchange for their 23rd and sixth-round (No. 198) selections.
  • The Patriots traded quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to San Francisco in exchange for San Francisco's second-round selection (43rd overall).
  • The Patriots traded their second-round selection (43rd overall) to Detroit in exchange for Detroit's second and fourth-round selections (51st and 117th overall).
  • The Patriots traded their second-round selection (51st overall) to Chicago in exchange for Chicago's fourth-round selection (105th overall) and their 2019 second-round selection.
  • The Patriots traded their second and fourth-round selections (63rd and 117th overall) to Tampa Bay in exchange for Tampa Bay's second-round selection (56th overall).
  • The Patriots traded their third-round selection (95th overall) to San Francisco in exchange for San Francisco's fifth-round selection (143rd overall) and offensive tackle Trent Brown.
  • The Patriots traded their fourth-round selection (105th overall) to Cleveland in exchange for Cleveland's fourth and sixth-round selections (114th and 178th overall).
  • The Patriots traded their fourth-round selection (114th overall) to Detroit in exchange for Detroit's 2019 third-round selection.
  • The Patriots traded their fourth-round selection (131st overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for cornerback Eric Rowe.
  • The Patriots traded the fifth-round selection they acquired from Cleveland (131st overall) to Oakland in exchange for Oakland's sixth-round selection (210th overall) and wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson.
  • The Patriots traded their third-round selection in 2019 to Cleveland in exchange for Cleveland's fifth-round selection (159th overall) and defensive tackle Danny Shelton.
  • The Patriots traded their fifth- and seventh-round selections (168th and 270th overall) to Seattle in exchange for defensive end Cassius Marsh.
  • The Patriots traded their sixth-round selection (198th overall) to Kansas City in exchange for Kansas City's seventh-round selections (233rd and 243rd overall).
  • The Patriots traded their sixth-round selection (205th overall) to Cleveland in exchange for Cleveland's seventh-round selection (219th overall) and cornerback Jason McCourty.
  • The Patriots traded their seventh-round selection (233rd overall) to Philadelphia in exchange for Philadelphia's seventh-round selection (250th overall) and their 2019 seventh-round selection.
  • The Patriots traded their seventh-round selection (249th overall) to Cincinnati in exchange for linebacker Marquis Flowers.
  • The Patriots traded cornerback Justin Coleman to Seattle in exchange for Seattle's seventh-round selection they acquired from Philadelphia (250th overall).

Undrafted Free Agents

[edit]
Player Position College Date Signed
Darren Andrews WR UCLA May 11, 2018
John Atkins DT Georgia
Trent Harris DE Miami (FL)
Frank Herron DT LSU
J. C. Jackson CB Maryland
Chris Lacy WR Oklahoma State
A.J. Moore CB Ole Miss
Ralph Webb RB Vanderbilt
Shane Wimann TE Northern Illinois
Corey Bojorquez P New Mexico May 14, 2018
Source:[81][82]
Made regular season roster

Suspensions

[edit]

Wide receiver Julian Edelman was suspended for the first four games of the 2018 season for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing substances. Edelman, who missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL suffered during the preseason, unsuccessfully appealed the suspension, and returned to the Patriots' roster for the team's Week 5 Thursday Night game vs. the Indianapolis Colts on October 4.[100]

On December 20, 2018, Wide receiver Josh Gordon was suspended indefinitely for violating the terms of his reinstatement under the league's substance abuse policy. This is the second time Gordon was suspended indefinitely by the league.[101]

Staff

[edit]
2018 New England Patriots staff

Front office

Head coaches

Offensive coaches

Defensive coaches

Special teams coaches

Coaching assistants

Strength and conditioning

  • Strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – James Hardy
  • Assistant strength and conditioning – Deron Mayo


Final roster

[edit]
2018 New England Patriots roster
Quarterbacks (QB)

Running backs (RB)

Wide receivers (WR)

Tight ends (TE)

Offensive linemen (OL)

Defensive linemen (DL)

Linebackers (LB)

Defensive backs (DB)

Special teams

Practice squad

Reserve

Rookies in italics
53 active, 14 reserve, 11 practice squad

Preseason

[edit]
Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 August 9 Washington Redskins W 26–17 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 August 16 Philadelphia Eagles W 37–20 2–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
3 August 24 at Carolina Panthers L 14–25 2–1 Bank of America Stadium Recap
4 August 30 at New York Giants W 17–12 3–1 MetLife Stadium Recap

Regular season

[edit]

Schedule

[edit]

The Patriots' schedule was announced on April 19.[102]

Week Date Opponent Result Record Game site NFL.com
recap
1 September 9 Houston Texans W 27–20 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
2 September 16 at Jacksonville Jaguars L 20–31 1–1 TIAA Bank Field Recap
3 September 23 at Detroit Lions L 10–26 1–2 Ford Field Recap
4 September 30 Miami Dolphins W 38–7 2–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
5 October 4 Indianapolis Colts W 38–24 3–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
6 October 14 Kansas City Chiefs W 43–40 4–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
7 October 21 at Chicago Bears W 38–31 5–2 Soldier Field Recap
8 October 29 at Buffalo Bills W 25–6 6–2 New Era Field Recap
9 November 4 Green Bay Packers W 31–17 7–2 Gillette Stadium Recap
10 November 11 at Tennessee Titans L 10–34 7–3 Nissan Stadium Recap
11 Bye
12 November 25 at New York Jets W 27–13 8–3 MetLife Stadium Recap
13 December 2 Minnesota Vikings W 24–10 9–3 Gillette Stadium Recap
14 December 9 at Miami Dolphins L 33–34 9–4 Hard Rock Stadium Recap
15 December 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers L 10–17 9–5 Heinz Field Recap
16 December 23 Buffalo Bills W 24–12 10–5 Gillette Stadium Recap
17 December 30 New York Jets W 38–3 11–5 Gillette Stadium Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

[edit]

Week 1: vs. Houston Texans

[edit]
Week One: Houston Texans at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Texans 3 3 7720
Patriots 7 14 3327

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

With the win, the Patriots started 1–0.

Week 2: at Jacksonville Jaguars

[edit]
Week Two: New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 71020
Jaguars 14 7 3731

at TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

  • Date: September 16
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 97 °F (36 °C)
  • Game attendance: 68,527
  • Referee: Carl Cheffers
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Patriots faced the Jaguars in a rematch of the previous season's AFC Championship game. The Patriots started off well, reaching Jaguars territory in just four plays, but the drive stalled, and Stephen Gostkowski missed a 54-yard field goal attempt. With great field position, the Jaguars raced 56 yards in 9 plays, scoring on a 4-yard touchdown pass from Blake Bortles to Donte Moncrief for the early lead. After a three-and-out, Patriots' punter Ryan Allen pinned the Jaguars back at their own 16-yard line. The Jaguars took the ball and cashed in, marching 84 yards on just 7 plays, with Bortles hitting Keelan Cole on a 24-yard touchdown pass, extending the Jags lead to 14–0. After stopping the Jaguars early in the second quarter, the Patriots drove 83 yards in over 8 minutes, but were forced to settle for a 29-yard field goal, trimming the deficit to 14–3. However, the Patriots defense was gashed again, with the Jags racing 75 yards, concluding with Bortles 4-yard touchdown pass to Austin Seferian-Jenkins and a 21–3 Jaguars lead with 0:09 seconds remaining in the half. The Jags started right where they left off, taking the opening drive of the second half all the way to the Patriots 10, but were held to a 28-yard field goal by Josh Lambo. After another Patriots punt, Bottles hit D. J. Chark for a 13-yard gain to the Jaguars 49, but Stephon Gilmore forced him to fumble with Duron Harmon recovering at the Jags 46. With the excellent field position, the Patriots finally reached the endzone with Brady finding Chris Hogan for a 7-yard touchdown pass to cap off the 46-yard drive, trimming the deficit to 24–10. After a Jaguars three-and-out, the Patriots drove all the way to the Jags 28, but settled for a 46-yard field goal, making the score just 24–13. Bortles made his only real mistake on the next drive, throwing an interception to Kyle Van Noy at the Jags 25 early in the fourth quarter. The Patriots were set up perfectly, it appeared to be a vintage Brady comeback, but on 3rd down, Dante Fowler stripped Brady and recovered the resultant fumble at the Jags 32. The Patriots forced a Jaguars punt and had another shot, but went three-and-out. On the next play from scrimmage for Jacksonville, Bottles hit Dede Westbrook for a 61-yard touchdown pass, extending the lead to 31–13. The Patriots marched 75 yards in 8 plays on their next drive with Brady connecting with Hogan again for a 29-yard touchdown pass, making the score 31–20; however, by now less than 4 minutes remained in the game. The Jags ran out the rest of the clock to win the game, their first ever regular season victory over the Pats, while the Patriots fell to 1–1.

Week 3: at Detroit Lions

[edit]
Week Three: New England Patriots at Detroit Lions – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 7010
Lions 3 10 7626

at Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan

Game information

After a Patriots three-and-out opened the game, the Lions marched 65 yards in 12 plays, taking over 7 minutes off the clock and facing only one 3rd down before settling for a 38-yard field goal by Matt Prater. After another Patriots three-and-out and set up with good field position, the Lions marched 60 yards in over 5 minutes to score on a 4-yard pass from Matthew Stafford to Kenny Golladay. Stafford completed all 5 pass attempts on the drive for 44 yards and the Lions didn't even face a 3rd down. The Patriots offense continued to appear lifeless with another three-and-out. Meanwhile, the Lions' efficiency shined again by slowly moving 71 yards, converting three 3rd downs and eating over seven more minutes off the clock, before settling for a 25-yard field goal, upping the Lions lead to 13–0. After 9 plays for 13 yards on their first three drives combined, the Patriots marched 57 yards to the Lions' 18, settling for a 36-yard field goal and trailed 13–3 at halftime. On 3rd down, just over a minute into the third quarter, Stafford was intercepted by linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley at the Patriots 48. The Patriots look excellent on their next drive, racing 52 yards in just 7 plays with Brady hitting James White for a 10-yard touchdown, trimming the deficit to 13–10. The Lions continued their clock-draining game plan on their next drive, tracking 75 yards in over six minutes and converting three 3rd downs before Stafford bombed Marvin Jones Jr. for a 33-yard touchdown, pushing the score to 20–10 late in the 3rd quarter. After a Patriots' punt, the Lions drove all the way to the Patriots' 14, but settled for a 32-yard field goal, increasing their lead to 23–10 a few minutes into the fourth quarter. Two possessions later, from the Patriots' 43, Brady heaved a desperation pass that was intercepted by Darius Slay, who returned it 34 yards to the Lions' 49, but an illegal block penalty sent the ball back to the 19. After a Lions' punt, the Patriots turned the ball over on downs. The Lions closed out the scoring with a 30-yard field goal, making the final score 26–10. The Patriots drove to the Lions' 40, but the clock expired.

With the loss (their first to Detroit since the 2000 season), the Patriots fell to 1–2 for the first time since the 2012 season. The Lions were able to blanket the Patriots' receivers, stifling the Patriots' offense. The Lions had an excellent balanced attack with 159 yards rushing to go along with 255 yards passing from Stafford. The Patriots newest acquisition, superstar wide receiver Josh Gordon, was inactive for the game. Ironically, the Patriots' last loss to the Lions in 2000 was also Tom Brady's first ever NFL game, where he only appeared in the final seconds and completed one-of-three passes for 6 yards in a 34–9 loss.

Week 4: vs. Miami Dolphins

[edit]
Week Four: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Dolphins 0 0 077
Patriots 3 21 7738

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

After taking the opening kickoff, a 22-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill to Kenny Stills helped the Dolphins reach midfield. On 2nd-and-7 from midfield, Dolphins offensive lineman Daniel Kilgore was flagged for holding, killing the drive, and the Dolphins punted. Starting at their own 24, the Patriots reached as far as the Dolphins 1-yard line, but were forced to settle for a 20-yard field goal and a 3–0 lead. After a Dolphins punt, the Patriots gave it right back when Brady was intercepted at the Dolphins 36 by Bobby McCain. The Dolphins went three-and-out, but the Patriots drove 67 yards to score on Brady's 55-yard touchdown pass to Cordarrelle Patterson, extending the Patriots lead to 10–0. Both teams punted on their next drive, but midway through the 2nd quarter, Tannehill fumbled the snap with Kyle Van Noy recovering for the Patriots at the Dolphins 22. On the very next play, James White scampered to the end zone on a 22-yard run, giving the Patriots a 17–0 lead which was their largest of the season to this point. The Dolphins offense continued to go in reverse on another three-and-out. The Patriots responded by converting four 3rd downs on a 15-play, 85-yard drive, scoring with Brady's 9-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Phillip Dorsett to go up 24–0 with 0:17 seconds remaining in the first half. After both teams punted on their initial second-half possession, the Patriots marched 59 yards in just over five minutes, with Brady capping off another touchdown drive with his 14-yard touchdown pass to White, blowing the game open with a 31–0 lead. The Dolphins reached the Patriots 45 on their next possession, but Tannehill's desperation pass was intercepted at the 10-yard line by J. C. Jackson. The Patriots hot streak continued with a 12 play, 90-yard drive, scoring on a 12-yard touchdown run from rookie running back Sony Michel, his first career rushing touchdown. After yet another three-and-out from the Dolphins, the Patriots drove to the Dolphins 32, but Brady was intercepted at the Dolphins 14 by Minkah Fitzpatrick who returned it 11 yards to the Dolphins 25. With Tannehill pulled from the game, old Patriots' nemesis Brock Osweiler led the Dolphins 75 yards in 7:30, scoring on his 6-yard touchdown pass to Frank Gore, making the score 38–7 with less than three minutes remaining in the game. The Patriots ran the rest of the clock out to end the game. With the exception of the two turnovers, the Patriots dominated the Dolphins in every aspect of the game, outgaining them 446–172 and holding the ball for 14 minutes longer. Tom Brady threw for 274 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Michel had his best game of the season to date with 25 carries for 112 yards and a touchdown. White had the best day overall with 16 touches for 112 total yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns. The Patriots avoided a 3-game losing streak for the first time since 2002 or a 1–3 start for the first time since their 2001 Super Bowl-winning season.

Week 5: vs. Indianapolis Colts

[edit]
Week Five: Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Colts 0 3 71424
Patriots 7 17 01438

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

The Patriots faced the Colts on Thursday Night Football, with Brady hoping to remain undefeated against Andrew Luck.

The Patriots took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in over 6 minutes, scoring on a 1-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Cordarrelle Patterson for the early lead. The next possession ended in a punt for both teams, but on the Colts' second possession, they drove from their own 6 to the Patriots 20, but ageless wonder Adam Vinatieri missed a 38-yard field goal attempt off the left upright. The Patriots took advantage off the missed opportunity and raced 72 yards to score on Brady's 1-yard touchdown run, extending the Patriots' lead to 14–0 early in the second quarter. The Colts drove to the Patriots 36 on their next drive and Vinatieri redeemed himself with a 54-yard field goal. After both teams punted on their resultant drive, the Patriots raced 68 yards to score on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brady to James White for a 21–3 lead. Following this, Luck was intercepted at the Patriots 49 by Patrick Chung who returned it 2 yards to the 49 of the Colts with less than a minute remaining in the first half. With the excellent field position, the Patriots reached the Colts' 27 and took a commanding 24–3 lead into halftime after a 45-yard field goal from placekicker Stephen Gostkowski. Early in the third quarter, Chester Rogers returned a punt from Ryan Allen 33 yards to Patriots 35. It took the Colts just 4 plays to score on a 14-yard pass from Luck to Eric Ebron, trimming the deficit to 24–10. The Patriots drove to the Colts 30 on their next drive, but Matthias Farley intercepted Brady's pass at the 23 and returned it 7 yards to the Colts' 30. But four plays later, Jordan Wilkins fumbled after a 9-yard catch with Devin McCourty recovering for the Patriots at midfield. The Patriots drove to the Colts' 25, but the turnover streak continued when Brady was intercepted at the Colts' 4 by Najee Goode who returned it 16 yards to the Colts' 20. The Colts proceeded to drive 80 yards in 10 plays with Luck finding Erik Swoope for a 13-yard touchdown pass, trimming the Patriots' lead to a thin 24–17 early in the fourth quarter. However, any hope for a Colts comeback died when the Patriots marched 75 yards to score on a 34-yard touchdown bomb from Brady to Josh Gordon, widening the Patriots lead to 31–17. Any chance of a miraculous comeback died on the Colts' next drive when Luck was intercepted at the Patriots 38 by Jonathan Jones who returned it 28 yards to the Colts' 34. On the very next play, Sony Michel scored on a 34-yard touchdown burst, putting the game out of reach with a 38–17 Patriots lead. The Colts turned the ball over on downs on their next drive, but after forcing the Patriots to punt, marched 60 yards to score on Luck's 1-yard touchdown pass to Ebron. The Patriots ran out the rest of the clock to win the game 38–24.

Tom Brady completed 34/44 passes for 341 yards and 3 TDs but threw 2 interceptions while Michel ran the ball 18 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. Andrew Luck threw for 365 yards and 3 TDs but threw 2 costly interceptions.

Week 6: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
Week Six: Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chiefs 6 3 171440
Patriots 10 14 31643

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: October 14
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT
  • Game weather: 45 °F (7 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: John Hussey
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–2.

Week 7: at Chicago Bears

[edit]
Week Seven: New England Patriots at Chicago Bears – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 14 10738
Bears 10 7 7731

at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois

Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 5–2.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 6 31325
Bills 0 3 306

at New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York

Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 6–2. Devin McCourty's interception return marked the first defensive touchdown for the Patriots since the 2015 season, breaking a league-leading 40-game drought.

Week 9: vs. Green Bay Packers

[edit]
Week Nine: Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Packers 3 7 7017
Patriots 7 10 01431

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: November 4
  • Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 40 °F (4 °C), clear and cool
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Brad Allen
  • TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Rematch between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. With the win, the Patriots improved to 7–2. This was the first game of the season where the Patriots defense did not record an interception, after recording at least one in each of their first eight games.

Week 10: at Tennessee Titans

[edit]
Week Ten: New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 3 7 0010
Titans 17 7 3734

at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee

  • Date: November 11
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), sunny
  • Game attendance: 69,363
  • Referee: Bill Vinovich
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was the Pats' first loss to Tennessee in 16 years; coincidentally, it was also at Nissan Stadium (then known as Adelphia Coliseum). The blowout loss ended the Pats' six-game winning streak as they fell to 7–3. It was also the Pats’ first time meeting with former players Malcolm Butler and Dion Lewis since leaving the Pats to join the Titans in free agency.

Week 12: at New York Jets

[edit]
Week Twelve: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 3 10727
Jets 7 3 3013

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

  • Date: November 25
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 54 °F (12 °C), partly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 77,982
  • Referee: Shawn Hochuli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 8–3.

Week 13: vs. Minnesota Vikings

[edit]
Week Thirteen: Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Vikings 0 7 3010
Patriots 7 3 7724

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 2
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 53 °F (12 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Craig Wrolstad
  • TV announcers (Fox): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Erin Andrews
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

With the win, the Patriots improved to 9–3.

Week 14: at Miami Dolphins

[edit]
See also: Miracle in Miami
Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 6 21 0633
Dolphins 7 14 7634

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

  • Date: December 9
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 84 °F (29 °C), mostly cloudy
  • Game attendance: 66,087
  • Referee: Pete Morelli
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Patriots lost to the Dolphins on a last second lateral at the end of regulation. With the heartbreaking loss, the Patriots fell to 9–4 for the first time since 2006.

Week 15: at Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]
Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 7 0 3010
Steelers 7 7 0317

at Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

  • Date: December 16
  • Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 42 °F (6 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 65,280
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

This was the Pats' first loss to Pittsburgh since 2011 with a final score of 10–17. With the loss, the Patriots fell to 9–5 for the first time since 2008.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

[edit]
Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Bills 0 0 6612
Patriots 7 7 7324

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

After receiver Josh Gordon left the team and was later suspended, the Patriots relied on their run game and defense against Buffalo. The Pats clinched their 10th straight AFC East title with the win (though in the event of a loss to Buffalo, Miami's loss to Jacksonville also would've clinched the division for New England), improving their record to 10–5, and for the second time this season, denied a 3-game losing streak for the first time since 2002. With the Houston Texans' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Patriots moved to the #2 seed in the AFC, and would have the chance to secure a playoff bye with a win in the following week's game. Tom Brady eclipsed 4,000 yards at the same time as Philip Rivers, becoming the third and fourth quarterback in NFL history to reach 4,000 yards in 10 seasons or more, joining Peyton Manning & Drew Brees.[103]

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

[edit]
Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Jets 3 0 003
Patriots 7 14 71038

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

  • Date: December 30
  • Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), sunny and cold
  • Game attendance: 65,878
  • Referee: Walt Coleman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Dan Fouts and Evan Washburn
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

The Pats finish the 2018 season undefeated at home, and an 11–5 record overall, their first in 10 years and with the win, the Patriots clinched a 1st round bye for the 9th straight year.

Standings

[edit]

Division

[edit]
AFC East
W L T PCT DIV CONF PF PA STK
(2) New England Patriots 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 436 325 W2
Miami Dolphins 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 319 433 L3
Buffalo Bills 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 269 374 W1
New York Jets 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 333 441 L3

Conference

[edit]
AFC
# Team Division W L T PCT DIV CONF SOS SOV STK
Division leaders
1[a] Kansas City Chiefs West 12 4 0 .750 5–1 10–2 .480 .401 W1
2[b] New England Patriots East 11 5 0 .688 5–1 8–4 .482 .494 W2
3[b] Houston Texans South 11 5 0 .688 4–2 9–3 .471 .435 W1
4 Baltimore Ravens North 10 6 0 .625 3–3 8–4 .496 .450 W3
Wild Cards
5[a] Los Angeles Chargers West 12 4 0 .750 4–2 9–3 .477 .422 W1
6 Indianapolis Colts South 10 6 0 .625 4–2 7–5 .465 .456 W4
Did not qualify for the postseason
7 Pittsburgh Steelers North 9 6 1 .594 4–1–1 6–5–1 .504 .448 W1
8 Tennessee Titans South 9 7 0 .563 3–3 5–7 .520 .465 L1
9 Cleveland Browns North 7 8 1 .469 3–2–1 5–6–1 .516 .411 L1
10 Miami Dolphins East 7 9 0 .438 4–2 6–6 .469 .446 L3
11[c] Denver Broncos West 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .523 .464 L4
12[c] Cincinnati Bengals North 6 10 0 .375 1–5 4–8 .535 .448 L2
13[c] Buffalo Bills East 6 10 0 .375 2–4 4–8 .523 .411 W1
14 Jacksonville Jaguars South 5 11 0 .313 1–5 4–8 .549 .463 L1
15[d] New York Jets East 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 .506 .438 L3
16[d] Oakland Raiders West 4 12 0 .250 1–5 3–9 .547 .406 L1
Tiebreakers[e]
  1. ^ a b Kansas City finished ahead of LA Chargers based on division record.
  2. ^ a b New England finished ahead of Houston based on head-to-head victory.
  3. ^ a b c Denver finished ahead of Cincinnati and Buffalo based on strength of victory. Cincinnati finished ahead of Buffalo based on record vs. common opponents. Cincinnati's cumulative record against Baltimore, Indianapolis, the Los Angeles Chargers and Miami was 3–2, compared to Buffalo's 1–4 cumulative record against the same four teams.
  4. ^ a b NY Jets finished ahead of Oakland based on strength of victory.
  5. ^ 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

[edit]
See also: 2018–19 NFL playoffs

Schedule

[edit]
Playoff round Date Opponent (seed) Result Record Venue NFL.com
recap
Wild Card First-round bye
Divisional January 13, 2019 Los Angeles Chargers (5) W 41–28 1–0 Gillette Stadium Recap
AFC Championship January 20, 2019 at Kansas City Chiefs (1) W 37–31 (OT) 2–0 Arrowhead Stadium Recap
Super Bowl LIII February 3, 2019 vs. Los Angeles Rams (N2) W 13–3 3–0 Mercedes-Benz Stadium Recap

Game summaries

[edit]

AFC Divisional Playoffs: vs. (5) Los Angeles Chargers

[edit]
AFC Divisional Playoffs: (5) Los Angeles Chargers at (2) New England Patriots – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Chargers 7 0 71428
Patriots 14 21 3341

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

Game information

AFC Championship: at (1) Kansas City Chiefs

[edit]
AFC Championship: (2) New England Patriots at (1) Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34OTTotal
Patriots 7 7 314637
Chiefs 0 0 724031

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

  • Date: January 20, 2019
  • Game time: 6:40 p.m. EST/5:40 p.m. CST
  • Game weather: 19 °F (−7 °C), cloudy
  • Game attendance: 77,034
  • Referee: Clete Blakeman
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Evan Washburn and Jay Feely
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

Super Bowl LIII: vs. (N2) Los Angeles Rams

[edit]
Main article: Super Bowl LIII
Super Bowl LIII: (A2) New England Patriots vs. (N2) Los Angeles Rams – Game summary
Quarter 1 2 34Total
Patriots 0 3 01013
Rams 0 0 303

at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

  • Date: February 3, 2019
  • Game time: 6:30 p.m. EST
  • Game weather: Played indoors (retractable roof closed)
  • Game attendance: 70,081
  • Referee: John Parry
  • TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Evan Washburn and Jay Feely
  • Recap, Gamebook
Game information

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[edit]
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[edit]
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