2020 New England Patriots season

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

2020 New England Patriots season
Owner	Robert Kraft
General manager	Bill Belichick
Head coach	Bill Belichick
Home stadium	Gillette Stadium
Results
Record	7–9
Division place	3rd AFC East
Playoffs	Did not qualify
Pro Bowlers	CB Stephon Gilmore ST Matthew Slater P Jake Bailey
All-Pros	PR Gunner Olszewski (1st team) P Jake Bailey (1st team) ST Matthew Slater (2nd team)
Uniform
← 2019 Patriots seasons 2021 →

It was the first season since 1999 without quarterback Tom Brady on the roster, as he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Brady led the Patriots to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six, and had been their primary starting quarterback from 2001 to 2019, and would go on to win Super Bowl LV with his new team, his seventh overall.^[1][2] The Patriots signed long-time Carolina Panthers quarterback and 2015 MVP Cam Newton on June 29, and named him the starting quarterback on September 3.^[3]

The Patriots attempted to win their 12th consecutive AFC East title and their first since 1997 without Tom Brady. However, they saw many key players opt out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns and battled numerous injuries throughout the season. They began the season 2–5, their worst record through 7 games since 2000. They failed to improve on their 12–4 record from the previous season following a Week 7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers and failed to match that record following a Week 8 loss to the division rival Buffalo Bills. Following a Sunday Night win by the Bills over the Steelers in week 14, the Patriots failed to win their division for the first time since 2008, and they were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2008 with a Week 15 loss to the Dolphins, ending their winning season streak at 19. This leaves the record to the Dallas Cowboys at 20 consecutive winning seasons from 1966 to 1985. After their blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in week 16, the New England Patriots finished the 2020 season with a losing record for the first time since 2000. This allowed the Pittsburgh Steelers to be the only team from 2004 to 2020 to finish without a single losing season. This was also the first season since 2014 in which the Patriots did not face the Steelers.

This was only the third time after 2000 and the first time since 2008 in which the Patriots missed the playoffs and failed to win the division.^[4][5] With their 11-year streak of playoff appearances snapped, the Kansas City Chiefs now hold the league's longest playoff streak, making the playoffs every year since 2015. In addition, New England's streak of 10+ win seasons that dated back to their 2003 Super Bowl-winning season, which was an NFL record, also came to an end following a Week 14 loss to the Los Angeles Rams.^[6]

For the season, the Patriots adopted a modified version of their Color Rush jerseys as their primary home uniform while introducing a new road uniform for the first time since 2000.^[7]

This was also the final season of Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman’s career. He played his final game in Week 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. He underwent precautionary surgery for a chronic knee injury and did not return for the remainder of the season. On April 12, 2021, he announced his retirement from the NFL.

Roster changes

Free agency

Unrestricted

Position	Player	2020 team	Date signed	Contract
QB	Tom Brady	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	March 20, 2020[8]	2 years, $50 million[9]
DE	Shilique Calhoun	New England Patriots	March 24, 2020[10]	1 year, $1.5 million[11]
OLB	Jamie Collins	Detroit Lions	March 25, 2020[12]	3 years, $30 million[13]
WR	Phillip Dorsett	Seattle Seahawks	March 30, 2020[14]	1 year, $1 million[15]
FS	Nate Ebner	New York Giants	March 26, 2020[16]	1 year, $2 million[17]
C	James Ferentz	New England Patriots	September 16, 2020[18]	1 year, $825,000[19]
K	Nick Folk	New England Patriots	August 24, 2020[20]	1 year, $1,05 million[21]
C	Ted Karras	Miami Dolphins	March 20, 2020[22]	1 year, $4 million[23]
FS	Devin McCourty	New England Patriots	March 17, 2020[24]	2 years, $23 million[25]
OT	Marshall Newhouse	Tennessee Titans	November 27, 2020[26]	1 year, $72,000[27]
MLB	Elandon Roberts	Miami Dolphins	March 24, 2020[28]	1 year, $2 million[29]
DT	Danny Shelton	Detroit Lions	March 24, 2020[30]	2 years, $8 million[31]
WR	Matthew Slater	New England Patriots	March 13, 2020[32]	2 years, $5.3 million[33]
G	Joe Thuney	New England Patriots	March 20, 2020[34]	Signed franchise tender worth 1 year, $14.8 million[35]
OLB	Kyle Van Noy	Miami Dolphins	March 21, 2020[36]	4 years, $51 million[37]

Restricted

Position	Player	2020 team	Date signed	Contract
DT	Adam Butler	New England Patriots	April 17, 2020[38]	Signed tender worth $3.3 million[39]
G	Jermaine Eluemunor	New England Patriots	April 16, 2020[40]	Signed tender worth $2.1 million[41]

Exclusive-Rights

Position	Player	2020 team	Date signed	Contract
DE	Keionta Davis	New England Patriots	March 17, 2020[42]	1 year, $675,000[43]

Signings

Position	Player	Previous team	Date signed	Contract
DT	Beau Allen	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	March 20, 2020[44]	2 years, $7 million[45]
S	Adrian Phillips	Los Angeles Chargers	March 21, 2020[46]	2 years, $6 million[47]
FB	Danny Vitale	Green Bay Packers	March 21, 2020[48]	1 year, $1.3 million[49]
WR	Damiere Byrd	Arizona Cardinals	March 23, 2020[50]	1 year, $1.4 million[51]
FS	Cody Davis	Jacksonville Jaguars	March 23, 2020[52]	1 year, $1.5 million[53]
OLB	Brandon Copeland	New York Jets	March 25, 2020[54]	1 year, $1.1 million[55]
QB	Brian Hoyer	Indianapolis Colts	March 25, 2020[56]	1 year, $1.1 million[57]
WR	Marqise Lee	Jacksonville Jaguars	April 28, 2020[58]	1 year, $1.1 million[59]
QB	Cam Newton	Carolina Panthers	July 8, 2020[60]	1 year, $7.5 million[61]
WR	Will Hastings	New England Patriots	July 27, 2020[62]	1 year, $610,000[63]
QB	Brian Lewerke	New England Patriots	July 30, 2020[64]	1 year, $610,000[65]
WR	Isaiah Zuber	New England Patriots	August 5, 2020[66]	1 year, $610,000[67]
DT	Darius Kilgo	Detroit Lions	August 11, 2020[68]	1 year, $825,000[69]
C	Tyler Gauthier	Jacksonville Jaguars	August 12, 2020[70]	1 year, $675,000[71]
RB	Lamar Miller	Houston Texans	August 13, 2020[72]	1 year, $2.55 million[73]
G	Ben Braden	New York Jets	August 17, 2020[74]	1 year, $675,000[75]
TE	Paul Butler	Oakland Raiders		1 year, $610,000[76]
TE	Alex Ellis	Philadelphia Eagles		1 year, $825,000[77]
TE	Paul Quessenberry	N/A	August 22, 2020[78]	3 years, $2.3 million[79]
DT	Xavier Williams	Kansas City Chiefs		1 year, $910,000[80]
WR	Andre Baccellia	Kansas City Chiefs	August 29, 2020[81]	1 year, $610,000[82]

Indicates that the player was a free agent at the end of his respective team's 2019 season.

Releases/waivers

Position	Player	2020 team	Date released/waived
K	Stephen Gostkowski	Tennessee Titans	March 23, 2020[83]
QB	Cody Kessler		April 1, 2020[83]
DE	Keionta Davis		April 27, 2020[84]
S	Obi Melifonwu
CB	Lenzy Pipkins		July 25, 2020[85]
S	Malik Gant		July 26, 2020[86]
WR	Will Hastings
QB	Brian Lewerke
S	Adarius Pickett
WR	Sean Riley
QB	J'Mar Smith
LB	Kyahva Tezino
DT	Courtney Wallace
WR	Isaiah Zuber	New England Patriots
DE	Nick Coe	Miami Dolphins	August 13, 2020[72]
WR	Quincy Adeboyejo	New England Patriots	August 15, 2020[87]
TE	Alex Ellis		August 22, 2020[78]
DT	Darius Kilgo	Denver Broncos
WR	Will Hastings		August 28, 2020[88]
DT	Michael Barnett		September 3, 2020[89]
CB	Mike Jackson Sr.	New England Patriots
WR	Mohamed Sanu	San Francisco 49ers
WR	Andre Baccellia		September 5, 2020[90]
TE	Rashod Berry	New England Patriots
DE	Tashawn Bower	New England Patriots
G	Ben Braden	Green Bay Packers
CB	Myles Bryant	New England Patriots
TE	Jake Burt	New England Patriots
TE	Paul Butler
K	Nick Folk	New England Patriots
C	Tyler Gauthier	Miami Dolphins
LB	Terez Hall	New England Patriots
LB	De'Jon Harris	Green Bay Packers
QB	Brian Lewerke
LB	Cassh Maluia	New England Patriots
RB	Lamar Miller	Chicago Bears
DT	Bill Murray	New England Patriots
TE	Paul Quessenberry	New England Patriots
K	Justin Rohrwasser	New England Patriots
CB	D'Angelo Ross	New England Patriots
WR	Devin Ross	New England Patriots
RB	J. J. Taylor	New England Patriots
WR	Jeff Thomas
DE	Nick Thurman	New England Patriots
DT	Xavier Williams	Cincinnati Bengals
WR	Isaiah Zuber	New England Patriots
LB	Cassh Maluia	New England Patriots	November 10, 2020[91]
G	Hjalte Froholdt	Houston Texans	November 21, 2020[92]
LB	Derek Rivers	Los Angeles Rams
WR	Isaiah Ford	Miami Dolphins	December 5, 2020[93]

Retirements

Position	Player	Date retired
TE	Benjamin Watson	March 18, 2020[94]
FB	James Develin	April 27, 2020[95]
C	Dustin Woodard	August 13, 2020[72]

Trades

• March 18: the Patriots traded safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions in exchange for the Lions' 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).^[96]
• April 21: the Patriots traded tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for the Buccaneers' fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall).^[97]
• August 9: the Patriots traded a conditional 2022 seventh-round selection to the Detroit Lions in exchange for cornerback Mike Jackson Sr.^[98]
• November 3: the Patriots traded a 2022 seventh-round selection to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for wide receiver Isaiah Ford.^[99]

Draft

Main article: 2020 NFL draft

2020 New England Patriots Draft

Round	Selection	Player	Position	College	Notes
2	37	Kyle Dugger	S	Lenoir-Rhyne	from Los Angeles Chargers
	60	Josh Uche	OLB	Michigan	from Baltimore
3	87	Anfernee Jennings	OLB	Alabama
	91	Devin Asiasi	TE	UCLA	from Las Vegas
	101	Dalton Keene	TE	Virginia Tech	from Seattle via New York Jets
5	159	Justin Rohrwasser	K	Marshall	from Las Vegas
6	182	Michael Onwenu	G	Michigan	from Detroit via Indianapolis
	195	Justin Herron	OT	Wake Forest	from Denver
	204	Cassh Maluia	MLB	Wyoming	from Houston
7	230	Dustin Woodard	C	Memphis	from Atlanta

Notes

• New England traded a 2020 first-round selection (No. 23 overall) to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a 2020 second-round selection (No. 37 overall) and a 2020 third-round selection (No. 71 overall).
• New England traded a 2020 second-round selection (No. 55 overall) to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
• New England acquired a 2020 second-round selection (No. 60 overall) and a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) in exchange for two 2020 third-round selections (No. 71 overall and No. 98 overall).
• New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 91 overall) and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 159 overall) in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection (No. 100 overall), a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall), and a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall).
• New England acquired a 2020 third-round selection (No. 101 overall) in exchange for two 2020 fourth-round selections (No. 125 overall and No. 129 overall) and a 2021 sixth-round selection.
• New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 125 overall) as part of a trade that sent their 2019 third- and sixth-round selections to the Chicago Bears.
• New England acquired a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 139 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Rob Gronkowski and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• New England traded a 2020 fourth-round selection (No. 129 overall) to the Baltimore Ravens in exchange for offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor and a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall).
• New England traded a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 168 overall) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) and defensive lineman Michael Bennett.
• New England acquired a 2020 fifth-round selection (No. 172 overall) as a part of a trade that sent safety Duron Harmon and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 235 overall) to the Detroit Lions.
• New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 182 overall) as part of a trade that sent two 2020 sixth-round selections (No. 212 overall and No. 213 overall) to the Indianapolis Colts.
• New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 195 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Duke Dawson and a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 237 overall) to the Denver Broncos.
• New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 202 overall) to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for offensive tackle Korey Cunningham.
• New England acquired a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 204 overall) as part of a trade that sent cornerback Keion Crossen to the Houston Texans.
• New England traded a 2020 sixth-round selection (No. 207 overall) to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for center Russell Bodine.
• New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 230 overall) as part of a trade that sent safety Jordan Richards to the Atlanta Falcons.
• New England acquired a 2020 seventh-round selection (No. 241 overall) as part of a trade that sent tight end Jacob Hollister to the Seattle Seahawks. As the result of the negative differential of free agent signings and departures that the Patriots experienced during the first wave of the 2019 free agency period, the team received the league-maximum four compensatory selections for the 2020 draft.^[100] Free agent transactions that occurred after May 7, 2019 did not factor into the team's formula for determining compensatory selections.^[101]

Undrafted free agents

Position	Player	Date signed
TE	Rashod Berry	May 5, 2020[102]
CB	Myles Bryant
TE	Jake Burt
DE	Nick Coe
LB	De'Jon Harris
WR	Will Hastings
QB	Brian Lewerke
DT	Bill Murray
WR	Sean Riley
QB	J'Mar Smith
RB	J. J. Taylor
LB	Kyahva Tezino
WR	Jeff Thomas
DT	Courtney Wallace
WR	Isaiah Zuber
DT	Michael Barnett	August 24, 2020[103]

Staff

2020 New England Patriots staff

Front office Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft President – Jonathan Kraft Director of player personnel – Nick Caserio Assistant director of player personnel – Dave Ziegler College scouting coordinator – Brian Smith Director of pro personnel – Vacant Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier Football research director – Ernie Adams Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian Scouting consultant – Eliot Wolf Head coaches Head coach – Bill Belichick Offensive coaches Offensive coordinator – Josh McDaniels Quarterbacks – Jedd Fisch Running backs/kick returners – Troy Brown Running backs – Ivan Fears Wide receivers – Mick Lombardi Tight ends/fullbacks – Nick Caley Offensive line – Carmen Bricillo Offensive line – Cole Popovich Offensive assistant – Tyler Hughes

Defensive coaches Defensive line – DeMarcus Covington Inside linebackers – Jerod Mayo Outside linebackers – Steve Belichick Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino Safeties – Brian Belichick Defensive assistant – Vinnie Sunseri Special teams coaches Special teams coordinator – Cam Achord Special teams assistant – Joe Houston Strength and conditioning Head strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera Strength and conditioning assistant – Deron Mayo Director of skill development – Joe Kim

Final roster

2020 New England Patriots roster

Quarterbacks (QB)  2 Brian Hoyer  1 Cam Newton  4 Jarrett Stidham Running backs (RB) 47 Jakob Johnson FB 26 Sony Michel 42 J. J. Taylor 28 James White Wide receivers (WR) 10 Damiere Byrd 15 N'Keal Harry 16 Jakobi Meyers 14 Donte Moncrief KR 80 Gunner Olszewski PR 18 Matthew Slater Tight ends (TE) 86 Devin Asiasi 44 Dalton Keene

Offensive linemen (OL) 60 David Andrews C 74 Korey Cunningham T 72 Jermaine Eluemunor G 66 James Ferentz C 75 Justin Herron T 68 Marcus Martin C 69 Shaq Mason G 71 Michael Onwenu T 62 Joe Thuney G Defensive linemen (DL) 43 Rashod Berry DE 70 Adam Butler DE 99 Byron Cowart DT 93 Lawrence Guy DT 52 Akeem Spence DT 50 Chase Winovich DE 91 Deatrich Wise Jr. DE

Linebackers (LB) 51 Ja'Whaun Bentley MLB 90 Shilique Calhoun OLB 59 Terez Hall OLB 58 Anfernee Jennings OLB 46 Cassh Maluia MLB 55 John Simon OLB Defensive backs (DB) 29 Justin Bethel SS 25 Terrence Brooks FS 41 Myles Bryant CB 22 Cody Davis FS 35 Kyle Dugger SS 27 J. C. Jackson CB 45 Mike Jackson Sr. CB 31 Jonathan Jones CB 32 Devin McCourty FS 30 Jason McCourty CB 21 Adrian Phillips SS 38 Dee Virgin CB 33 Joejuan Williams CB Special teams (ST)  7 Jake Bailey P 49 Joe Cardona LS  6 Nick Folk K

Practice squad  9 Roberto Aguayo K 65 Caleb Benenoch G (PS/I) 82 Jake Burt TE (PS/I)  8 Jake Dolegala QB 94 Isaiah Mack DT (COVID-19) 97 Bill Murray DT 48 Michael Pinckney LB (Susp.) 64 Ross Reynolds G  5 Justin Rohrwasser K 39 D'Angelo Ross CB 13 Devin Smith WR 67 Jordan Steckler T 92 Nick Thurman DT 17 Kristian Wilkerson WR 19 Isaiah Zuber WR Reserve 19 Quincy Adeboyejo WR (IR) 94 Beau Allen DT (IR) 76 Michael Barnett DT (IR) 38 Brandon Bolden RB (Opt-out) 96 Tashawn Bower DE (IR) 34 Rex Burkhead RB (IR) 77 Yodny Cajuste T (IR) 61 Marcus Cannon T (Opt-out) 23 Patrick Chung SS (Opt-out) 52 Brandon Copeland OLB (IR) 98 Carl Davis DT (IR) 11 Julian Edelman WR (IR) 24 Stephon Gilmore CB (IR) 37 Damien Harris RB (IR) 54 Dont'a Hightower MLB (Opt-out) 85 Ryan Izzo TE (IR) 36 Brandon King OLB (PUP) 83 Matt LaCosse TE (Opt-out) 13 Marqise Lee WR (Opt-out) 68 Najee Toran G (Opt-out) 53 Josh Uche OLB (IR) 45 Danny Vitale FB (Opt-out) 76 Isaiah Wynn T (IR) Rookies in italics 53 active, 23 reserve, 11 practice squad (4 exempt)

Preseason

The Patriots' preseason schedule was announced on May 7, but was later cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[104]

Week	Date	Opponent	Venue	Result
1	August 13	Detroit Lions	Gillette Stadium	Cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2	August 20	Carolina Panthers	Gillette Stadium
3	August 27	at Philadelphia Eagles	Lincoln Financial Field
4	September 3	at New York Giants	MetLife Stadium

Regular season

Schedule

The Patriots' 2020 schedule was announced on May 7.^[104]

Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Recap
1	September 13	Miami Dolphins	W 21–11	1–0	Gillette Stadium	Recap
2	September 20	at Seattle Seahawks	L 30–35	1–1	CenturyLink Field	Recap
3	September 27	Las Vegas Raiders	W 36–20	2–1	Gillette Stadium	Recap
4[A]	October 5	at Kansas City Chiefs	L 10–26	2–2	Arrowhead Stadium	Recap
5	Bye
6[B]	October 18	Denver Broncos	L 12–18	2–3	Gillette Stadium	Recap
7	October 25	San Francisco 49ers	L 6–33	2–4	Gillette Stadium	Recap
8	November 1	at Buffalo Bills	L 21–24	2–5	Bills Stadium	Recap
9	November 9	at New York Jets	W 30–27	3–5	MetLife Stadium	Recap
10	November 15	Baltimore Ravens	W 23–17	4–5	Gillette Stadium	Recap
11	November 22	at Houston Texans	L 20–27	4–6	NRG Stadium	Recap
12	November 29	Arizona Cardinals	W 20–17	5–6	Gillette Stadium	Recap
13	December 6	at Los Angeles Chargers	W 45–0	6–6	SoFi Stadium	Recap
14	December 10	at Los Angeles Rams	L 3–24	6–7	SoFi Stadium	Recap
15	December 20	at Miami Dolphins	L 12–22	6–8	Hard Rock Stadium	Recap
16	December 28	Buffalo Bills	L 9–38	6–9	Gillette Stadium	Recap
17	January 3	New York Jets	W 28–14	7–9	Gillette Stadium	Recap

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

Game summaries

Week 1: vs. Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Dolphins	0	3	0	8	11
Patriots	0	7	7	7	21

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:12 Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 6:11. MIA – Jason Sanders 46-yard field goal, 3:53 Patriots 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 59 yards, 5:16. Third quarter NE – Cam Newton 11-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:14 Patriots 14–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:46. Fourth quarter MIA – Jordan Howard 1-yard run (Ryan Fitzpatrick run), 10:31 Patriots 14–11. Drive: 11 plays, 80 yards, 5:23. NE – Sony Michel 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:23 Patriots 21–11. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:08. Top passers MIA – Ryan Fitzpatrick – 20/30, 191 yards, 3 INT NE – Cam Newton – 15/19, 155 yards Top rushers MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 40 yards NE – Cam Newton – 15 rushes, 75 yards, 2 TD Top receivers MIA – DeVante Parker – 4 receptions, 47 yards NE – Julian Edelman – 5 receptions, 57 yards

Week One: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 13
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 70 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Adrian Hill
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
• Recap, Game Book

This was the Patriots' first game without longtime quarterback Tom Brady since October 2, 2016, and their first without Brady on the roster since January 2, 2000. Nonetheless, new starting quarterback Cam Newton performed admirably, finishing with a 79% completion percentage and leading a rush-heavy offensive attack with 75 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on the ground, as the Patriots finished with 217 rushing yards overall. With the win, New England opened the season at 1–0.^[108]

Week 2: at Seattle Seahawks

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	7	3	13	30
Seahawks	7	7	14	7	35

Game information

First quarter NE – Devin McCourty 43-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 13:39. Patriots 7–0. SEA – Tyler Lockett 4-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 5:27. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 8:12. Second quarter NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:59. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 12 plays, 72 yards, 6:28. SEA – DK Metcalf 54-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 6:57. Tied 14–14. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:51. Third quarter NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 10:12. Patriots 17–14. Drive: 13 plays, 68 yards, 4:48. SEA – David Moore 38-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 7:04. Seahawks 21–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:08. SEA – Freddie Swain 21-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 2:00. Seahawks 28–17. Drive: 5 plays, 52 yards, 2:30. Fourth quarter NE – Jakob Johnson 1-yard pass from Cam Newton (run failed), 14:14. Seahawks 28–23. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 2:46. SEA – Chris Carson 18-yard pass from Russell Wilson (Jason Myers kick), 4:32. Seahawks 35–23. Drive: 9 plays, 65 yards, 4:24. NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:16. Seahawks 35–30. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 2:16. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 30/44, 397 yards, TD, INT SEA – Russell Wilson – 21/28, 288 yards, 5 TD, INT Top rushers NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 47 yards, 2 TD SEA – Chris Carson – 17 rushes, 72 yards Top receivers NE – Julian Edelman – 8 receptions, 179 yards SEA – DK Metcalf – 4 receptions, 92 yards, TD

Week Two: New England Patriots at Seattle Seahawks – Game summary

at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, Washington

• Date: September 20
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EDT/5:20 p.m. PDT
• Game weather: 70 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
• Recap, Game Book

A competitive matchup versus the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football saw Seattle pull away during the third quarter, though the Patriots offense kept pace in the fourth quarter. A potential game-winning drive by the Patriots was snuffed out when Cam Newton, who passed for nearly 400 yards, was stuffed short of the goal line on a quarterback keeper in the final seconds of the game.^[109] This was New England's third loss in four career meetings with former Patriots head coach Pete Carroll. It was also Newton's sixth loss in eight career games against the Seahawks.

Week 3: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Raiders	3	7	0	10	20
Patriots	0	13	10	13	36

Game information

First quarter LV – Daniel Carlson 29-yard field goal, 0:20. Raiders 3–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:35. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 12:32. Tied 3–3. Drive: 9 plays, 60 yards, 2:46. NE – Nick Folk 23-yard field goal, 7:56. Patriots 6–3. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:06. NE – Rex Burkhead 11-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 0:34. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 12 plays, 86 yards, 5:04. LV – Foster Moreau 1-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 0:06. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 0:28. Third quarter NE – Rex Burkhead 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:41. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 69 yards, 4:02. NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:28. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 61 yards, 3:36. Fourth quarter LV – Daniel Carlson 25-yard field goal, 11:22. Patriots 23–13. Drive: 11 plays, 68 yards, 5:06. NE – Rex Burkhead 2-yard run (kick failed), 5:17. Patriots 29–13. Drive: 10 plays, 86 yards, 6:05. NE – Deatrich Wise 0-yard fumble recovery in end zone (Nick Folk kick), 5:09. Patriots 36–13. LV – Hunter Renfrow 13-yard pass from Derek Carr (Daniel Carlson kick), 1:54. Patriots 36–20. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 3:15. Top passers LV – Derek Carr – 24/32, 261 yards, 2 TD NE – Cam Newton – 17/28, 162 yards, TD, INT Top rushers LV – Josh Jacobs – 16 rushes, 71 yards NE – Sony Michel – 9 rushes, 117 yards Top receivers LV – Hunter Renfrow – 6 receptions, 84 yards, TD NE – Rex Burkhead – 7 receptions, 49 yards, TD

Week Three: Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: September 27
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: 73 °F (23 °C), partly cloudy
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
• Recap, Game Book

Running back Rex Burkhead scored three touchdowns in a blowout win over the previously undefeated Raiders with the Patriots rushing for 250 yards; the game was Belichick's 275th career win with the Patriots.

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	3	0	7	10
Chiefs	6	0	7	13	26

Game information

First quarter KC – Harrison Butker 23-yard field goal, 10:08. Chiefs 3–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 4:52. KC – Harrison Butker 39-yard field goal, 0:13. Chiefs 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:25. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 9:31. Chiefs 6–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 5:20. Third quarter KC – Tyreek Hill 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (Harrison Butker kick), 0:42. Chiefs 13–3. Drive: 7 plays, 85 yards, 3:10. Fourth quarter NE – N'Keal Harry 4-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 13:45. Chiefs 13–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 1:57. KC – Mecole Hardman 6-yard pass from Patrick Mahomes (kick failed), 8:57. Chiefs 19–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:48. KC – Tyrann Mathieu 25-yard interception return (Harrison Butker kick), 8:48. Chiefs 26–10. Top passers NE – Brian Hoyer – 15/24, 130 yards, INT KC – Patrick Mahomes – 29/39, 236 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 17 rushes, 100 yards KC – Clyde Edwards-Helaire – 16 rushes, 64 yards Top receivers NE – Damiere Byrd – 5 receptions, 80 yards KC – Travis Kelce – 3 receptions, 70 yards

Week Four: New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs – Game summary

at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

• Date: October 5^[A]
• Game time: 7:05 p.m. EDT/6:05 p.m. CDT
• Game weather: Clear, 73 °F (23 °C)
• Game attendance: 12,729
• Referee: Tony Corrente
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson and Gene Steratore
• Recap, Game Book

The game was postponed to Monday night after Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. With Newton out, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer made the start for the Patriots. A low-scoring defensive affair in the first half saw the New England defense shut down Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes for much of the half, though the Patriots offense was likewise ineffective, with Hoyer taking a sack on the last play of the first half that prevented a potential game-tying field goal. Mahomes and the Chiefs offense came to life late in the third quarter, scoring two touchdowns on back-to-back drives as Hoyer was benched for Jarrett Stidham, who threw his first career touchdown but also two interceptions, including a pick-six to Tyrann Mathieu that all but sealed the game and dropped New England to 2–2.^[110]

Week 6: vs. Denver Broncos

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	6	6	6	0	18
Patriots	0	3	0	9	12

Game information

First quarter DEN – Brandon McManus 45-yard field goal, 13:02. Broncos 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:58. DEN – Brandon McManus 44-yard field goal, 8:05. Broncos 6–0. Drive: 4 plays, 8 yards, 1:27. Second quarter DEN – Brandon McManus 27-yard field goal, 12:13. Broncos 9–0. Drive: 13 plays, 83 yards, 5:54. NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 5:20. Broncos 9–3. Drive: 12 plays, 59 yards, 6:53. DEN – Brandon McManus 52-yard field goal, 0:19. Broncos 12–3. Drive: 12 plays, 48 yards, 5:01. Third quarter DEN – Brandon McManus 20-yard field goal, 3:32. Broncos 15–3. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:07. DEN – Brandon McManus 54-yard field goal, 0:37. Broncos 18–3. Drive: 4 plays, 6 yards, 1:31. Fourth quarter NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (run failed), 8:31. Broncos 18–9. Drive: 5 plays, 65 yards, 1:43. NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 3:23. Broncos 18–12. Drive: 4 plays, 5 yards, 1:52. Top passers DEN – Drew Lock – 10/24, 189 yards, 2 INT NE – Cam Newton – 17/25, 157 yards, 2 INT Top rushers DEN – Phillip Lindsay – 23 rushes, 101 yards NE – Cam Newton – 10 rushes, 76 yards, TD Top receivers DEN – Tim Patrick – 4 receptions, 101 yards NE – James White – 8 receptions, 65 yards

Week Six: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: October 18
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Sunny, 58 °F (14 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Scott Novak
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins
• Recap, Game Book

Despite scoring the game's only touchdown, this was the Patriots' first home loss to Denver in 14 years as they fell below .500, the first time they failed to be above .500 following Week 6 since 2002. In addition, it was the first time the Patriots lost without giving up a touchdown in the Bill Belichick era.

Week 7: vs. San Francisco 49ers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
49ers	7	16	7	3	33
Patriots	0	3	3	0	6

Game information

First quarter SF – Jeff Wilson 3-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 9:56. 49ers 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 5:04. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 40-yard field goal, 14:56. 49ers 7–3. Drive: 6 plays, 30 yards, 2:06. SF – Robbie Gould 41-yard field goal, 9:00. 49ers 10–3. Drive: 10 plays, 56 yards, 5:56. SF – Kyle Juszczyk 4-yard run (kick failed), 6:23. 49ers 16–3. Drive: 5 plays, 38 yards, 2:23. SF – Jeff Wilson 16-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 0:59. 49ers 23–3. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:43. Third quarter NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 10:48. 49ers 23–6. Drive: 8 plays, 50 yards, 4:12. SF – Jeff Wilson 7-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 7:32. 49ers 30–6. Drive: 6 plays, 79 yards, 3:16. Fourth quarter SF – Robbie Gould 32-yard field goal, 13:27. 49ers 33–6. Drive: 10 plays, 55 yards, 6:20. Top passers SF – Jimmy Garoppolo – 20/25, 277 yards, 2 INT NE – Cam Newton – 9/15, 98 yards, 3 INT Top rushers SF – Jeff Wilson – 17 rushes, 112 yards, 3 TD NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 58 yards Top receivers SF – Brandon Aiyuk – 6 receptions, 115 yards NE – Jakobi Meyers – 4 receptions, 60 yards

Week Seven: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: October 25
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EDT
• Game weather: Cloudy, 49 °F (9 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Shawn Smith
• TV announcers (CBS): Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson
• Recap, Game Book

49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo made his first return to New England since the Patriots traded him to the 49ers in October 2017. Garoppolo played for the Patriots from 2014 to 2017 and was part of their 2014 and 2016 Super Bowl-winning teams. This was the Patriots' worst home loss in the Belichick era and their worst loss since their 2003 season opener versus the Buffalo Bills, where they were shut out 31–0. It was also the Patriots' first time losing three games in a row since 2002. This was also the final game of Julian Edelman’s career, as he would undergo a precautionary procedure to address his chronic injury, land on the IR, and miss the final 10 games of the season. He announced his retirement on April 12, 2021.

Week 8: at Buffalo Bills

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	6	8	7	21
Bills	7	0	7	10	24

Game information

First quarter BUF – Zack Moss 8-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 5:29. Bills 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 78 yards, 5:10. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 10:50. Bills 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 44 yards, 4:10. NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 0:08. Bills 7–6. Drive: 7 plays, 34 yards, 1:30. Third quarter BUF – Zack Moss 4-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 12:09. Bills 14–6. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 2:51. NE – Damien Harris 22-yard run (Cam Newton-Jakobi Meyers pass), 3:03. Tied 14–14. Drive: 5 plays, 37 yards, 2:49. Fourth quarter BUF – Josh Allen 2-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 13:12. Bills 21–14. Drive: 9 plays, 45 yards, 4:51. NE – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 9:36. Tied 21–21. Drive: 7 plays, 72 yards, 3:36. BUF – Tyler Bass 28-yard field goal, 4:06. Bills 24–21. Drive: 10 plays, 63 yards, 5:30. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 15/25, 174 yards BUF – Josh Allen – 11/18, 154 yards, INT Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 102 yards, TD BUF – Devin Singletary – 14 rushes, 86 yards Top receivers NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 58 yards BUF – Stefon Diggs – 6 receptions, 92 yards

Week Eight: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

at Bills Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

• Date: November 1
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Rain, 41 °F (5 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Clete Blakeman
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
• Recap, Game Book

A game that featured strong rushing performances by both teams was played down to the wire. As the Patriots were driving down the field for a score to win or tie the game down 24–21 in the last two minutes, Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer forced Cam Newton to fumble at the Buffalo 14-yard line, sealing the loss for New England. This was the Patriots' first loss to the Bills in four years; also their first road loss to them since the Pats' 2011 AFC Championship season. The Patriots also began the season 2–5 for the first time since 2000.^[111]

Week 9: at New York Jets

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	3	7	13	30
Jets	3	17	7	0	27

Game information

First quarter NYJ – Sergio Castillo 35-yard field goal, 8:33. Jets 3–0. Drive: 12 plays, 58 yards, 6:27. NE – Cam Newton 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:34. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:59. Second quarter NYJ – Breshad Perriman 50-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 9:59. Jets 10–7. Drive: 5 plays, 93 yards, 2:44. NYJ – Sergio Castillo 50-yard field goal, 4:33. Jets 13–7. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards, 1:40. NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 1:03. Jets 13–10. Drive: 9 plays, 54 yards, 3:30. NYJ – Jamison Crowder 50-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 0:25. Jets 20–10. Drive: 2 plays, 77 yards, 0:38. Third quarter NE – Rex Burkhead 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:27. Jets 20–17. Drive: 13 plays, 78 yards, 7:33. NYJ – Breshad Perriman 15-yard pass from Joe Flacco (Sergio Castillo kick), 0:30. Jets 27–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:57. Fourth quarter NE – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 6:04. Jets 27–20. Drive: 17 plays, 58 yards, 9:26. NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 1:57. Tied 27–27. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 3:53. NE – Nick Folk 51-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 30–27. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 0:47. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 27/35, 274 yards NYJ – Joe Flacco – 18/25, 262 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 71 yards NYJ – Frank Gore – 12 rushes, 46 yards Top receivers NE – Jakobi Meyers – 12 receptions, 169 yards NYJ – Breshad Perriman – 5 receptions, 101 yards, 2 TD

Week Nine: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary

at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

• Date: November 9
• Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Clear, 61 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Alex Kemp
• TV announcers (ESPN): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Lisa Salters and John Parry
• Recap, Game Book

Against the winless Jets, the Patriots fell behind 20–10 by halftime, but mounted a comeback, limiting the Jets to just four plays in the fourth quarter. Nick Folk's game-winning 51 yard field goal as time expired ended the Patriots' four-game losing streak, got them their first road win of the year and their 9th win over the Jets since 2015. New England improved to 3–5 with the win and began 3–5 for the first time since 1994.^[112]

Week 10: vs. Baltimore Ravens

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Ravens	0	10	7	0	17
Patriots	0	13	10	0	23

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter BAL – Willie Snead 6-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 14:54. Ravens 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 94 yards, 8:04. NE – Rex Burkhead 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:46. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:08. BAL – Justin Tucker 24-yard field goal, 5:32. Ravens 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 6:14. NE – Rex Burkhead 24-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (kick failed, wide left), 1:02. Patriots 13–10. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:30. Third quarter NE – Cam Newton 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:17. Patriots 20–10. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:43. NE – Nick Folk 20-yard field goal, 6:24. Patriots 23–10. Drive: 7 plays, 35 yards, 3:16. BAL – Willie Snead 18-yard pass from Lamar Jackson (Justin Tucker kick), 0:08. Patriots 23–17. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:16. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers BAL – Lamar Jackson – 24/34, 249 yards, 2 TD, INT NE – Cam Newton – 13/17, 118 yards, TD Top rushers BAL – Lamar Jackson – 11 rushes, 55 yards NE – Damien Harris – 22 rushes, 121 yards Top receivers BAL – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 59 yards NE – Willie Snead – 5 receptions, 64 yards, 2 TD

Week Ten: Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: November 15
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Rain, 52 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Shawn Hochuli
• TV announcers (NBC): Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya and Terry McAulay
• Recap, Game Book

In the rain, the Patriots were able to sneak out a 23–17 win against the previously 6-2 Ravens. With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–5, and this was their first winning streak this season. They also began 4-5 for the first time since 1988.

Week 11: at Houston Texans

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	3	7	3	20
Texans	7	14	3	3	27

Game information

First quarter NE – Damien Harris 9-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:52. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 84 yards, 5:32. HOU – Randall Cobb 3-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:36. Tied 7–7. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 3:16. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:32. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 5:05. HOU – Deshaun Watson 4-yard run (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 3:54. Texans 14–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:38. HOU – Keke Coutee 6-yard pass from Deshaun Watson (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 0:10. Texans 21–10. Drive: 9 plays, 80 yards, 2:10. Third quarter NE – Damiere Byrd 42-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 8:14. Texans 21–17. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 2:43. HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 36-yard field goal, 2:04. Texans 24–17. Drive: 11 plays, 57 yards, 6:10. Fourth quarter NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 7:39. Texans 24–20. Drive: 16 plays, 65 yards, 9:25. HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 46-yard field goal, 4:11. Texans 27–20. Drive: 8 plays, 47 yards, 3:28. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 26/40, 365 yards, TD HOU – Deshaun Watson – 28/37, 344 yards, 2 TD Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 11 rushes, 43 yards, TD HOU – Deshaun Watson – 6 rushes, 36 yards, TD Top receivers NE – Damiere Byrd – 6 receptions, 132 yards, TD HOU – Brandin Cooks – 4 receptions, 85 yards

Week Eleven: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary

at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

• Date: November 22
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST/12:00 p.m. CST
• Game weather: Partly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C) (retractable roof open)
• Game attendance: 12,503
• Referee: John Hussey
• TV announcers (CBS): Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and AJ Ross
• Recap, Game Book

Cam Newton's last-second Hail Mary was not enough as the Patriots suffered their second straight loss to the Texans. Their two-game win streak ended as they fell to 4–6, their first 4–6 start since 1994. They also lost 6 games in a season for the first time since 2009.

Week 12: vs. Arizona Cardinals

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Cardinals	10	0	0	7	17
Patriots	0	7	10	3	20

Game information

First quarter ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 12:09. Cardinals 7–0. Drive: 2 plays, 23 yards, 1:29. ARI – Zane Gonzalez 47-yard field goal, 1:49. Cardinals 10–0. Drive: 12 plays, 68 yards, 5:24. Second quarter NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:15. Cardinals 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 46 yards, 2:34. Third quarter NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 7:46. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:57. NE – James White 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 3:30. Patriots 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 31 yards, 2:51. Fourth quarter ARI – Kenyan Drake 1-yard run (Zane Gonzalez kick), 8:02. Tied 17–17. Drive: 16 plays, 80 yards, 7:19. NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 1:47. Top passers ARI – Kyler Murray – 23/34, 170 yards, INT NE – Cam Newton – 9/18, 84 yards, 2 INT Top rushers ARI – Kenyan Drake – 22 rushes, 78 yards, 2 TD NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 47 yards Top receivers ARI – DeAndre Hopkins – 5 receptions, 55 yards NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 52 yards

Week Twelve: Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: November 29
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Sunny, 52 °F (11 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Bill Vinovich
• TV announcers (Fox): Kevin Burkhardt, Daryl Johnston and Pam Oliver
• Recap, Game Book

Nick Folk's last-second 50-yard field goal improved the Patriots to a 5–6 start for the first time since 1994 and increased their home win streak to two games.

Week 13: at Los Angeles Chargers

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	7	21	7	10	45
Chargers	0	0	0	0	0

Game information

First quarter NE – Cam Newton 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:50. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:10. Second quarter NE – Gunner Olszewski 70-yard punt return (Nick Folk kick), 14:02. Patriots 14–0. NE – Cam Newton 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:51. Patriots 21–0. Drive: 16 plays, 54 yards, 5:41. NE – Devin McCourty 44-yard return of blocked field goal (Nick Folk kick), 0:00. Patriots 28–0. Third quarter NE – N'Keal Harry 5-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 8:44. Patriots 35–0. Drive: 7 plays, 32 yards, 3:38. Fourth quarter NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 11:21. Patriots 38–0. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 2:04. NE – Gunner Olszewski 38-yard pass from Jarrett Stidham (Nick Folk kick), 6:50. Patriots 45–0. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 1:23. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 12/19, 69 yards, TD LAC – Justin Herbert – 26/53, 209 yards Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 80 yards LAC – Austin Ekeler – 8 rushes, 36 yards Top receivers NE – Gunner Olszewski – 1 reception, 38 yards, TD LAC – Keenan Allen – 5 receptions, 48 yards

Week Thirteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

• Date: December 6
• Game time: 4:25 p.m. EST/1:25 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Clear, 70 °F (21 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Carl Cheffers
• TV announcers (CBS): Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Amanda Balionis
• Recap, Game Book

With the blowout win, the Patriots improve to 6-6 and were now at an even .500. This was only their second road win this season.

Week 14: at Los Angeles Rams

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	3	0	0	3
Rams	10	7	7	0	24

Game information

First quarter LAR – Jared Goff 1-yard run (Matt Gay kick), 11:21. Rams 7–0. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:39. LAR – Matt Gay 35-yard field goal, 5:16. Rams 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 4:25. Second quarter LAR – Kenny Young 79-yard interception return (Matt Gay kick), 14:46. Rams 17–0. NE – Nick Folk 29-yard field goal, 1:04. Rams 17–3. Drive: 8 plays, 57 yards, 3:36. Third quarter LAR – Cooper Kupp 2-yard pass from Jared Goff (Matt Gay kick), 1:33. Rams 24–3. Drive: 16 plays, 90 yards, 9:42. Fourth quarter No scoring plays. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 9/16, 119 yards, INT LAR – Jared Goff – 16/25, 137 yards, TD, INT Top rushers NE – Damien Harris – 11 rushes, 50 yards LAR – Cam Akers – 29 rushes, 171 yards Top receivers NE – Damiere Byrd – 5 receptions, 48 yards LAR – Tyler Higbee – 5 receptions, 33 yards, TD

Week Fourteen: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Rams – Game summary

at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

• Date: December 10
• Game time: 8:20 p.m. EST/5:20 p.m. PST
• Game weather: Clear, 60 °F (16 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Craig Wrolstad
• TV announcers (Fox/NFLN/Amazon Prime): Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink
• Recap, Game Book

With the loss, the Patriots dropped below .500 again as they fell to 6–7, losing at least 7 games for the first time since 2002 and beginning 6-7 for the first time since 1987. This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Rams since their 2001 Super Bowl-winning season.

Despite 4 red zone trips, the Patriots’ only score came from a Nick Folk field goal; their three points scored were the lowest the Patriots have scored in a game since a 2016 Week 4 shutout against the Buffalo Bills. This was also their fewest points scored in a game in which their first-string quarterback made a start, since a 2006 shutout loss against the Miami Dolphins (Brady was serving his four-game suspension in that 2016 loss against the Bills).

In addition, with the Bills beating the Steelers later on NBC Sunday Night Football, the Patriots failed to win the AFC East for the first time since 2008.

Week 15: at Miami Dolphins

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Patriots	0	6	3	3	12
Dolphins	0	0	7	15	22

Game information

First quarter No scoring plays. Second quarter NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 8:55. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 13 plays, 69 yards, 6:10. NE – Nick Folk 36-yard field goal, 4:19. Patriots 6–0. Drive: 8 plays, 42 yards, 2:32. Third quarter MIA – Salvon Ahmed 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 10:32. Dolphins 7–6. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 4:28. NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 4:23. Patriots 9–7. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:16. Fourth quarter MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Tua Tagovailoa–Salvon Ahmed pass), 12:55. Dolphins 15–7. Drive: 14 plays, 90 yards, 6:25. NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 9:07. Dolphins 15–12. Drive: 9 plays, 51 yards, 3:52. MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 3:17. Dolphins 22–12. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 5:46. Top passers NE – Cam Newton – 17/27, 209 yards MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 20/26, 145 yards, INT Top rushers NE – Sony Michel – 10 rushes, 74 yards MIA – Salvon Ahmed – 23 rushes, 122 yards, TD Top receivers NE – Jakobi Meyers – 7 receptions, 111 yards MIA – Durham Smythe – 5 receptions, 40 yards

Week Fifteen: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

• Date: December 20
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Mostly cloudy, 79 °F (26 °C)
• Game attendance: 13,354
• Referee: Brad Allen
• TV announcers (CBS): Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn
• Recap, Game Book

With the loss, the Patriots were eliminated from the playoffs for the first time since 2008 and were ensured a non-winning season for the first time since 2000. During the 2nd quarter, cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore suffered a partially torn quad that would cause him to miss the remainder of the season. Quarterback Cam Newton also lost to the Dolphins for the first time in his 9-year career. It was the team's first 6–8 start since 1971. They also finished 2-6 on the road.

Week 16: vs. Buffalo Bills

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Bills	3	21	7	7	38
Patriots	3	6	0	0	9

Game information

First quarter NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 12:44. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 38 yards, 2:16. BUF – Tyler Bass 22-yard field goal, 6:43. Tied 3–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 6:01. Second quarter BUF – Zack Moss 5-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 14:50. Bills 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 70 yards, 5:28. NE – Cam Newton 9-yard run (kick failed), 10:39. Bills 10–9. Drive: 9 plays, 90 yards, 4:11. BUF – Lee Smith 4-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 5:32. Bills 17–9. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 5:07. BUF – Stefon Diggs 50-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 3:55. Bills 24–9. Drive: 3 plays, 67 yards, 0:47. Third quarter BUF – Stefon Diggs 18-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 11:28. Bills 31–9. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:32. Fourth quarter BUF – Stefon Diggs 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:16. Bills 38–9. Drive: 10 plays, 95 yards, 7:25. Top passers BUF – Josh Allen – 27/36, 320 yards, 4 TD NE – Jarrett Stidham – 4/11, 44 yards Top rushers BUF – Zack Moss – 12 rushes, 57 yards, TD NE – Sony Michel – 10 rushes, 69 yards Top receivers BUF – Stefon Diggs – 9 receptions, 145 yards, 3 TD NE – Jakobi Meyers – 4 receptions, 45 yards

Week Sixteen: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: December 28
• Game time: 8:15 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Clear, 41 °F (5 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Ronald Torbert
• TV announcers (ESPN/ABC): Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, Laura Rutledge and John Parry
• Recap, Game Book

With the loss, the Patriots suffer their first losing record since 2000, and have been swept by the Bills for the first time since 1999 as well as for the first time under Bill Belichick's tenure. This is also the first time since 2000 a division rival swept New England. The 29 point home loss is the worst in the Bill Belichick era, and the 2nd worst loss overall (Buffalo won 31–0 in Week 1 of the 2003 season in then-Ralph Wilson Stadium).

Week 17: vs. New York Jets

Quarter	1	2	3	4	Total
Jets	0	7	7	0	14
Patriots	7	0	7	14	28

Game information

First quarter NE – James White 7-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:26. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 3:37. Second quarter NYJ – Chris Herndon 21-yard pass from Sam Darnold (Chase McLaughlin kick), 1:40. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 4:07. Third quarter NYJ – Josh Adams 1-yard run (Chase McLaughlin kick), 11:40. Jets 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:20. NE – Cam Newton 19-yard pass from Jakobi Meyers (Nick Folk kick), 2:22. Tied 14–14. Drive: 10 plays, 58 yards, 4:45. Fourth quarter NE – Devin Asiasi 26-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 13:56. Patriots 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 45 yards, 1:13. NE – Sony Michel 31-yard pass from Cam Newton (Nick Folk kick), 11:42. Patriots 28–14. Drive: 2 plays, 57 yards, 0:29. Top passers NYJ – Sam Darnold – 23/34, 266 yards, TD, 2 INT NE – Cam Newton – 21/30, 242 yards, 3 TD Top rushers NYJ – Josh Adams – 11 rushes, 47 yards, TD NE – Cam Newton – 11 rushes, 79 yards Top receivers NYJ – Breshad Perriman – 3 receptions, 84 yards NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 68 yards

Week Seventeen: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary

at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

• Date: January 3, 2021
• Game time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Game weather: Cloudy, 33 °F (1 °C)
• Game attendance: 0
• Referee: Brad Rogers
• TV announcers (CBS): Tom McCarthy and Jay Feely
• Recap, Game Book

The Patriots completed their fifth straight season-sweep of the Jets, and won 10 in a row in the rivalry. New England also avoided a double digit loss season, something that has not happened since 2000.

Standings

Division

AFC East
view talk edit	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	STK
(2) Buffalo Bills	13	3	0	.813	6–0	10–2	501	375	W6
Miami Dolphins	10	6	0	.625	3–3	7–5	404	338	L1
New England Patriots	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	326	353	W1
New York Jets	2	14	0	.125	0–6	1–11	243	457	L1

Conference

AFC v t e
#	Team	Division	W	L	T	PCT	DIV	CONF	SOS	SOV	STK
Division leaders
1	Kansas City Chiefs	West	14	2	0	.875	4–2	10–2	.465	.464	L1
2	Buffalo Bills	East	13	3	0	.813	6–0	10–2	.512	.471	W6
3	Pittsburgh Steelers	North	12	4	0	.750	4–2	9–3	.475	.448	L1
4[a]	Tennessee Titans	South	11	5	0	.688	5–1	8–4	.475	.398	W1
Wild cards
5[b][c]	Baltimore Ravens	North	11	5	0	.688	4–2	7–5	.494	.401	W5
6[c][d]	Cleveland Browns	North	11	5	0	.688	3–3	7–5	.451	.406	W1
7[a][b][d]	Indianapolis Colts	South	11	5	0	.688	4–2	7–5	.443	.384	W1
Did not qualify for the postseason
8	Miami Dolphins	East	10	6	0	.625	3–3	7–5	.467	.347	L1
9	Las Vegas Raiders	West	8	8	0	.500	4–2	6–6	.539	.477	W1
10[e]	New England Patriots	East	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	.527	.429	W1
11[e]	Los Angeles Chargers	West	7	9	0	.438	3–3	6–6	.482	.344	W4
12	Denver Broncos	West	5	11	0	.313	1–5	4–8	.566	.388	L3
13	Cincinnati Bengals	North	4	11	1	.281	1–5	4–8	.529	.438	L1
14	Houston Texans	South	4	12	0	.250	2–4	3–9	.541	.219	L5
15	New York Jets	East	2	14	0	.125	0–6	1–11	.594	.656	L1
16	Jacksonville Jaguars	South	1	15	0	.063	1–5	1–11	.549	.688	L15
Tiebreakers[f]
Tennessee finished ahead of Indianapolis in the AFC South based on division record. Baltimore claimed the No. 5 seed over Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. Division tiebreaker used to eliminate Cleveland (see below). Baltimore claimed the No. 5 seed over Cleveland based on head-to-head sweep. Cleveland claimed the No. 6 seed over Indianapolis based on head-to-head victory. New England finished ahead of the LA Chargers based on head-to-head victory. When breaking ties for three or more teams under the NFL's rules, they are first broken within divisions, then comparing only the highest ranked remaining team from each division.

Notes

1. Due to positive COVID-19 tests from Chiefs' practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu and Patriots' quarterback Cam Newton, the NFL announced the game would be postponed to give both teams time to see if any other players had caught the virus. Following all additional tests coming back negative, the NFL announced the game would be played on October 5.^[105]
2. After the Patriots' game against the Chiefs, Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore tested positive for COVID-19. The Broncos announced the NFL had postponed the game to October 12.^[106] The game would later be postponed again after another positive case.^[107]