If you’re like us, you’re wondering a lot about the NFL season, but guess what? It’s back! 

After finishing the inaugural post-Brady 2020 season at 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the first time since 2008, the question lingers, can the Patriots win without TB12?

2008 also coincided with the last time that Bill Belichek didn’t have the services of Tom Brady as he tore his ACL in the first quarter of the first game of the season, but with a whole year to plan and prepare, have the Patriots upgraded their roster enough to overcome the loss of their future hall of fame QB? 

Training camp news has Cam Newton slightly ahead of rookie Mac Jones on the depth chart, but for how long?  

More importantly, how does the talent around the quarterbacks position the team for success? After spending over $120 million in the first few days of free agency, the Patriots expect huge things from their recent acquisitions, especially at the wide receiver position. 

With the recent retirement of Julian Edelman, the Patriots went into the 2021 season with a new identity of the wide receiver room. 

In previous articles, we discussed division rivals The New York Jets and division champion Buffalo Bills receivers. Below we’ll take a look at three key acquisitions and their possible impact on the 2021 fantasy season. 

Take a look at our projections before you conduct your fantasy football draft and utilize a fantasy mock draft to get your roster and pre-draft rankings in order to maximize your team’s potential for success. 

Nelson Agholor

Last Season

After spending one year in Las Vegas, Nelson Algholor resurrected his career and earned himself a nice little payday to the tune of 2-years, $26 million from the Patriots. As part of the LV Raiders, Algholor played in 13 of 16 games, targeting 86 times for 48 catches, 896 yards, and 8 touchdowns, the most touchdowns since 2017, one year before he and the Eagles won the Super Bowl. 

Projected 2021 Outlook

With a diminished Cam Newton at QB and an offensive system built around exploiting weekly matchups, expect Algholor to have some boom-and-bust value, placing him squarely into FLEX consideration. The speedy receiver will take the lid off the defensive secondary, opening up the lanes underneath Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith for tight-ends. Tampered expectations of a 46 catch, 668 yards, and 4 touchdown stat-line are most likely. 

Jakobi Meyers

Last Season

Last season, the second-year pro Meyers saw 81 targets, securing 59 receptions for 729 yards with zero touchdowns. In fact, in two seasons, the quick Meyers has yet to score his first touchdown. 

Projected 2021 Outlook

While training camp buzz surrounds the possibility of Meyers leading the receiver group, the starting slot receiver may suffer from the lack of opportunities with the 12-man personnel that New England will likely run. Still, the third-year man will have a chance to mirror his 2020 performance and is projected to have 45 catches with approximately 575 yards. The question is, does he finally break the snide and score some touchdowns? Probably not, honestly. The lack of a real passing QB, along with an offensive scheme built around running backs and tight ends, makes Meyers’ projection meek. These questions and lack of opportunity project Meyers as a waiver wire pick up for teams desperate in a bye-week scenario. 

Kendrick Bourne

Last Season

Before coming to the Patriots in 2021, Bourne was drafted and played his rookie contract in San Francisco, where he put up career years for touchdowns (5) in 2019 and yards (667) in 2020. 

Projected 2021 Outlook

Much of fantasy value comes from opportunity, and with the run-heavy Patriots, receivers are the third option in the offense behind running backs and tight ends. Unfortunately, the underutilized second wideout in the offense has a modest expectation of a lowly 31 receptions, 400 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Of course, that may change if Mac Jones starts at quarterback, but Kendrick Bourne should be an afterthought for any fantasy roster until then. 

The offense for the Patriots will always drive fantasy owners crazy. But, gone are the glory days of Gronk, Edelman, Randy Moss, Brady, and RB James White delivering weekly. So for 2021, it’s better to pass on Patriots receivers for all things fantasy.

This Week

The AFC Champion New England Patriots take on the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale AZ on Sunday February 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Super Bowl XLIX.

Based on rotation the Seahawks are the designated “home” team

The Patriots			The Seahawks
Season	14-4		Season	14-4
SB Record	3-4		SB Record	1-1
Playoff Teams	6-1		Playoff teams	7-1
NFC Conf	3-1		AFC Conf	2-2

The Referee

• Bill Vinovich is the referee for Super Bowl XLIX. This is his first Super Bowl as an official.

• Vinovich was the referee for the Patriots AFC Divisional Game vs. Baltimore and the Week 15 game vs. Miami. In two games involving New England he called them for 12 penalties for 111 yards. Their opponents were flagged 12 times for 100 yards.

• Patriots are 4-1 when Vinovich is the ref and are 2-0 in the playoffs.

• He officiated the Seahawks game vs. Denver in Week 3 and again at Philadelphia Week 14. In two games involving the Seattle he called them for 15 penalties for 101 yards and their opponents drew 8 flags for 96 yards.

• Seattle is 7-1 with Vinovich as the referee.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 1. The over/under is 48.

My Prediction is Patriots 30, Seahawks, 24. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 11-7 against the spread and 9 of 18 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Weather for the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Glendale make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Glendale AZ.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC is televising the game nationally Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

This is NBC’s 18th Super Bowl tying CBS for the most broadcasts.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 3:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

With Tanguay’s contract not being renewed and Gresh leaving the Sports Hub this will be their last game as pre and post game hosts on the Patriots Radio Network. No replacements have been named.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Seahawks Radio Network will carry the game with Steve Raible calling the play-by-play and Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon doing the analysis from their flagship station, KIRO 97.3FM and 710AM ESPN.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 826.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience the game. Kevin Harlan will call the game, Boomer Esiason do analysis and James Lofton and Mark Malone will be on the sidelines.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

The Venue – University of Phoenix Stadium

• The University of Phoenix Stadium (UoPS) is the regular season home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals since 2006 and the Fiesta Bowl since 2007.
• It seats 63,400 and is expandable to 78,600.

• Has a retractable roof that will reportedly be open for Super Bowl XLIX.

• This is the second Super Bowl the venue has hosted, having been home to Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.

• UoPS has 88 luxury lofts.

• It borders the Gila River Arena home of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.

• There are no obstructed view seats in the stadium.
• The playing surface is on a tray and can be rolled in and out of the stadium through the end zone to allow for more seating for concert events.

• The largest event UoPS has held is the 2011 BCS National Championship Game between Auburn University and the University of Oregon and attended by a record 78,603.

• It also hosted the 2015 NFL Pro-Bowl this past Sunday.

• Will host the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.

• If you are lucky enough to be going to the game here is a UoPS seating chart for Super Bowl XLIX. There is also a link on the page to change it to an interactive view.

Super Bowl Notes

• Second year in a row two #1 seeds have matched up in the game. Last year was Seattle (NFC) and Denver (AFC).

• Fifth time in the current playoff format (since 1990) that the top seeds have met.

Super Bowl	Top NFC Seed	Top AFC Seed
XXVI	Washington (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)
XXVIII	Dallas (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)
XLIV	New Orleans (NFC)	Indianapolis (AFC)
XLVIII	Seattle (NFC)	Denver (AFC)
XLIX	Seattle (NFC)	New England (AFC)

• First time for back-to-back games with both #1 seeds since Super Bowl XVIII (Los Angeles – AFC vs. Washington – NFC) and Super Bowl XIX (San Francisco – NFC vs. Miami – AFC).

• NFC leads in wins over the AFC, 26-22.

• Super Bowl XLVIII was most watched American television program history with a reported 111.5 million viewers.

• This is the 13th Super Bowl to be played in February.

• Designated “away” teams have won 28 of the 48 Super Bowls.

• Teams wearing white jerseys have won 30 of the 48 Super Bowls.

• Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz are the halftime entertainment and Idina Menzel will perform the National Anthem.

Past Super Bowl matchups:

Super Bowl	Winning Team	Losing Team	Score
I	Green Bay (NFL)	Kansas City (AFL)	35-10
II	Green Bay (NFL)	Oakland (AFL)	33-14
III	New York (AFL)	Baltimore (NFL)	16-7
IV	Kansas City (AFL)	Minnesota (NFL)	23-7
V	Baltimore (AFC)	Dallas (NFC)	16-13
VI	Dallas (NFC)	Miami (AFC)	24-3
VII	Miami (AFC)	Washington	14-7
VIII	Miami (AFC)	Minnesota (NFC)	24-7
IX	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Minnesota (NFC0	16-6
X	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Dallas (NFC)	21-17
XI	Oakland (AFC)	Minnesota (NFC)	32-14
XII	Dallas (NFC)	Denver (AFC)	27-10
XIII	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Dallas (NFC)	35-31
XIV	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Los Angeles (NFC)	31-19
XV	Oakland (AFC)	Philadelphia (NFC)	27-10
XVI	San Francisco (NFC)	Cincinnati (AFC)	26-21
XVII	Washington (NFC)	Miami (AFC)	27-17
XVIII	Los Angeles (AFC)	Washington (NFC)	38-9
XIX	San Francisco (NFC)	Miami (AFC)	38-16
XX	Chicago (NFC)	New England (AFC)	46-10
XXI	New York (NFC)	Denver (AFC)	39-20
XXII	Washington (NFC)	Denver (AFC)	42-10
XXIII	San Francisco (NFC)	Cincinnati (AFC)	20-16
XXIV	San Francisco (NFC)	Denver (AFC)	55-10
XXV	New York (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)	20-19
XXVI	Washington (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)	37-24
XXVII	Dallas (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)	52-17
XXVIII	Dallas (NFC)	Buffalo (AFC)	30-13
XXIX	San Francisco (NFC)	San Diego (AFC)	49-26
XXX	Dallas (NFC)	Pittsburgh (AFC)	27-17
XXXI	Green Bay (NFC)	New England (AFC)	35-21
XXXII	Denver (AFC)	Green Bay (AFC)	31-24
XXXIII	Denver (AFC)	Atlanta (NFC)	34-19
XXXIV	St. Louis (NFC)	Tennessee (AFC)	23-16
XXXV	Baltimore (AFC)	New York (NFC)	34-7
XXXVI	New England (AFC)	St. Louis (NFC)	20-17
XXXVII	Tampa Bay (NFC)	Oakland (AFC)	48-21
XXXVIII	New England (AFC)	Carolina (NFC)	32-29
XXXIX	New England (AFC)	Philadelphia (NFC)	24-21
XL	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Seattle (NFC)	21-10
XLI	Indianapolis (AFC)	Chicago (NFC)	29-17
XLII	New York (NFC)	New England (AFC)	17-14
XLIII	Pittsburgh (AFC)	Arizona (NFC)	27-23
XLIV	New Orleans (NFC)	Indianapolis (AFC)	31-17
XLV	Green Bay (NFC)	Pittsburgh (AFC)	31-25
XLVI	New York (NFC)	New England (AFC)	21-17
XLVII	Baltimore (AFC)	San Francisco (NFC)	34-31
XLVIII	Seattle (NFC)	Denver (AFC)	43-8

• Last back-to-back winner – New England Patriots 2003-04

• Last winner to fail to repeat – Green Bay Packers 1996-97

• A New England win would give them four Super Bowl titles and make them the 6th team with at least four titles.

Franchise	Super Bowl Wins
Pittsburgh	6
Dallas	5
San Francisco	5
Green Bay	4
New York Giants	4

• Four teams have yet to play in a Super Bowl – Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville and Houston.

• New York Jets have the longest Super Bowl drought, now at 46 years.

• Minnesota and Buffalo have both been to four Super Bowls without a win.

• One game featured a game opening KOR for a TD – Super Bowl XLI (Devin Hester – Chicago).

• Fewest points by one team – Miami 3, Super Bowl VI.

• Most points by one team – San Francisco 55, Super Bowl XXIV.

• Largest margin of victory – 45 points by San Francisco Super Bowl XXIV (55-10).

• Smallest margin of victory – 1 point by New York Giants Super Bowl XXV (20-19).

• Charles Haley has the most Super Bowl titles with five.

• Four coaches have lost four Super Bowls – Marv Levy (Buffalo), Bud Grant (Minnesota), Don Shula (Baltimore/Miami) and Dan Reeves (Denver/Atlanta).

• Denver’s Terrell Davis (Super Bowl XXXII) is the only running back to rush for 3 TD’s in a Super Bowl.

• Three teams have lost the Super Bowl without drawing a penalty they are Miami (VI), Denver (XXIV) and Atlanta (XXXIII).

• Super Bowl XLVII featured brothers as opposing head coaches (Baltimore – John Harbaugh and San Francisco – Jim Harbaugh).

• Super Bowl XIV between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena CA had the largest attendance of any game with 103,985.

Conference Championship Games

The Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 at Gillette Stadium, while the Seahawks had a miracle comeback to defeat the Green Bay Packers in OT, 28-22 at Century Link Field.

History

• This is the first Super Bowl meeting between the teams.
• The series, which started in 1977, is tied 8-8 between the teams.
• Seattle has won 6 of the last 8 meetings dating back to 1989.
• Seahawks won the last game Week 6 – 2012 at Century Link Field, 24-23.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven previous appearances. Overall they are 27-18 in the post season.

• Prior to this season they last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• Since 1994 have sold out 228 consecutive home games.

Patriots in the Post Season:

• This is the franchise’s 8th trip to the Super Bowl.

• Teams with most Super Bowl appearances:

Team	Appearances
New England	8
Dallas	8
Pittsburgh	8
Denver	7
San Francisco	6

• They have made 7 Super Bowl trips since 1994, 3 more than the next closest team (Pittsburgh, 4).

• They are now 2-0 in the 2014 postseason after beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Game, 35-31 and routing Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC Championship Game.

• The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 6 times since 2000.

• Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 8 times.

• They have been AFC Champions eight times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014).

• Patriots are the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.

• Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.

• Patriots are 3-4 in Super Bowl Games:

Date	Super Bowl	Location	Opponent	W/L	Score
2/5/2012	XLVI	Indianapolis IN	New York Giants	L	21-17
2/3/2008	XLII	Glendale AZ	New York Giants	L	17-14
2/6/2005	XXXIX	Jacksonville FL	Philadelphia	W	24-21
2/1/2004	XXXVIII	Houston TX	Carolina	W	32-29
2/3/2002	XXXVI	New Orleans LA	St. Louis	W	20-17
1/26/1997	XXXIX	New Orleans LA	Green Bay	L	35-21
1/26/1986	XX	New Orleans LA	Chicago	L	46-10

• New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.

• They are 13-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium and 17-4 at home overall. They are 10-14 as the road team in the post season (including neutral sites).

• They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .810 (17-4) that is second best behind Seattle’s .846 (11-2) among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.

• Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).

• New England has the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 27. Only Green Bay (30), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.

• Patriots had most playoff wins in the 2000’s decade (14) tying for most playoff wins in a decade with the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers and 1970’s Dallas Cowboys.

• Patriots Playoff Record by Round:

Round	W/L Record
First Round*	0-1
Wild Card	4-3
Division Game	12-6
AFC Championship	8-3
AFL Championship	0-1
Super Bowl	3-4

* 1982 Strike Season format

• The Patriots have 4 players who have never played in the postseason and 17 players with Super Bowl experience.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 229.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 252.
• Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
• Have the most conference titles, 7.
• Have the most division titles, 14.
• Have the most playoff wins, 23
• Have played the most playoff games, 35.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

The 23 playoff wins under their ownership is the 4th most in NFL history. Only the Rooney family (Pittsburgh, 33), the Green Bay Packers (public ownership, 31), and the Mara Family (New York Giants, 24) have more.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

• In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 84-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.

• Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).

• Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.

• Since 2011 they are PLUS 63 in turnover differential best in the NFL.

• Since 2010 they have 10 TD’s or safeties on special teams (2nd in NFL) and 9 takeaways on punts or KOR (5th).

Against the Seahawks:

Past playoff battles:

• None

• Patriots are 8-8 vs. Seahawks. They are 4-5 as the home team and 4-3 as the road team.

• New England had a 3-2 record in 2014 against common opponents (Green Bay L; San Diego W; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L).

• New England has twice shutout Seattle in the series, 31-0 in 1977 and 16-0 in 1982.

• Teams met 12 times between 1980 and 1993 but only three times since (2004, 2008, and 2012).

• Seahawks are the only non-division opponent the Patriots played twice in one regular season (1993). That was the one year the NFL had an 18-week schedule with 2 bye weeks.

Last Game vs. the Colts:

• Tied franchise record for most points in a game (45) set in 2011 vs. Denver in AFC Division game.

• Set franchise record for largest margin of victory in playoffs (38).

• Had 177 rushing yards marking the 5th time in 45 playoff games they have exceeded 175 rushing yards in a game. Three of those games have been against Indianapolis.

• RB LeGarrett Blount had 30 carries for 148 yards and 3 TD’s.

• Allowed zero second half points.

• Outscored the Colts 28-0 in the second half.

• CB Darrelle Revis had his first playoff INT as a Patriot.

• LB Jamie Collins had his 2nd career postseason INT.

• T Nate Solder and RB James Develin had their first postseason TD catches for Solder it was his first NFL TD.

• OL Cameron Flemming was eligible 28 times as the fifth receiver he had zero targets.

• Julian Edelman had 9 catches for 98 yards to lead the team.

• Edelman also had 71 yards on 3 punt returns with a long of 45 yards.

• Patriots had the ball for 37:49; Indianapolis had it for 22:11.

• New England had 397 total yards to Indianapolis 209.

• Patriots had 6 penalties vs. the Colts for 45 yards.

• Seven of the Colts top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 36 yards (Andrew Luck to T.Y. Hilton). Their longest rush against the defense was 17 yards by Daniel Herron.

• Seven of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 30-yard pass by Tom Brady to Shane Vereen. The longest run play was a 22-yard rush by LeGarrett Blount.

In the 2014 Season:

• Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.

• They were 8-3 against opponents with a winning record.

• Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).

• Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).

• First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.

• Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).

• They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.

• The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.

• They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.

• They did not allow a kick of any form to be blocked this year.

• They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.

• Their average time of possession was 29:37.

• First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.

• 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).

• They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.

• They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.

• They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.

• They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.

• They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

• New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.

• New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.

• The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.

• Had QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski, CB Darrelle Revis and ST Matthew Slater named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

• Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.

Patriots Staff Notes

Bill Belichick notes:

• Bill Belichick is 3-2 vs. Seattle he is 2-1 as the head coach in New England.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 21-9 in the playoffs, 20-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 232-117.

• Belichick’s 21 postseason wins make him first all-time.

• Belichick’s 232 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.

• Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 6 conference titles and is tied with Don Shula.

• Has been to 9 conference championship games second only to Tom Landry (10).

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 9 (six as a head coach).

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

• Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other staff/personnel notes:

• Josh McDaniels is in his 3rd season as offensive coordinator in his second time in the position. McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator for New England (2012-present; 2006-2008) and St.Louis (2011). He was also the head coach for Denver (2009-10) and the quarterbacks coach in New England (2004-05).

• Matt Patricia is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator (2012-present). He has been with New England since 2004 serving as assistant offensive line coach (2004-05), linebackers coach (2006-10) and safeties coach (2011).

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: Amendola
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Branch
• DE: Cha. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Ayers
• LB: Hightower
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 1-1 vs. Seattle in his career. He is 3-2 in Super Bowls. This is his 6th Super Bowl he ties Buffalo’s Mike Lodish for most appearances in a Super Bowl.

• In his last game against the Seahawks he was 36 of 58 (62.1%) for 395 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s.

• In 2 career games vs. Seattle Brady is 55 of 88 (62.5%) for 626 yards, 3 TD’s and 3 INT’s.

• Is making his 29th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback and will tie Jerry Rice for 2nd most all-time. Former Patriot Adam Vinatieri is the all-time leader with 30 postseason games.

• Overall he is 160-48 as a starting QB and is 20-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 180-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

• Has 8 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.

• His 20 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.

• His three Super Bowl wins ties him with Troy Aikman for second behind Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana who have four each.

• Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.

• Has second most 300-yard games in the postseason with 7. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.

• All-time NFL leader in post season TD passes (49), completions (646) and passing attempts (1,035) and passing yards (7,017).

• Shares the record for most TD passes in a playoff game (6) with Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica.

• Will set NFL record for most Super Bowl starts by a QB (6).

• Has most Super Bowl passing yards (1,277), most completions (127) and tied for second with Terry Bradshaw for most TD passes (9) behind Joe Montana (11).

• In 5 Super Bowls he is 127 for 197 (64.5%) for 1,277 yards, 9 TD’s and 2 INT’s.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 8th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.

• Had 7 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Led team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).

• Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

• Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).

• Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Will play in his 10th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.

• Had 9 catches for 98 yards and 3 punt returns for 71 yards for 169 total yards vs. Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game.

• Had 8 catches for 74 yards and threw his 1st NFL TD pass vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Led team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

• In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).

• He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).

• Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• This will be his 2nd career playoff game he was held out vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game with an ankle injury. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Led team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Tim Wright notes:

• This will be his 3rd career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• This will be his 4th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Had career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.

• Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.

• Had 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.

• Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Will play in his 5th career NFL playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had second career postseason 100-yard rushing game vs. Colts with 148 yards and 3 TD’s on 30 carries.

• The 148 rushing yards are second in franchise history behind his 166 rushing yards vs. Indianapolis in the 2013 AFC Division Game.

• Has 7 postseason TD’s which is the team record.

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.

• Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Will play in his 17th career playoff game. This is his 3rd Super Bowl.

• Became 11th kicker to reach 100 career postseason points vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Has 8th most postseason points in NFL history (113).

• Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).

• Led NFL in made field goals (35).

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 21st career playoff game. This is his 4th Super Bowl.

• Has played third most playoff games in team history behind Tedy Bruschi (22) and Tom Brady (28).

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Will play in his 9th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had his first Patriots postseason INT vs. Indianapolis in AFC Championship Game.

• Shared team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan.

• Led team with 14 passes defensed.

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Will play in his 11th playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.

• Had 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.

• Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had 8 tackles (4 solo) and 2 tackles for loss vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.

• Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• His 5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

• Will play in his 7th playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• His older brother Arthur plays for the Colts.

• Had 4 tackles (3 solo) and 2 QB hits vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.

• Second on team with 6 sacks.

• Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

• Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

• Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

• Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

• Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Will play in his 5th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.

• Had his 2nd career postseason INT in AFC Championship Game vs. Indianapolis.

• Led team with 11 tackles (8 solo) also had 1 QB hit and 2 passes defensed vs. Baltimore in the AFC Division Game.

• Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.

• Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Kyle Arrington notes:

• Will play in his 12th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.

• Had 6 tackles (4 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.

• Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Released TE Steve Maneri
• Signed DT Joe Vellano off the practice squad to the 53-man roster.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Seahawks on the Patriots:

• CB Brandon Browner
• DT Allan Branch
• DT Sealver Siliga

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with Washington roots:

• none

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Washington based colleges and universities:

• none

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Seahawks Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Seahawks roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Seahawks Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• Seattle’s all-time record is 306-307-0. They have won one Super Bowl (XLVIII) in two appearances. Overall they are 14-12 in the post season.

• Their last post season appearance prior to this season was in 2013. That season they beat the New Orleans Saints 23-15 in the NFC Division Game at home, the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 at home in the NFC Championship Game and the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII.

• Seattle is the only team in the Super Bowl era to switch conferences twice. Played first year in NFC West (1976) then were moved to AFC West (1977-2001) then when realignment took place they moved back to the NFC West (2002-present).

• Since realignment in 2002 they have the second best home record in the NFC at 73-31.

• Since 2003 have sold out 105 consecutive home games.

In the Playoffs:

• They are 2-0 in the 2014 playoffs having beaten Carolina 31-17 in the NFC Division Game and Green Bay 28-22 (OT) in the NFC Championship Game.

• They are the 12th team to make it back to the Super Bowl after winning the previous season the other 11 teams went 8-3 in the effort to repeat.

• Only Dallas (1977-78), Washington (1982-83) and Green Bay (1996-97) have failed to repeat.

• Trying to be first repeat champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.

• Second year in a row they have made the Super Bowl as the #1 seed in the NFC.

• Third time in franchise history they were the #1 seed (2005, 2013, 2014) and they made the Super Bowl all three times.

• Have won their division nine times in team history. They won the AFC West twice (1988, 1999) and the NFC West seven times (2004-07, 2010, 2013-14).

• They are the only NFL team to have played in the NFC and AFC Conference Championship games.

• First post merger expansion team to reach multiple or back-to-back Super Bowls.

• The Seahawks have made the playoffs in 14 of their 39 seasons.

• Have won their last 9 home postseason games dating back to 2005.

• Had third largest postseason comeback to win after trailing 16-0 at half time in the NFC Championship Game.

• Seattle is 1-1 in Super Bowl Games:

Date	Super Bowl	Location	Opponent	W/L	Score
2/2/2014	XLVIII	Meadowlands NJ	Denver	W	43-8
2/5/2005	XL	Detroit MI	Pittsburgh	L	21-10

• Seattle has 3 players with no playoff experience.

• The Seahawks are returning 33 players who played in last years Super Bowl.

• P Jon Ryan has the most playoff experience with 11 games.

Paul Allen Era (1997-present):

• He is the co-founder of Microsoft along with Bill Gates.

• He is listed as the 55th richest person in the world with his fortune estimated at $17.1 Billion.

• Purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to save them from being moved to Southern California.

• Under his ownership the team has flourished winning three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl.

• In addition to the Seahawks, Allen owns the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers (since 1988) and is part owner of the Seattle Sounders of the MLS.

• He is also the founder of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Stratolaunch Systems as well as chairman of Vulcan Inc.

• He invests heavily in science, aerospace, medical causes, the arts, museums and universities.

• He owns 33.5% of Ticketmaster. He previously owned 80% but sold 47.5% to Home Shopping Network for $209 Million in HSN stock.

In the Pete Carroll era (2010-present):

• Won NFC West three times in his five seasons.

• Teams have advanced to the divisional round 4 times since 2010.

• They have won the NFC Championship twice and Super Bowl once under Carroll.

• Seahawks are 33-6 in games under Carroll when they win the turnover battle.

• Since 2011 they are PLUS 51 in turnover differential, 3rd best in NFL.

• Since 2010 Seattle has 15 blocked kicks (2nd in NFL), 11 touchdowns or safeties on special teams (1st) and 14 takeaways on punts and KOR (1st).

Against the Patriots:

Past playoff battles:

• None

• They are 8-8 vs. New England all-time they are 3-4 at home and 5-4 on the road.

• Seattle had a 4-2 record in 2014 against common opponents including playoffs (Green Bay W; San Diego L; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L; Green Bay – playoffs W).

In 2014:

• Seattle was 6-3 vs. teams with winning records.

• Ended season with franchise best 6-game win streak.

• Did not allow a fourth quarter point in the last 6 games of the regular season.

• Led NFL for third season with fewest points allowed and for the second season fewest yards per game allowed.

• Lead NFL with 74 passes of 16 or more yards and 61 rushes of 12 or more yards.

• Set Century Link Field attendance record vs. Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game (68,538).

• Had third fewest giveaways in NFL (14) only New England (13) and Green Bay (13) were better.

• Former Patriots S Lawyer Milloy was one of the 12th man flag raisers this season for Seattle. He played his final two seasons with the Seahawks (2009-10).

• Traveled the 2nd most miles in NFL in 2014 (26,028).

• Seattle had 130 penalties and they were penalized 1,009 yards.

• Seattle was PLUS 10 in turnover differential good for 4th in the NFL. They have 13 INT’s and have recovered 11 fumbles while they have thrown 7 INT’s and lost 7 fumbles.

• The Seahawks were 10th in points scored averaging 14.6 points per game and 1st in fewest points allowed with 15.9 points per game.

• Had 5 players named to the Pro Bowl: RB Marshawn Lynch, S Kam Chancellor, CB Richard Sherman, S Earl Thomas and LB Bobby Wagner.

Seahawks Staff Notes

Pete Carroll notes:

• Pete Carroll is in his 5th year as head coach of the Seahawks and his 9th overall as a NFL head coach. He has an overall record of 83-61 in the regular season, he is 50-30 with Seattle, was 27-21 in 3 seasons with New England and 6-10 in one season with the New York Jets. Carroll is 8-4 in the post season (7-2 with Seattle, 1-2 with New England) for a total NFL record of 91-65.

• He has won one Super Bowl (XLVIII).

• Carroll is 2-1 vs. New England in his career he is 1-0 with Seattle and 1-1 with the New York Jets.

• Carroll as served as the head coach of the University of Southern California (2001-09) and won two National Championships (2003, 2004) one of which was vacated for NCAA violations (2004). His overall USC record was 97-20, which includes the 15 vacated games in 2004 and 2005 (14-1).

• Carroll also served as defensive coordinator for San Francisco (1995-96) and the NY Jets (1990-93) and as defensive backs coach for Minnesota (1985-89) and Buffalo (1984).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Darrell Bevell is in his 4th season as the Seahawks offensive coordinator (2011-present) he was previously the offensive coordinator for Minnesota (2006-10). Was the wide receivers coach at UConn in 1998-99.

• Dan Quinn is the defensive coordinator for Seattle since 2013. He was previously the defensive coordinator/defensive line coach at the University of Florida (2011-12) and defensive line coach for Seattle (2009-10), NY Jets (2007-08), Miami (2005-06) and San Francisco (2003-04). It is expected that he will be named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after the Super Bowl.

• Quarterbacks coach Carl Smith was with Carroll as the Patriots assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach in 1997 and tight ends coach in 1998-99.

Seahawks Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Okung
• LG: Carpenter
• C: Unger
• RG: Sweezy
• RT: Bailey
• TE: Willson
• WR: Baldwin
• WR: Kearse
• WR: Lockette
• QB: Wilson
• RB: Lynch

Defense:

• DE: Bennett
• DT: McDaniel
• DT: Williams
• DE: Avril
• LB: Irvin
• LB: Wagner
• LB: Wright
• LCB: Sherman
• RCB: Maxwell
• S: Chancellor
• S: Thomas

Seahawks Players Notes

Russell Wilson notes:

• Is 36-12 in his 3rd NFL season he is 6-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 42-13. Has been selected to the two Pro Bowls.

• Seattle drafted Wilson in the 3rd round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. He previously played at North Carolina State where he also played baseball.

• The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 41st round (1,222nd overall) in the 2007 MLB draft but chose college. He was drafted again by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round (140th overall) in the 2010 MLB draft and actually played two seasons of minor league baseball. In 2013 his baseball rights were acquired by the Texas Rangers in the Rule 5 draft.

• He is 1-0 vs. New England in his career.

• In 2012 his only game vs. the Patriots he was 16 of 27 for 293 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s.

• This is his 8th postseason game, 2nd Super Bowl.

• Threw just the 5th postseason OT TD.

• First QB to start Super Bowl in 2 of his first 3 seasons.

• Youngest QB to start two Super Bowls.

• In Super Bowl XLVIII he was 18 of 25 (72%) for 206 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT’s.

• Had 172 passing yards and 107 rushing yards vs. NYGiants Week 10.

• Had three 100-yard rushing games in 2014. Week 5 at Washington (122 yards), Week 10 vs. NY Giants (107 yards) and Week 7 at St. Louis (106 yards).

• Had 849 rushing yards in 2014 the 5th most all-time for a quarterback.

• First QB to ever have 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in same game (Week 7 at St. Louis).

• Joined Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger and Kurt Warner as the only QB’s to win a Super Bowl in their 1st or 2nd year in the NFL.

• Has most regular season (36) and overall wins (42) by a QB after his first three seasons.

• Has 15 career 4th quarter comebacks and 9 game winning drives.

Marshawn Lynch notes:

• This is his 9th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Set franchise postseason record with 157 rushing yards vs. Green Bay in NFC Championship.

• In 2012 vs. New England had 15 carries for 41 yards and 1 catch for 11 yards.

• Had career high 4 rushing TD’s Week 10 vs. NY Giants to go along with 140 rushing yards.

• Had career high 17 TD’s in 2014 (13 rushing, 4 receiving).

• Has 24 games with 100 yard rushing since 2011 most in NFL in that span.

• Only player since 2011 with four 1,000 yard rushing and 10 rushing TD seasons.

• Leads NFL with 56 TD’s since 2011.

• Was 4th leading rusher in NFL in 2014 (1,306 yards), had 5th most yards from scrimmage (1,673), 5th in first downs (81) and 9th in 3rd and one conversion pct (92.3% 12 of 13).

• Selected to 5th Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.

Jermaine Kearse notes:

• This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Set career high with 129 receiving yards vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.

• Second on team with 38 catches and 537 receiving yards.

• Set franchise postseason record with 63-yard TD reception vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.

• Has game winning TD catch in the last two NFC Championship Games.

Doug Baldwin notes:

• This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Led team in catches (66) and receiving yards (825).

• Was second on team in receiving TD’s (3)

• Had 6 punt returns for 42 yards and 5 KOR for 81 yards.

Kam Chancellor notes:

• This is his 10th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Has an INT in 3 of the last 4 postseason games.

• Set a Seahawks postseason record with a 90-yard INT return for a TD vs. Carolina in the NFC Division Game. It’s tied for 5th longest postseason INT return in NFL history.

• Had 1 regular season INT, 6 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble.

• Selected to 3rd Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.

• 4th on team in tackles with 76 (58 solo).

Richard Sherman notes:

• This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Led team with 4 INT’s all came in the last 9 games of the year.

• Had 8 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 57 tackles (45 solo).

• Since 2011 has most INT’s in the NFL (24) and is 2nd in passes defensed (68).

• Tied for 2nd most INT’s in first four NFL seasons (24) with former Seahawk Kenny Easley.

• Was a wide receiver in college.

• Selected to 2nd Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.

Bobby Wagner notes:

• This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Has 3 consecutive 100-tackle seasons.

• Selected to 1st Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.

• Had 104 tackles (67 solo) to rank 2nd on the team.

• Had 2 sacks in 2014.

K.J. Wright notes:

• This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Led team with 107 tackles (74 solo).

• Also had 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 4 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

• Was drafted by Seattle with the pick received from New England in the Deion Branch trade.

Cliff Avril notes:

• This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.

• Has 13 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in two seasons in Seattle.

• Is 19th in NFL with 42 sacks since 2010.

• Is 3rd in NFL with 22 forced fumbles since 2008.

• Had 5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 2014.

General Team notes:

Seahawks team captains for 2014 are:

• QB Russell Wilson
• S Kam Chancellor
• K Steven Hauschka
• P Jon Ryan

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

• LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (IR) – Boston College

Players with New England roots:

• K Steven Hauschka – Needham MA
• LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (IR) – Norwalk CT

Former Patriots with the Seahawks:

• DT Landon Cohen

The Seahawks have 4 retired numbers:

• 12 – The Fans
• 71 – Walter Jones
• 80 – Steve Largent
• 96 – Cortez Kennedy

Thanks for reading all this year and have a great off season. – Steve and Ian.

This Week

The AFC East Champion New England Patriots host the AFC South Champion Indianapolis Colts at Gillette Stadium on Sunday January 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the AFC Championship Game.

The Colts			The Patriots
Season	13-5		Season	13-4
Road Record	6-3		Home Record	8-1
Playoff Teams	4-4		Playoff teams	5-1
AFC Conf	11-3		AFC Conf	10-3

Walt Anderson is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 6.5. The over/under is 53.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 38, Colts, 28. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-7 against the spread and 8 of 17 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 228th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS is televising the game nationally Jim Nantz will do play by play while Phil Simms will provide the game analysis and Tracy Wolfson will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 3:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Colts Radio Network will carry the game with Bob Lamey calling the play-by-play and former Colts QB Jim Sorgi doing the analysis from their flagship stations, WFNI-AM 1070 and WLHK-FM 107.5.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 813.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience with Kevin Kugler, James Lofton and Tony Boselli calling the game.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the team website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots twice over came 14 point deficits to rally and beat the Ravens, 35-31 at Gillette Stadium. The Colts went on the road and outplayed the Broncos, 24-13.

History

• This is the 79th meeting between the clubs the 1970 merger including playoffs.
• Patriots hold a 46-28 series advantage in the regular season and 3-1 in the playoffs for an overall series record of 49-29.
• They met Week 11 at Indianapolis the Patriots won, 42-20.
• The last post season game was in the 2013 post season and the Patriots won 43-22 at Gillette Stadium.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 26-18 in the post season.

• Prior to this season they last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

Patriots in the Post Season:

• They are now 1-0 in the 2014 post season after beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Game, 35-31.

• The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 7 times.

• They have been AFC Champions seven times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2011).

• Patriots are the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.

• Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.

• New England is 11-1 in playoff games when the temperature is 30 degree or less.

• Patriots are 7-3 in the Conference Championship Game. They are 4-1 as the home team.

Date Opponent W/L Score

01/12/86 at Miami W 31-14

01/12/97 Jacksonville W 20-6

01/27/02 at Pittsburgh W 24-17

01/18/04 Indianapolis W 24-14

01/23/05 at Pittsburgh W 41-27

01/21/07 at Indianapolis L 34-38

01/20/08 San Diego W 21-12

01/22/12 Baltimore W 23-20

01/20/13 Baltimore L 13-28

01/19/14 at Denver L 16-26

Most Appearances in Conference Championship Game

• Pittsburgh 15
• San Francisco 15
• Dallas 14
• New England 11
• Oakland 11
• Louis Rams 9
• Denver 9

• New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.

• They are 12-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium they are 16-4 at home overall.

• They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .800 (16-4) that is second best behind Seattle’s .833 (10-2) among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.

• Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).

• New England is tied with the Oakland Raiders for the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 26. Only Green Bay (31), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.

• The Patriots have 8 players who have never played in the postseason.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 229.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 251.
• Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
• Are tied for the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 14.
• Have the most playoff wins, 22
• Have played the most playoff games, 34.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

The 22 playoff wins under their ownership is the 4th most in NFL history. Only the Rooney family (Pittsburgh, 33), the Green Bay Packers (public ownership, 31), and the Mara Family (New York Giants, 24) have more.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

• In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 84-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.

• Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.

Against the Colts:

Past playoff battles:

• 2013 AFC Division Game Jan 11 2014 at Gillette: Patriots win 43-22
• 2006 AFC Championship Game Jan 21 2007 at RCA Dome: Colts win 38-34
• 2004 AFC Division Game Jan 16 2005 at Gillette: Patriots win 20-3
• 2003 AFC Championship Game Jan 18 2004 at Gillette: Patriots win 24-14

• New England had a 2-0 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – W, Denver W).

• Patriots are 28-12 at home vs. Colts including playoffs.

Last Game vs. the Ravens:

• It was the largest playoff comeback in team history topping the 11-point comeback at San Diego in the 2006 AFC Divisional Game to win 24-21.

• The win was the 100th at Gillette Stadium combining regular season and playoffs (100-19).

• Tom Brady set franchise record for passing yards in a postseason game (367) and tied the franchise record for most postseason rushing TD’s (5) with Curtis Martin.

• Brady set NFL record for most career post season TD’s (46) and passing yards (6,791). The passing yardage record was surpassed the next day by Peyton Manning (6,800).

• Julian Edelman completed his first NFL pass for a 51 TD to Danny Amendola.

• The Edelman TD pass was the first non-QB TD pass for the Pats since 2004 when Adam Vinatieri threw on a fake FGA Week 9 at St. Louis. David Patten was the last WR to throw a TD pass to Troy Brown at Indianapolis Week 6 – 2001.

• K Stephen Gostkowski reached 100 career postseason points joining Vinatieri (227) as the only active NFL players at that mark.

• Amendola had 5 catches for 81 yards and 2 TD’s. The 2 TD catches were his first two in postseason and set a career high for most in a single game.

• Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon each had their first career postseason INT.

• The three ineligible receiver plays on the second drive of the 3rd quarter were shear coaching genius and all led to successful pass completions. First play was for 16 yards Brady to TE Mike Hoomanawanui, 2nd was for 11 yards Brady to Edelman and 3rd was for 14 yards Brady to Hoomanawanui. Vereen was declared as ineligible on all three plays and after each play he was required by rule to come out for a play. The 3 plays were run in a 6 play span and netted 41 yards.

• New England had 422 total yards to Baltimore’s 428.

• Patriots had 7 penalties vs. the Ravens for 60 yards.

• Nine of the Ravens top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 22 yards (Joe Flacco to Torey Smith). Their longest rush against the defense was 19 yards by Justin Forsett.

• All of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 51-yard TD pass by Julian Edelman to Danny Amendola. The longest run play was a 6-yard rush by Shane Vereen.

In the 2014 Season:

• Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.

• They were 7-2 against opponents with a .500 or better record.

• Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).

• Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).

• First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.

• Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).

• They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.

• The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.

• They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.

• They did not allow a kick of any form to blocked this year.

• They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.

• Their average time of possession was 29:37.

• First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.

• 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).

• They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.

• They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.

• They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.

• They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.

• They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• In last five games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 67-12 in the second half.

• The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

• New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.

• New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.

• The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.

• Had QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski, CB Darrelle Revis and ST Matthew Slater named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

• Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Ravens.

Bill Belichick notes:

• Bill Belichick is 15-8 vs. the Colts. He is 13-6 with New England and 2-2 with Cleveland including playoffs.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 20-9 in the playoffs, 19-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 231-117.

• Belichick’s 20 postseason wins tie him for 1st all-time with Tom Landry.

• Belichick’s 231 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.

• Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• This is his 9th conference championship game second only to Tom Landry (10).

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

• Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other staff/personnel notes:

Josh McDaniels is in his 3rd season as offensive coordinator in his second time in the position. McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator for New England (2012-present; 2006-2008) and St.Louis (2011). He was also the head coach for Denver (2009-10) and the quarterbacks coach in New England (2004-05).

Matt Patricia is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator (2012-present). He has been with New England since 2004 serving as assistant offensive line coach (2004-05), linebackers coach (2006-10) and safeties coach (2011).

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Wendell
• RG: Kline
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: Amendola
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Siliga
• DE: Cha. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Hightower
• DB: Arrington
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 12-4 vs. the Colts in his career including the playoffs. He is 13-3 at home in the postseason.

• In his last game against the Colts he was 19 of 30 for 257 yards 2 TD’s and 2 INT’s.

• In 16 career games including playoffs vs. Indianapolis Brady is 338 of 509 (66.4%) for 3,911 yards with 29 TD’s and 14 INT’s.

• Is making his 28th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback.

• Overall he is 160-47 as a starting QB and is 19-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 179-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

• Has 8 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.

• His 19 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.

• His three Super Bowl wins ties him with Troy Aikman for second behind Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana who have four each.

• Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.

• Has second most 300-yard games in the postseason with 7. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.

• All-time NFL leader in post season TD passes (46), completions (623) and passing attempts (1,000) and is 2nd in passing yards (6,791) behind Peyton Manning (6,800).

• Shares the record for most TD passes in a playoff game (6) with Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica.

• Will set NFL record for most conference championship games started by a player (9). He is currently tied with S Charlie Waters (Dallas) and LB/DE Jack Reynolds (LA Rams, San Francisco) with 8 starts.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 7th career playoff game.

• Had 7 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Leads team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).

• Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

• Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).

• Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Will play in his 9th career playoff game.

• Had 8 catches for 74 yards and threw his 1st NFL TD pass vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

• In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).

• He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).

• Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets due to a concussion and Week 17 as a maintenance week.

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• This will be his 1st career playoff game held out vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game with an ankle injury.

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Tim Wright notes:

• This will be his 2nd career playoff game.

• Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• This will be his 3rd career playoff game.

• Had 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Has career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Will play in his 6th career playoff game.

• Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.

• Has 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.

• Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Will play in his 4th career NFL playoff game.

• Since returning to Foxboro has 60 carries for 281 yards and 3 TD’s.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a shoulder injury.

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.

• Tied franchise record with 166-yards rushing in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

• Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Will play in his 16th career playoff game.

• Became 11th kicker to reach 100 career postseason points vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).

• Led NFL in made field goals (35).

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 20th career playoff game.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Will play in his 8th career playoff game.

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Will play in his 10th playoff game.

• Had 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.

• Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Will play in his 6th career playoff game.

• Had 8 tackles (4 solo) and 2 tackles for loss vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.

• Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• His 5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

• Will play in his 6th playoff game.

• His older brother Arthur plays for the Colts.

• Had 4 tackles (3 solo) and 2 QB hits vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.

• Second on team with 6 sacks.

• Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

• Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

• Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

• Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

• Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Will play in his 4th career playoff game.

• Led team with 11 tackles (8 solo) also had 1 QB hit and 2 passes defensed vs. Baltimore in the AFC Division Game.

• Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.

• Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Will play in his 2nd career playoff game.

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

Kyle Arrington notes:

• Will play in his 11th career playoff game.

• Had 6 tackles (4 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.

• Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.

• Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Colts on the Patriots:

• none

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with Indiana roots:

• DT Chris Jones – Brownsburg IN

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Indiana based colleges and universities:

• LB Rob Ninkovich – Purdue
• WR Greg Orton (IR) – Purdue
• RB Jonas Gray – Notre Dame
• LB Darius Flemming (practice squad) – Notre Dame

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Colts Team Notes

Here is the Colts roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Colts Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• Indianapolis’ all-time record is 486-425-7 they are 22-22 in the post season with their last post season appearance prior to this season coming in 2013 when they beat Kansas City 45-44 in the AFC Wild Card game and lost to New England in the AFC Divisional game.

• They last played in a Super Bowl in 2009 when they lost to the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV, 31-17. They have won 2 Super Bowl titles (IV, XLI) in four appearances.

• As the Baltimore Colts they also won three NFL Championships in 1958, 1959 and 1968.

• The 2014 season is the Colts 31st season in Indianapolis. Since moving for the 1984 season they are 259-228 while having 18 winning seasons, 17 playoff appearances and 14 10-win seasons.

• Since 2002 the Colts have won 9 AFC South division titles and have third best home record in NFL at 75-25.

• Since 2001 they have the second best record in the NFL within their division at 63-23.

• Colts have the third best road record in the NFL since 2002 at 73-47.

• Indianapolis has 12 seasons with 9 wins or more since 2001.

In the Playoffs:

• They are 2-0 in the 2014 playoffs having beaten Cincinnati 26-10 in the AFC Wild Card Game at home, then beat Denver 24-13 on the road in the AFC Division Game.

• RB Daniel Herron has 18 catches in 2 playoff games this season. The 18 catches are second highest single postseason total in Colts history.

• CB Vontae Davis had 5 passes defensed at Denver in the AFC Division Game. It’s the third most in a playoff game in the NFL since 1994.

• Overall in the playoffs they are 22-22. They are 12-6 at home and 10-16 on the road. They were 10-10 in the post season when the team was located in Baltimore (5-1 at home and 5-9 on the road) and 12-12 since moving to Indianapolis (7-5 at home and 5-7 on the road).

• Colts are 4-3 in the Conference Championship Game. They are 1-3 as the road team.

Date Opponent W/L Score

12/29/68 at Cleveland* W 34-0

1/3/71 Oakland* W 27-17

1/2/72 at Miami* L 0-21

1/14/96 at Pittsburgh L 16-20

1/18/04 at New England L 14-24

1/21/07 New England W 38-34

1/24/10 New York Jets W 30-17

*game played as the Baltimore Colts

Irsay Family Era (1972-present):

• The Irsay Family is the 11th most senior team ownership group in the NFL.

• Robert Irsay became owner of the Baltimore Colts on July 13, 1972 after acquiring the Los Angeles Rams from the estate of Dan Reeves and then swapping franchises with Carroll Rosenbloom.

• Irsay out bid Hugh Culverhouse for the Rams. Culverhouse was later awarded an expansion franchise in Tampa Bay.

• On March 28, 1984 in the early morning hours he moved the team to Indianapolis.

• Irsay’s son Jim became GM of the Colts in 1984. In 1995 when the elder Irsay suffered a stroke he became CEO/Vice President of the Colts. When his father passed on January 17, 1997 he assumed ownership of the Colts despite a legal battle with his stepmother.

• Jim Irsay owns 100% of the team and was the youngest NFL owner at age 37.

• Earlier this year he was arrested for suspicion of DUI and drug possession. He pleaded guilty to OWI, earned a years probation and was suspended by the NFL for six games (Week 1-6, 2014).

In the Chuck Pagano era (2012-present):

• Won 11 games for third consecutive season.

• Won the AFC South for second consecutive season.

• Have been in the playoffs all three seasons under Pagano.

• They are 19-4 in one-possession games under Pagano.

Against the Patriots:

Past playoff battles:

• 2013 AFC Division Game Jan 11 2014 at Gillette: Patriots win 43-22
• 2006 AFC Championship Game Jan 21 2007 at RCA Dome: Colts win 38-34
• 2004 AFC Division Game Jan 16 2005 at Gillette: Patriots win 20-3
• 2003 AFC Championship Game Jan 18 2004 at Gillette: Patriots win 24-14

• Indianapolis had a 1-1 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – W, Denver L).

• 16th meeting between the teams since 2003.

• Indianapolis is 12-28 vs. New England on the road including playoffs.

• The Colts are 2-7 all-time at Gillette Stadium.

• After winning five of six against the Patriots, the Colts have lost the last five meetings between the teams.

• The largest margin of victory for the Colts in the series is 31 points, which occurred in Week 11 of the 1972 season when they shut out the Patriots 31-0 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore.

• Most points scored by Colts in the series (40) done in 2005.

• Colts have been shutout in the series two times, last time was in 1993.

In 2014:

• They were 4-2 in one possession games in 2014.

• Colts converted 3 onside kicks in 2014 Jacksonville was the only other team to convert this season.

• Indianapolis had 105 penalties and were penalized 848 yards.

• Indianapolis was MINUS 5 in turnover differential good for 22nd in the NFL. They have 12 INT’s and have recovered 14 fumbles while they have thrown 16 INT’s and lost 15 fumbles.

• The Colts was 6th in points scored averaging 28.6 points per game and 26th in fewest points allowed with 23.0 points per game.

• Had 5 players named to the Pro Bowl QB Andrew Luck, K Adam Vinatieri, CB Vontae Davis, P Pat McAfee and WR T.Y. Hilton.

Colts Staff Notes

Hear what Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Chuck Pagano notes:

• Chuck Pagano is in his 3rd year as head coach of the Colts and he has a record of 33-15 in the regular season and he is 3-2 in the post season for an overall record of 36-17.

• Pagano is 0-3 vs. New England in his career including the playoffs.

• Pagano missed 12 weeks of the 2012 season due to a leukemia diagnosis. Then Offensive Coordinator Bruce Arians took over in his absence and led the team to a 9-3 record in Pagano’s absence. Elias Sports Bureau credits the teams record to Pagano and not Arians, who has since become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

• Before taking over as the Indianapolis head coach Pagano had been the defensive coordinator (2011) and secondary coach (2008-10) in Baltimore. In 2007 he was the defensive coordinator at the University of Carolina and he was secondary coach for Oakland (2005-06) and Cleveland (2001-04).

• First head coach in team history to have back to back 11 wins seasons in his first three years.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Pep Hamilton is the Colts offensive coordinator a position he has held since 2013 when he replaced Bruce Arians who became the head coach in Arizona. Previously he was offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (2011-12) and wide receivers coach (2010) for Stanford University. He was also quarterbacks coach for Chicago (2007-09), San Francisco (2006) and the NY Jets (2005).

• The defensive coordinator is Greg Manusky who came on board with Pagano in 2012. Prior to that he was the defensive coordinator for San Diego (2011) and San Francisco (2007-10).

• Defensive Line Coach Gary Emanuel is a native of New London CT and earned his bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State in Plymouth NH and coached at UMass from 1989-90.

• Quarterbacks Coach Clyde Christensen spent two seasons as a position coach and offensive coordinator at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester from 1989-90.

• Offensive Line Coach Joe Gilbert held assistant coaching positions at Northeastern University for three seasons (1991-93) and the University of Maine for six seasons (1994-99).

• Linebackers coach Jeff Fitzgerald began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the UConn in 1985.

• Offensive quality control coach Frank Giufre coached the offensive line at Sacred Heart University from 2004-06 before serving as the run game coordinator/offensive line/tight ends coach at Maine from 2007-11.

• Strength and conditioning coach Roger Marandino was graduate assistant strength and conditioning coach at UConn (1993-95) and was the director of strength and conditioning at Brown (1995-2011).

Colts Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Costanzo
• LG: Mewhort
• C: Holmes
• RG: Louis
• RT: Reitz
• TE: Fleenor
• WR: Moncrief
• WR: Wayne
• WR: Hilton
• QB: Luck
• RB: Herron

Defense:

• DE: Redding
• NT: Chapman
• DT: A. Jones
• LB: Walden
• LB: D. Jackson
• LB: Freeman
• LB: Werner
• LCB: Toler
• RCB: Butler
• S: Adams
• S: Landry

Colts Players Notes

Andrew Luck notes:

• Is 33-15 in his 3rd NFL season he is 3-2 in the playoffs for an overall record of 36-17. Has been selected to the three Pro Bowls.

• He was the first overall pick in the first round out of Stanford University in the 2012 NFL Draft.

• He is 0-3 vs. New England in his career including playoffs.

• In three games against the Patriots (1 in the post season) he is 70 of 130 for 968 yards, 6 TD’s and 8 INT’s.

• Set career high with 40 TD passes to lead the NFL.

• Has 11 game winning drives in three seasons (10 in regular season, 1 post season).

• His 33 wins are most in franchise history for a quarterback in his first three seasons.

• His 1,703 passing yards in the postseason is the highest total ever in QB’s first five games.

• Second in Colts history in postseason 300-yard games (3), passing yards (1,703), TD’s (9), completions (135) and attempts (227).

T.Y. Hilton notes:

• In his first 5 postseason games has 568 receiving yards, 4th most in NFL history.

• Has three 100-yard games in his postseason career.

• Has back-to-back 1,000 yards receiving seasons.

• Was the fastest receiver to record a 200-yard game in both the regular and post season (40 games).

• Has most yards and 100-yard games in Colts history for first three seasons, is second in catches.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 2 TD’s vs. New England Week 11 2012.

• Had 4 catches for 103 yards vs. New England in 2013 AFC Divisional Game.

Reggie Wayne notes:

• In the postseason he is second all-time in catches (93), 4th in receiving yards (1,254) and tied for 6th in TD’s (9).

• Selected to 6 time Pro Bowl and 1 All-Pro team.

• Played in his 200th career game Week 4 vs. Tennessee, just 3rd Colt to do so joining Peyton Manning (208) and Johnny Unitas (206).

• Returned Week 9 at NY Giants after missing Week 8 at Pittsburgh with an elbow injury.

• In 15 games vs. New England (12 regular season, 3 playoffs) he has 79 catches for 1,046 yards and 5 TD’s.

Colby Fleenor notes:

• Had 7 catches for 144 yards Week 11 vs. New England.

• In two games vs. Patriots has 13 catches for 218 yards.

• Had two 100-yard games (Week 11 vs. New England and Week 13 at Washington) in 2014 and has three in his career.

Daniel Herron notes:

• Has 18 catches in 2 playoff games this season.

• The 18 catches are second highest single postseason total in Colts history.

• Is tied for 2nd for most consecutive playoff games with 8 or more catches (20 with Julian Edelman and 12 others.

• Has two postseason rushing TD’s in 2 games.

• Tied franchise record for most catches by a running back in a playoff game (10) vs. Cincinnati in the AFC Wild Card Game.

Adam Vinatieri notes:

• With an appearance Sunday he will play in his 30th postseason game most in NFL history.

• He is tied for most consecutive postseason games in NFL history scoring a field goal (13), he is first in most consecutive games scoring a point (29), post season points (233), field goals (56), field goal attempts (67) and PAT’s (65).

• Oldest player currently active in the NFL (42) and playing in his 19th season (10 with New England and 9 with Indianapolis).

• Has played for 4 Super Bowl champions, provided the game winning points in two Super Bowls with last drive field goals. One with no time remaining and the other with 4 seconds left.

• Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2002, 2004, 2014) and two-time All Pro (2002 and 2004 with New England).

• Only kicker in NFL history with field goals in four Super Bowls and only kicker to play in five Super Bowls.

• His 2,146 career points are 4th all-time in NFL history and the active leader.

• Only player in NFL history with 900 points for 2 different teams.

Bjoern Werner notes:

• Played high school football in CT was born in Germany.

• Colts 2013 1st round draft pick out of Florida State.

• Leads team in sacks with 4 in 2014. Had 2.5 as a rookie in 2013.

• Had first career multi-sack game Week 5 at Baltimore.

• Leads team with 6 tackles for loss.

Darius Butler notes:

• Played college ball at UConn drafted by Patriots in 2nd round of 2009 NFL Draft.

• Played for New England from 2009-2010 also played for Carolina in 2011.

• In the post season has 4 tackles (3 solo), 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass defensed.

• In three career games vs. the Patriots has 12 tackles (7 solo), 1 forced fumble and 1 pass defensed.

• Has played in 7 postseason games, this will be his first conference championship game.

• Dressed for 14 games, started 4 and had 2 inactives.

• Had 47 tackles (41 solo), 1 tackles for loss, 1 QB hit, 8 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery this year.

General Team notes:

Colts team captains for 2014 are:

• WR Reggie Wayne
• QB Andrew Luck
• DE Cory Redding
• LB Robert Mathis (IR)
• P Pat McAfee
• K Adam Vinatieri

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

• G Donald Thomas (IR) – UConn
• CB Darius Butler – UConn
• LB Shawn Loiseau (IR) – Merrimack
• QB Matt Hasselbeck – Boston College
• T Gosder Cherilus (IR) – Boston College
• OL Anthony Castonzo – Boston College

Players with New England roots:

• G Donald Thomas (IR) – West Haven CT
• LB Bjoern Werner – Salisbury CT
• QB Matt Hasselbeck – Westwood MA
• LB Shawn Loiseau (IR) – Shrewsbury MA
• T Gosder Cherilus (IR) – Somerville MA

Former Patriots with the Colts:

• K Adam Vinatieri
• CB Darius Butler
• G Donald Thomas (IR)
• S Sergio Brown
• DT Kelcey Quarles

The Colts have 8 retired numbers:

• 18 – Peyton Manning
• 19 – Johnny Unitas
• 22 – Buddy Young
• 24 – Lenny Moore
• 70 – Art Donovan
• 77 – Jim Parker
• 82 – Raymond Berry
• 89 – Gino Marchetti

Next Game

Up next: Seattle

Location: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale AZ

Date/Time: Sunday February 1 at 6:30 p.m.

TV Network: NBC

The urban dictionary defines gronking as “Violently spiking an object (most common is a football) to the ground in celebration.” Now, gronking can be seen in a different light, a sexual one.

That’s right, gronking has taken on a sexual overtone.

A new book, “A Gronking To Remember”, by Lacey Noonan has hit the Amazon Kindle store. It’s a 38 page erotic fiction story about one woman’s lust for New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski after she saw him spike a football or in layman’s terms, gronking the football.

The book has been a big hit for Noonan, who while being interviewed by Slate Magazine, was watching Gilbert Gottfried read it aloud on TMZ.

This Week

The AFC East Champion New England Patriots host the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on Saturday January 10 at 4:30 p.m. in an AFC Divisional Playoff Game.

The Ravens			The Patriots
Regular Season	10-6		Regular Season	12-4
Road Record	4-4		Home Record	7-1
Playoff Teams	2-4		Playoff teams	4-1
AFC Conf	6-6		AFC Conf	9-3

Bill Vinovich is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 7. The over/under is 47.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 35, Ravens 24. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-6 against the spread and 7 of 16 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 227th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC is televising the game nationally Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 1:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Ravens Radio Network has Gerry Sandusky calling the game while Stan White and Qadry Ismail provide the game analysis via their flagship station of 98 Rock, WIYY-FM and WBAL-AM 1090.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 802.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience with Ian Eagle, Boomer Esiason and Tony Boselli calling the game.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the team website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots had a bye while the Ravens beat the Steelers, 30-17 in the AFC Wild Card Game at Pittsburgh to advance.

History

• This is the 12th meeting between the Patriots and the Ravens since Baltimore became a franchise in 1996 when the Cleveland Browns relocated. The team was unable to keep the Browns past records, nicknames and colors and was considered an expansion franchise.
• This is the 4th postseason meeting between the teams.
• The Patriots lead the overall series 8-3 including playoffs.
• The teams have faced each other in the postseason three times Baltimore holds a 2-1 edge.
• The Patriots won the last meeting in Baltimore Week 16 – 2013, 41-7.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

Patriots in the Post Season:

• The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 7 times.

• They have been AFC Champions seven times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2011).

• With a win on Sunday the Patriots will be the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.

• New England has scored 40+ points in its last 3 AFC Divisional playoff games.

• Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.

• Overall in the playoffs the Patriots are 15-4 at home.

• Patriots are 11-6 in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. They are 8-2 at home and 6-1 at Gillette Stadium.

Date Opponent W/L Score

01/11/14 Indianapolis Colts W 43-22

01/13/13 Houston Texans W 41-28

01/14/12 Denver Broncos W 45-10

01/16/11 New York Jets L 21-28

01/12/08 Jacksonville W 31-20

01/14/07 at San Diego W 24-21

01/14/06 at Denver L 13-27

01/16/05 Indianapolis W 20-3

01/10/04 Tennessee W 17-14

01/19/02 Oakland W 16-13 (OT)

01/03/98 at Pittsburgh L 6-7

01/05/97 Pittsburgh W 28-3

01/04/87 at Denver L 17-22

01/05/86 at LA Raiders W 27-20

12/31/78 Houston L 14-31

12/18/76 at Oakland L 21-24

12/28/63 at Buffalo W 26-8

• New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.

• They are 11-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium they are 15-4 at home overall.

• They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .789 that is tied for third best with Denver behind Seattle’s .818 and Oakland’s .792 among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.

• Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).

• New England is tied with the Oakland Raiders for the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 25. Only Green Bay (30), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.

• The Patriots have 14 players who have never played in the postseason.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 229.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 250.
• Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
• Are tied for the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 14.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

• In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.

• Since 2000 New England is 54-10 in December games.

• Since 2000 the Patriots are 19-6 vs. both the AFC North and AFC South

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 83-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.

• Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.

Against the Ravens:

Past playoff battles:

• 2009 AFC Wild Card Game Jan 10 2010 at Gillette: Ravens won 33-14.
• 2011 AFC Conference Championship Jan 22 2012 at Gillette: Patriots won 23-20.
• 2012 AFC Conference Championship Jan 20 2013 at Gillette: Ravens won 28-13.

• New England had a 4-1 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – W, San Diego – W, Indianapolis –W, Miami – L/W).

• Patriots are 5-2 at home vs. Ravens including playoffs.

Last Game vs. the Bills:

• The Bills won their first ever game at Gillette Stadium and are now 1-12 at Gillette. It was their first win in Foxboro since 2000.
• The loss snapped a win streak of 16 consecutive regular season home games. Their last loss at home was in Week 15 2012 vs. San Francisco.

• The loss snapped a win streak of 17 consecutive home games vs. AFC East opponents. The last loss was to an AFC East team at home was in Week 11 2008 vs. NY Jets.

• The loss snapped a win streak of 35 consecutive home games vs. AFC opponents. Last loss to an AFC team at home was Week 13 2008 vs. Pittsburgh.

• New England had 260 total yards to Buffalo’s 268.

• Patriots had 5 penalties vs. the Bills for 55 yards.

• Nine of the Bills top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 43 yards (Kyle Orton to Sammy Watkins). Their longest rush against the defense was 8 yards by Fred Jackson.

• Three of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were run plays the longest being the 34-yard run by LeGarrette Blount. The longest pass play to Brandon LaFell by Tom Brady for 27 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

• Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.

• They were 7-2 against opponents with a .500 or better record.

• Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).

• Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).

• First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.

• Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).

• They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.

• The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.

• They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.

• They did not allow a kick of any form to blocked this year.

• They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.

• Their average time of possession was 29:37.

• First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.

• 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).

• They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.

• They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.

• They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.

• They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.

• They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• In last five games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 67-12 in the second half.

• The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

• New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.

• New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.

• The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.

• Had QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski, CB Darrelle Revis and ST Matthew Slater named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

• Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Tuesday press conference on the Ravens.

Bill Belichick notes:

• He is 7-3 in his career vs. Ravens including playoffs.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 230-117.

• Belichick’s 19 postseason wins tie him for 2nd all-time with Don Shula (19) and he is one away from career leader Tom Landry (20).

• Belichick’s 230 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.

• Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

• Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Special Teams Coach Scott O’Brien worked for the Baltimore Ravens as the Special Teams Assistant from 1996-98.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• TE: Hoomanawanui
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Branch
• DE: Cha. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Hightower
• DB: Arrington
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 6-3 vs. the Ravens in his career including 1-2 in the playoffs.

• In his last game against the Ravens Week 16-2013 at Baltimore he 14/26 for 172 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks, 0 INT’s.

• In 9 career games vs. Baltimore Brady is 197 of 343 for 2,199 yards with 9 TD’s and 10 INT’s.

• Is making his 27th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback.

• Overall he is 160-47 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 178-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

• Has 7 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.

• His 18 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.

• His three Super Bowl wins ties him with Troy Aikman for second behind Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana who have four each.

• Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.

• Is tied for the second most 300-yard games in the postseason with Kurt Warner and Montana with 6. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.

• All-time NFL leader in post season completions (590) and passing attempts (950) and is second in passing yards (6,424).

• Third all-time in post season TD passes (43) behind Brett Favre (44) and Montana (45).

• Shares the record for most TD passes in a playoff game (6) with Steve Young and Daryle Lamonica.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 6th career playoff game.

• Leads team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).

• Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

• Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).

• Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

• Was held out for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Will play in his 8th career playoff game.

• Last year Week 16 at Baltimore had 7 catches for 77 yards.

• Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

• In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).

• He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).

• Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets due to a concussion and Week 17 as a maintenance week.

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• This will be his 1st career playoff game.

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Tim Wright notes:

• This will be his first career playoff game.

• Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• This will be his 2nd career playoff game, first was in 2013 with Carolina.

• Has career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Will play in his 5th career playoff game.

• Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.

• Has 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.

• Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Will play in his 3rd career NFL playoff game.

• Had 76 yards on 16 carries with 2 TD’s last year Week 16 at Baltimore.

• Since returning to Foxboro has 60 carries for 281 yards and 3 TD’s.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a shoulder injury.

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.

• Tied franchise record with 166-yards rushing in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

• Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Will play in his 15th career playoff game.

• Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).

• Led NFL in made field goals (35).

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 19th career playoff game.

• Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Will play in his 7th career playoff game, first since 2010.

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Will play in his 9th playoff game.

• Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.

• Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Will play in his 5th career playoff game.

• Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.

• Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• His 5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

• Will play in his 5th playoff game.

• Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.

• Second on team with 6 sacks.

• Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

• Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

• Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

• Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

• Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Will play in his 3rd career playoff game.

• Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.

• Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.

• Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Will play in his first career playoff game.

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

Kyle Arrington notes:

• Will play in his 10th career playoff game.

• Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.

• Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• CB Alfonzo Dennard placed on injured reserve.
• WR Josh Boyce signed to 53-man roster from practice squad.
• Signed DB Dax Swanson to the practice squad.
• Released OLB/DE Cam Henderson from the practice squad.
• Signed LB Eric Martin to the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Ravens on the Patriots:

• RB Jonas Gray

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with Maryland roots:

• CB Kyle Arrington – Accokeek MD

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Maryland based colleges and universities:

• DT Joe Vellano – Maryland

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Ravens Team Notes

Here is the Ravens roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Ravens Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• Baltimore’s all-time record is 168-135-1 they are 14-7 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2012 when they won Super Bowl XLVII. They got there by beating Indianapolis at home in the AFC Wild Card Game; Denver on the road in OT in the AFC Division Game; New England on the road in the AFC Championship Game and then San Francisco in Super Bowl XLVII, 34-31.

• The Ravens have won two Super Bowls in two appearances beating the New York Giants (XXXV) and San Francisco (XLVII).

In the Playoffs:

• This season in the playoffs they won their AFC Wild Card game at Pittsburgh, 30-17 to advance to play the Patriots at Gillette Stadium.

• As a wild card team they will not host a home playoff game and must win three games, all on the road, to make the Super Bowl.

• One of four teams since 2008 to make the playoffs six times the others are New England, Green Bay and Indianapolis.

• Baltimore has 10 post season wins since 2008 most in the NFL in that span.

• Since the merger the Ravens have the best post season winning percentage (15-7, .682).

• They are 10-5 on the road in the playoffs tied for the best road win percentage (.667) of teams who played 5 postseason games since 1970

• Have 8 playoff road wins since 2008.

• Ravens are 4-4 in the Divisional Round of the Playoffs. They are 3-3 on the road.

Date Opponent W/L Score
01/07/01 at Tennessee W 24-10

01/20/02 at Pittsburgh L 10-27

01/13/07 vs. Indianapolis L 6-15

01/10/09 at Tennessee W 13-10

01/16/10 at Indianapolis L 3-20

01/15/11 at Pittsburgh L 24-31

01/15/12 vs. Houston W 20-13

01/12/13 at Denver W 38-35 (OT)

• Baltimore has 7 players without playoff experience.

• First team in current playoff format (since 1990) to win three Wild Card games as a 6 seed.

• Since 2000 have 4th most Super Bowl appearances (2), 2nd most Super Bowl wins (2), 4th Most conference title games (4), 4th most winning seasons (11), 4th most playoff berths (10), 2nd most playoff games (22) and 2nd most playoff wins (15).

In the John Harbaugh era (2008-present):

• Have won 10 playoff games in 5 of his 7 seasons.

• Have played in the most playoff games (14).

• Have most playoff road wins (7).

• Tied for most AFC Championship game appearances with New England (3).

• Behind Patriots (88) Ravens have the most wins in the NFL in this period (82).

• Has 3rd best playoff winning percentage by coaches with at least 10 games (10-4, .714).

Against the Patriots:

Past playoff battles:

• 2009 AFC Wild Card Game Jan 10 2010 at Gillette: Ravens won 33-14.
• 2011 AFC Conference Championship Jan 22 2012 at Gillette: Patriots won 23-20.
• 2012 AFC Conference Championship Jan 20 2013 at Gillette: Ravens won 28-13.

• Baltimore has struggled at Gillette with only 2 wins in 7 appearances but those wins have come in the post season.

• All time the Ravens are 19-18 vs. the AFC East.

• Baltimore had a 1-4 record in 2014 against common opponents (Cincinnati – L/L, San Diego – L, Indianapolis –L, Miami – W).

• Ravens have won the turnover battle in the three previous playoff games going PLUS 7.

• Since 2000 the two franchises have played in 7 Super Bowls winning five.

In 2014:

• Finished 3rd in the AFC North (10-6) behind Pittsburgh (11-5) and Cincinnati (10-5-1).

• Set franchise record for most points (409).

• The Ravens were only 2-6 vs. teams with a record of .500 or better this season. The only teams they beat that was .500 or better were Pittsburgh and Miami.

• Have 19 players on the season ending IR List.

• Gave up 2nd fewest sack with 19.

• The Ravens are tied for 8th in the NFL in points per game with 25.6. While they allow 18.9 points per game good for 6th in the NFL.

• Baltimore is PLUS 2 in turnover differential tied for 14th best in the NFL. The offense has given up 20 INT and 8 fumbles, while the defense has 11 INT and 11 fumble recoveries.

Ravens Staff Notes

Read what Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh had to say to the New England media about the match up.

John Harbaugh notes:

• Harbaugh is in his 7th season with the team, he is 72-40 since taking over and is 10-4 in the playoffs for an overall record of 82-44.

• He is 3-4 vs. New England in his career including playoffs.

• He is the third head coach in Ravens history behind Brian Billick and Ted Marchibroda.

• Before coming to Baltimore he spent one season at the Philadelphia Eagles secondary/safeties coach (2007) and 9 seasons as their special teams coordinator (1998-2006) under Andy Reid.

• Harbaugh’s brother Jim just finished his 4th season as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and has taken the head coaching job at the University of Michigan.

• They are the only brothers to have faced each other as head coaches in a Super Bowl (XLVII).

• He has won two AFC North Division titles as the head coach of the Ravens and his teams have made the playoffs 6 of the 7 years he has been in Baltimore.

• He is the only NFL head coach to have won a playoff game in each of his first five seasons.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Baltimore Assistant General Manager Eric DeCosta is a native of Taunton MA and graduated from Colby College in Waterville ME.

• The offensive coordinator is Gary Kubiak is in his first season with Baltimore. He was head coach of the Houston Texans (2006-13) and previously was the offensive coordinator or the Denver Broncos (1995-2005). He was a NFL QB and was selected in the 8th round of the 1983 NFL Draft by Denver (1983-91).

• Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees is in his third season (2012-present) in that position. He previously served as the linebackers coach and defensive coordinator for New England (2006-09) and secondary coach for Green Bay (2010-11).

• Assistant head coach/secondary coach Steve Spagnuolo is a native of Grafton MA and attended Springfield College, where he played wide receiver on the football team. He has held assistant coaching positions at UMass, UConn, and the University of Maine. He was previously head coach of St. Louis (2009-11) and the defensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (2012), New York Giants (2007-08) and Philadelphia Eagles (2004-06).

• Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Jerry Rosburg was the secondary coach at Boston College.

• Defensive Line Coach Clarence Brooks went to high school in New Bedford, MA. before playing guard at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He was also a coach at UMass.

• Assistant Offensive Line Coach Craig VerSteeg served as the Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers Coach at Harvard University.

• Baltimore Assistant Offensive Line Coach Todd Washington coached the offensive line for the Hartford Colonials (UFL) in 2010.

• Ravens Defensive Quality Control Coach Matt Weiss is a native of Cheshire CT and attended the Hopkins Grammar School in New Haven CT.

• Quarterbacks coach Rick Dennis was head coach at Suffield CT Academy from 1992-94.

Ravens Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Hurst
• LG: Osemele
• C: Zuttah
• RG: Urschel
• RT: Yanda
• TE: Daniels
• WR: S. Smith
• WR: T. Smith
• QB: Flacco
• RB: Forsett
• RB: Juszczyk

Defense:

• DT: Ngata
• NT: Williams
• DE: Canty
• LB: Suggs
• LB: Mosley
• LB: D. Smith
• LB: Upshaw
• LCB: Webb
• RCB: Melvin
• S: Stewart
• S: Hill

Ravens Players Notes

Joe Flacco notes:

• He is 72-40 in his career in the regular season and 9-4 in the playoffs for an overall record of 81-44 in 7 seasons.

• Flacco was a 1st round draft pick in the 2008 NFL Draft out of the University of Delaware.

• He is 3-4 vs. New England in his career including playoffs.

• In 7 career games vs. New England he is 151-of-241 (62.6%) for 1,771 yards with 12 TD’s and 6 INT’s.

• First QB in NFL history to make playoffs each of his first five seasons.

• Has 21 game winning drives in his career (19 in regular season and 2 in the playoffs).

• Holds record for most TD’s in one postseason (11) with Joe Montana and Kurt Warner.

• He has never had a 4,000 passing yard season, had 3,986 this year.

Justin Forsett notes:

• Led team with 235 carries for 1,266 rushing yards and 8 rushing TD’s.

• Also had 44 catches for 263 yards.

• Baltimore is his 5th team after being drafted by Seattle in the 7th Round in 2008.

• Also played for Indianapolis, Houston and Jacksonville.

• 2014 by far his most productive season doubled his career TD total and was 426 yards short of matching his rushing total for his career.

Steve Smith notes:

• Former 3rd round pick of Carolina in 2001 Draft, this is his first season in Baltimore.

• Five time Pro Bowl pick and twice selected a First Team All-Pro.

• In 14 seasons has only missed 26 games playing in 198 of 224 possible games.

• One of the NFL’s elder statesman and a Belichick favorite.

• Has played against New England 5 times his best game may have been Super Bowl XXXVIII he had 4 catches for 80 yards and 1 TD (39 yards) and had a 30 yard kick of return.

• At age 35 he had 1,065 receiving yards on 79 catches with 6 TD’s.

• It was his 8th season with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

Torrey Smith notes:

• Has franchise record 36 games with 100-yards receiving.

• Led team with 11 TD’s and was second in catches (49) and yards (767).

• Saw role diminished slightly this season with acquisition of Steve Smith.

• In 4 games against New England he has 16 catches for 347 yards and 3 TD’s.

• His best game vs. the Patriots was Week 3 – 2012 at Baltimore he had 6 catches for 127 yards and 2 TD’s. That was the game the day his younger brother was killed in a motorcycle accident.

Owen Daniels notes:

• Had 48 catches for 527 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Third receiving option for offense behind the Smith’s.

• Fist season in Baltimore, played for Houston for eight seasons and is a two time Pro Bowl pick.

• In career vs. New England has 12 catches for 124 yards in 3 games (all with Houston).

• Best game vs. the Patriots was 2012 AFC Wild Card Game with Texans at Foxboro he had 9 catches for 81 yards.

Terrell Suggs notes:

• 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 6 time Pro Bowler and named First Team All-Pro once.

• Suggs is the Ravens all-time franchise sack leader.

• Has 106.5 sacks for his career.

• Second on team in sacks this year with 12.

• Has 25 career forced fumbles, 13 recovered fumbles and 2 INT’s.

• Has played 8 career games vs. the Patriots has 4 sacks and 29 tackles (15 solo).

• 3rd in NFL in post season sacks all-time with 12.

Elvis Dumervil notes:

• Three time Pro Bowl pick and named First Team All-Pro once.

• Led team with 17 sacks tied career high (2009 with Denver).

• Has 1 pass defensed, 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery this season.

• Has 90 career sacks and 20 career forced fumbles.

• Has played 6 career games vs. New England and has 3.5 sacks and 17 tackles (4 solo).

C.J. Mosley notes:

• Selected in 1st round of 2014 Draft out of Alabama.

• Led team with 141 tackles (92 solo).

• Had 3 sacks, 2 INT’s, 8 passes defensed and recovered 1 fumble.

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

• FB Kyle Juszczyk – Harvard University
• S Jeromy Miles – UMass

Players with New England roots:

• none

Former Patriots with the Ravens:

• WR Kamar Aiken
• DT Casey Walker

Baltimore has no permanent captains, they are announced on a weekly basis.

The Ravens have no retired numbers.

Next Week

Up next: With a win either Denver or Indianapolis in AFC Championship Game

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: Sunday January 18 6:30 p.m.

TV Network: CBS

This Week

The New England Patriots host their AFC East Rival Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Bills			The Patriots
Overall Record	8-7		Overall Record	12-3
Road Record	3-4		Home Record	7-0
AFC East	3-2		AFC East	4-1
AFC Conf	4-7		AFC Conf	9-2

Terry McAulay is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 5. The over/under is 44.

My Prediction is Patriots 27, Bills, 20. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-5 against the spread and 7 of 15 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 226th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally and Spero Dedes will do play by play while Solomon Wilcotts will provide the game analysis. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 715.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 132, XM Channel 230 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Bills Radio Network has John Murphy calling the game while former Bills DB Mark Kelso provide the game analysis and Sal Capaccio works the sidelines via their flagship station, WGR-AM.

Their game call is available on Sirius Channel 108 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 803.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the team website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots edged the Jets on the road, 17-16 to clinch a first round bye and the Bills lost to the Raiders in Oakland 26-24 to get eliminated from playoff contention.

History

• This is the 110th meeting between the Patriots and the Bills since they started to face each other as AFL foes in 1960.
• The Patriots lead the series 67-41-1
• The 67 wins are the most the Patriots have over any opponent.
• Patriots have won 21 of the last 22 meetings with Buffalo’s only win coming in Week 3 of the 2011 season.
• Patriots won Week 6 at Buffalo, 37-22 and will go for another season sweep of the Bills.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

• The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

• They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

• They have 12 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.(2003-14)

• Since the merger just one of two franchises with at least five consecutive 12-win seasons (Indianapolis, 7).

• Since the meger they have the third most 12-win seasons with 9 (tied with Pittsburgh and Denver) and behind Dallas (10) and San Francisco (13)

• All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

• Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

• Have made the playoffs in 22 seasons including 12 of the last 15 years.

• The Patriots have won 17 Division Titles in franchise history, 14 in the Kraft Era.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

Joined the Halas family as the quickest ownership group to 250 wins (358 games) Week 16 at NY Jets with the 17-16 win.

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 229.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 250.
• Have the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 14.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.

• With a win Sunday the Patriots will be 8-0 at home for the 7th time in franchise history. They also were 8-0 in 2003, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2013. Denver and Green Bay are the other undefeated teams at home.

• Since 2000 New England has the NFL’s best road record at 77-42.

• In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

• Since 2000 New England is 54-9 in December games.

• They are 69-24 vs. AFC East since 2000.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 83-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-41.

• Have won 16 consecutive regular season home games. Their last loss at home was in Week 15 2012 vs. San Francisco.

• Have won 17 consecutive home games vs. AFC East opponents. The last loss was to an AFC East team at home was in Week 11 2008 vs. NY Jets.

• Have won 35 consecutive home games vs. AFC opponents. Last loss to an AFC team at home was Week 13 2008 vs. Pittsburgh.

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.

• With a win Sunday will be the first head coach to have 13 or more wins in five seasons.

• First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Bills:

• This is the second year in a row the Patriots have finished the season at home against the Bills and 4th time in the last 7 years.

• New England has beaten Buffalo the last 13 times at home.

• The Patriots are 35-19 all time vs. Buffalo at home, they are 12-0 at Gillette Stadium, they were 17-14 at Foxboro Stadium and 6-5 in Boston venues.

• New England’s largest margin of victory in the series is 46 points set in 2007.

• The Patriots have scored 30 or more points against the Bills in 8 of the last 9 games.

• In Week 6 win at Buffalo Tom Brady threw 4 TD passes and upped his record to 19-1 when throwing 4 or more TD passes in a game.

• The Patriots had three recievers finish with over 90 yards Week 6 at Buffalo. Brandon LaFell (97), Rob Gronkowski (94) and Julian Edelman (91) all reached the mark.

• Brian Tyms had his first NFL TD a 43-yard pass from Tom Brady Week 6 at Buffalo, it’s his only catch this season.

• Rob Ninkovich had his first career 3-sack game Week 6 at Buffalo.

Last Week vs. the Jets:

• Upped their record at MetLife Stadium to 3-2 and now have a 27-28 road record all-time vs. the Jets including playoffs.

• Now lead the series overall vs. the Jets 58-53-1.

• With the win Bill Belichick is now 4th all-time with 230 wins passing Hall of Famer Curly Lambeau.

• Vince Wilfork blocked the team’s fifth kick of the year (4 FG, 1 punt).

• The five blocks in all are second most in team history and 1 behind the record set in 1975. The four blocked field goals are a new team record for most blocked FGA’s in a season.

• Jamie Collins had his second INT of the season. It was his third career INT including playoffs.

• Shane Vereen’s 12-yard catch in the second quarter to set a career high for receiving yards with 433 receiving yards. He had 427 receiving yards last season.

• Chris White returned after being out a few weeks with an injury.

• Chandler Jones made his first start since his returning last week.

• Alan Branch got his first Patriots start.

• New England had 231 total yards to New York’s 307.

• Patriots had 5 penalties vs. the Jets for 38 yards.

• Six of the Jets top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 26 yards (Geno Smith to John Conner). Their longest rush against the defense was 16 yards by Chris Ivory.

• Three of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were run plays the longest being the 17-yard run by Brandon Bolden. The longest pass play to Brandon LaFell for 14 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

• With Denver’s loss at Cincinnati on Monday night the Patriots clinched the top seed in the AFC and will have home field advantage through the playoffs.

• It is their fifth consecutive first round bye they are the first team to do so.

• Since the 12-team playoff format started in 1990 they have the most first round byes (10).

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (329) having converted on 58 of 65 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 19 FG).

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

• Have won 12 games for the 9th time in team history including the last five seasons.

• In last five games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 64-12 in the second half.

• The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

• New England has 115 penalties this season in 15 games and has been penalized 1,025 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

• New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 3rd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• The Patriots are 1st in points scored averaging 30.6 points per game and are 8th in points allowed with 19.7 points per game.

• Had QB Tom Brady, TE Rob Gronkowski, K Stephen Gostkowski, CB Darrelle Revis and ST Matthew Slater named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Tuesday press conference on the Bills.

Bill Belichick notes:

• He is 26-4 vs. Buffalo. Belichick was 0-1 against the Bills as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 230-117.

• Belichick’s 230 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.

• Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

• Has nine 12-win seasons.in his career.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia attended Vernon-Verona-Sherrill HS in Sherrill, N.Y., before going on to serve as a graduate assistant at Syracuse from 2001-03.

• Tight ends coach Brian Daboll is a Buffalo native and attended St. Francis (Buffalo) High School before graduating from the University of Rochester in 1997.

• Running backs coach Ivan Fears coached wide receivers at Syracuse University from 1980-90.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Amendola
• QB: Brady
• RB: Bolden
• RB: Devlin

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Chr. Jones
• DT: Branch
• DE: Cha. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Hightower
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 23-2 vs. the Bills. in his career. The 23 wins are second most by one QB vs. one team. Brett Favre had 26 wins vs. Detroit.

• In his last game against the Bills (at Buffalo Week 6) Brady was 27/37 for 361 yards, 4 TD’s, 0 INT’s and 2 sacks.

• Has a 48-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

• Overall he is 160-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 178-55. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

• Had his streak of multiple TD pass games for 10 consecutive games snapped Week 11 at NY Jets. In the streak he had thrown 28 TD passes in 10 games.

• It was the second streak in his career of at least 10-games with 2 or more TD passes.

• 392 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 3 behind Drew Brees.

• 160 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

• He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 125 games; the team’s record is 107-18.

• Recorded his 7th season with 4,000 or more passing yards.

• Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

• Named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Leads team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).

• Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

• Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

• Had 3 catches for 96 yards and 1 TD vs. Miami Week 15.

• Had 8 catches for 87 yards and 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

• Named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets due to a concussion.

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

• Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

Jonas Gray notes:

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).

• Had 62 yards on 11 carries, all in the 2nd half Week 15 vs. Miami.

• DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

• Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• Has career high’s in receptions (70), yards (883) and TD’s (7).

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career. It was the last time Buffalo allowed 2 TD’s to one receiver in a game.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Set new career high for receiving yards with 433 receiving yards Week 16 at NY Jets.

• Has 390 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.

• Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

• Became 4th Patriots player with 2 rushing TD’s in a game this season Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

• Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Since returning to Foxboro has 50 carries for 219 yards and 3 TD’s.

• Inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a shoulder injury.

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

• Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Holds franchise record for most points (1,170). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

• Has scored at least 1 point in 119 consecutive games a franchise record.

• Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

• Named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had a pass defensed vs. Miami Week 15.

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty, Jamie Collins and Logan Ryan.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

• Named to the 2014 Pro Bowl.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Leads team with 8 sacks and has 53 tackles (44 solo) for 5th on the team.

• Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

• Had 5 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.

• Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss an 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego due to a knee injury.

• His 5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

• Second on team with 6 sacks.

• Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

• Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

• Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

• Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

• Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Leads team with 104 tackles (71 solo), forced fumbles (3) and is tied in INT’s (2).

• Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

• Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

Kyle Arrington notes:

• Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.

• Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Released CB Dax Swanson from the practice squad.
• Signed DE/OLB Cam Henderson to the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Bills on the Patriots:

• LB Chris White
• LS Danny Aiken
• DT Alan Branch

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with New York roots:

• TE Rob Gronkowski – Williamsville NY
• DE Chandler Jones – Rochester NY

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from New York based colleges and universities:

• DE Chandler Jones – Syracuse

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Bills Team Notes

Here is the Bills roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Bills Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• Buffalo’s all-time record is 379-439-8 they are 14-15 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 1999 when they lost to Tennessee in the AFC Wild Card game, best known as the “Music City Miracle”.

• They last played for a conference championship in 1993 when they beat Kansas City in the AFC Title game, 30-13. They then went on to lose to Dallas in Super Bowl XXVIII. They have never won a Super Bowl title in four appearances.

• The Bills franchise started in 1960 in the AFL and they won two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.

• Terry Pagula, who also owns the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL, took over as the new owner in Buffalo Week 6. It’s the first time in franchise history in which the Wilson Family does not own the team.

• Since 2001 the Bills are 27-54 vs. the AFC East. They are the only team who hasn’t won the division in that time span.

Against the Patriots:

• Most points they’ve allowed this year (37), most TD’s (4) and most passing yards (346) all came Week 6 vs. New England.

• The Bills have lost the season series to the Patriots 11 times in the last 14 seasons.

• They are trying to avoid their third sweep in a row and 14th consecutive road loss to New England. Buffalo has been swept by New England 23 times in the season series.

• Buffalo is the only division team to have never won at Gillette Stadium they come in 0-12.

• The Bills are 19-35 as the road team in the series.

• Bills have lost 26 of the last 29 games vs. Patriots dating back to 2000.

• The largest margin of victory for the Bills in the series is 35 points set in 1970.

In 2014:

• They have 5 of their last 6 first round draft picks still on the roster.

• Buffalo has 6 players with the surname of Williams, 2 with the surname of Brown as well as a Wood and a Woods.

• 4th in NFL in yards allowed per game (315.7).

• 3rd in NFL in passing yards allowed (209.9)

• 1st in NFL in 3rd down conversions allowed by defense (33.2%).

• Lead the NFL in sacks (50).

• Buffalo actually has a missed/failed extra point attempt this year with Dan carpenter hit the left upright at NY Jets Week 8.

• With a win Sunday they will win 9 games for first time since 2004 and have won 4 road games for first time since 2008.

• Buffalo has 45 penalties this season in five weeks and has been penalized 372 yards.

• Bills are tied for first in turnover differential (PLUS 6) with the Patriots, Packers and Chargers.

• Bills have been called for 119 penalties in 15 games and have lost 987 yards.

• Buffalo is PLUS 8 in turnover differential. They have 19 INT and have recovered 11 fumbles while they have thrown 13 INT’s and lost 9 fumbles.

• The Bills are 18th in points scored averaging 21.7 points per game and are 5th in points allowed with 18.6 points per game.

Bills Staff Notes

This is what Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Doug Marrone notes:

• He is in his 2nd season as a NFL head coach all with the Bills and he has a record of 14-17.

• He is 0-3 vs. New England.

• He is the 16th head coach in Buffalo Bills history.

• Was head coach for Syracuse University for four seasons (2009-12) and compiled a 25-25 record for the Orange. He was also previously the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints (2006-08) and offensive line coach for the New York Jets (2002-05) and was the offensive line coach at Coast Guard in 1993 and at Northeastern in 1994.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Jim Schwartz is the defensive coordinator after serving the last five seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions (2009-13). He was also defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2001-08.

• Nathaniel Hackett returns for his second season as the Bills offensive coordinator. He was Marrone’s offensive coordinator for two seasons at Syracuse and 1 year he was the quarterbacks coach for the Orange.

• Linebackers coach Pepper Johnson served in several defensive coaching roles for the Patriots from 2000-13. Notably, he was the defensive line coach from 2004-11 and the linebackers coach from 2012-13.

• Bills Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Eric Ciano and Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Hal Luther both played football at Springfield College.

• Strength and Conditioning Assistant Dan Liburd also spent time at Springfield as a graduate associate and graduated from Boston University in 2006.

Bills Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Glenn
• LG: Urbik
• C: Wood
• RG: Pears
• RT: Henderson
• TE: Chandler
• WR: Watkins
• WR: Woods
• QB: Orton
• RB: Spiller
• RB: M. Gray

Defense:

• DE: M. Williams
• DT: K. Williams
• DT: Dareus
• DE: Hughes
• LB: P. Brown
• LB: Bradham
• LB: Spikes
• LCB: Graham
• RCB: Gilmore
• S: Searcy
• S: A. Williams

Bills Players Notes

Kyle Orton notes:

• Drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by Chicago out Purdue.

• He is in his 10th NFL season and has a 41-40 career record with Chicago (21-12), Denver (12-21), Kansas City (2-1), Dallas (0-1) and Buffalo (6-5). He has never appeared in the playoffs.

• He is 1-1 vs. New England in his career. In 2009 he beat the Patriots in Denver 20-17.

• Made first start of 2014 last week at Detroit in a 17-14 win. He was 30 of 43 for 308 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT.

• Needs 29 completions for the 5th 300 completion season in franchise history.

• Threw 100th career TD pass at Oakland Week 16.

• Needs 158 passing yards for 3,000.

• Has passed for 300 yards three times this season.

• He is the 5th quarterback since 1960 to have passed for 300+ yards in a game for five different teams.

Fred Jackson notes:

• Leads team in rushing with 467 yards and 2 TD’s on 123 carries.

• Has 65 catches for 497 yards and 1 TD.

• His 65 catches are tops on the team.

• Has 30 TD’s in his career.

• Third in Bills history in 100-yard rushing games (15) and rushing yards (5,588) behind O.J. Simpson (41/10,183) and Thurman Thomas (46/11,938).

C.J. Spiller notes:

• Third on team in rushing with 283 yards on 73 carries.

• Has 18 catches for 123 yards and 1 TD

• Also has a 102-yard KOR for a TD. It was the 3rd longest in Bills history.

• Has highest yards per carry in Bills history (4.97).

• Has Bills last 100-yard rushing game Week 17, 2013 at New England.

Sammy Watkins notes:

• Bills first round pick in 2014 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

• Needs 75 receiving yards for 1,000 yards as a rookie.

• Has four 100-yard receiving games this season.

• Has 62 catches (2nd on team) for team leading 925 yards and 6 TD’s.

• Has 4th most receiving yards by a rookie this season.

• Second on team in scoring with 36 points.

Robert Woods notes:

• Has 61 catches for 660 yards and 4 TD’s.

• His totals rank him 3rd in NFL among second year receivers.

• Is third on team in catches and 2nd in receiving yards and TD’s.

• Third on team in scoring with 26 points.

Brandon Spikes notes:

• First season as a Bill after 4 seasons as a Patriot.

• Drafted by New England out of Florida in 2nd Round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

• Had 8 tackles in his first career game vs. New England Week 6.

• Has started 10 of 15 games.

• Has 54 tackles (32 solo), 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 forced fumble and 3 passes defensed.

Mario Williams notes:

• Leads team with 13.5 sacks.

• Has 42 tackles (36 solo).

• 3rd in tackles in the NFL since 2006 (448).

• Top 4 in sacks in NFL (90) since 2006.

Kyle Williams notes:

• Has registered 5.5 sacks and 1 INT this year

• The defensive end also has 3 passes defensed.

• Has 41 tackles (29 solo)

Marcell Dareus notes:

• Has 10 sacks second on the team.

• Has 1 forced fumble and 48 tackles (36 solo).

Aaron Williams notes:

• Had career high 14 tackles vs. San Diego Week 3.

• Has 72 tackles, 1 INT and 4 passes defensed this season.

• Moved from CB to S for 2014.

• Was 2nd on team in tackles (80) in 2013.

Buffalo’s team captains for 2014 are:

• RB Fred Jackson
• DT Kyle Williams
• C Eric Wood
• DE Mario Williams
• CB Corey Graham
• LB Brandon Spikes

Former Patriots on the Bills:

• LB Brandon Spikes
• TE Lee Smith
• WR Marcus Thigpen

Players with New England roots:

• WR Marcus Easley – Bridgeport CT
• G D.J. Morrell (practice squad) – Norwalk CT

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• WR Marcus Easley – UConn
• CB Corey Graham – New Hampshire
• LB Ikponmwosa Igbinosun (practice squad) – Southern Connecticut State

The Bills have one retired number:

12 – Jim Kelley

Next Week

Up next: AFC Divisional Game vs. TBD

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: TBA

TV Network: CBS

This Week

The New England Patriots visit their AFC East Rival New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Patriots			The Jets
Overall Record	11-3		Overall Record	3-11
Road Record	4-3		Home Record	2-5
AFC East	3-1		AFC East	0-4
AFC Conf	8-2		AFC Conf	3-7

Brad Allen is the referee for the game

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the game at Patriots MINUS 10. The over/under is 47.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 34, Jets, 17. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 10-4 against the spread and 7 of 14 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in the Meadowlands make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for the New York City NY metro area.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a MetLife Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

CBS in televising the game regionally and Spero Dedes will do play by play while Solomon Wilcotts will provide the game analysis and Shaun Livingston will cover the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 707.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 112 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Jets Radio Network has Bob Wischusen calling play by play and former Jet Marty Lyons doing the color via their flagship station WEPN-FM, ESPN New York 98.7.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 133, XM Channel 227 and on SiriusXM Internet Channel 821.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots eliminated the Dolphins from the playoffs with a 41-13 rout at Foxboro while the Jets beat the Titans on the road, 16-11.

History

• This is the 112th meeting between the teams.
• The Patriots lead the all-time series 57-53-1 including playoffs.
• The Patriots are 26-28 including playoffs as the road team in the series.
• They are 2-2 at The Snoopy.
• The lone tie in the series (24-24) came on October 2, 1966 when both clubs were part of the AFL.
• Patriots won the first meeting in Week 7 in Foxboro, 27-25 a win sealed on a blocked field goal by Chris Jones.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 449-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

• The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

• They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

• They have 12 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.(2003-14)

• All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

• Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

• Have made the playoffs in 22 seasons including 12 of the last 15 years.

• The Patriots have won 17 Division Titles in franchise history, 14 in the Kraft Era.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 228.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 249.
• Have the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 14.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

• A win on Sunday would tie the Kraft’s for the quickest NFL ownership group to 250 wins with Chicago’s Halas family (368 games).

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• Since 2000 New England has the NFL’s best road record at 77-42.

• In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 94-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

• Since 2000 New England is 53-9 in December games.

• They are 68-24 vs. AFC East since 2000.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 82-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 149-41.

• Have won 16 consecutive regular season home games. Their last loss at home was in Week 15 2012 vs. San Francisco.

• Have won 17 consecutive home games vs. AFC East opponents. The last loss was to an AFC East team at home was in Week 11 2008 vs. NY Jets.

• Have won 35 consecutive home games vs. AFC opponents. Last loss to an AFC team at home was Week 13 2008 vs. Pittsburgh.

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Jets:

• Their 57 wins over the Jets are the second most in franchise history over any team behind only the 67 wins they have over Buffalo.

• They are 57-53-1 including playoffs all-time vs. the Jets.

• They are 28-15 vs. the Jets since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1984.

• An AFC East rival has not swept the Patriots in a season series since 2000 when Miami and New York swept them.

• The Patriots have swept the Jets 15 times in the series the last time was in 2012.

• Patriots won 27-25 in Week 7 at Gillette when DT Chris Jones blocked a Nick Folk 58-yard field goal attempt on the game’s final play.

• The teams have faced each other in 11 different stadiums. The Jets have called four home: The Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium, Giants Stadium and now MetLife Stadium. The Patriots have called six home: Nickerson Field, Alumni Stadium, Fenway Park, Harvard Stadium, Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium. There was one neutral site that was Legion Field in Birmingham AL.

Last Week vs. the Dolphins:

• Patriots are now 11-3 at home vs. Dolphins since 2000.

• Jamie Collins blocked field goal was the third blocked field goal by the team this year.

• Kyle Arrington’s 62-yard return for a touchdown off the blocked field goal was the second blocked field goal TD return for the team this year.

• The block was the 4th overall on the season as Brandon Bolden blocked a punt Week 14 at San Diego.

• The 3 blocked field goals ties a team record and the 4 blocked kicks are the most for the team since 2002.

• Patriots scored 24 points in the 3rd quarter setting a new team record for most points in the third quarter of a game.

• Duron Harmon had his 3rd career INT and 1st of the season.

• Patrick Chung had his 8th career INT.

• The Patriots have 12 players with at least 1 INT. They are: Revis (2), McCourty (2), Ryan (2), Harmon, Browner, Ninkovich, Chung, Wilfork, Ayers, Collins, Dennard and Easley.

• Stephen Gostkowski set the franchise record for most points on a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter.

• Rob Ninkovich had his 8th sack of the year.

• Rob Gronkowski surpassed 1,000 receiving yards on the season and 300 catches in his career.

• Tom Brady threw 2 TD passes. It was the 10th consecutive week he has thrown at least 2 TD passes.

• Brady’s 17 yard run in the third quarter is the third longest of his career. His career high is 22 yards at Cincinnati Week 4, 2006.

• Chandler Jones returned to the lineup and had a sack and a forced fumble.

• Jonas Gray had 62 yards on 11 carries all in the second half.

• Each team had 23 first downs.

• New England had 395 total yards to San Diego’s 384.

• Patriots had 5 penalties vs. the Dolphins for 51 yards.

• Eight of the Dolphins top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 50 yards (Ryan Tannehill to Mike Wallace). Their longest rush against the defense was 15 yards by Tannehill.

• Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 35-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski. The longest run play was a rush was by Tom Brady for 17 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

• Patriots clinched their 6th consecutive AFC East title with the 41-13 win vs. Miami in Week 13.

• Currently hold the top playoff seed in the AFC due to a tiebreaker they earned with a win over Denver (2). If the playoffs started now both teams would have a first round bye.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (312) having converted on 55 of 59 red zone opportunities (37 TD’s; 18 FG).

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

• Have won 11 games for the 16th time in team history.

• Shut out their opponent in the second half for the second consecutive week (Week 14 at San Diego, Week 15 vs. Miami).

• In last four games the Patriots have outscored their opponent 54-6 in the second half.

• The last second half TD allowed by the defense was Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.

• The Patriots defense has allowed only one or fewer offensive touchdowns in 3 of its last four games.

• Shane Vereen became 4th Patriots player with 2 or more rushing TD’s in a game this season Week 15 vs. Miami joining Jonas Gray (4), LeGarrette Blount (2) and Stevan Ridley (2).

• New England has 110 penalties this season in 14 games and has been penalized 987 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

• New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 3rd in the NFL. They have 15 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 8 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• The Patriots are 1st in points scored averaging 31.6 points per game and are 8th in points allowed with 20.0 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Jets.

Bill Belichick notes:

• He is 22-11 vs. the Jets in his career. He is 21-10 against them as the head coach in New England and that includes two playoff games (1-1).

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 209-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 228-117.

• Belichick’s 229 wins are good for a tie for 4th all-time with Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau.

• Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

• Belichick is the former defensive coordinator for the Jets from 1997-99 under Bill Parcells. He was head coach for less than 24 hours before resigning to take the Patriots job.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia was a coaching assistant at Syracuse from 2001-03.

• Tight ends coach Brian Daboll spent two years as quarterbacks coach for the Jets from 2007-2008.

• Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo was the Jets offensive line coach in 2012.

• Running backs coach Ivan Fear coached wide receivers at Syracuse University from 1980-90.

• Safeties coach Brian Flores is from Brooklyn NY and played high school football at Poly Prep.

• Coaching assistant Steve Belichick played football and lacrosse at Rutgers.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount
• RB: Devlin

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Chr. Jones
• DE: Cha. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Ayers
• LB: Hightower
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 20-6 vs. the Jets in his career including playoffs.

• Has a 47-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

• Overall he is 159-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 177-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.

• Has multiple TD pass games for 10 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2), Week 13 at Green Bay (2), Week 14 at San Diego (2) and Week 15 vs. Miami (2).

• It is the second streak in his career of at least 10-games with 2 or more TD passes.

• 391 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 3 behind Drew Brees.

• 159 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

• He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 125 games; the team’s record is 107-18.

• Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.

• Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Leads team in TD’s with 11 and receiving yards with 1,093.

• Has caught a pass in 64 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end. Had 3 catches for 96 yards and 1 TD vs. Miami Week 15.

• He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.

• Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.

• He apparently loves kittens.

• Had 8 catches for 87 yards and 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Leads team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

• Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

Jonas Gray notes:

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (4) and rushing yards (407).

• Had 62 yards on 11 carries, all in the 2nd half Week 15 vs. Miami.

• DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

• Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.

• Became 4th Patriots player with 2 rushing TD’s in a game this season Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Leads team in rushing yards with 347 yards.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

• Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Since returning to Foxboro has 50 carries for 219 yards and 3 TD’s.

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

• Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Holds franchise record for most points (1,165). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.

• On pace to set NFL record for most points in a season. Current record in 166 set in 2011 by David Akers of San Francisco. Gostkowski currently has 142 points with two games left. His career high is 158 set last season.

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

• Has scored at least 1 point in 118 consecutive games a franchise record.

• Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Had a pass defensed vs. Miami Week 15.

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Leads team with 8 sacks.

• Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.

• Had 5 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Third on team in tackles with 81 (60 solo) and with 5 sacks.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.

• His 5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

• Second on team with 6 sacks.

• Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.

• Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).

• Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.

• Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.

• Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Leads team with 99 tackles (68 solo) and forced fumbles (3).

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

• Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

Kyle Arrington notes:

• Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.

• Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Baltimore signed DT Casey Walker off the Patriots practice squad.
• Placed DE Dominique Easley on IR.
• Signed TE Steve Maneri to 53-man roster.
• Signed QB Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Jets on the Patriots:

• CB Darrelle Revis

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with New York City metro roots:

• S Devin McCourty – Montvale NJ
• CB Logan Ryan – Vorhees NJ
• TE Tim Wright – Neptune NJ
• DE Dominique Easley – Staten Island NY
• LB Jonathan Casillas – New Brunswick NJ

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from New York City metro based colleges and universities:

• S Devin McCourty – Rutgers
• S Duron Harmon – Rutgers
• CB Kyle Arrington – Hofstra
• TE Tim Wright – Rutgers

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Jets Team Notes

Here is the Jets roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Jets Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Jets all-time record is 375-450-8 and they are 12-13 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2010. That season the Jets lost on the road to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game, after having beaten Indianapolis and New England on the road to get there.

• The Jets last appeared in a Super Bowl following the 1968 season and defeated the Baltimore Colts 16-7 to win Super Bowl III. At that time was considered the biggest upset in sports history. They were the first AFL team to win the Super Bowl.

• The Jets also won the 1968 AFL Championship when they beat the Oakland Raiders, 27-23 at Shea Stadium.

• The last won the AFC East in 2002.

• New York is 39-45 vs. the AFC East in the regular season since 2001.

• This is the teams worst season (currently 2-11) since they went 4-12 in 2007 under Eric Mangini and in 2005 under Herm Edwards.

• The all-time worst season for the New York Jets is 1996 when they went 1-15 in their final season under Rich Kotite. Bill Parcells took over shortly thereafter.

• Their only win in 1996 came on the road at Arizona in Week 9 they beat the Cardinals 31-21.

In the Rex Ryan Era (2009-present):

• Got the team to two consecutive AFC championship games as a wild card in his first two seasons losing in 2009 at Indianapolis and in 2010 at Denver.

• In the four seasons since they have failed to make the playoffs.

• His best team was in 2010 when they went 11-5 and lost the division to the Patriots.

• 2014 has been his worst season by far and it appears imminent that Ryan will be let go at seasons end most likely along with GM John Idzik.

• Under Ryan the Jets point differential (points scored minus points allowed) has gotten progressively worse each season. They went from plus 112 in 2009 to minus 135 this year through 13 games.

• They are currently on pace for the fewest points scored and most points allowed in one season of the Ryan Era.

Against the Patriots:

• New York has lost 19 of the last 25 meetings with New England including playoffs.

• The Jets have swept the Patriots 14 times in the series the last time was in 2000.

• The Jets are 2-2 vs. the Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Overall as the home team in the series they are 28-26 and that includes 0-1 in the playoffs.

• Against New England they were 2-2 at the Polo Pounds, 14-5 at Shea Stadium and 10-17 at Giants Stadium.

• The teams have faced each other in 11 different stadiums. The Jets have called four home: The Polo Grounds, Shea Stadium, Giants Stadium and now MetLife Stadium. The Patriots have called six home: Nickerson Field, Alumni Stadium, Fenway Park, Harvard Stadium, Foxboro Stadium and Gillette Stadium. There was one neutral site that was Legion Field in Birmingham AL.

In 2014:

• Have allowed only two games with over 100 team rushing yards all season.

• Have not allowed one player to get 100 yards rushing all season.

• New York has 102 penalties this season in 14 games and has been penalized 878 yards.

• New York is MINUS 11 in turnover differential. They have 5 INT and have recovered 6 fumbles while they have thrown 14 INT’s and lost 8 fumbles.

• The Jets are 30th in points scored averaging 16.4 points per game and are 24th in points allowed with 25.7 points per game.

Jets Staff Notes

Hear what New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Rex Ryan notes:

• Ryan is 44-49 in his 6th season as a head coach. He is 4-2 in the playoffs for an overall record of 48-51.

• He is 4-8 vs. New England in his career including playoffs. He is 3-2 at MetLife Stadium.

• Ryan is the third longest tenured head coach in Jets history behind Weeb Ewbank (11 seasons) and Joe Walton (7).

• He is third in wins by a coach in team history behind Ewbank (71) and Walton (53).

• Prior to the Jets Ryan was the defensive line coach (1999-2004) and then defensive coordinator (2005-2008) for Baltimore. He was also the defensive coordinator for Oklahoma University (1998) and the University of Cincinnati (1996-97).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• General Manager John Idzik graduated with Magna Cum Laude honors from Dartmouth College in Hanover NH in 1982 and played wide receiver for the Big Green for four seasons.

• The offensive coordinator is Marty Mornhinweg former head coach of the Detroit Lions. He is in his second season with the Jets. Previously he was the head coach in Detroit (2001-02), was with Philadelphia as a senior assistant (2003), assistant head coach (2004-05) and assistant head coach/offensive coordinator (2006-12). He was also the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (1997-2000) for San Francisco.

• Dennis Thurmond is the Jets defensive coordinator. He is in his seventh season with the team and second as the defensive coordinator (2013-present) and was the secondary coach (2008-2012) before he got promoted . Prior to the Jets he coached the secondary for Baltimore (2002-07), University of Southern California (1993-2000) and Phoenix (1988-89). He also played in the NFL drafted by Dallas in the 11th round in 1978. He played 9 seasons, 8 in Dallas (1978-85) and 1 with St. Louis Cardinals (1986).

• Defensive Backs Coach Brian Smith graduated in 2000 from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst where he was a three-year starter at safety and cornerback. Smith went on to coach at UMass.

Jets Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Ferguson
• LG: Aboushi
• C: Mangold
• RG: Colon
• RT: Giacomini
• TE: Cumberland
• TE: Sudfeld
• WR: Kerley
• WR: Decker
• QB: Smith
• RB: Johnson

Defense:

• DE: Couples
• NT: Harrison
• DT: Richardson
• LB: Babin
• LB: Davis
• LB: Harris
• LB: Pace
• LCB: Walls
• RCB: Williams
• S: Jarrett
• S: Pryor

Jets Players Notes

Geno Smith notes:

• Jets starting QB was their second round pick out of West Virginia in the 2013 NFL Draft.

• Smith is 10-18 as a starter in his second season with New York. He is 1-2 vs. New England in his career.

• Has thrown 9 TD’s and 12 INT’s, has been sacked 25 times and fumbled 7 times (lost 2).

• Week 7 at New England was 20 of 34 for 226 yards and 1 TD pass also had 37 yards on 7 carries.

Jake Sudfeld notes:

• Signed as an UFA by Patriots in May 2013 and made team out of camp. Released by Patriots after Week 4 and signed by Jets the next day.

• Has just 2 catches for 35 yards this season.

• Has 17 tackles (10 solo) on special teams to lead the team.

Eric Decker notes:

• Signed as a free agent after spending last few seasons in Denver.

• Leads team with 62 catches for 720 yards receiving and 4 receiving TD’s.

• Had 4 catches for 65 yards Week 7 at New England.

Jace Amaro notes:

• Leads team with 24 catches.

• Second on team in receiving yards with 212.

• Had his 1st career TD and 10 catches for 68 yards Week 6 vs. Denver.

• Leads all rookie TE’s with 32 catches and 285 yards.

Jeremy Kerley notes:

• Third on team with 34 catches.

• Second on team in receiving yards with 322.

Chris Ivory notes:

• Leads team with 739 yards and 6 TD’s.

• Also has 17 catches for 115 yards.

• Had 21 carries for 107 yards and 1 TD also had 4 catches for 18 yards at New England Week 7.

Sheldon Richardson notes:

• Leads team in sacks (6.5) and QB hits (43).

• Is second on team with Calvin Pace with 8 tackles for loss.

• Is fourth on team in tackles (77).

Muhammad Wilkerson notes:

• Second on team with 4.5 sacks and 29 QB hits.

• Has 15 sacks the last two seasons.

• Leads team in tackles for loss (11).

• Week at New England he had 3 tackles, 4 QB hits, 1 tackle for loss and 1 pass defensed.

• Has 1 sack and 26 tackles vs. New England in his career.

Calvin Pace notes:

• Third on team in sacks (4).

• Second on team in tackles for loss (8).

• Has 45 tackles and 2.5 sacks in his career vs. Patriots.

• Had two sacks Week 5 at San Diego.

Former Patriots on the Jets:

• WR Greg Salas (IR)
• TE Zack Sudfeld
• LB Jermaine Cunningham (IR)
• CB Phillip Adams
• DT Kona Schwenke (practice squad)

Players with New England ties:

• Breno Giacomini – Malden MA

Players who attended New England based colleges or universities:

• P Ryan Quigley – Boston College
• TE Chris Pantale – Boston College

New York does not name team captains. They are appointed on a weekly basis prior to the game.

New York has 5 retired numbers:

12 – Joe Namath

13 – Don Maynard

28 – Curtis Martin

73 – Joe Klecko

90 – Dennis Byrd

Next Week

Up next: Buffalo Bills – AFC East

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: Sunday December 28 at 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS

This Week

The New England Patriots host the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro MA on Sunday at 1 p.m.

It’s a hat and T-shirt game.

The Dolphins			The Patriots
Overall Record	7-6		Overall Record	10-3
Road Record	4-3		Home Record	6-0
AFC East	3-1		AFC East	2-1
AFC Conf	6-4		AFC Conf	8-2

Bill Vinovich is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 7.5. The over/under is 48.

My Prediction is Patriots 35, Dolphins, 21. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 9-4 against the spread and 6 of 13 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

The Patriots are reporting the game as a sell out. It is the 225th consecutive sell out dating back to the 1994 season opener. The record includes preseason, regular season and playoff games.

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

After market tickets are available through the Official Patriots Ticket Exchange where season ticket holders can sell their unused seats to fans on the season ticket waiting list.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Foxboro make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Foxboro MA.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Gillette Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION
Television

CBS in televising the game regionally. Ian Eagle will do play by play while Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts will provide the game analysis and Jenny Dell will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

See if you’re getting the game courtesy of J.P. Kirby at the506.com.

The DirecTV designation is Channel 710.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 10 a.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Dolphins Radio Network has former Dolphins WR Jimmy Cefalo calling play-by-play and former Dolphins TE Joe Rose and Hall of Famer Bob Griese providing the color with Kim Bokamper on the sidelines via their flagship stations WINZ 940 AM and WBGG-FM 105.9.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 119 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 816.

ESPN Radio is carrying the game with Marc Kestecher on play by play, Bill Polian handles the analysis and Ian Fitzsimmons roams the sidelines.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

 

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots defeated the Chargers in San Diego, 23-14 while the Dolphins lost at home to the Ravens, 28-13.

History

• This is the 99th meeting between the teams including playoffs.
• The Dolphins lead the series 52-46 including playoffs.
• The Patriots have the edge in post season meetings, 2-1.
• Dolphins won the last meeting Week 1 at Miami, 33-20

Patriots Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 448-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

• The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

• They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

• They have 12 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.(2003-14)

• All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

• Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 227.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 248.
• Have the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 13.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 148-41.

• Since 2000 the Patriots are 93-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 81-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL, Pittsburgh is 2nd at 64-31.

• Since 2000 New England is 52-9 in December games.

• Since 2004 the Patriots are 37-4 following a loss and have not lost back to back games since 2012.

• Patriots are 11-3 at home vs. Dolphins since 2000.

• They are 67-24 vs. AFC East.

• Have 16 consecutive home wins vs. the AFC East.

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Dolphins:

• The Patriots have won 9 of the last 12 games between the teams.

• The Patriots are 31-17 vs. the Dolphins at home including playoffs.

• New England is 10-2 vs. Miami at Gillette Stadium.

• Patriots have lost last two meetings after having won 7 consecutive games vs. Dolphins.

• Week 1 at Miami had 100 yards in penalties.

Last Week vs. the Chargers:

• Tom Brady recorded his 30th TD pass of the season it’s his 5th time with 30 or more.

• Brady had his 64th career 300-yard passing game.

• Sealver Siliga returned and made contributions on the defensive line.

• Rob Ninkovich got his 7th sack of the season and is looking for his 3rd consecutive season with 8 or more sacks.

• Brandon Bolden had his first career punt block.

• Jamie Collins not only called the signals in the game for the defense he had his first career 2-sack game and led the team in tackles.

• Rob Gronkowski beat Antonio Gates to 10 TD catches and became the first tight end in NFL history with 4 seasons of 10 TD’s or more.

• The defense allowed only 216 total yards and only 53 rushing yards.

• Had 24 first downs to the Chargers 13 first downs.

• New England had 397 total yards to San Diego’s 216.

• Patriots had 6 penalties vs. the Chargers for 70 yards.

• Nine of the Chargers top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 28 yards (Rivers to Floyd). Their longest rush against the defense was 17 yards by Ryan Matthews.

• Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 69-yard TD pass to Julian Edelman. The longest run play was a rush was by LeGarrette Blount for 23 yards.

In the 2014 Season:

• A win or a tie gives the Patriots the AFC East Title it’d be their 6th consecutive division crown.

• Currently hold the top playoff seed in the AFC due to a tiebreaker they earned with a win over Denver (2). If the playoffs started now both teams would have a first round bye.

• Lead NFL with most red zone points (285) having converted on 50 or 54 red zone opportunities (34 TD’s; 1g FG).

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• Looking for 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

• New England has 105 penalties this season in 13 games and has been penalized 936 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

• New England is PLUS 10 in turnover differential they are 3rd in the NFL. They have 13 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 7 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 30.8 points per game and are 9th in points allowed with 20.5 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Wednesday press conference on the Dolphins.

Bill Belichick notes:

• Bill Belichick is 18-13 vs. the Dolphins. He is 18-11 with New England and 0-2 with Cleveland.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 209-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 228-117.

• Belichick’s 228 wins are good for 5th all-time. He can tie Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau for 4th with 229 wins on Sunday.

• Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Special Teams Coach Scott O’Brien spent two seasons (2005-06) with the Dolphins as coordinator of football operations/assistant to the head coach.

• Tight ends coach Brian Daboll was the Dolphins offensive coordinator in 2011.

• Offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo coached the Dolphins’ offensive line from 2009-11.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Blount
• RB: Devlin

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Chr. Jones
• LB: Collins
• LB: Ayers
• LB: Casilla
• DB: Arrington
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 17-8 vs. Miami in his career. He is 89-13 at home in the regular season.

• Brady is 11-1 vs. Miami at home in his career. He has won the last 5 home games against them. (Last loss vs. Miami at home Week 3 – 2008, 38-13.)

• Has a 46-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

• Overall he is 158-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 176-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has multiple TD pass games for 9 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2), Week 13 at Green Bay (2) and Week 14 at San Diego (2).

• 389 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 2 TD passes behind Drew Brees.

• 158 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

• He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 124 games; the team’s record is 106-18.

• Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.

• Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Has caught a pass in 63 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14.

• Had 8 catches for 87 yards and 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Leads team in TD’s with 10 and receiving yards with 997.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

• Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.

• Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Leads team in receiving with 85 catches and is 2nd with 884 receiving yards.

• Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

• Only 3rd NFL player to get his first four career TD’s in one game and first since Herb Henderson of the Evansville Crimson Giants in 1921.

• Tied a single game NFL record with 15 rushing first downs Week 11 at Indianapolis with Corey Dillon and Edgerrin James.

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (4).

• Is second on team in rushing yards with 345 just 2 yards behind Shane Vereen.

• Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Leads team in rushing yards with 347 yards.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

• Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

• Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

• Has scored at least 1 point in 117 consecutive games a franchise record.

• He is tied for second in team history in points (1,154) trailing only Adam Vinatieri (1,158).

• Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Had 5 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 14 at San Diego.

• Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Leads team with 7 sacks.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.

• Second on team in tackles with 73 (56 solo) and tied for 2nd on team with 4.5 sacks.

• His 4.5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Leads team with 85 tackles (56 solo).

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

• Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Had a big INT Week 14 at San Diego. It was the lone Chargers turnover.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

General Team news:

P Ryan Allen named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 14 at San Diego. He punted 5 times for 247 yards (49.4 ave), 4 were inside the 20 and 1 was a touch back with a long of 60 yards. The Chargers only had a total of 7 yards on punt returns.

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Activated DT Sealver Siliga from IR (designated to return list).

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Dolphins on the Patriots:

• DE Rob Ninkovich
• RB Jonas Gray

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with Florida roots:

• WR Brian Tyms – FT. Lauderdale FL
• DT Vince Wilfork – Boynton Beach FL
• RB James White – Ft. Lauderdale FL
• C/G Bryan Stork – Vero Beach FL
• RB LeGarrette Blount – Perry FL

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Florida based colleges and universities:

• DT Vince Wilfork – University of Miami
• DT Dominque Easley – University of Florida
• C/G Bryan Stork – Florida State
• WR Brian Tyms – Florida A&M
• OL Caylin Hauptmann – Florida International

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Dolphins Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Dolphins roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Dolphins Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Dolphins all-time record is 422-323-4 and they are 20-20 in the playoffs with their last playoff appearance coming in 2008. In that postseason the Dolphins lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Game.

• They last played for a conference championship in 1992 when they lost to San Diego in the AFC Title game, 29-10.

• They have won two Super Bowl titles (VII, VIII) in five appearances. They last appeared in a Super Bowl in 1984 losing to the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XIX, 38-16. The Dolphins franchise started in 1966 in the AFL.

In the Joe Philbin Era (2012 to present):

• Looking for a season sweep of the Patriots for the first time since 2000.

• They are three games behind the Patriots and a loss will knock them out of the division race and greatly hamper their wild card chances.

• Have allowed the fourth fewest passing TD’s (55) in the NFL since 2012.

• Are tied for most blocked kicks in NFL with 4 this year. They have two blocked punts and two blocked field goals.

Against the Patriots:

• Snapped New England’s 10 game win streak on Kick Off Weekend Week 1 at Miami, 33-20.

• They have back-to-back wins (Wk 15 – 2013 and Wk 1 – 2014) over New England for first time since they won in 2000 (Wk 17) and 2001 (Wk 4).

• Miami is 36-48 vs. the AFC East in the regular season since 2001.

• The Dolphins are 2-10 vs. the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Overall as the road team in the series they are 17-31 and that includes 0-1 in the playoffs.

• Against New England they were 13-19 at Foxboro Stadium and 2-2 at Fenway Park.

• Miami has lost 12 of the last 15 meetings with New England.

• The Dolphins have swept the Patriots 13 times in the series the last time was in 2000.

• Miami’s longest win streak against New England is 9 games from 1989 to 1993.

• Largest margin of victory in franchise history came vs. the Patriots in Week 9 1972 at Miami when they won 52-0.

• Set season bests for rushing first downs (11), rushing attempts (38), rushing yards (191), fumbles/lost (3/2), fewest punts (2) vs. New England Week 1.

In 2014:

• Currently out of the playoffs if season ended now. Heading into Week 15 they are the AFC’s 9th seed behind potential wild cards Pittsburgh (5) and San Diego (6) who along with Baltimore (7) all are 8-5, while Houston (8) is 7-6 like Miami. Kansas City (10), Buffalo (11) and Cleveland (12) who trail the Dolphins based on tiebreakers are all also 7-6.

• Have a strong 3-1 record in the AFC East.

• Are 4-3 on the road with wins over NY Jets, Oakland, Chicago and Jacksonville.

• Shutout San Diego at home Week 9, 37-0. It was their first shutout since Week 1 – 2000 vs. Seattle, 23-0.

• Have 7 games in which they held opponents to 20 points or less.

• Miami has 64 penalties this season in 13 games and has been penalized 506 yards.

• Miami is PLUS 4 in turnover differential they are 10th in the NFL. They have 12 INT and have recovered 10 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 9 fumbles.

• The Dolphins are 12th in points scored averaging 24.1 points per game and are 7th in points allowed with 20.0 points per game.

Dolphins Staff Notes

See what Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Joe Philbin notes:

• He is the 10th head coach in Dolphins team history.

• Philbin is in his 3rd season as a NFL head coach and he has a 22-23 record since taking over.

• He is 2-3 against New England in his career.

• He is the 5th winningest coach in Dolphins history behind Don Shula (274), Dave Wannstedt (43), Jimmy Johnson (38) and Tony Sparano (29).

• Philbin, a Springfield MA native, is a former high school player and coach at Longmeadow (MA) High School. He also coached at Northeastern and Harvard as the offensive coordinator.

• Prior to taking over in Miami he was in Green Bay since 2003. He served as offensive coordinator (2007-11), offensive line coach (2006), tight ends coach (2004-05) and assistant offensive line coach (2003).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Bill Lazor is in his first season as the offensive coordinator for Miami. He previously was the quarterbacks coach in Philadelphia (2013), Seattle (2008-09) and Washington (2006-07) and an offensive assistant with Washington (2004-05) and Atlanta (2003). He also the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at the University of Virginia (2010-12) and the University of Buffalo (2001-02).

• Defensive Coordinator Kevin Coyle is in his third season (2012-present) in that position after 11 years in Cincinnati (2001-11) as the secondary coach. He graduated from UMass and spent nine years at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester as an assistant coach and defensive coordinator.

• Wide Receivers Coach Ken O’Keefe is from Milford CT and previously coached at the University of New Haven.

• Linebackers coach Mark Duffner served as the College of Holy Cross’ defensive coordinator from 1981-86 before being promoted to head coach from 1986-91.

• Assistant offensive line coach Jack Bicknell Jr. played collegially for his father at Boston College from 1981-85. Bicknell Jr. served as a graduate assistant for Boston College before moving on to New Hampshire, where he coached the defensive (1987-92) and offensive (1993-96) lines. He returned to Boston College to become the Eagles’ offensive line coach in 2007.

• Assistant quarterbacks coach Ben Johnson was a graduate assistant (2009-10) and tight ends coach (2011) at Boston College.

• Secondary coach Lou Anarumo served as assistant head coach at Harvard from 1995-2000.

• Defensive assistant Jeff Burris spent the 2012 season as the University of Massachusetts’ cornerbacks coach.

• Assistant linebackers coach David Corrao served as tight ends coach at Northeastern in 2004.

Dolphins Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: James
• LG: Colledge
• C: Satele
• RG: Pouncey
• RT: Thomas
• TE: Clay
• WR: Hartline
• WR: Wallace
• WR: Landry
• QB: Tannehill
• RB: Miller

Defense:

• DE: Wake
• DT: Starks
• DT: Mitchell
• DE: Vernon
• LB: Wheeler
• LB: Trusnick
• LB: Tripp
• LCB: Grimes
• RCB: Finnegan
• S: Wilson
• S: R. Jones

Dolphins Players Notes

Ryan Tannehill notes:

• Dolphins starting QB was their first round pick out of Texas A&M in the 2012 NFL Draft.

• Tannehill has a 22-23 record in his 3rd NFL season.

• He has consecutive 20+ TD pass seasons in 2013 and 2014 the only other Dolphin QB’s with 20+ TD seasons are Dan Marino (13 times); Bob Griese (2) and Jay Fielder (1).

• Has six 300-yard passing games in his career; Marino had (63) 300-yard games.

• He (3) and Marino (13) are only Dolphin QB’s to have multiple 3,000-yard seasons.

• Is in Top 10 in NFL in completions, completion percentage and interception percentage for the season.

• Has 10,251 passing yards in three season 9th most for quarterbacks in the first three seasons.

• He is 4th in passing yards in Dolphins history.

• His wife, Lauren, is H-O-T, hot.

Jarvis Landry notes:

• Leads team and all rookie wide receivers in receptions with 63 catches.

• Third in the NFL in kick of return average with 29.8 yards per return.

• 2nd in franchise history in receptions by a rookie (63) and TD catches by a rookie (5).

Mike Wallace notes:

• Second year with Miami after four seasons in Pittsburgh.

• Leads team with 7 TD catches.

• Has 57 catches and team leading 700 receiving yards in 2014.

• Has 13 career games with at least 7 catches.

• Has 17 career 100-yard receiving games.

Brian Hartline notes:

• Has 34 catches for 380 yards in 2014.

• Tied franchise record with back-to-back 1,000 receiving yard seasons.

• Needs 7 catches for 300 in his career.

• Now has 4,149 receiving yards in his career he is 7th in Miami history.

Lamar Miller notes:

• Leads team with career high 782 rushing yards and 6 rushing TD’s.

• Has career highs in TD runs (6), receptions (32) and receiving yards (207).

• Had career high 108 rushing yards Week 3 vs. Kansas City.

• Is 5th in rushing yards (782) in the AFC.

Cameron Wake notes:

• Has 61 career sacks most by an undrafted player in Dolphins history and 5th most for the franchise.

• Has 11 multi-sack games in his career.

• Was AFC Defensive player of the Week for Week 1 vs. New England with 3 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits and 2 forced fumbles.

• Needs 14 solo tackles for 200 in his career.

• Has 9 career forced fumbles.

Olivier Vernon notes:

• Has 21.5 sacks in first three seasons.

• Has 6.5 sacks this season to lead team.

Brent Grimes notes:

• Leads team with 5 INT’s.

• Leads team with 13 passes defensed.

• Had 2 INT’s Week 8 vs. San Diego.

• Returned INT for a 22-yard TD Week 7 at Jacksonville.

• Was AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 10 vs. Buffalo.

Former Patriots on the Dolphins:

• DL A.J. Francis (IR)
• DB Don Jones
• QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson (practice squad)

Players with New England roots:

• TE Arthur Lynch (IR) – Dartmouth MA

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• none

Dolphins do not name team captains. They are appointed on a weekly basis prior to the game.

Miami has 3 retired numbers:

• 12 – Bob Greise
• 13 – Dan Marino
• 39 – Larry Csonka

Next Week

Logo of Next Opponent

Up next: New York Jets – AFC East

Location: MetLife Stadium, Meadowlands NJ

Date/Time: Sunday December 21 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS

This Week

The New England Patriots visit the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on Sunday at 8:25 p.m.

The Patriots			The Chargers
Overall Record	9-3		Overall Record	8-4
Road Record	3-3		Home Record	5-1
AFC West	2-1		AFC East	2-1
AFC Conf	6-2		AFC Conf	6-3

Bill Levy is the referee for the game.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from 5dimes.eu via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 3.5. The over under is 50.5.

My Prediction is Patriots 34, Chargers, 20. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 8-4 against the spread and 6 of 12 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Tickets

Tickets to the game, if available, can be purchased through Ticketmaster. You can check the availability here.

Getting to the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in San Diego CA make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for San Diego.

Click for all the game day information including stadium directions, parking information and map and a Qualcomm Stadium seating chart.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC in televising the game nationally and Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will cover the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

There is no DirecTV Sunday Ticket designation as the game is broadcast nationally.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 5 p.m. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 93, XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Chargers Radio Network has Josh Lewin calling the game while Hank Bauer provides the game analysis via their flagship station KIOZ-FM 105.3 and KLSD-AM 1360.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 92, XM Channel 226 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 825.

Westwood One will broadcast the game nationally with Kevin Kugler, James Lofton and Tony Boselli calling the game.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

Patriots All Access

Patriots All-Access features behind the scenes looks, interviews and breakdowns with head coach Bill Belichick and in depth features on the team. It’s hosted by Steve Burton of WBZ-TV (Boston) and airs weekly in most New England television markets.

• Boston MA on TV 38 Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Providence RI on WNAC Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m.
• Manchester NH on WMUR Saturday at midnight
• Portland ME on WMTW Saturday at 5 a.m.
• Hartford CT on WCTX Saturday at 5 p.m.
• Springfield MA on WFXQ Saturday at 7 p.m.
• Bangor ME on WVII Sunday at 11 a.m.

You can also watch it anytime on the teams website in the media section.

Last Week

The Patriots had their 7 game win streak snapped at Green Bay, 26-21. The Chargers edged the Ravens in Baltimore, 34-33.

History

• This is the 40th meeting between the Patriots and the Chargers since the AFL days.
• Teams first played on October 8, 1960 when they were the Boston Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers.
• The Patriots lead the regular season series 20-14-2. They also have a 2-1 playoff advantage for an overall series mark of 22-15-2.
• The teams last met in Week 2 2011 at Gillette Stadium and the Patriots won, 35-21.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• The Patriots overall franchise record is 447-376-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven appearances. Overall they are 25-18 in the post season.

• They last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.

• It was the 3rd consecutive AFC Championship game appearance for the franchise and 10th overall. They are 7-3 in those AFC title games.

• The Patriots were 12-4 (1-1 in playoffs) in 2013 and are the defending five-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 11 times and the conference 5 times since 2000.

• New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons (2001-2014).

• They are the first team in the free agency era (1993) to win more than half their games in a 14-season span.

• They have 11 consecutive seasons with at least 10 wins.

• All-time the 14 consecutive winning seasons stands 5th behind Chicago (1930-44) 15 seasons, Oakland (1965-80) and San Francisco (1983-98) 16 seasons and Dallas (1966-85) 20 seasons.

• Since the merger the Patriots have 29 winning seasons.

• New England is 22-16 all-time on Sunday Night Football.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

• Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
• Have the most regular season wins, 226.
• Have the most wins including playoffs, 247.
• Have the most conference titles, 6.
• Have the most division titles, 13.
• Have the most playoff wins, 21
• Have played the most playoff games, 33.
• Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 15.
• The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
• Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

From 1960 to 1993 the New England/Boston Patriots won a total of 225 games.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

• Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 147-41.

• Since 2000 the Patriots are 92-24 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 three times.

• Since 2001 the Patriots are 80-21 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL, Pittsburgh is 2nd at 63-31.

• Since 2000 New England is 51-9 in December games.

• Since 2004 the Patriots are 36-4 following a loss and have not lost back to back games since 2012.

• Since 2000 they have the best road record in the NFL 76-42.

• Have 14 consecutive seasons without a losing record.

• First team to twice score 3 TD’s in less than a minute Week 8, 2014 vs. Chicago and Week 12, 2012 at NY Jets.

Against the Chargers:

• This is the 40th meeting and the 19th with the Patriots as the road team (18 in San Diego, 1 in Los Angeles).

• Patriots were 7-11-2 in the series when the teams were in the AFL.

• Since joining the NFL in 1970 the Patriots lead the series 15-4.

• New England is 10-7-1 as the road team overall in the series including playoffs.

• Patriots have won the last two, 5 of the last 6 and 15 of the last 18 dating back to 1973.

• After playing each other frequently in the AFL the Patriots went 19 years between road games in San Diego (Week 5 1977/Week 14 1996).

• In that 19 season span the teams met four times and all the games were in Foxboro.

Last Week vs. the Packers:

• Since realignment in 2002 Green Bay is the only NFC North team to beat New England they’ve done it twice once in New England and once in Green Bay.

• Loss snapped their 7 game win streak. They are currently tied for the NFL’s best record with Denver, Philadelphia and Green Bay and hold the top seed in the AFC by tiebreaker over the Broncos.

• Since re-alignment in 2002 New England is 42-10 vs. the NFC.

• New England is 29-9 in games played in temperatures 34 or colder since 2000.

• Brandon LaFell set career highs in catches (53), yards (712) and TD’s (7).

• LaFell had his second 2 TD game of the season.

• Brandon Bolden had his first TD of the season on a 6 yard run.

• Had 20 first downs to the packers 24 first downs.

• New England had 320 total yards to Green Bay’s 478.

• Patriots had 4 penalties vs. the Packers for 25 yards.

• Seven of the Packers top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 45 yards (twice – Adams, Nelson TD). Their longest rush against the defense was 24 yards by Eddie Lacy.

• Eight of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 29-yard pass to Rob Gronkowski. The longest offensive play was a rush was by LeGarrette Blount for 13 yards (twice).

In the 2014 Season:

• Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.

• Looking for 12th consecutive season with at least 10 wins.

• New England has 99 penalties this season in 12 games and has been penalized 866yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards in 16 weeks.

• New England is PLUS 11 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 12 INT and have recovered 8 fumbles while they have thrown 6 INT’s and lost 3 fumbles.

• The Patriots are 3rd in points scored averaging 31.5 points per game and are 13th in points allowed with 21.1 points per game.

Patriots Staff Notes

This is the link to head coach Bill Belichick’s Tuesday press conference on the Chargers.

Bill Belichick notes:

• Bill Belichick is 7-5 vs. the Chargers. He is 6-3 including playoffs with New England and 1-2 with Cleveland.

• Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 208-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 172-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 19-9 in the playoffs, 18-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 227-117.

• Belichick’s 227 wins are good for 5th all-time. Hall of Fame member Curly Lambeau is 4th with 229 wins.

• Is tied with Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.

• He has won 5 conference titles; he needs one more to tied Don Shula’s record of 6.

• He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.

• Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).

• Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.

• He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.

• No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 8 (five as a head coach).

• He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 11 consecutive seasons.

• He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Solder
• LG: Connolly
• C: Stork
• RG: Wendell
• RT: Vollmer
• TE: Gronkowski
• TE: Wright
• WR: LaFell
• WR: Edelman
• QB: Brady
• RB: Gray

Defense:

• DE: Ninkovich
• DT: Wilfork
• DT: Chr. Jones
• DE: Easley
• LB: Collins
• LB: Hightower
• LB; Ayers
• LCB: Revis
• RCB: Browner
• S: Chung
• S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

• This is his 15th NFL season he is 6-2 vs. the Chargers in his career including 2-0 in the playoffs. He is 68-33 on the road in the regular season.

• Brady is 37-8 in his career following a loss.

• Has a 45-7 career record in December games best among quarterbacks with at least 20 starts. Roger Staubach is 2nd at 17-3.

• He is 16-10 in his career vs. the AFC West in the regular season.

• Overall he is 157-46 as a starting QB and is 18-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 175-55. He is a 9 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21^st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.

• Has multiple TD pass games for 8 consecutive games. Week 5 vs. Cincinnati (2), Week 6 at Buffalo (4), Week 7 vs. NYJets (3), Week 8 vs. Chicago (5), Week 9 vs. Denver (4), Week 11 at Indianapolis (2), Week 12 vs. Detroit (2) and Week 13 at Green Bay (2).

• 387 TD passes in his career makes him 5th in NFL history 3 TD passes behind Drew Brees.

• 157 career wins are 3rd all-time behind only Brett Favre and Peyton Manning.

• He has thrown for 2 or more TD’s in 123 games; the team’s record is 105-18.

• Recorded his 12th season with 3,000 or more passing yards.

• Has put up 50+ points on an opponent 7 times all since 2007 and now has the most 50+ point games for a quarterback in NFL history. Len Dawson is 2nd with six games of 50+ points.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

• Has caught a pass in 62 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.

• With 1 more TD catch will become first TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches.

• Had 7 catches for 98 yards at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Leads team in TD’s with 9 and receiving yards with 910.

• Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.

• It was his 15th 100+ receiving yard games in his career. Extending his team record.

• Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

• Is 2nd in team history with 52 touchdowns (51 rec, 1 rush). Stanley Morgan is first with 68 TD’s (67 rec, 1 return).

• Second fastest player to 50 TD’s in NFL history (tied with Randy Moss, 59 games).

Julian Edelman notes:

• Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).

• Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for Week 9.

• Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.

• Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).

• Had 9 catches for 91 yards, 1 carry for 10 yards and 3 punt returns for 12 yards for 113 total yards Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Leads team in receiving with 77 catches and is 2nd with 743 receiving yards.

• Opened the season with a 95 receiving yards at Miami and added 81 yards receiving at Minnesota Week 2.

• Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

• DNP vs. Detroit Week 12 after missing a Friday morning meeting. Returned to action Week 13 at Green Bay (2 snaps, 1 carry for 4 yards).

• Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 11.

• In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.

• Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.

• Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

• Only 3rd NFL player to get his first four career TD’s in one game and first since Herb Henderson of the Evansville Crimson Giants in 1921.

• Tied a single game NFL record with 15 rushing first downs Week 11 at Indianapolis with Corey Dillon and Edgerrin James.

• Leads team in rushing TD’s (4).

• Is second on team in rushing yards with 332 just 8 yards behind Stevan Ridley who is on the season ending IR.

• Had 86 yards on 17 carries in his second NFL game Week 8 vs. Chicago.

Tim Wright notes:

• Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

• Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.

• Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 catches for 53 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

• Leads team in rushing yards with 346 yards.

• Had 29 rushing yards and 38 receiving yards and 1 TD catch Week 9 vs. Denver.

• Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.

• Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• Set franchise record with receptions (12) and receiving yards (153) by a running back in a single-game Week 14 (2013) vs. Cleveland.

• Became just fourth NFL running back to post 150 receiving yards in a single-game in the last 10 seasons.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

• Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.

• Returns to Foxboro after being released by Pittsburgh after Week 11. Signed a two-year deal at veteran minimums.

• Had 266 yards rushing with 2 TD’s on 65 carries for the Steelers this year. Also caught 6 passes for 36 yards.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

• Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.

• Missed his first field goal attempt of 2014 in first quarter, Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.

• Missed on a 4th quarter field goal for first time in 34 attempts Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.

• Lead NFL in scoring in both 2012 and 2013.

• Has scored at least 1 point in 117 consecutive games a franchise record.

• He is tied for second in team history in points (1,143) trailing only Adam Vinatieri (1,158).

• Has team record of 13 career field goals of 50+ yards.

Vince Wilfork notes:

• Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.

• Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.

• Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

• Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Leads team with 14 passes defensed.

• Has 23 career INT’s and is one of the top shutdown corners in the NFL.

• Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Shares team lead with 2 INT’s with Devin McCourty and Logan Ryan.

• Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

• In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.

• Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

• Had 5 tackles (4 solo), a sack, a tackle for loss and 2 QB hits Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.

• Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.

• The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.

• Leads team with 6 sacks.

• Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.

• Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.

• Had 8 tackles (5 solo) and a QB hit Week 12 vs. Detroit.

• Had 6 tackles (3 solo), 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.

• Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.

• Didn’t play Week 5 vs. Cincinnati or Week 6 at Buffalo due to a knee injury.

• Second on team in tackles with 73 (56 solo) and tied for 2nd on team with 4.5 sacks.

• His 4.5 sacks is a new career high.

• Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.

• Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Jamie Collins notes:

• Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.

• Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.

• Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.

• Leads team with 85 tackles (56 solo).

• Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

• Has recovered a fumble and forced 2 fumbles in 2014.

Akeem Ayers notes:

• Has a sack in three of his five games as a Patriot.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss vs. Detroit Week 12.

• Had 5 tackles (2 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 8 vs. Chicago.

• Had 3 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 QB hit and 1 tackle for loss Week 9 vs. Denver.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

• Signed LB Darius Fleming to the 53-man roster.
• Signed DB Justin Green to the practice squad.
• Signed DB Dax Swenson to the practice squad.
• Signed LB Deontae Skinner to the practice squad.
• WR Aaron Dobson placed on injured reserve.

Patriots team captains for 2014:

• QB Tom Brady
• G/C Dan Connolly
• WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
• DT Vince Wilfork
• LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
• S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Chargers on the Patriots:

• none

Players with New England roots:

• none

Players with California roots:

• LB Akeem Ayers – Los Angeles CA
• QB Tom Brady – San Mateo CA
• CB Brandon Browner – Sylmar CA
• S Patrick Chung – Rancho Cucamonga CA
• WR Julian Edelman – Redwood City CA
• WR Matthew Slater – Anaheim CA
• RB Shane Vereen – Valencia CA
• G Ryan Wendell – Pomona CA
• OL Chris Barker (practice squad) – Etiwanda CA
• OL Caylin Hauptmann (practice squad) – Los Angeles CA
• RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – San Diego CA

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

• RB James Develin – Brown

Players from California based colleges and universities:

• G Ryan Wendell – Fresno State
• RB Shane Vereen – California
• WR Matthew Slater – UCLA
• OL Cameron Fleming – Stanford
• LB Akeem Ayers – UCLA
• RB Tyler Gaffney (IR) – Stanford

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

• 20 – Gino Cappelletti
• 40 – Mike Haynes
• 73 – John Hannah
• 78 – Bruce Armstrong
• 79 – Jim Lee Hunt
• 89 – Bob Dee

Chargers Team Notes

Here is the Chargers roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Chargers Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

• San Diego’s all-time record is 416-405-11 they are 11-17 in the post season with their last post season appearance coming in 2013 when they beat Cincinnati on the road in the AFC Wild Card game and lost on the road to Denver in the AFC Division Game.

• They have never won a Super Bowl in 1 appearance. They lost Super Bowl XXIX to San Francisco 49-26.

• They last played for a conference championship in 2007 losing at Gillette Stadium to New England, 21-12.

• The won 1 AFL Championship in 1963 beating the Boston Patriots 51-10 at Balboa Stadium in San Diego. They lost in four other AFL Championship Games.

• Last season was their first playoff season since 2009.

• Since 2002 realignment the Chargers have won the AFC West 5 times and earned one wild card.

• Have called 3 stadiums home in their history (est. 1960) – Los Angeles Coliseum, Balboa Park and San Diego/Jack Murphy/Qualcomm Stadium

• Since 2002 the Chargers scored 26.8 points per game at home that’s the 4th best total in the NFL in that time.

• First Sunday Night Football game in San Diego since 2011.

• Since bringing the powder blue alternate back in 1994 the Chargers are 15-12 when wearing them.

Against the Patriots:

• Chargers will wear their powder blue uni’s for the game.

• Chargers led the series 11-7-2 in the series when the teams were in the AFL.

• Since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger San Diego is just 4-15 in the series vs. New England.

• Chargers are 7-10-1 as the home team overall in the series including playoff matchup’s (1-1).

• In 2007 Phillip Rivers played in the AFC Championship Game in Foxboro just six days after ACL surgery. This is also remembered as the day LaDainian Tomlinson stood on the sideline and pouted.

In 2014:

• San Diego has a 3 game win streak after having lost the previous three games. Before that they had won five in a row.

• In second place in the AFC West 1 game behind Denver.

• Held three teams (NY Jets, Buffalo and Oakland) to 10 points or less.

• San Diego is steeped in military tradition and the Chargers have six players who come from military families.

• San Diego has 77 penalties this season in 12 games and has been penalized 736 yards.

• San Diego is MINUS 1 in turnover differential. They have 7 INT’s and have recovered 6 fumbles while they have thrown 10 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.

• The Chargers are 14th in points scored averaging 23.3 points per game and are 12th in fewest points allowed with 20.8 points per game.

Chargers Staff Notes

Read what San Diego head coach Mike McCoy had to say to the New England media about the match up.

Mike McCoy notes:

• Mike McCoy is in his 2nd year as an NFL head coach all with the Chargers. He has a regular season record of 17-11 and he is 1-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 18-12.

• McCoy has never faced New England in his career.

• 15th head coach in Chargers history replaced Norv Turner.

• Played quarterback in the NFL with Denver, Green Bay, San Francisco, Philadelphia and Seattle from 1995-99. Also played in CFL with Calgary and in NFL Europe with Amsterdam.

• Was on Josh McDaniels staff in Denver as offensive coordinator. He was Broncos offensive coordinator from 2009-2011 and worked under 3 head coaches.

• Since taking over in 2013 he has wins over the last three Super Bowl winners.

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

• Former NFL QB Frank Reich is in his first season as the Chargers offensive coordinator, was previously the quarterbacks coach. Reich played 13 seasons in the NFL with Buffalo, Carolina, NY Jets and Detroit. He is best known as Jim Kelly’s back up in Buffalo during the Bills Super Bowl years and for leading the Bills to a miraculous comeback playoff win over Houston in 1992. He got them to the Super Bowl that season losing to Dallas 52-17.

• John Pagano is the defensive coordinator for the Chargers, he is the brother of Colts head coach Chuck Pagano. He is in his third season as the coordinator after spending 7 seasons as San Diego’s linebackers coach (2005-11). He is working for his third head coach in San Diego (Schottenheimer, Turner, McCoy).

• Special teams coach Kevin Spencer played football and lacrosse at Springfield College. He also was the head coach at Wesleyan University (1987-91).

• Running backs coach Ollie Wilson is a native of Worcester MA played four sports at Doherty HS. He played football at Springfield College, where he was an honorable mention All-America wide receiver.

• Assistant strength and conditioning coach Rick Lyle played for the Patriots from 2002-03, winning a Super Bowl championship in his final season as a player.

Chargers Possible Starters

Offense:

• LT: Dunlap
• LG: Rinehart
• C: Robinson
• RG: Troutman
• RT: Flucker
• TE: Gates
• WR: Allen
• WR: Royal
• WR: Floyd
• QB: Rivers
• RB: Oliver

Defense:

• DE: Reyes
• NT: Lissemore
• DT: Palepoi
• LB: Ingram
• LB: Te’o
• LB: Butler
• LB: J. Johnson
• LCB: Flowers
• RCB: Wright
• S: Gilchrist
• S: Weddle

Chargers Players Notes

Phillip Rivers notes:

• He was the New York Giants 1st round pick (4th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft out of North Carolina State. He was traded with additional picks to San Diego for QB Eli Manning who was selected by San Diego in the 1st round (1st overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.

• In 11 NFL seasons he has a career record of 87-53 and is 4-5 in the playoffs for an overall record of 91-58.

• He 1-5 vs. the Patriots including 0-2 in the playoffs.

• He has been selected to 5 Pro Bowls.

• Since 2006 Rivers is 33-6 in December/January games.

• He is 53-22 in games started November 1 or later.

• One of three quarterbacks to thrown 25 TD’s or more in 7 consecutive seasons.

• He has started 140 consecutive games, the second longest active streak (Eli Manning NYG 164 games).

• In Week 2 vs. Seattle, Week 3 at Buffalo, Week 4 vs. Jacksonville, Week 5 vs. NY Jets and Week 6 at Oakland he posted a passer rating of 120.0 or more to set a new NFL record for most consecutive games.

• Has 19 4th quarter comeback wins in his career.

Antonio Gates notes:

• Has 9 TD’s this season.

• Along with Patriots Rob Gronkowski has a chance to be first tight end to have 4 seasons with 10 TD’s or more.

• 10th in NFL history with 96 TD catches.

• Needs 233 yards to reach 10,000 career receiving yards.

• AFC Offensive Player of the Week for Week 2 vs. Seattle had 3 TD catches.

Keenan Allen notes:

• Leads team in catches (72) and receiving yards (762).

• Had career high 10 catches and 135 yards Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.

• Had career long 29 yard punt return Week 6 at Oakland.

• Week 12 vs. St. Louis had 6 catches for 104 yards and 1 TD.

• Set new career high with 11 catches Week 13 at Baltimore for 121 yards and 2 TD’s.

Branden Oliver notes:

• Inactive Weeks 1 and 2.

• Made NFL debut Week 3 at Buffalo.

• Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 5 vs. NY Jets ran for 114 yards and 1 TD.

• Leads team in rushing yards (431).

• Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week for Week 6 at Oakland ran for 101 yards and 1 TD.

Ryan Matthews notes:

• 4th in Chargers history with 4,017 rushing yards.

• 6th in Chargers history with 23 rushing TD’s.

• Suffered a knee injury Week 2 vs. Seattle did not return until Week 11 vs. Oakland.

• Week 12 vs. St. Louis had a career long 32-yard rushing TD.

Malcolm Floyd notes:

• Needs 178 yards for 5,000 career receiving yards.

• Has 278 career catches and 29 career TD’s.

• Had 250th career catch Week 5 vs. NY Jets.

• Played in 100th game Week 11 vs. Oakland.

Donald Brown notes:

• Former Indianapolis first round pick out of UConn (2009)

• Week 3 at Buffalo set career high with 31 carries.

• Suffered concussion Week 5 vs. NY Jets, did not return to action until Week 10 at Miami.

Eric Weddle notes:

• Has 19 career INT’s, 11th in Chargers history.

• Had 10 tackles Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.

• Started 100th career game Week 7 vs. Kansas City.

Corey Liuget notes:

• AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 3 at Buffalo. Had sack, forced fumble, 3 pressures and 1 QB hit.

Dwight Freeney notes:

• Started 150th career game Week 4 vs. Jacksonville.

• Had his first sack as a Charger Week 2 vs. Seattle

• Former Colt All-Pro DE moved to LB.

• Played his high school football at Bloomfield CT High School.

General Team notes:

Chargers team captains for 2014 are:

• QB Phillip Rivers
• TE Antonio Gates
• S Eric Weddle
• LB Jarrett Johnson
• S Darrell Stuckey
• A sixth captain is appointed each week prior to the game.

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

• RB Donald Brown – UConn
• DE Kendell Reyes – UConn
• DE Damik Scafe (IR) – Boston College
• CB Kendall James (practice squad) – Maine

Players with New England roots:

• DE Kendell Reyes – Nashua NH
• LB Dwight Freeney – Bloomfield CT
• DE Damik Scafe (IR) – Windsor CT

Former Patriots with the Chargers:

• RB Danny Woodhead (IR)

The Chargers have 3 retired numbers:

• 14 – Dan Fouts
• 19 – Lance Alworth
• 55 – Junior Seau

Next Week

Up next: Miami Dolphins – AFC East

Location: Gillette Stadium, Foxboro MA

Date/Time: Sunday December 14 1 p.m.

TV Network: CBS