NE received some love at the 2024 NFL Awards. Pats’ defensive stalwart LOLB Matthew Judon (20.0 sacks, 23 TFL, 1 FF) took home both AFC DPOY and LB of the Year honors, while K Joey Slye (24/25 FG, 62/62 XP, 3/3 on FG’s of 50+ yards) took home AFC Kicker of the Year honors.
NE advances after defeating HOU 44-21 in the AFCCG. Mac Jones was relatively quiet but did just enough. Pierre Strong Jr. once again carried the offense (27 carries, 116 yds, 3 TD). NE’s defense only had 1 sack but did force 3 huge TO’s and score 1 TD. Onto SF in the Super Bowl.
NE will once again advance after defeating BAL 35-24 in the Divisional Round. NE’s offense had an overall mediocre day, but their defense propelled them to victory. The Pats generated 8 sacks, forced 3 TO’s, and scored 2 TD’s. Onto HOU, the AFC’s 1 seed, in the AFC Championship.
NE advances to the next round after defeating KC 22-8 in the Wildcard Round. On a day when the Pats failed to score an offensive touchdown, the defense came through in a huge way, forcing 3 TO’s, generating 7 sacks, and scoring 1 TD. Onto BAL in the Divisional Round.
NE finishes the regular season at 15-2 after beating ARI in Wk 18 (26-0), securing the AFC East title and the AFC’s 2nd seed. The offense struggled to score, but the defense forced 5 TO’s, secured 2 sacks, and only allowed 44 total yds and 0 points. Onto KC in the Wildcard Round.
NE moves to 14-2 on the year following a 54-40 win over NYJ in Week 17. Mac Jones had an average day, but Pierre Strong Jr. excelled (28 carries, 100 yds, 4 TD). NE’s defense surrendered a lot of points but also made a lot of plays (6 TO’s forced, 5 sacks). Onto ARI in Week 18.
NE moves to 13-2 on the year after beating MIA 30-28 in Week 16. QB Mac Jones (336 yds, 2 TD, 0 INT) had a solid outing despite getting little help from the ground game (3.40 YPC). NE’s defense once again failed to force any TO’s but did generate 5 sacks. Onto NYJ in Week 17.
NE moves to 12-2 on the year after beating IND 28-27 in Week 15. NE’s offense was pretty well rounded, as both the passing and rushing attacks contributed somewhat evenly. While NE’s defense was unable to force any TO’s, they did manage to generate 4 sacks. Onto MIA in Week 16.
NE moves to 11-2 on the year following a 31-14 win over MIA in Week 14. QB Mac Jones had a great day (403 yds, 3 TD, 1 INT). WR Tyquan Thornton continued his sensational season (14 rec, 190 yds, 2 TD). NE’s defense only forced 1 TO but did generate 3 sacks. Onto IND in Week 15.
NE had a bye week in Week 13. While there were murmurs of the Pats using this time to relax and recuperate, HC Bill Belichick Jr. was not having any of that coming off of a last second loss to the Texans in Week 12. NE spent their bye grinding as always. Onto MIA in Week 14.
Down by 3 and in FG range late, NE chose to go for it on 4th down. They were unable to convert, thus losing to HOU. Trench play lost this one, as NE had 0 sacks (to 3 for HOU) and surrendered 5.11 YPC (to 3.27 YPC for NE). NE heads into its bye at 10-2 and 1st in the AFC East.
NE picks up its 10th win of the season with a 48-33 win over GB in Week 11. Mac Jones (456 yds, 4 TD, 1 INT) carried the offense on a day when the rushing attack couldn’t really get its footing (3.36 YPC). NE’s defense did just enough to win (1 TO, 2 sacks). Onto HOU in Week 12.
NE moves to 9-1 after defeating JAX 41-7. Mac Jones was efficient in a limited role, while Pierre Strong Jr. shouldered most of the offensive burden as the Pats protected a lead. NE’s defense was the true MVP, forcing 5 TO’s and generating 2 sacks. Onto a tough GB squad in Wk 11.
NE moves to 8-1 on the season following a 28-21 win over PIT in Week 9. Mac Jones picked up the slack from a lackluster rushing attack, throwing for 339 yards and 4 TD’s to only 1 INT. The Pats’ defense failed to force any TO’s but did generate 5 sacks. Onto JAX in Week 10.
The Patriots suffer their first loss of the season at the hands of their divisional rival, the Bills. Pass protection was by far NE’s biggest weakness on the day, as the Pats gave up 6 sacks and had multiple TO’s forced by pressure. Onto a tough Steelers team in Week 9.
NE picks up their 7th straight W vs NYJ in a 44-41 shootout. Pierre Strong Jr. once again put up yards, but this time the passing offense punched in the TD’s. NE’s defense generated inconsistent pressure but got a massive pick 6 (Dugger). Onto a beyond stacked BUF team in Wk 8.
NE picks up its 6th straight win to start the season, defeating BUF 35-0 on the road. NE’s defense played very well in this outing, generating 4 sacks, forcing 4 TO’s, and scoring 2 TD’s in just 1 half of play. Tyquan Thornton turned 3 catches into 3 TD’s. Onto NYJ in Wk 7.
NE picks up a thrilling win in OT vs LAC in Wk 5 (44-38). Mac Jones played well enough, but Pierre Strong Jr. once carried the offense (25 carries, 155 yds, 3 TD). Thornton had another explosive game. Defense struggled to finish sacks but did force 2 huge TO’s. Onto BUF for Wk 6.
NE picks up its 4th straight W vs LAR (41-35). Mac Jones put up decent yards but threw 0 TD to 3 INT. Pierre Strong Jr. carried the offense with 4 TD. The defense generated 0 TO’s but did have 2 sacks and limited yardage allowed. NE must now face the juggernaut that is LAC.