NFL: 5 Recent Losses That The New England Patriots’ Organization Will Struggle To Recover From

New England Patriots Upset By New York Giants In Superbowl XLII on February 3rd, 2008 at University Of Phoenix Stadium-  The team was going for the perfect season at 19-0.  However, the Giants beat the Patriots and ended the perfect run of a team that would have been regarded as one of the greatest teams in NFL history had the Patriots won the game. The Giants won the game 17-14, which was surprising because the Patriots generally do not lose close football games.

New England Patriots Loss To Denver Broncos on October 11th, 2009 at Invesco Field- Coach Belichick was supposed to win the game against Coach McDaniels.  The mentor should have easily defeated his former student. After the Broncos beat the Patriots in this game 20-17, it seemed like other coaches around the NFL were not afraid of Coach Belichick or the Patriots anymore. Coach Belichick lost his mystique around the league after this game.

New England Patriots Loss To Indianapolis Colts on November 15, 2009 at Lucas Oil Stadium- The infamous 4th down and 2 call by Coach Belichick was the first time he showed fear of any type on a football field.  Coach Belichick refused to punt and did not play fundamental football. Peyton Manning ended up beating the Patriots 35-34. Coach Belichick still has not fully rebounded from this loss.

New England Patriots Loss To Baltimore Ravens In A Playoff Loss on January 10th 2010 at Gillette Stadium- The Ravens crushed the Patriots 33-14.  Prior to this game, Coach Belichick had not been dominated so easily in a home playoff game.  The Patriots never had a shot to win the game. The Patriots’ home field advantage at Gillette Stadium took a major hit on this day.

New England Patriots Upset By New York Jets In A Playoff Loss on January 16th, 2011 at Gillette Stadium- The Jets took down the Patriots as the number one seed in the AFC with the best regular season record at 14-2.  Coach Belichick did not seem to have his team ready to play at home even though his team entered the game rested after having a first round bye.  That is unheard of in the Bill Belichick era.  The Patriots not only lost a playoff game, but discovered they are no longer the top team in the AFC East. The Jets won the game 28-21 over the Patriots. The Patriots face an uncertain future with many unanswered questions heading into the offseason.