Highlighted Year: Stephen Gostkowski, 2008

Placekicker, New England Patriots

Age: 24

3^rd season in pro football & with Patriots

College: Memphis

Height: 6’1”   Weight: 210

Prelude:

Gostkowski scored 367 points in college, including 70 field goals. He was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL draft and was successful on 20 of 26 field goal attempts as a rookie as well as 43 of 44 PATs. Gostkowski followed up with 27 field goalsand a league-record 74 PATs without a miss on the way to scoring 137 points for the high-scoring Patriots in 2007.

2008 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 36 [1]

Most field goals, game – 4 at NY Jets 9/14, vs. Arizona 12/21

Field goal attempts – 40 [1, tied with David Akers]

Most field goal attempts, game – 4 at NY Jets 9/14, vs. Arizona 12/21

Field goal percentage – 90.0 [7]

PATs – 40 [11, tied with Rob Bironas, Ryan Longwell & Dan Carpenter]

PAT attempts – 40 [11, tied with four others]

Longest field goal – 50 yards at Seattle 12/7

Scoring

Field Goals – 36

PATs – 40

Points – 148 [1]

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, Sporting News

Pro Bowl

Patriots went 11-5 to finish second in the AFC East.  

Aftermath:

Gostkowski kicked 26 field goals in 2009 and was successful on just 10 of 13 attempts in a 2010 season in which he was sidelined for eight games by a thigh injury. He connected on 28 of 33 field goal tries in 2011 and was a perfect five-for-five in the postseason. Gostkowski once again led the NFL in scoring in 2012’13, ’14, and ’15, and also in field goals in 2013 with38 out of 41 attempts. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2013, ’14 , and ’15, the same year in which he received consensus first-team All-NFL honors.In 11 seasons thus far through 2016, all with New England, Gostkowski has made good on 303 of 348 field goal attempts (87.1%) and has added 548 PATs for a total of 1457 points. In the postseason he has added another 31 field goals out of 33 attempts and including 67 PATs has scored another 160 points. Gostkowski has received consensus first-team All-NFL recognition once and has received at least some first-team honors following three other seasons. He has also been selected to four Pro Bowls.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

Highlighted Year: Larry Garron, 1963

Fullback, Boston Patriots

Age: 26

4^th season in pro football & with Patriots

College: Western Illinois

Height: 6’0”   Weight: 215

Prelude:

Garron played at Western Illinois and followed his college coach, Lou Saban, to the Patriots of the new AFL in 1960. He appeared in only four games as a rookie and, suffering from tonsillitis, was cut. Garron returned in ’61 with added weight and split time at fullback with Billy Lott, rushing for 389 yards. His 5.6 yards-per-attempt included a team-record 85-yard run and he also caught 24 passes for 341 yards (14.2 avg.), averaged 27.4 yards on 16 kickoff returns, and scored a total of six touchdowns. Garron was a second-team All-AFL choice by the league and was selected for the AFL All-Star Game. Slowed by injuries in 1962, Garron still gained 1314 all-purpose yards, averaging 5.9 yards while rushing for 392 yards and 28.6 yards on 24 kickoff returns that included a TD.

1963 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 175 [5]

Most attempts, game – 23 (for 91 yds.) vs. San Diego 11/10

Yards – 750 [5]

Most yards, game – 107 yards (on 17 carries) at Houston 12/8

Average gain – 4.3 [4]

TDs – 2 [19, tied with five others]

100-yard rushing games – 1

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 26      

Most receptions, game – 5 (for 45 yds.) at San Diego 9/14

Yards – 418

Most yards, game – 92 (on 2 catches) vs. Houston 11/1

Average gain – 16.1 [10]

TDs – 2

Passing

Attempts – 1

Completions – 0

Interceptions – 0

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 28 [4]

Yards – 693 [4]

Most yards, game – 131 (on 3 ret.) vs. Denver 10/18

Average per return – 24.8 [5]

TDs – 0

Longest return – 58 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 1

Yards – 23

TDs – 0

All-Purpose yards – 1884 [1]

Scoring

TDs – 4

Points – 24

Postseason: 2 G

Rushing attempts – 22

Most rushing attempts, game – 19 at Buffalo, Eastern Division playoff

Rushing yards – 59

Most rushing yards, game – 44 at Buffalo, Eastern Division playoff

Average gain rushing – 2.7

Rushing TDs – 1

Pass receptions – 6

Most pass receptions, game – 4 at Buffalo, Eastern Division playoff

Pass receiving yards – 126

Most pass receiving yards, game – 120 at Buffalo, Eastern Division playoff

Average yards per reception – 21.0

Pass Receiving TDs – 2

Kickoff returns – 2  

Kickoff return yards – 32

Average per return – 16.0

TDs – 0

Longest return – 17 yards

Awards & Honors:

AFL All-Star Game

Patriots went 7-6-1 to tie for first in the AFL Eastern Division. Won Divisional playoff over Buffalo Bills (26-8). Lost AFL Championship to San Diego Chargers (51-10).

Aftermath:

Garron was an AFL All-Star again in 1964, although showing signs of wear. He rushed for 585 yards but averaged only 3.2 yards on a career-high 183 carries with two TDs; he also caught 40 passes for another 350 yards and seven touchdowns. Garron was shifted to halfback and became more productive as a pass receiver, especially with FB Jim Nance emerging as the primary runner. He played until 1968, a total of nine seasons (all with the Patriots), and rushed for 2981 yards on 759 carries (3.9 avg.) with 14 touchdowns and caught 185 passes for 2502 yards (13.5 avg.) and 26 TDs. He averaged 25.8 yards on 89 kickoff returns that included two more touchdowns, giving him 42 TDs in all. Garron was selected to four AFL All-Star Games.

--

Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders (NFC/AFC since 1970) in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1994: Marino Passes for 473 Yards & 5 TDs as Dolphins Defeat Patriots

The Miami Dolphins had QB Dan Marino (pictured above) back behind center as they hosted the New England Patriots in a season-opening game on September 4, 1994. After ten years of highly-productive, and often record-setting, passing while remaining injury free, Marino had been lost to a ruptured Achilles tendon five games into the ’93 season.

Head Coach Don Shula’s team had initially weathered the loss of Marino well and was at 9-2 before losing five straight games to close out the season and miss the playoffs at 9-7. The receiving corps, led by WR Irving Fryar, was capable while the running attack was mediocre, with RB Terry Kirby more productive as a receiver out of the backfield. However, it was key injuries on the defensive side that ultimately sank the Dolphins, and improvement was anticipated.

New England was coming off of a 5-11 record in its first year under Head Coach Bill Parcells, but after five straight losing seasons there was reason for optimism. QB Drew Bledsoe had a year of action under his belt, TE Ben Coates emerged as an outstanding receiver, and the defense, led by MLB Vincent Brown, was much better. 

There were 69,613 fans in attendance at Joe Robbie Stadium and there was a heavy downpour an hour before kickoff that turned the baseball infield portion of the field into a muddy mess. The game started off quietly enough as the Patriots went three-and-out on their first possession and Dan Marino misfired on his first two passes before Miami moved to the New England 39. However, in attempting to convert a fourth-and-one play, Terry Kirby fumbled and FS Myron Guyton recovered for the Patriots.

New England drove 59 yards in 11 plays. Drew Bledsoe started off with a completion to RB Leroy Thompson for 20 yards and, after the loss of a yard on a running play, connected with WR Michael Timpson for 12 yards. It was RB Marion Butts carrying most of the load from there as the Patriots kept the ball on the ground and FB Kevin Turner gained the last yard for a touchdown. Matt Bahr added the extra point and the home team was ahead by 7-0.

The Dolphins responded with a long series that stretched into the second quarter. Marino completed six passes along the way, four of them to Kirby, but after reaching the New England six his throw intended for FB Keith Byars was intercepted by LB Dwayne Sabb.

The teams exchanged punts before the Patriots advanced into Miami territory, fueled by a 28-yard Bledsoe-to-Timpson pass play. Bledsoe had two more completions before being picked off in the end zone by CB Troy Vincent. Three plays later, Marino fired a pass to WR Mark Ingram for a 64-yard touchdown. Pete Stoyanovich booted the point after and the score was tied.

The Patriots responded with a scoring drive of eight plays that covered 68 yards. Bledsoe had four pass completions, the two biggest to TE Ben Coates for 26 yards and Turner for 19, to reach the Miami two and from there he tossed a TD pass to Coates. Bahr again converted to put the visitors up by seven with 2:15 left in the first half.

There was still time for Marino to pass the Dolphins into scoring position and, on the final play of the half, Stoyanovich kicked a 42-yard field goal and the New England lead was 14-10 at halftime.

A short Miami series to start the third quarter ended with a punt but, on their second play, the Patriots came through with a big one as Bledsoe (pictured at left) threw to Coates for a 62-yard touchdown. Bahr’s conversion stretched the New England lead to 21-10.

The teams again traded punts before the Dolphins, striking quickly, got back on the board. Taking over from their 39, Marino went long to WR Irving Fryar for 40 yards to the New England 21. A run for five yards that was followed by a holding penalty and then an incomplete pass had the home team facing third-and-15. Marino then connected with TE Keith Jackson for a TD from 26 yards out. Kirby dove into the end zone for a two-point conversion (the first in team history) and the New England lead was cut to 21-18.

FS Gene Atkins intercepted a Bledsoe pass on the next series to give the ball back to the Dolphins, but a fumble by Marino on the next play gave the ball back to the Patriots at the Miami 24. Five plays later, Bledsoe connected with Timpson for a five-yard touchdown and, with Bahr’s extra point, the visitors were ahead by ten at 28-18. Helped along by a pass interference penalty, the Dolphins responded with another long Marino TD pass, this time to Fryar for 54 yards. Stoyanovich’s kick made it a three-point game at 28-25.

The Patriots had the ball for the remainder of the period and punted to start the fourth quarter. Two plays later, Kirby took a handoff and then tossed the ball back to Marino on a flea-flicker that resulted in another scoring pass to a wide-open Fryar, this time covering 50 yards. Stoyanovich converted and the Dolphins had their first lead of the day at 32-28.

New England was far from finished and advanced 67 yards in seven plays. Bledsoe completed a pass to WR Vincent Brisby for six yards to convert a third-and-six situation at midfield and WR Ray Crittenden put the Patriots back in front with a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone of a Bledsoe pass for a 23-yard touchdown. Bahr’s successful conversion made the score 35-32 with 10:12 left to play.

Following an exchange of punts, the Dolphins took over on their 20 with 8:50 remaining on the clock. Marino passed to Kirby for 21 yards on a third-and-12 play and, shortly thereafter facing third-and-seven, he connected with WR Scott Miller for 18 yards. Four plays later, and facing fourth-and-five, Marino correctly surmised that the Patriots were in single coverage and threw to Fryar for a 35-yard touchdown. Stoyanovich’s PAT put Miami ahead by four points.

Bledsoe came out throwing following the ensuing kickoff and hit Thompson for eight yards and Brisby for 19 to reach the New England 47. The next two passes fell incomplete before Coates caught a pass for a 23-yard gain, but the tight end fumbled when hit by Atkins at the end and SS Michael Stewart recovered for the Dolphins at the Miami 26 to nail down the 39-35 win.

Both teams piled up yards, with the Dolphins compiling the most (525 to 472), although New England led in first downs (25 to 21) and time of possession (32:42 to 27:18). Each club turned the ball over three times.

Dan Marino showed that he was back in good form as he completed 23 of 42 passes for 473 yards and five touchdowns while giving up one interception. Irving Fryar (pictured above) had a huge performance with 211 yards on his five catches that included three touchdowns. Mark Ingram contributed 87 yards and a TD on his three receptions and Terry Kirby, who rushed for 56 yards on 19 carries, also caught 7 passes for 61 yards.

For the Patriots, Drew Bledsoe was successful on 32 of 51 throws for 421 yards and four TDs while being intercepted twice. Ben Coates topped the receivers by catching 8 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns. Marion Butts led the miniscule running attack with 25 yards on 15 attempts, closely followed by Leroy Thompson’s six carries for 22 yards.

“Dan is back,” said Miami’s Coach Shula. “All week I’ve never seen him more intense than he’s been this week. This game probably meant as much as any he has played in for a while.”

The Dolphins won four of their first five games on the way to a 10-6 record and first place in the AFC East. They defeated Kansas City in the Wild Card playoff round before losing a close contest to the Chargers at the Divisional level. New England also went 10-6, losing both of its games to Miami to thus finish second in the division, and qualified for the postseason as a Wild Card entry. The Patriots lost to Cleveland in the Wild Card round.

As the opening game foreshadowed, both quarterbacks had productive passing seasons. Dan Marino finished second in the NFL in pass attempts (615), completions (385), and yards (4453) and third in touchdown passes (30) and passer rating (89.2, best in the AFC). It was the emergent Drew Bledsoe placing first in attempts (691), completions (400), and yards (4555), although also interceptions (27), which were two more than his touchdown passing total (25). Both were chosen to the Pro Bowl (the eighth such honor for Marino, the first for Bledsoe).

Likewise, the game’s top receivers remained productive all year. Irving Fryar, whose 211 yards against the Patriots were his career high, caught 73 passes for 1270 yards, both totals exceeding any of the previous ten years of his career, and seven TDs. Ben Coates topped the AFC with 86 pass receptions, for 1174 yards and seven scores. Like Marino and Bledsoe, both were Pro Bowl selections.

1978: Dusek Fumble Return Lifts Redskins Past Patriots

The Washington Redskins were under new leadership and facing long odds (they were 9.5-point underdogs) as they faced the New England Patriots in a season-opening game on September 3, 1978.

Jack Pardee was making his debut as head coach of the Redskins, the successor to George Allen and his seven straight winning records, including 9-5 in ‘77. Allen had dealt away draft picks to stockpile veterans, and there were concerns about retooling at certain positions. Foremost was at quarterback, where Bill Kilmer was almost 39 years old and being pressed by Joe Theismann, who was named the starter just prior to the opener. HB Mike Thomas was capable and it was hoped that FB John Riggins would rebound from an injury-plagued year. The defense was tough but old and there were concerns in particular about the backfield.

New England, coached by Chuck Fairbanks, had also been 9-5 the previous year but was considered to be a contender in the highly competitive AFC East. Steve Grogan brought grit and mobility to the quarterback position and there was a promising group of runners led by FB Sam Cunningham. WR Darryl Stingley’s career was cut short by a spinal cord injury suffered during the preseason and WR Harold Jackson was obtained from the Rams to take his place. The defense was fifth overall in 1977 and especially strong against the run.

There were 55,037 fans in attendance at Schaeffer Stadium in Foxboro, MA. The Redskins came through with a big gain on their first play from scrimmage as Joe Theismann fired a pass to WR Danny Buggs that picked up 63 yards to the New England 17. From there, the visitors made it to the eight before Mark Moseley came on to kick a 26-yard field goal for the early 3-0 lead.

That lead held up through the first half as both quarterbacks were erratic and the Patriots failed to take advantage of several opportunities. Drives to the Washington 23 and 26 both came up empty, the last when CB Lamar Parrish picked off a Grogan pass at his 18 with 20 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

Three minutes into the third quarter, the Patriots finally got on the board as the result of an 80-yard drive in seven plays when QB Steve Grogan passed to WR Stanley Morgan for a 33-yard touchdown. John Smith added the extra point for a 7-3 advantage.

The Redskins responded later in the period thanks to 18-year veteran DE Ron McDole’s interception of a Grogan pass that he batted into the air at the line of scrimmage and that resulted in an 11-play, 55-yard advance. Mike Thomas converted one third down with a six-yard run and then another in which he made a diving catch for 14 yards to the New England 22. After reaching the 10, a fumbled snap lost five yards and Theismann’s throw to WR Frank Grant in the end zone was dropped. Once more it was Thomas, circling out of the backfield and getting open for a 15-yard TD toss from Theismann. Moseley’s extra point attempt hit the goal post and was unsuccessful but the visitors were in front by 9-7.

As the game headed into the fourth quarter, the Patriots put together an 80-yard drive as two reserves, HB Horace Ivory and TE Don Hasselbeck, made key plays and Grogan went long to Harold Jackson for a 45-yard touchdown. Smith’s conversion put New England back on top by 14-9.

Up by five points, the Patriots were attempting to run out the clock as they took possession in the last three minutes. But on a second down play Ivory, attempting to sweep around right end, was hit hard by DT Dave Butz, causing a fumble. LB Brad Dusek, a former member of the Patriots, grabbed the ball on one bounce and raced down the left sideline along with a convoy of teammates for a 31-yard touchdown. Moseley this time made good on the PAT and the visitors clung to a two-point lead with 2:40 left to play.

The Patriots still had time and a brisk wind at their backs. They got a break on the next series as Grogan fumbled when sacked by DE Diron Talbert and the Redskins recovered, but the play was nullified by an illegal bump on Parrish. That gave the Patriots a first down at their 32, but a handoff to HB Andy Johnson was botched, DE Coy Bacon sacked Grogan for a 13-yard loss, and a third down pass was dropped by WR Don Westbrook to force a punt. Washington then put the game away when John Riggins broke away for a 31-yard gain to the New England 16 in the last minute, allowing the Redskins to run out the clock and win by a final score of 16-14.

Total yards were nearly even, with the Patriots having a slight edge (326 to 324) although New England more decisively led in first downs (21 to 14). However, the Patriots also turned the ball over three times, to two suffered by Washington, and the Redskins recorded three sacks, to one by New England.

Joe Theismann completed 10 of 24 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown while giving up an interception. Mike Thomas ran for 70 yards on 11 carries and also led the Redskins with four catches, for 46 yards and a TD. With the long gain to start the game, Danny Buggs gained 89 yards on two pass receptions. John Riggins contributed 60 rushing yards on 16 attempts.

For the Patriots, Steve Grogan was successful on just 12 of 31 throws for 199 yards and two TDs with two interceptions. Despite the late fumble, Horace Ivory had a fine overall performance with 89 yards on 16 carries. Harold Jackson caught 7 passes for 124 yards and a touchdown.

The opening win was the first of six straight for the Redskins, but they slipped badly during the second half of the season to finish at 8-8 and third in the NFC East. New England recovered to win eight of the next nine games, and topped the AFC East with an 11-5 record. However, the announcement by Coach Fairbanks that he was resigning to take over at the University of Colorado just prior to the season finale, and his immediate dismissal by owner William H. Sullivan effectively pulled the plug on the season. The Patriots lost decisively to Houston in the AFC Divisional playoff round.

Brad Dusek, who was originally drafted by the Patriots, was in his fifth season with Washington and well established as the starting left linebacker. His game-winning fumble recovery was one of two for the year and 16 over the course of his career, three of which he returned for touchdowns.

Highlighted Year: Carl Garrett, 1971

Halfback, New England Patriots

Age: 24

3^rd season in pro football & with Patriots

College: New Mexico Highlands

Height: 5’11” Weight: 210

Prelude:

In college, Garrett set school career records with 3862 rushing yards (averaging 7.4 yards-per-carry), 69 touchdowns, and 418 points scored. He received first-team NAIA All-American honors in 1966 and was a second-team choice in ’67. Garrett was chosen by the Patriots in the third round of the 1969 AFL/NFL draft and, with his great speed, had an immediate impact, rushing for 691 yards, catching 29 passes for another 267 yards, averaging 28.3 yards on 28 kickoff returns and 13.3 yards returning 12 punts, for a total of 1909 combined yards, second-best in the league. He was a second-team All-AFL selection by the NEA and was named to the AFL All-Star Game. Garrett missed time during training camp due to military service and then suffered through an injury-plagued season in 1970, rushing for only 272 yards and accumulating an all-purpose total of 1167.

1971 Season Summary

Appeared in all 14 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Rushing

Attempts – 181 [15, tied with Marv Hubbard]

Most attempts, game – 21 (for 127 yds.) at Buffalo 11/28

Yards – 784 [12]

Most yards, game – 127 yards (on 21 carries) at Buffalo 11/28

Average gain – 4.3 [16]

TDs – 1

100-yard rushing games – 2

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 22

Most receptions, game – 4 (for 13 yds.) vs. Baltimore 10/3

Yards – 265

Most yards, game – 97 (on 2 catches) vs. Buffalo 11/14

Average gain – 12.0

TDs – 1

Kickoff Returns

Returns – 24 [15, tied with Jerry LeVias & Charlie West]

Yards – 538 [17]

Most yards, game – 172 (on 6 ret.) at Dallas 10/24

Average per return – 22.4

TDs – 0

Longest return – 37 yards

Punt Returns

Returns – 8

Yards – 124 [16]

Average per return – 15.5

TDs – 0

Longest return – 50 yards

All-Purpose yards – 1711 [2, 1^st in AFC]

Scoring

TDs – 2

Points – 12

Patriots went 6-8 to finish third in the AFC East.

Aftermath:

Garrett had a lesser rushing year in 1972, although he achieved career highs with 30 pass receptions for 410 yards. Traded to the Chicago Bears in ’73, he led the club in rushing with 655 yards and also averaged a league-leading 30.4 yards on 16 kickoff returns. On the downside, he also fumbled 13 times. Following an injury-interrupted year in 1974 in which he appeared in just seven games, he moved on to the New York Jets in ’75, rushed for 566 yards, but had disciplinary issues and spent 1976 and ’77, his last two seasons, as a reserve with the Raiders. Overall, Garrett rushed for 4197 yards on 1031 attempts (4.1 avg.), caught 182 passes for 1931 yards (10.6 avg.), returned 154 kickoffs for a 24.1-yard average and 43 punts at an 11.3-yard clip, gaining 10,319 total yards and scoring 35 touchdowns. Of those totals, 2235 rushing yards, 1158 yards on 107 pass receptions, 92 punt returns for a 24.5 average, all of the punt returns, and 18 TDs came with the Patriots.  

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

2004: Patriots Obtain Corey Dillon from Bengals

On April 19, 2004 the New England Patriots obtained accomplished but discontented RB Corey Dillon from the Cincinnati Bengals. To do so they traded a second-round draft pick to Cincinnati that had previously been obtained from Miami (the Bengals used it to select Maryland FS Madieu Williams, who moved into the starting lineup as a rookie but had problems with injuries during his four years with the club).

The 29-year-old Dillon (he turned 30 during the 2004 season) was Cincinnati’s all-time rushing leader, having gained 8061 yards over the course of seven seasons, and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times. He further held a total of 18 franchise records at the time that included most rushing yards in a season (1435). At 6’1” and 225 pounds he had the size to be a punishing runner between the tackles while also possessing speed and elusiveness.

Dillon, who played collegiately at the Univ. of Washington, was originally chosen by the Bengals in the second round of the 1997 NFL draft and came on strong in the second half of his rookie year, gaining 933 of his 1129 rushing yards and scoring 8 of 10 TDs in the last eight games, highlighted by a 246-yard, four-touchdown performance in his fifth contest as a starter. It was the first of six consecutive seasons reaching the thousand-yard rushing threshold. Along the way Dillon had two more 200-yard single-game performances, including a then-league record 278 against the Broncos in 2000.

Dillon began sharing the rushing duties with RB Rudi Johnson in 2003 and had been pushing for a trade, complaining that he should be carrying more of the load. Following a season-ending loss to the Browns at Paul Brown Stadium, Dillon reportedly threw some of his equipment into the stands. He had further gotten into a public spat with OT Willie Anderson, calling him “a bum” on a sports radio show after the Pro Bowl tackle accused Dillon of being selfish at a point when the Bengals were still in playoff contention.

Reportedly, Coach Belichick laid down ground rules to Dillon prior to the trade being finalized. “We are very excited about Corey Dillon becoming a Patriot,” the coach said in reaction to the deal being completed. “Corey joins Kevin Faulk and our other very good backs to deepen an already competitive running back position.”

The Patriots had won two NFL Championships in the previous three years, including 2003, without a feature running back in an offense largely propelled by the passing of QB Tom Brady. Antowain Smith had been a stalwart, if plodding, ground gainer since arriving in 2001 and shared the duties with the more versatile Kevin Faulk in ’03, gaining 642 yards to Faulk’s 638, while Faulk caught 48 passes for 440 yards to Smith’s 92 yards on 14 receptions. The arrival of Dillon marked the end of the line in New England for the 32-year-old Smith.

Any concerns about Dillon and the wisdom of trading for him were resolved during an outstanding 2004 season. He started strong, with a 15-carry, 86-yard effort in an opening-week win over the Colts and followed with 158 yards on 32 attempts at Arizona the next week. He had four straight hundred-yard games as the Patriots got off to a 7-1 start and ended up with a total of nine such performances over the course of the season. Dillon ended up with a club-record 1635 rushing yards on 345 carries for an average gain of 4.7 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He gained another 292 yards in three playoff games, with 144 coming in a Divisional-level win over the Colts and 75 yards on 18 carries in the Super Bowl victory against the Philadelphia Eagles. Dillon was chosen to the Pro Bowl for the first time in three years and, moreover, proved to be a leader who fit well in New England’s team-first approach.

Dillon spent two more seasons with the Patriots, rushing for lesser totals of 733 and 812 yards, although scoring 12 and 13 TDs, respectively, in 2005 and ’06. He was hindered by a bad ankle in ’05 and showed increased signs of wear in 2006, when he began to lose playing time to rookie Laurence Maroney. Released in the offseason, he ultimately retired.

In his three years in New England, Dillon gained 3180 yards on 753 rushing attempts (4.2 avg.) with 37 TDs. He also caught 52 passes for 431 yards and another two scores (Kevin Faulk continued to be the preferred receiver out of the backfield in addition to being a change-of-pace runner). In eight postseason games, he rushed for 508 yards and four TDs and accumulated 12 pass receptions for 74 yards.

Highlighted Year: Tony Franklin, 1986

Placekicker, New England Patriots

Age: 30 (Nov. 18)

8^th season in pro football, 3^rd with Patriots

College: Texas A & M

Height: 5’8”   Weight: 182

Prelude:

The barefoot-kicking Franklin booted 44 field goals out of 73 attempts (60.3 %) in college and had two of over 60 yards in a game against Baylor in 1976. The Philadelphia Eagles, having endured significant problems with placekicking in 1978, selected him in the third round of the ’79 NFL draft. He had an outstanding rookie season, hitting on 23 of his 31 field goal attempts, including a team-record 59-yard kick at Dallas, and all 36 of his PATs. However, he clashed with Head Coach Dick Vermeil and, following a lesser year in 1980, withstood a challenge in ’81. He bounced back with 20 field goals out of 31 attempts. After two more seasons in Philadelphia, Franklin was traded to the Patriots in 1984. He had his two best years from a field goal percentage standpoint, hitting on 22 of 28 attempts in ’84 (78.6 %) and 24 of 30 in 1985 (80.0 %) when the club won the AFC Championship.

1986 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Kicking

Field goals – 32 [1]

Most field goals, game – 4 vs. Indianapolis 9/7, vs. Atlanta 11/2

Field goal attempts – 41 [1, tied with Kevin Butler]

Most field goal attempts, game – 4 vs. Indianapolis 9/7, at Buffalo 10/26, vs. Atlanta 11/2

Field goal percentage – 78.0 [5]

PATs – 44 [3, tied with Pat Leahy, Chuck Nelson & Rich Karlis]

PAT attempts – 45 [4, tied with Rich Karlis]

Longest field goal – 49 yards vs. Indianapolis 9/7

Scoring

Field Goals – 32

PATs – 44

Points – 140 [1]

Postseason: 1 G (AFC Divisional playoff at Denver)

Field goals – 1

Field goal attempts – 1

PATs – 2

PAT attempts – 2

Longest field goal – 38 yards

Awards & Honors:

2^nd team All-NFL: AP

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Patriots went 11-5 to finish first in the AFC East while ranking second in the NFL in scoring (412 points). Lost AFC Divisional playoff to Denver Broncos (22-17).  

Aftermath:

Franklin’s performance dropped off significantly in 1987, as he made good on just 15 of 26 field goal attempts (57.7 %), and his career ended with Miami in ’88. Overall, Franklin kicked 177 field goals out of 264 attempts (67.0%) and added 341 PATs with 14 misses for a total of 872 points. Of those totals, 93 of 125 field goal tries (74.4 %), 163 extra points, and 442 points came with the Patriots, where he had his best seasons. In the postseason, he was 16 of 22 on field goals and made all 27 of his extra point attempts. Franklin received first-team all-conference honors once, second-team recognition after one other season, and was selected to one Pro Bowl.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

2009: Patriots Trade Matt Cassel to Chiefs

On February 28, 2009 the New England Patriots traded QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel to the Kansas City Chiefs for a second-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. Cassel, an unknown backup prior to 2008, had distinguished himself when he filled in for star QB Tom Brady, who was lost for the year with a knee injury in the season-opening contest. The trade reflected the interest that Cassel had drawn as a result but also New England Head Coach Bill Belichick’s confidence that Brady, whose injury had been further complicated by an infection following surgery, would be fully recovered and ready to resume his starting role.

Prior to 2008, Cassel had not started a game since his senior year in high school in 1999, serving as a reserve during college at USC behind Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart before being chosen by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL draft. He threw a total of just 39 passes in three seasons, for 253 yards and two touchdowns. With a strong arm, intelligence, and good leadership qualities (refined by quality coaching), Cassel steadily improved over the course of the 2008 season as he threw for 3693 yards and 21 touchdowns while giving up just 11 interceptions. The Patriots, a year removed from a 16-0 regular season that fell short of ultimate perfection in the Super Bowl, barely missed the playoffs with an 11-5 tally. They initially used the franchise tag on Cassel before dealing him. Upon being traded to Kansas City, who had a new general manager in Scott Pioli, formerly in charge of player personnel with the Patriots, and a new head coach, Todd Haley, Cassel was immediately named the starter over QB Tyler Thigpen.

“It’s very easy to root for guys like Matt Cassel, who everything the right way and flourish as a result,” said Belichick. “As much as we would have loved to continue working with Matt, we wish him nothing but the best as he takes this next step forward in his career.”

The Chiefs were coming off of two straight losing seasons under the previous head coach, Herman Edwards, including a miserable 2-14 record in 2008. The offense had been adjusted from one that was run-oriented to a spread that allowed Thigpen to operate exclusively out of the shotgun. While he showed talent, he also had limitations and the team won only one of the games he started.

Kansas City marginally improved to 4-12 with Cassel behind center in ’09. He took a pounding behind a mediocre line (he was sacked 42 times) and threw for 2924 yards with 16 TDs and 16 interceptions, resulting in a 69.9 passer rating. RB Jamaal Charles came on in the second half of the year to upgrade the ground game but it took the acquisition of WR Chris Chambers, who had been waived by the Chargers and appeared in the last nine games, to give Cassel a reliable target.

Things got much better for both Cassel and the Chiefs in 2010, albeit helped along by a weak schedule. Cassel showed better judgment and took fewer sacks while passing for 3116 yards and 27 touchdowns against just 7 interceptions, for a passer rating of 93.0. He was named to the Pro Bowl, as were Jamaal Charles, who rushed for 1467 yards and caught 45 passes for 468 more yards, and WR Dwayne Bowe, with 72 receptions for 1162 yards and 15 TDs. Kansas City topped the AFC West with a 10-6 record and lost decisively to the Ravens in the Wild Card playoff round.

The Chiefs started off the 2011 season by being blown out in their first two games by a combined score of 89-10 and, while they finished with three wins in the last five games, they ended up back under .500 with a 7-9 record. The team had problems with injuries and Coach Haley was gone before season’s end. Cassel was on injured reserve after suffering a broken hand in the ninth game and he ended up passing for 1713 yards and 10 touchdowns with nine interceptions. Charles had gone down with an ACL injury in the second week and, while Bowe was still a capable receiver, his touchdowns dropped from 15 to five with the underperforming, patchwork offense.

Cassel’s hand injury required surgery but he was back in 2012. However, he was inconsistent and turnover-prone, provoking negative fan reaction, and, following a head injury, was consigned to the bench in favor of Brady Quinn. Playing in a total of nine games, Cassel threw for 1796 yards and six touchdowns while giving up 12 interceptions. The team dropped to 2-14 and, with wholesale changes occurring afterward, Cassel was released in the offseason.

Overall, in four seasons with the Chiefs, Cassel completed 854 of 1489 passes (57.4 %) for 9549 yards and 59 TDs with 44 interceptions for an overall rating of 77.5. He was sacked 109 times and the club went 19-28 in his starts, with one winning season out of the four. An effective game manager at his best, Cassel also displayed both class and toughness with an organization that was experiencing turmoil while he was there (for instance, there was a different offensive coordinator in each of Cassel’s four seasons). He moved on to the Minnesota Vikings, where he returned to a primarily backup role.

As to the other players involved in the trade with New England, Mike Vrabel, who turned 34 prior to the 2009 season, was expected to improve the pass rush from the outside linebacker position. While he was on the downside of his career and had lost a step, he also was a savvy player with excellent instincts. He provided the leadership that was expected, although he also continued to show signs of decline and his career ended after two seasons. The second-round draft pick that the Patriots received from the Chiefs was used to take safety Patrick Chung out of Oregon, who spent four years with the club, went to Philadelphia for a year in 2013, and returned to New England in ’14.

Highlighted Year: Marv Cook, 1991

Tight End, New England Patriots

Age: 25

3^rd season in pro football & with Patriots

College: Iowa

Height: 6’4”   Weight: 234

Prelude:

Cook caught 112 passes for 1660 yards (14.8 avg.) and six touchdowns in three varsity seasons and received first-team All-American honors from UPI and the American Football Coaches Association in 1988. He was chosen by the Patriots in the third round of the 1989 NFL draft and saw scant action as a rookie due to a broken foot, catching three passes and performing well on special teams. Cook became the starting tight end in ’90 and broke out with 51 receptions for 455 yards (8.9 avg.) and five TDs.

1991 Season Summary

Appeared in all 16 games

[Bracketed numbers indicate league rank in Top 20]

Pass Receiving

Receptions – 82 [4] 

Most receptions, game – 10 (for 99 yds.) vs. Houston 9/22

Yards – 808

Most yards, game – 99 (on 10 catches) vs. Houston 9/22

Average gain – 9.9

TDs – 3

Scoring

TDs – 3

Points – 18

Awards & Honors:

1^st team All-NFL: AP, PFWA, NEA, Pro Football Weekly, Sporting News

1^st team All-AFC: UPI, Pro Football Weekly

Pro Bowl

Patriots went 6-10 to finish fourth in the AFC East.

Aftermath:

The overachieving Cook followed up with 52 catches for 413 yards (7.9 avg.) and two TDs in 1992 and was again chosen to the Pro Bowl. His production dropped off in ’93 as Ben Coates saw more action at tight end and he was let go by the Patriots. Cook moved on to the Chicago Bears in 1993 and finished his career with the St. Louis Rams in ’94, catching 47 passes in his last two seasons for 347 yards and two TDs. Overall, Cook caught 257 passes for 2190 yards (8.5 avg.) and 13 TDs, with 210 receptions for 1843 yards and 11 TDs coming with the Patriots. He was a consensus first-team All-NFL selection once and was chosen to two Pro Bowls. Cook went on to become a high school football coach whose teams have won six straight Iowa state championships at the Class 1A or 2A level.

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Highlighted Years features players who were consensus first-team All-League* selections or league* or conference** leaders in the following statistical categories:

Rushing: Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Passing: Yards, Completion Pct., Yards per Attempt, TDs, Rating

Receiving: Catches, Yards, TDs (min. 10)

Scoring: TDs, Points, Field Goals (min. 5)

All-Purpose: Total Yards

Defense: Interceptions, Sacks

Kickoff Returns: Average

Punt Returns: Average

Punting: Average

*Leagues include NFL (1920 to date), AFL (1926), AFL (1936-37), AAFC (1946-49), AFL (1960-69), WFL (1974-75), USFL (1983-85)

**NFC/AFC since 1970

1982: Patriots Beat Dolphins in “Snowplow Game”

It was a snowy day in Foxboro, Massachusetts on December 12, 1982 as the New England Patriots hosted the Miami Dolphins. Temperatures were in the 20s with the wind gusting up to 30 mph. The artificial surface was frozen, having been soaked by rain the previous day, and now a heavy snow was falling. Snowplows and sweepers were busily employed at clearing the field during the pregame warmups and beyond.

The Patriots had a 2-3 record thus far in the season that was interrupted by a 57-day players’ strike, which was as many wins as the team had compiled in going 2-14 in ‘81. The roster had been significantly overturned upon the arrival of new Head Coach Ron Meyer. QB Steve Grogan had reclaimed his starting job from Matt Cavanaugh while 30-year-old FB Mark Van Eeghen, formerly of the Raiders, joined a good group of running backs that included FB Mosi Tatupu and HB Tony Collins. Veteran PK John Smith was just returning after missing all of the season thus far due to a knee injury.

Miami, in its thirteenth season under Head Coach Don Shula, was at 4-1. The ground-oriented offense was directed by QB David Woodley and included FB Andra Franklin and HB Tony Nathan. The 3-4 defense was tough up front with ends Doug Betters and Kim Bokamper and NT Bob Baumhower. Backing them up were linebackers A.J. Duhe, Bob Brudzinski, and Larry Gordon.

Only 25,716 fans were in attendance at Schaefer Stadium, the smallest regular season turnout in the stadium’s history going back to 1971. The teams exchanged punts throughout the first quarter. Late in the opening period, the Patriots took possession at their 20 and mounted a long 19-play drive that extended into the second quarter. Mark van Eeghen carried twice for four yards, Steve Grogan converted third-and-six with a pass to TE Lin Dawson for seven yards, and van Eeghen ran three more times for 13 yards before Mosi Tatupu carried eight consecutive times, picking up 27 yards. But the last of those carries came on third-and-goal at the Miami one and Tatupu was stopped for no gain. John Smith came in to try for an 18-yard field goal, but the kick was partially blocked and missed the mark.

The Dolphins responded with a long drive of their own. Andra Franklin (pictured at right) started off with 20 yards on two carries and David Woodley threw to TE Bruce Hardy for 12 more yards to the New England 48. Franklin and Tony Nathan ran the ball to pick up another first down and Woodley took off for 14 yards. But after Nathan gained six yards to the 18, Franklin lost a yard and Woodley was sacked by LB Clayton Weishuhn for a loss of 12 yards. Miami had to punt with 19 seconds remaining in the first half and the game remained scoreless at the intermission.

The snow was still falling steadily as the clubs traded punts during the third quarter. The Dolphins again advanced into New England territory as Woodley completed two short passes and Nathan, Franklin, and HB Tommy Vigorito ran effectively. But after getting a first down at the 28, Woodley’s next three throws fell incomplete and Uwe von Schamann’s 45-yard try for a field goal was blocked and rolled into the end zone.

The Patriots had the ball as the period ended and, on the first play of the fourth quarter, Grogan’s pass was intercepted by CB Gerald Small at the Miami 30, and he returned it 21 yards to the New England 49. The Dolphins were able to reach the 34 before punting.

Taking possession at their own seven, the Patriots drove 77 yards in 11 plays. Van Eeghen carried for the first four and gained 25 yards. Tatupu took his place and immediately ran for 15 yards off tackle, followed by a burst through the middle in which he shook off two tackles and picked up 26 yards to the Miami 28. Three more carries by Tatupu gained 13 yards and Tony Collins then ran for two. But Collins fumbled the next handoff, and while he recovered, the play lost three yards and created a fourth-and-ten situation.

The Patriots called timeout and Coach Meyer waved one of the tractor-driven snowplows, which had been periodically used to clear the yard stripes, onto the field. Mark Henderson, a prisoner on work release who was its driver, cleared an arc that included the area from where the kick would occur (pictured at top). While some observers stated afterward that the plowing was of little consequence, whether or not that was the case Smith kicked a 33-yard field goal to finally break the scoreless tie.

There was still 4:33 to go as Miami came on offense after the ensuing kickoff. Woodley immediately passed to WR Duriel Harris for 17 yards to the New England 48 and then connected with TE Joe Rose for four. Woodley picked up five yards on a quarterback draw and, on third-and-one, Franklin hit the line but a measurement showed he was inches short of a first down. Nathan dove for two yards to keep the series alive and a sideline pass by Woodley to Harris was complete for 16 yards to the 20. Franklin ran for a yard, Woodley threw an incomplete pass, and then on third-and-nine Woodley went to the air again and was intercepted by LB Don Blackmon.

There were just 30 seconds remaining but the Dolphins used all three of their timeouts while Van Eeghen ran three times and the Patriots punted. There was only time for one long pass by Woodley from midfield, and it was picked off near the goal line by SS Roland James to end the game. The Patriots, thanks to the controversial field goal, came away winners by a final score of 3-0.

In the slippery conditions, Miami had the edge in total yards (235 to 212) and first downs (16 to 13). 199 of New England’s yards came on the ground, to 176 for the Dolphins. The Patriots went to the air just five times and gained 13 net passing yards to Miami’s 59. The Dolphins turned the ball over twice, to one suffered by New England.

Mark van Eeghen (pictured at left) rushed for 100 yards on 22 carries (his only hundred-yard performance in two seasons with New England) and Mosi Tatupu contributed 81 yards on his 13 attempts. Steve Grogan completed two of five passes for 13 yards and gave up one interception. Both completions were to Lin Dawson.

For the Dolphins, David Woodley was successful on 9 of 18 throws for 76 yards and tossed the two late interceptions. Andra Franklin gained 107 yards on 23 carries and Tony Nathan added 29 on 10 attempts in addition to two catches for 14 yards. Two other Miami receivers caught two passes apiece, with Duriel Harris gaining a team-leading 33 yards on his. 

“I did wave the guy on the field,” admitted Ron Meyer regarding the tractor affixed with a plow and power brush that cleared the space for the winning field goal. “I would have waved the guy on the field for the Dolphins in a similar situation. It was just something that happened. The main thing is that we kicked the field goal and earned a great and very gratifying win for the Patriots.”

“The officials shouldn’t have let it happen,” said Miami’s Don Shula, who had a less charitable view of the snowplow incident. “The official nearest me said he didn’t see the guy come out before it was too late.”

“Game officials have no control over the removal of the snow done by a maintenance man with a power brush on the plow,” explained referee Bob Frederic (a situation that would be addressed in the offseason).

“The Dolphins players weren’t happy,” said Henderson, the snow plow operator, who became something of a minor celebrity. “They called me an (expletive), but maybe that was because I sprayed them with snow… It wasn’t intentional.”

The Patriots went on to win two of their remaining three games to finish with a 5-4 record that, in the revamped division-less format that the NFL implemented due to the strike, placed seventh in the AFC and qualified them for a spot in the resulting postseason tournament. They faced Miami, who finished second with a 7-2 tally, and the Dolphins gained a measure of revenge by winning 28-13. The Dolphins continued on to the Super Bowl, where they fell to the Washington Redskins.

The NFL banned the use of snowplows on the field the next year, but the John Deere tractor which was used to clear the spot for Smith’s field goal remains on display at the Patriots Hall of Fame.