New England Patriots History
It is interesting to think about what a great home field advantage the Patriots have enjoyed over the last 20 years. In the beginning they couldn’t find a permanent home. They were a member of the AFL’s eight original franchises. Additionally, the Boston Patriots, later the New England Patriots played at Fenway Park, Harvard, Boston University, and Boston College.
They did the Boston circuit, which was appropriate for a team owned by three brothers. The three had the last name of Sullivan, and Dom DiMaggio, the brother of Joe and a former outfielder for the Boston Red Sox.
They went to a single postseason in the 10 years of the AFL, losing in the Championship Game to the Chargers. And in the early days as an NFL team they were equally sporadic, making the playoffs twice in a six year span. They also won as few as two games during that same stretch.
Winning Streak
Finally in 1985 they won their first ever NFL playoff game, and they made it all the way to the Super Bowl. Here, they lost to the Bears, 46-10.
There was one other good run in the mid-90s that also ended with a Super Bowl loss. This was before the greatest dynasty in the history of the NFL began.
From 2001 to 2018 the Patriots won the division 17 times and played in the Super Bowl nine times. They also won six Lombardi Trophies. A run not matched in the more than 100-year history of the league.
Some of the greats from that dynasty are now making the Hall of Fame. Super Bowl winner and cornerback Ty Law, and three-time Super Bowl winner Richard Seymour, a First-Team All-Pro at defensive tackle are some.
Older Patriots to make the Hall of Fame include seven-time First-Team All-Pro guard John Hannah, nine-time Pro Bowl cornerback Mike Haynes, and linebacker Andre Tippett. Tippett retired in 1993 with 100 career sacks.
NFL Big Changes from Last Season – New England Patriots
We are now going into the third season without Tom Brady, which means we can officially stop comparing these Patriots to Brady’s Patriots. Instead, we can compare the 2022 Mac Jones-led Patriots to what he did as a rookie in 2021.
The biggest change coming is Jones, and the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who is now the head coach in Las Vegas. An excellent foundation was laid in Jones’ rookie year. All signs point to the continued growth of the man who only turns 24 when the season begins.
In a rarity, there was an intra-divisional trade between the Patriots and Dolphins that sent wide receiver Davante Parker to New England. The biggest hole on the offensive side was the wide receivers group, and Parker helps fill a void. Adding a veteran with a knack for finding the open space in the defense should be a boon for Jones.
New Team Additions
New England also used its first two picks in the NFL Draft on offensive pieces, grabbing Cole Strange from Chattanooga. He will start at left guard, and wide receiver Tyquon Thornton from Baylor, will be a fourth or fifth option.
The Patriots have brought back Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler at corner, after he was with Tennessee the last three seasons. Cornerback Terrence Mitchell comes over to New England from Houston. They used their later round draft picks on cornerbacks Marcus Jones from Houston and Jack Jones from Arizona State.
None of them, however, are expected to fully make up for the loss of J.C. Jackson. Jackson signed with the Chargers for $82.5 million.
Also joining the New England is safety Jabrill Pepper. Pepper is a first round pick who spent the last three seasons with the Giants.
* All odds provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
AFC East
