Patriots Super Bowl History
With a 45-7 win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game, the New England Patriots advanced to their eighth Super Bowl, tying the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers for most all-time.
Here's a look at the Patriots' track record in the big game.
Super Bowl XX
Jan, 26, 1986
Bears 46, Patriots 10
MVP: Richard Dent, DE, Chicago
The Patriots became the first team in league history to reach the Super Bowl after receiving a wild-card berth and winning three games on the road. The franchise's first trip to the big game didn't end well as it ran into a buzzsaw in the form of the Chicago Bears. The 10 points the Patriots scored were the only points the Bears allowed that postseason.
Super Bowl XXXI
Jan. 26, 1997
Packers 35, Patriots 21
MVP: Desmond Howard, KR/PR, Green Bay
Patriots running back Curtis Martin found the end zone with 3:27 remaining in the third quarter to get New England within one score, but Desmond Howard brought the ensuing kickoff back 99 yards for a back-breaking touchdown and what would be the game's final score. The Patriots failed to cross midfield a single time in four fourth-quarter possessions.
Super Bowl XXXVI
Feb. 3, 2002
Patriots 20, Rams 17
MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England
Mo Lewis's hit on Drew Bledsoe looked like it would all but officially shift the 0-2 Patriots' focus on to the next season. Instead, the team won 13 of its next 16 games en route to Super Bowl XXXVI, where, against John Madden's wishes, Tom Brady led the Patriots on a game-winning drive at the end of regulation, capped by a 48-yard Adam Vinatieri field goal to capture the franchise's first Super Bowl title.
Super Bowl XXXVIII
Feb. 1, 2004
Patriots 32, Panthers 29
MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England
What had been a defensive struggle turned into a shootout in the fourth quarter. The team's combined for 37 fourth-quarter points, and it was Vinatieri again breaking a tie in the closing moments to send Patriots fans home happy.
Super Bowl XXXIX
Feb. 6, 2005
Patriots 24, Eagles 21
MVP: Deion Branch, WR, New England
The Patriots claimed their third championship in four years in a game that was never as close as the final score might indicate. Matching a Super Bowl record held by Jerry Rice and Dan Ross, Deion Branch's 11 receptions earned him MVP honors.
Super Bowl XLII
Feb. 3, 2008
Giants 17, Patriots 14
MVP: Eli Manning, QB, New York
It was going to take something special to derail the Patriots' undefeated season and David Tyree delivered that something special. The little-used wide receiver made a phenomenal fourth-down catch to extend the Giants' fourth-quarter drive and set up the game-winning touchdown.
Super Bowl XLVI
Feb. 5, 2012
Giants 21, Patriots 17
MVP: Eli Manning, QB, New York
The Patriots appeared to have the upper hand on the Giants once again, but were again done in by a late fourth-quarter touchdown. With the win, New York broke the record for worst regular-season record by a Super Bowl champion (9-7, .563).