Examining the Patriots' Super Bowl history
For the seventh time in 16 years, the New England Patriots will represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. It will be a familiar sight, as the franchise takes over the all-time league lead in Super Bowl appearances with nine in its 58-year history.
Let's take a look at the Patriots' record-breaking Super Bowl past.
Super Bowl XX
Jan. 26, 1986
Bears 46, Patriots 10
MVP: Richard Dent, DE, Chicago
The Patriots fought the odds to get to the big dance, becoming the first wild-card team to make the Super Bowl. That accomplishment was overshadowed by their opponent, however, as the famed '85 Bears were one of the most dominant teams in NFL history, going 15-1 behind their lights-out defense. New England's starting quarterback, Tony Eason, went 0-for-6 before being pulled in the lopsided championship game.
Super Bowl XXXI
Jan. 26, 1997
Packers 25, Patriots 21
MVP: Desmond Howard, RS, Green Bay
The Patriots' second trip to the Super Bowl was quite similar to their first, as the appearance was again overshadowed by their opponent. While he was held to just 14 completions, Brett Favre was a big part of the story and his first pass went for a 54-yard touchdown. New England made it close late, but a 99-yard kick return from Desmond Howard sealed the deal for Green Bay.
Super Bowl XXXVI
Feb. 3, 2002
Patriots 20, Rams 17
MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England
This is when the modern-day Patriots really took shape, and maybe the last time they could be considered underdogs. After a season spent defying the odds without Drew Bledsoe under center, Tom Brady led New England past the high-flying Rams with a game-winning drive in the final 1:30. The finish seemed incredible at the time, but has become the expected outcome for Brady-led teams. Adam Vinatieri's clutch field goal was just a hint of what was to come.
Super Bowl XXXVIII
Feb. 1, 2004
Patriots 32, Panthers 29
MVP: Tom Brady, QB, New England
A 14-10 defensive battle cracked wide open in the fourth quarter as the teams combined for 37 points. Brady threw for over 200 yards more than his first Super Bowl performance, and once again led the Patriots on a last-minute drive to set up another Vinatieri game-winner with seconds remaining.
Super Bowl XXXIX
Feb. 6, 2005
Patriots 24, Eagles 21
MVP: Deion Branch, WR, New England
The Eagles kept things close early, but couldn't keep the ball safe long enough to get the points they needed, losing the turnover battle 4-1. A late Philly touchdown made the score seem closer than the game felt, while Deion Branch's 11 catches for 133 yards made him the first receiver to win Super Bowl MVP since Jerry Rice in 1989.
Super Bowl XLII
Feb. 3, 2008
Giants 17, Patriots 14
MVP: Eli Manning, QB, New York
Possibly the biggest upset in Super Bowl history, New England's undefeated season and record-setting offense was turned on its head against the Giants. New York's pass-rush was in Brady's face all night before David Tyree used his helmet to haul in a clutch grab, setting up a game-winning TD late in the fourth quarter.
Super Bowl XLVI
Feb. 5, 2012
Giants 21, Patriots 17
MVP: Eli Manning, QB, New York
The Patriots thought revenge was in their grips, holding a 17-9 lead with their defense playing well midway through the fourth quarter. As the offense stalled late, however, the Giants picked up three straight scores to gain a 21-17 lead with a minute to go. It seemed like enough time for Brady to muster up one of his signature drives, but New York's defense stood tall and held on.
Super Bowl XLIX
Feb. 1, 2015
Patriots 28, Seahawks 24
MVP: Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
New England's most recent Super Bowl appearance was quite possibly the most entertaining game to ever decide the Lombardi Trophy. Russell Wilson had yet to complete ten passes before the final drive, but still had the game within reach before he threw an interception to Malcolm Butler in the most exciting finish the modern age of football has seen.