1984 New England Patriots season
{{short description|Season of National Football League team the New England Patriots}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2013}}
{{Infobox NFL season
| team = New England Patriots
| year = 1984
| record = 9–7
| division_place = 2nd AFC East
| coach = Ron Meyer (fired October 25th; 5-3 record)
Raymond Berry (interim; 4-4 record)
| general manager = Patrick Sullivan
| owner = Billy Sullivan
| stadium = Sullivan Stadium
| playoffs = Did not qualify
| pro bowlers = G John Hannah
T Brian Holloway
LB Steve Nelson
LB Andre Tippett
| AP All-pros = G John Hannah (2nd team)
| shortnavlink = Patriots seasons
}}
File:1986 Jeno's Pizza - 08 - Roy Green.jpg
The 1984 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 15th season in the National Football League and 25th overall. The Patriots finished the season with a record of nine wins and seven losses, and finished second in the AFC East Division.
Head coach Ron Meyer, who had coached the Patriots for the previous two seasons, was fired halfway through the season. Meyer had angered several of his players with public criticism. After a 44–24 loss to Miami in week 8, Meyer fired popular defensive coordinator Rod Rust; Meyer himself was fired by Patriots management shortly thereafter.Neft, David S.; Cohen, Richard M.; and Korch, Rich [http://www.abebooks.com/book-search/isbn/0312110731/soft-cover/ The Sports Encyclopedia: Pro Football, 12th Edition], p. 486, Martin's Press, August 1994, {{ISBN|0-312-11073-1}}
The Patriots went outside the organization to hire Raymond Berry, who had been New England's receivers coach from 1978 to 1981 under coaches Chuck Fairbanks and Ron Erhardt. Berry had been working in the private sector in Medfield, Massachusetts, when the Patriots called him to replace Meyer. Berry's first order of business was to immediately rehire Rust.
Under Berry's leadership, the Patriots won four of their last eight games. Berry's importance to the team was reflected less in his initial win–loss record than in the respect he immediately earned in the locker room – "Raymond Berry earned more respect in one day than Ron Meyer earned in three years," according to running back Tony Collins.Quoted in Tales From The Patriots Sideline (Illinois:Sports Publishing LLC, 2006) by Michael Felger, p. 76
Offseason
=NFL draft=
{{main article|1984 NFL Draft}}
{{NFL team draft start
| year = 1984
| teamname = New England Patriots
}}
{{NFL team draft entry
| round = 1
| pick = 1
| player = Irving Fryar
| position = Wide receiver
| college = Nebraska
| notes =
| probowl = yes
| maderoster = yes
}}
{{NFL team draft end
| probowl = yes
| hof = no
}}
Staff
| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;" |
| colspan="7" style="background-color: #d82e39; color: white; text-align: center;"|New England Patriots 1984 staff |
|---|
style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | Front office
Head coaches
Offensive coaches
|width="35"| |valign="top"| | style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | Defensive coaches
Special teams coaches
Strength and conditioning
|
Roster
| class="toccolours" style="text-align: left;" |
| colspan="9" style="background-color: #d82e39; color: white; text-align: center;"|New England Patriots 1984 roster |
|---|
style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" | Quarterbacks
Running backs
Wide receivers
Tight ends
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |Offensive linemen
Defensive linemen
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |Linebackers
Defensive backs
Special teams
| style="width: 25px;" | | style="font-size: 95%;" valign="top" |Reserve lists
|
Regular season
= Schedule =
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Week
!style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Date !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Opponent !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Result !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Record !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Venue !style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"| Attendance |
|---|
| style="background:#cfc"
! 1 | September 2 | at Buffalo Bills | W 21–17 | 1–0 | 48,528 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 2 | September 9 | at Miami Dolphins | L 7–28 | 1–1 | 66,083 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 3 | September 16 | W 38–23 | 2–1 | 43,140 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 4 | September 23 | L 10–26 | 2–2 | Sullivan Stadium | 60,503 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 5 | September 30 | at New York Jets | W 28–21 | 3–2 | 68,978 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 6 | October 7 | at Cleveland Browns | W 17–16 | 4–2 | 53,036 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 7 | October 14 | W 20–14 | 5–2 | Sullivan Stadium | 48,154 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 8 | October 21 | Miami Dolphins | L 24–44 | 5–3 | Sullivan Stadium | 60,711 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 9 | October 28 | New York Jets | W 30–20 | 6–3 | Sullivan Stadium | 60,513 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 10 | November 4 | at Denver Broncos | L 19–26 | 6–4 | 74,908 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 11 | November 11 | Buffalo Bills | W 38–10 | 7–4 | Sullivan Stadium | 43,313 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 12 | November 18 | at Indianapolis Colts | W 50–17 | 8–4 | 60,009 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 13 | at Dallas Cowboys | L 17–20 | 8–5 | 55,341 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 14 | December 2 | L 10–33 | 8–6 | Sullivan Stadium | 53,558 |
| style="background:#fcc"
! 15 | December 9 | at Philadelphia Eagles | L 17–27 | 8–7 | 41,581 |
| style="background:#cfc"
! 16 | December 16 | Indianapolis Colts | W 16–10 | 9–7 | Sullivan Stadium | 22,383 |
| style="{{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}"
|colspan="8"| Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text. |
= Season summary =
== Week 1 ==
Behind two Steve Grogan touchdown throws, the Patriots raced to a 21–0 lead. They withstood a second-half Bills comeback attempt, and won 21–17.
== Week 2 (Sunday, September 9, 1984): at [[1984 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{Gridiron primary style|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Week 2: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
|date=September 9, 1984
|time=1:02 p.m. EDT
|road=Patriots (1–1)
|R1=0 |R2=7 |R3=0 |R4=0
|home=Dolphins (2–0)
|H1=0 |H2=7 |H3=14 |H4=7
|stadium=Miami Orange Bowl • Miami, Florida
|attendance=66,083
|weather={{convert|79|°F|°C}}; relative humidity 65%; wind {{convert|10|mph|km/h knots}}
|referee=Chuck Heberling
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Jay Randolph (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198409090mia.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = New England Patriots
| VisitorDisplay = NE
| Home = Miami Dolphins
| HomeDisplay = MIA
| VisPasser = Steve Grogan
| VisPassStats = 20/42, 217 YDS, 1 TD, 4 INTs
| VisRusher = Tony Collins
| VisRushStats = 20 CAR, 87 YDS
| VisReceiver = Derrick Ramsey
| VisReceivingStats = 5 REC, 70 YDS
| HomePasser = Dan Marino
| HomePassStats = 17/28, 269 YDS, 3 TDs, 2 INTs
| HomeRusher = Tony Nathan
| HomeRushStats = 10 CAR, 36 YDS
| HomeReceiver = Mark Clayton
| HomeReceivingStats = 5 REC, 75 YDS, 2 TDs
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=NE|HomeName=MIA|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=5:37
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=2
| DriveLength=55
| DriveTime=0:16
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Duper
| QB=Jensen
| yards=35
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=0
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=0:56
| Team=Patriots
| DrivePlays=10
| DriveLength=90
| DriveTime=4:31
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Dawson
| QB=Grogan
| yards=5
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Franklin
| Visitor=7
| Home=7
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=12:38
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=4
| DriveLength=73
| DriveTime=2:22
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Clayton
| QB=Marino
| yards=35
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=7
| Home=14
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=11:02
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=2
| DriveLength=16
| DriveTime=0:43
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Clayton
| QB=Marino
| yards=15
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=7
| Home=21
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=2:53
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=—
| DriveLength=—
| DriveTime=—
| Type=IntTD
| Def=Judson
| yards=60
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=7
| Home=28
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=7|Home=28}}
- Point spread: Dolphins by 6
- Over/Under: 43.0 (under)
- Time of Game: 3 hours, 3 minutes
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;"|Patriots
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;"|Dolphins |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|18
! First downs | 17 |
| style="text-align:right;"|28–127
! Rushes–yards | 30–74 |
| style="text-align:right;"|217
! Passing yards | 269 |
| style="text-align:right;"|20–42–4
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | 17–28–2 |
| style="text-align:right;"|2–12
! Sacked–yards | 0–0 |
| style="text-align:right;"|205
! Net passing yards | 269 |
| style="text-align:right;"|332
! Total yards | 343 |
| style="text-align:right;"|74
! Return yards | 183 |
| style="text-align:right;"|8–39.6
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | 5–41.6 |
| style="text-align:right;"|2–1
! Fumbles–lost | 0–0 |
| style="text-align:right;"|6–53
! Penalties–yards | 6–46 |
| style="text-align:right;"|30:46
! Time of Possession | 29:14 |
Grogan had a miserable day as he was intercepted four times; William Judson ran back one for a 60-yard touchdown. The Dolphins, led by two Dan Marino touchdown passes, won 28–7.
== Week 3 ==
The first home game of the season ended Grogan's season as he failed to complete any of his four passes and Kenny Easley ran back his interception for a 25-yard touchdown. The Seahawks scored three touchdowns marred by a missed PAT. Tony Eason replaced Grogan with six minutes left in the first half and in the final minute ran in a 25-yard touchdown. From there three Patriots backs rushed for 189 yards and three touchdowns and Eason tossed scores to Derrick Ramsey and Irving Fryar while Dave Krieg of the Seahawks was bullied into two interceptions. The Patriots came back to win 38–23. The 23-point comeback was the largest in Patriots franchise history, a team record held until 2013.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2013112411/2013/REG12/broncos@patriots|title=Watch Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots [11/24/2013] - NFL.com|website=www.nfl.com|language=en|access-date=2017-09-12}}
== Week 8 (Sunday, October 21, 1984): vs. [[1984 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]] ==
{{Americanfootballbox
|bg=
|bg2=
|titlestyle={{Gridiron primary style|New England Patriots|year=1984|border=2}}; text-align:center
|state=collapsed
|title=Week 8: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
|date=October 21, 1984
|time=1:00 p.m. EDT
|road=Dolphins (8–0)
|R1=3 |R2=13 |R3=14 |R4=14
|home=Patriots (5–3)
|H1=3 |H2=7 |H3=7 |H4=7
|stadium=Sullivan Stadium • Foxborough, Massachusetts
|attendance=60,711
|weather={{convert|58|°F|°C}}; relative humidity 53%; wind {{convert|10|mph|km/h knots}}
|referee=Jim Tunney
|TV=NBC
|TVAnnouncers=Charlie Jones (play-by-play) and Bob Griese (color commentator)
|reference=[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198410210nwe.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]
}}
{{AmFootballGameTopPlayers
| Float = right
| Visitor = Miami Dolphins
| VisitorDisplay = MIA
| Home = New England Patriots
| HomeDisplay = NE
| VisPasser = Dan Marino
| VisPassStats = 24/39, 316 YDS, 4 TDs, 1 INT
| VisRusher = Joe Carter
| VisRushStats = 14 CAR, 92 YDS
| VisReceiver = Mark Clayton
| VisReceivingStats = 7 REC, 99 YDS, 1 TD
| HomePasser = Tony Eason
| HomePassStats = 19/29, 313 YDS, 3 TDs
| HomeRusher = Mosi Tatupu
| HomeRushStats = 20 CAR, 90 YDS
| HomeReceiver = Derrick Ramsey
| HomeReceivingStats = 5 REC, 32 YDS, 1 TD
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryStart|VisitorName=MIA|HomeName=NE|state=collapsed}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=8:33
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=13
| DriveLength=74
| DriveTime=3:55
| Type=FG
| yards=28
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=3
| Home=0
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=1
| Time=2:33
| Team=Patriots
| DrivePlays=12
| DriveLength=49
| DriveTime=5:54
| Type=FG
| yards=48
| Kicker=Franklin
| Visitor=3
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=14:32
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=7
| DriveLength=65
| DriveTime=2:51
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Johnson
| yards=1
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=10
| Home=3
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=1:55
| Team=Patriots
| DrivePlays=8
| DriveLength=66
| DriveTime=4:03
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Weathers
| QB=Eason
| yards=14
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Franklin
| Visitor=10
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=2
| Time=0:06
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=11
| DriveLength=80
| DriveTime=1:49
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Moore
| QB=Marino
| yards=19
| kickresult=no good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=16
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=6:40
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=13
| DriveLength=80
| DriveTime=8:20
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Johnson
| QB=Marino
| yards=5
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=23
| Home=10
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=6:22
| Team=Patriots
| DrivePlays=1
| DriveLength=76
| DriveTime=0:18
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Morgan
| QB=Eason
| yards=76
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Franklin
| Visitor=23
| Home=17
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=3
| Time=2:31
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=7
| DriveLength=75
| DriveTime=2:51
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Clayton
| QB=Marino
| yards=15
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=30
| Home=17
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=11:27
| Team=Patriots
| DrivePlays=12
| DriveLength=61
| DriveTime=7:04
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Ramsey
| QB=Eason
| yards=5
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=Franklin
| Visitor=30
| Home=24
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=8:24
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=6
| DriveLength=66
| DriveTime=3:04
| Type=RecTD
| Receiver=Moore
| QB=Marino
| yards=15
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=37
| Home=24
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEntry
| Quarter=4
| Time=1:11
| Team=Dolphins
| DrivePlays=10
| DriveLength=69
| DriveTime=4:39
| Type=RushTD
| Runner=Johnson
| yards=3
| kickresult=good
| Kicker=von Schamann
| Visitor=44
| Home=24
}}
{{AmFootballScoreSummaryEnd|Visitor=44|Home=24}}
- Point spread: Dolphins by 4
- Over/Under: 42.0 (over)
- Time of Game: 3 hours, 13 minutes
| class="wikitable" style="margin: 1em auto 1em auto" |
| style="width:30%;"|Dolphins
! style="width:40%;"|Game Statistics ! style="width:30%;"|Patriots |
|---|
| style="text-align:right;"|33
! First downs | 18 |
| style="text-align:right;"|37–236
! Rushes–yards | 27–102 |
| style="text-align:right;"|316
! Passing yards | 313 |
| style="text-align:right;"|24–39–1
! {{Abbr|Passes|Completions–Attempts–Interceptions}} | 19–29–0 |
| style="text-align:right;"|0–0
! Sacked–yards | 1–7 |
| style="text-align:right;"|316
! Net passing yards | 306 |
| style="text-align:right;"|552
! Total yards | 408 |
| style="text-align:right;"|75
! Return yards | 113 |
| style="text-align:right;"|1–38.0
! {{Abbr|Punts|Number–Average yardage}} | 3–57.0 |
| style="text-align:right;"|0–0
! Fumbles–lost | 1–1 |
| style="text-align:right;"|6–36
! Penalties–yards | 6–36 |
| style="text-align:right;"|31:59
! Time of Possession | 28:01 |
== Week 9 ==
{{AFB game box start
|Title=New York Jets at New England Patriots
|Visitor=Jets
|V1= 10|V2=10 |V3=0 |V4=0
|Host=Patriots
|H1= 0|H2=6 |H3=10 |H4=14
|Date=October 28
|Location=Sullivan Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts
|StartTime=1:00 p.m.
|TimeZone=EST
|ElapsedTime=
|Attendance=
|Weather={{convert|59|F}}, wind {{convert|13|mph|abbr=on}}
|Referee=Chuck Heberling
|TVAnnouncers=
|TVStation=
}}
- Source: [https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/198410280nwe.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com]
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=Jets |Event=Pat Leahy 46-yard field goal |Score=Jets 3–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time= |Team=Jets |Event=Rocky Klever 7-yard pass from Ken O'Brien (Pat Leahy kick) |Score= Jets 10–0}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Tony Franklin 20-yard field goal |Score= Jets 10–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time= |Team=Jets |Event= Pat Leahy 18-yard field goal|Score= Jets 13–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time= |Team=Jets |Event=Marion Barber 2-yard run (Pat Leahy kick) |Score=Jets 20–3}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Tony Franklin 27-yard field goal |Score= Jets 20–6}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Tony Franklin 47-yard field goal |Score= Jets 20–9}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Craig James 25-yard run (Tony Franklin kick) |Score= Jets 20–16}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Stephen Starring 5-yard pass from Tony Eason (Tony Franklin kick) |Score= Patriots 23–20}}
{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= |Team=Patriots |Event=Tony Collins 4-yard run (Tony Franklin kick) |Score=Patriots 30–20 |LastEntry=yes}}
{{AFB game box end}}
Raymond Berry's first game as Patriots' head coach.
{{Clear}}
= Standings =
{{1984 AFC East standings}}
References
{{reflist}}
{{New England Patriots}}
{{New England Patriots seasons}}
{{1984 NFL season by team}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:1984 New England Patriots Season}}