2021 New England Patriots season

• March 18 - Offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) were traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall, originally acquired from Arizona) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 187 overall).
• March 18 - The Patriots' 2022 fifth-round selection was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive tackle Trent Brown and the Raiders' 2022 seventh-round selection.
• March 23 - Tight end Ryan Izzo was traded to the Houston Texans for the Texans' 2022 seventh-round selection.
• August 25 - Running back Sony Michel was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for the Rams' 2022 sixth and 2023 fourth round selections.
• August 26 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection (originally acquired from Houston) and 2023 fifth-round selection were traded to the Baltimore Ravens for cornerback Shaun Wade.
• August 31 - The Patriots' 2022 seventh-round selection was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs for offensive tackle Yasir Durant.
• October 6 - Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was traded to the Carolina Panthers for the Panthers' 2023 sixth-round selection.{{Cite web|title=Carolina Panthers|url=https://www.panthers.com/team/transactions/|access-date=2021-10-24|website=www.panthers.com|language=en-US}}

{{main|2021 NFL draft}}

Notes

• The Cincinnati Bengals' 2021 second-round selection (No. 38 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent the Patriots' 2021 second-round selection (No. 46 overall) and two fourth-round selections (No. 122 and 139 overall) to the Bengals.{{cite web |last1=Rapien |first1=James |date=April 30, 2021 |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/bengals/news/cincinnati-bengals-trade-down-with-patriots-add-two-extra-draft-picks |title=Bengals Trade Down With Patriots, Add Two Extra Draft Picks |website=SI.com |access-date=September 21, 2024}}
• The Patriots forfeited their third-round selection as the punishment for illegal filming of the field and sidelines by the team's television crew of a 2019 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns.{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/29380577/new-england-patriots-fined-11-million-lose-draft-pick-film-crew-fallout |title=New England Patriots fined $1.1 million, lose draft pick in film crew fallout |website=ESPN |first=Mike |last=Reiss |date=June 28, 2020 |accessdate=June 28, 2020}}
• The Houston Texans' 2021 fourth-round selection (No. 122 overall) and 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 188 overall) were acquired in a trade that sent offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, the Patriots' 2021 fifth-round selection (No. 158 overall), and the previously acquired Dallas Cowboys 2021 sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) to the Texans.{{cite web|last1=Lane|first1=Mark|date=14 March 2021|title=What picks are the Texans swapping with the Patriots in the OT Marcus Cannon trade?|url=https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2021/03/14/draft-picks-texans-swapping-patriots-marcus-cannon/|access-date=17 March 2021|website=TexansWire.USAToday.com|publisher=USA Today}}
• A sixth-round selection (No. 185 overall) was acquired in a trade that sent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the New York Jets.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001053463/article/patriots-to-trade-wr-demaryius-thomas-to-jets|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913152858/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001053463/article/patriots-to-trade-wr-demaryius-thomas-to-jets|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 13, 2019|title=Patriots trade WR Demaryius Thomas to Jets|work=NFL.com|date=September 10, 2019|accessdate=January 19, 2020}} The Jets re-acquired this selection when the Patriots traded two of their 2020 fourth-round selections and this 2021 sixth-round selection in exchange for a 2020 third-round selection.{{cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-trade-up-for-tes-asiasi-keene-in-third-round-0ap3000001111313 |title=Patriots trade up for TEs Asiasi, Keene in third round |website=NFL.com |first=Nick |last=Shook |date=April 24, 2020 |access-date=January 8, 2021}}
• An additional sixth-round selection (No. 194 overall) was obtained in the trade that sent defensive end Michael Bennett to the Dallas Cowboys.{{cite news |title=Sources: Patriots Trade DE Michael Bennett to Cowboys |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27921113/sources-patriots-trade-de-michael-bennett-cowboys |work=ESPN.com|date=October 24, 2019 |accessdate=October 27, 2020}}

{{NFL final staff

|Year=2021

|TeamName=New England Patriots

|Front Office=

• Chairman/CEO – Robert Kraft
• President – Jonathan Kraft
• Director of player personnel – Dave Ziegler
• Personnel coordinator – Brian Smith
• College scouting coordinator – Matt Groh
• Pro scouting coordinator – Steve Cargile
• Director of scouting administration – Nancy Meier
• National scout – Camren Williams
• Director of football/head coach administration – Berj Najarian
• Associate director of football administration – Bobby Brown
• Scouting consultant – Eliot Wolf
• Director of research – Richard Miller
• Senior football advisor – Matt Patricia
• Research and analysis/coaching – Evan Rothstein

|Head Coaches=

• Head coach – Bill Belichick

|Offensive Coaches=

• Offensive coordinator/quarterbacks – Josh McDaniels
• Quality control/quarterbacks – Bo Hardegree
• Running backs – Ivan Fears
• Running backs – Vinnie Sunseri
• Wide receivers/kick returners - Troy Brown
• Wide receivers – Mick Lombardi
• Tight ends/fullbacks – Nick Caley
• Offensive line – Carmen Bricillo
• Offensive line – Cole Popovich*
• Assistant offensive line – Billy Yates
• Offensive assistant – Tyler Hughes

|Defensive Coaches=

• Defensive line – DeMarcus Covington
• Inside linebackers – Jerod Mayo
• Outside linebackers – Steve Belichick
• Cornerbacks – Mike Pellegrino
• Safeties – Brian Belichick
• NFL coaching fellowship/defense – Ross Douglas

|Special Teams Coaches=

• Special teams coordinator – Cam Achord
• Special teams assistant – Joe Houston

|Strength and Conditioning=

• Head strength and conditioning – Moses Cabrera
• Strength and conditioning assistant – Deron Mayo
• Director of skill development – Joe Kim

}}

• July 23: Cole Popovich left the team as co-offensive line coach after refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.{{Cite web|title=Patriots co-OL coach Cole Popovich no longer on staff due to COVID-19 requirements|url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-co-ol-coach-cole-popovich-no-longer-on-staff-covid-19|access-date=2021-07-27|website=NFL.com|language=en-US}}

{{NFL final roster

|Year=2021

|TeamName=New England Patriots

|Active=51

|Inactive=16

|PS=16

|PS-exempt=1

|Quarterbacks=

{{NFLplayer| 5|Brian Hoyer}}

{{NFLplayer|10|Mac Jones|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer| 4|Jarrett Stidham}}

|Running Backs=

{{NFLplayer|25|Brandon Bolden}}

{{NFLplayer|37|Damien Harris}}

{{NFLplayer|47|Jakob Johnson|FB}}

{{NFLplayer|38|Rhamondre Stevenson|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|42|J. J. Taylor}}

|Wide Receivers=

{{NFLplayer|15|Nelson Agholor}}

{{NFLplayer|84|Kendrick Bourne}}

{{NFLplayer| 1|N'Keal Harry}}

{{NFLplayer|16|Jakobi Meyers}}

{{NFLplayer|80|Gunner Olszewski}}

{{NFLplayer|18|Matthew Slater|ST}}

|Tight Ends=

{{NFLplayer|86|Devin Asiasi}}

{{NFLplayer|85|Hunter Henry}}

{{NFLplayer|81|Jonnu Smith}}

|Offensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|60|David Andrews|d=American football|C}}

{{NFLplayer|77|Trent Brown|T}}

{{NFLplayer|72|Yodny Cajuste|T}}

{{NFLplayer|70|Yasir Durant|G}}

{{NFLplayer|75|Justin Herron|T}}

{{NFLplayer|67|Ted Karras|d=offensive lineman|C}}

{{NFLplayer|69|Shaq Mason|G}}

{{NFLplayer|71|Michael Onwenu|G}}

{{NFLplayer|76|Isaiah Wynn|T}}

|Defensive Linemen=

{{NFLplayer|90|Christian Barmore|DT|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|98|Carl Davis|d=American football|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|92|Davon Godchaux|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|93|Lawrence Guy|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|50|Chase Winovich|DE}}

{{NFLplayer|91|Deatrich Wise Jr.|DE}}

|Linebackers=

{{NFLplayer| 8|Ja'Whaun Bentley|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer|58|Jamie Collins|d=American football|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|54|Dont'a Hightower|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer| 9|Matthew Judon|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|36|Brandon King|d=linebacker|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|48|Jahlani Tavai|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer|55|Josh Uche|OLB}}

{{NFLplayer|53|Kyle Van Noy|OLB}}

|Defensive Backs=

{{NFLplayer|29|Justin Bethel|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|41|Myles Bryant|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|22|Cody Davis|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|23|Kyle Dugger|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|27|J. C. Jackson|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|32|Devin McCourty|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|21|Adrian Phillips|SS}}

{{NFLplayer|33|Joejuan Williams|CB}}

|Special Teams=

{{NFLplayer| 7|Jake Bailey|d=American football|P}}

{{NFLplayer|49|Joe Cardona|LS}}

{{NFLplayer| 6|Nick Folk|K}}

|Reserve Lists=

{{NFLplayer|94|Henry Anderson|d=American football|DE|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|--|Joshuah Bledsoe|FS|rookie=y|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|99|Byron Cowart|DT|PUP}}

{{NFLplayer|--|Troy Fumagalli|TE|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|--|Terez Hall|OLB|PUP}}

{{NFLplayer|--|Anfernee Jennings|OLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|31|Jonathan Jones|d=American football|CB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|44|Dalton Keene|TE|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|52|Harvey Langi|MLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|45|Cameron McGrone|OLB|rookie=y|NF-Inj.}}

{{NFLplayer|46|Raekwon McMillan|MLB|IR}}

{{NFLplayer| 2|Jalen Mills|CB|COVID}}

{{NFLplayer|51|Ronnie Perkins|DE|rookie=y|IR}}

{{NFLplayer|19|Malcolm Perry|d=American football|WR|Futures}}

{{NFLplayer|26|Shaun Wade|d=American football|CB|rookie=y|COVID}}

{{NFLplayer|28|James White|d=running back|RB|IR}}

|Practice Squad=

{{NFLplayer|13|De'Vante Bausby|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|35|D. J. Daniel|CB|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|30|Sean Davis|d=American football|FS}}

{{NFLplayer|95|Daniel Ekuale|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|65|James Ferentz|C}}

{{NFLplayer|83|Matt LaCosse|TE}}

{{NFLplayer|24|Cre'Von LeBlanc|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|97|Bill Murray|d=offensive lineman|DT}}

{{NFLplayer|87|Tre Nixon|WR|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer| 3|Quinn Nordin|K|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|34|Devine Ozigbo|RB}}

{{NFLplayer|64|Alex Redmond|G|PS/I}}

{{NFLplayer|59|LaRoy Reynolds|MLB}}

{{NFLplayer|39|D'Angelo Ross|CB}}

{{NFLplayer|68|Will Sherman|d=offensive lineman|T|rookie=y}}

{{NFLplayer|88|Jaylen Smith|d=wide receiver|WR}}

{{NFLplayer|17|Kristian Wilkerson|WR}}

}}

The Patriots' 2021 schedule was announced on May 12.{{cite web |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/new-england-patriots-announce-full-2021-schedule |title=New England Patriots Announce Full 2021 Schedule |website=New England Patriots |date=May 13, 2021 |access-date=September 21, 2024}}

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2020|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 1: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=September 12

|time=4:25 p.m. EDT

|road=Dolphins

|R1=7|R2=3|R3=7|R4=0

|home=Patriots

|H1=0|H2=10|H3=3|H4=3

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Partly cloudy, {{convert|82|F|C}}

|referee=Clete Blakeman

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/dolphins-at-patriots-2021-reg-1 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58514/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• MIA – Tua Tagovailoa 3-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 5:29. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:05.

Second quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 10:17. Dolphins 7–3. Drive: 14 plays, 65 yards, 6:56.
• NE – Nelson Agholor 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:35. Patriots 10–7. Drive: 7 plays, 63 yards, 3:36.
• MIA – Jason Sanders 48-yard field goal, 0:00. Tied 10–10. Drive: 8 plays, 45 yards, 2:30.

Third quarter

• MIA – Jaylen Waddle 3-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 10:51. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 9 plays, 75 yards, 4:09.
• NE – Nick Folk 42-yard field goal, 2:50. Dolphins 17–13. Drive: 14 plays, 67 yards, 8:01.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 10:36. Dolphins 17–16. Drive: 14 plays, 57 yards, 5:37.

|stats=

Top passers

• MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 16/27, 202 yards, TD, INT
• NE – Mac Jones – 29/39, 281 yards, TD

Top rushers

• MIA – Myles Gaskin – 9 rushes, 49 yards
• NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 100 yards

Top receivers

• MIA – Jaylen Waddle – 4 receptions, 61 yards, TD
• NE – Nelson Agholor – 5 receptions, 72 yards, TD

}}

In rookie quarterback Mac Jones' first NFL start, a back-and-forth affair against divisional opponent Miami was sealed when Patriots running back Damien Harris fumbled the ball in the fourth quarter, allowing the Dolphins to run out the clock.{{Cite web |last=Goss |first=Nick |date=2021-09-12 |title=Patriots QB Mac Jones looks like the real deal despite Week 1 loss |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/patriots/patriots-vs-dolphins-overreactions-instant-analysis-pats-week-1-loss |access-date=2021-09-23 |website=RSN |language=en}} With the close loss, the Patriots began the season 0–1 for the first time since 2017.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 2: New England Patriots at New York Jets – Game summary

|date=September 19

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|road=Patriots

|R1=10|R2=3|R3=9|R4=3

|home=Jets

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=0|H4=3

|stadium=MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey

|attendance=75,626

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|73|F|C}}

|referee=Shawn Hochuli

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Kevin Harlan, Trent Green and Melanie Collins

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-jets-2021-reg-2 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58526/NYJ_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 46-yard field goal, 4:46. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 6 plays, 7 yards, 2:59.
• NE – James White 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 0:57. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 6 plays, 72 yards, 3:13.

Second quarter

• NYJ – Matt Ammendola 21-yard field goal, 9:52. Patriots 10–3. Drive: 11 plays, 59 yards, 6:05.
• NE – Nick Folk 49-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 13–3. Drive: 10 plays, 38 yards, 1:56.

Third quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 26-yard run (kick failed), 10:24. Patriots 19–3. Drive: 2 plays, 35 yards, 0:51.
• NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:09. Patriots 22–3. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 3:31.

Fourth quarter

• NYJ – Matt Ammendola 35-yard field goal, 6:11. Patriots 22–6. Drive: 12 plays, 66 yards, 5:01.
• NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:57. Patriots 25–6. Drive: 7 plays, 17 yards, 2:34.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 22/30, 186 yards
• NYJ – Zach Wilson – 19/33, 210 yards, 4 INT

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 16 rushes, 62 yards, TD
• NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 59 yards

Top receivers

• NE – James White – 6 receptions, 45 yards
• NYJ – Braxton Berrios – 7 receptions, 73 yards

}}

A battle of rookie quarterbacks saw Zach Wilson of the Jets throw four interceptions to the Patriots defense, allowing New England to coast to a 25–6 win, its 11th straight win over divisional rival New York. Mac Jones completed over 70% of his passes for the second game in a row.{{cite web |last1=Rapp |first1=Timothy |title=Mac Jones, Patriots Cruise to Win vs. Jets as Zach Wilson Throws 4 INT |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10012748-mac-jones-patriots-cruise-to-win-vs-jets-as-zach-wilson-throws-4-int |website=Bleacher Report |access-date=19 September 2021 |date=19 September 2021}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 3: New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=September 26

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|road=Saints

|R1=7|R2=7|R3=7|R4=7

|home=Patriots

|H1=0|H2=3|H3=3|H4=7

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|70|F|C}}

|referee=John Hussey

|TV=Fox

|TVAnnouncers=Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth and Shannon Spake

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/saints-at-patriots-2021-reg-3 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58541/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NO – Alvin Kamara 11-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 7:35. Saints 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 69 yards, 4:58.

Second quarter

• NO – Marquez Callaway 7-yard pass from Jameis Winston (Aldrick Rosas kick), 1:44. Saints 14–0. Drive: 3 plays, 9 yards, 1:00.
• NE – Nick Folk 45-yard field goal, 0:34. Saints 14–3. Drive: 6 plays, 48 yards, 1:10.

Third quarter

• NO – Malcolm Jenkins 34-yard interception return (Aldrick Rosas kick), 14:51. Saints 21–3.
• NE – Nick Folk 26-yard field goal, 1:32. Saints 21–6. Drive: 16 plays, 72 yards, 9:05.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Kendrick Bourne 22-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:22. Saints 21–13. Drive: 3 plays, 44 yards, 1:06.
• NO – Taysom Hill 4-yard run (Aldrick Rosas kick), 2:37. Saints 28–13. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:45.

|stats=

Top passers

• NO – Jameis Winston – 13/21, 128 yards, 2 TD
• NE – Mac Jones – 30/51, 270 yards, TD, 3 INT

Top rushers

• NO – Alvin Kamara – 24 rushes, 89 yards
• NE – Mac Jones – 6 rushes, 28 yards

Top receivers

• NO – Marquez Callaway – 4 receptions, 41 yards, TD
• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 6 receptions, 96 yards, TD

}}

Jones threw three interceptions, including a pass bobbled by tight end Jonnu Smith before being returned by P. J. Williams for a touchdown, as the Patriots lost to the Saints 28–13 and dropped to 1–2.{{Cite web |agency=The Associated Press |date=2021-09-26 |title=Saints pick Jones 3 times in 28-13 win over the Patriots |url=https://www.wmur.com/article/patriots-saints-sept-26-2021/37743203 |access-date=2021-10-13 |website=WMUR |language=en}} This was also the Patriots' first loss to the Saints since 2009.

{{main|2021 Tampa Bay Buccaneers–New England Patriots game}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 4: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=October 3

|time=8:20 p.m. EDT

|road=Buccaneers

|R1=3|R2=3|R3=7|R4=6

|home=Patriots

|H1=0|H2=7|H3=0|H4=10

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Rain, {{convert|61|F|C}}

|referee=Bill Vinovich

|TV=NBC

|TVAnnouncers=Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth and Michele Tafoya

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/buccaneers-at-patriots-2021-reg-4 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58565/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• TB – Ryan Succop 45-yard field goal, 4:49. Buccaneers 3–0. Drive: 10 plays, 71 yards, 3:53.

Second quarter

• NE – Hunter Henry 11-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 8:28. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 11 plays, 74 yards, 6:21.
• TB – Ryan Succop 44-yard field goal, 0:13. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 8 plays, 69 yards, 1:36.

Third quarter

• TB – Ronald Jones II 8-yard run (Ryan Succop kick), 3:29. Buccaneers 13–7. Drive: 8 plays, 52 yards, 3:48.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Jonnu Smith 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:57. Patriots 14–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:32.
• TB – Ryan Succop 27-yard field goal, 7:58. Buccaneers 16–14. Drive: 15 plays, 68 yards, 6:59.
• NE – Nick Folk 27-yard field goal, 4:34. Patriots 17–16. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:24.
• TB – Ryan Succop 48-yard field goal, 1:57. Buccaneers 19–17. Drive: 7 plays, 45 yards, 2:37.

|stats=

Top passers

• TB – Tom Brady – 22/43, 269 yards
• NE – Mac Jones – 31/40, 275 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• TB – Leonard Fournette – 20 rushes, 91 yards
• NE – Nelson Agholor – 1 rush, 4 yards

Top receivers

• TB – Mike Evans – 7 receptions, 75 yards
• NE – Jakobi Meyers – 8 receptions, 70 yards

}}

This game marked former Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's first return to Gillette Stadium since leaving the Patriots after the 2019 season, as he was cheered by the Patriots' home crowd during pre-game introductions before being jeered during the game. During the rain-soaked, back-and-forth contest, Brady was held without a touchdown and completed just over half of his passes; he was held to his third lowest passer rating - 70.8 - since joining the Buccaneers but led them to a go-ahead field goal just after the two-minute warning. Jones, who passed for 2 touchdowns and an interception, led the Patriots into position for their own field goal, but Nick Folk's 56-yard attempt hit the left upright, sealing the loss for the Patriots to their former franchise quarterback.{{Cite web |last=Vatour |first=Matt |date=2021-10-04 |title=Tom Brady was far from terrific, but Bucs beat Patriots on Sunday Night Football |url=https://www.masslive.com/patriots/2021/10/tom-brady-was-far-from-terrific-but-buccaneers-beat-patriots-19-17-on-sunday-night-football.html |access-date=2021-10-04 |website=masslive |language=en}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 5: New England Patriots at Houston Texans – Game summary

|date=October 10

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT/12:00 p.m. CDT

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=9|R3=6|R4=10

|home=Texans

|H1=6|H2=9|H3=7|H4=0

|stadium=NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

|attendance=68,450

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Scott Novak

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-texans-2021-reg-5 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58571/HOU_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• HOU – Antony Auclair 11-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 4:45. Texans 6–0. Drive: 18 plays, 79 yards, 10:06.

Second quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (kick failed), 14:17. Tied 6–6. Drive: 10 plays, 60 yards, 5:37.
• HOU – Chris Moore 67-yard pass from Davis Mills (kick failed), 12:56. Texans 12–6. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 1:21.
• HOU – Kaʻimi Fairbairn 33-yard field goal, 1:37. Texans 15–6. Drive: 15 plays, 65 yards, 7:11.
• NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 0:02. Texans 15–9. Drive: 9 plays, 42 yards, 1:35.

Third quarter

• HOU – Chris Conley 37-yard pass from Davis Mills (Kaʻimi Fairbairn kick), 13:31. Texans 22–9. Drive: 2 plays, 44 yards, 0:42.
• NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 8:25. Texans 22–12. Drive: 4 plays, 3 yards, 1:57.
• NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 1:50. Texans 22–15. Drive: 7 plays, 47 yards, 3:58.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Hunter Henry 13-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 9:31. Tied 22–22. Drive: 7 plays, 54 yards, 3:54.
• NE – Nick Folk 21-yard field goal, 0:15. Patriots 25–22. Drive: 15 plays, 84 yards, 7:00.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 23/30, 231 yards, TD, INT
• HOU – Davis Mills – 21/29, 312 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 58 yards, TD
• HOU – Mark Ingram II – 16 rushes, 41 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 75 yards, TD
• HOU – Chris Moore – 5 receptions, 109 yards, TD

}}

Despite being down 22–9 to Houston at one point, the Patriots came back to win – coincidentally in the same stadium where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to the Atlanta Falcons to win Super Bowl LI. Aside from a missed extra point in the first half, Nick Folk made four field goals during the game, including the game-winner with 15 seconds left in the game.{{Cite web |last=Price |first=Christopher |date=2021-10-10 |title=Patriots come back to defeat the Texans 25-22 |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2021/10/10/patriots-texans-live-blog-game-updates-score/ |access-date=2021-10-13 |website=www.boston.com |language=en-US}} With the win, New England improved to 2–3, taking sole possession of 2nd place in the AFC East.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 6: Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=October 17

|time=4:25 p.m. EDT

|road=Cowboys

|R1=7|R2=3|R3=7|R4=12|R5=6

|home=Patriots

|H1=14|H2=0|H3=0|H4=15|H5=0

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Partly cloudy, {{convert|61|F|C}}

|referee=Brad Allen

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/cowboys-at-patriots-2021-reg-6 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58594/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 4-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 10:20. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 34 yards, 1:41.
• DAL – Blake Jarwin 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 6:43. Tied 7–7. Drive: 7 plays, 75 yards, 3:37.
• NE – Hunter Henry 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:50. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 1:53.

Second quarter

• DAL – Greg Zuerlein 30-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 3:26.

Third quarter

• DAL – CeeDee Lamb 1-yard pass from Dak Prescott (Greg Zuerlein kick), 4:49. Cowboys 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 91 yards, 4:29.

Fourth quarter

• DAL – Greg Zuerlein 45-yard field goal, 13:13. Cowboys 20–14. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 3:45.
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:23. Patriots 21–20. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 6:50.
• DAL – Trevon Diggs 42-yard interception return (pass failed), 2:27. Cowboys 26–21.
• NE – Kendrick Bourne 75-yard pass from Mac Jones (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 2:11. Patriots 29–26. Drive: 1 play, 75 yards, 0:16.
• DAL – Greg Zuerlein 49-yard field goal, 0:20. Tied 29–29. Drive: 9 plays, 40 yards, 1:51.

Overtime

• DAL – CeeDee Lamb 35-yard pass from Dak Prescott, 3:52. Cowboys 35–29.

|stats=

Top passers

• DAL – Dak Prescott – 36/51, 445 yards, 3 TD, INT
• NE – Mac Jones – 15/21, 229 yards, 2 TD, INT

Top rushers

• DAL – Ezekiel Elliott – 17 rushes, 69 yards, TD
• NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 101 yards, TD

Top receivers

• DAL – CeeDee Lamb – 9 receptions, 149 yards, 2 TD
• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 1 reception, 75 yards, TD

}}

This was the Patriots' first overtime game since the 2018 AFC Championship game against the Kansas City Chiefs. This was the Pats' first loss to the Cowboys in 25 years and their first home loss to them in 34 years.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 7: New York Jets at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=October 24

|time=1:00 p.m. EDT

|road=Jets

|R1=0|R2=7|R3=6|R4=0

|home=Patriots

|H1=14|H2=17|H3=3|H4=20

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|54|F|C}}

|referee=Brad Rogers

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Amanda Balionis

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/jets-at-patriots-2021-reg-7 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58601/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Nelson Agholor 25-yard pass from Kendrick Bourne (Nick Folk kick), 12:43. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 65 yards, 2:17.
• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:21. Patriots 14–0. Drive: 7 plays, 53 yards, 3:25.

Second quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 39-yard field goal, 14:10. Patriots 17–0. Drive: 8 plays, 41 yards, 2:38.
• NYJ – Corey Davis 3-yard pass from Mike White (Matt Ammendola kick), 10:39. Patriots 17–7. Drive: 6 plays, 69 yards, 3:31.
• NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:29. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 12 plays, 73 yards, 5:10.
• NE – Hunter Henry 1-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:27. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 1:28.

Third quarter

• NYJ – Elijah Moore 19-yard run (run failed), 11:38. Patriots 31–13. Drive: 7 plays, 77 yards, 3:22.
• NE – Nick Folk 50-yard field goal, 7:03. Patriots 34–13. Drive: 9 plays, 43 yards, 4:35.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 13:29. Patriots 41–13. Drive: 5 plays, 43 yards, 2:39.
• NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (kick failed), 9:10. Patriots 47–13. Drive: 4 plays, 53 yards, 2:04.
• NE – J. J. Taylor 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:59. Patriots 54–13. Drive: 9 plays, 78 yards, 3:43.

|stats=

Top passers

• NYJ – Mike White – 20/32, 202 yards, TD, 2 INT
• NE – Mac Jones – 24/36, 307 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

• NYJ – Michael Carter – 11 rushes, 37 yards
• NE – Damien Harris – 14 rushes, 106 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• NYJ – Michael Carter – 8 receptions, 67 yards
• NE – Brandon Bolden – 6 receptions, 79 yards, TD

}}

With the win, the Patriots improved to 3–4 and swept the Jets for the sixth consecutive season and improved the winning streak against the Jets to 12.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 8: New England Patriots at Los Angeles Chargers – Game summary

|date=October 31

|time=4:05 p.m. EDT/1:05 p.m. PDT

|road=Patriots

|R1=7|R2=6|R3=3|R4=11

|home=Chargers

|H1=7|H2=7|H3=3|H4=7

|stadium=SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California

|attendance=70,240

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Ronald Torbert

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-chargers-2021-reg-8 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58619/LAC_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• LAC – Austin Ekeler 5-yard run (Dustin Hopkins kick), 10:54. Chargers 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:06.
• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 6:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:28.

Second quarter

• LAC – Keenan Allen 5-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 12:35. Chargers 14–7. Drive: 5 plays, 86 yards, 2:16.
• NE – Nick Folk 24-yard field goal, 3:29. Chargers 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 30 yards, 3:22.
• NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 0:10. Chargers 14–13. Drive: 5 plays, 10 yards, 0:47.

Third quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 48-yard field goal, 3:39. Patriots 16–14. Drive: 10 plays, 31 yards, 5:09.
• LAC – Dustin Hopkins 48-yard field goal, 0:39. Chargers 17–16. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 3:00.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Adrian Phillips 26-yard interception return (Mac Jones-Jakobi Meyers pass), 10:11. Patriots 24–17.
• NE – Nick Folk 30-yard field goal, 2:19. Patriots 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 54 yards, 6:56.
• LAC – Josh Palmer 24-yard pass from Justin Herbert (Dustin Hopkins kick), 0:40. Patriots 27–24. Drive: 10 plays, 72 yards, 1:39.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 18/35, 218 yards
• LAC – Justin Herbert – 18/35, 223 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 23 rushes, 80 yards, TD
• LAC – Justin Jackson – 3 rushes, 79 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Nelson Agholor – 3 receptions, 60 yards
• LAC – Keenan Allen – 6 receptions, 77 yards, TD

}}

With the win, the Patriots improved to 4–4 on the season. It was the Patriots' seventh straight win over the Chargers. Their last loss came on October 12, 2008 in San Diego.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 9: New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers – Game summary

|date=November 7

|time=1:00 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=14|R3=10|R4=0

|home=Panthers

|H1=0|H2=6|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina

|attendance=72,203

|weather=Sunny, {{convert|61|F|C}}

|referee=Clete Blakeman

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta and AJ Ross

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-panthers-2021-reg-9 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58627/CAR_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• No scoring plays

Second quarter

• CAR – Zane Gonzalez 39-yard field goal, 12:07. Panthers 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 12 yards, 3:23.
• NE – Damien Harris 3-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 8:19. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:48.
• CAR – Zane Gonzalez 49-yard field goal, 4:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 3 yards, 1:54.
• NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:24. Patriots 14–6. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:04.

Third quarter

• NE – J. C. Jackson 88-yard interception return (Nick Folk kick), 6:55. Patriots 21–6.
• NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 2:20. Patriots 24–6. Drive: 6 plays, 24 yards, 1:44.

Fourth quarter

• No scoring plays

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 12/18, 139 yards, TD, INT
• CAR – Sam Darnold – 16/33, 172 yards, 3 INT

Top rushers

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 10 rushes, 62 yards
• CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 14 rushes, 52 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 2 receptions, 44 yards
• CAR – Christian McCaffrey – 4 receptions, 54 yards

}}

The Patriots intercepted Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold three times en route to victory, including an 88-yard pick-six by J.C. Jackson. New England improved to 5–4 on the year and [https://www.statmuse.com/nfl/ask/sam-darnold-career-stats-vs-patriots 4-0 all-time vs. Darnold]. This was also the Patriots first win over the Panthers since 2009.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 10: Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=November 14

|time=1:00 p.m. EST

|road=Browns

|R1=7|R2=0|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Patriots

|H1=7|H2=17|H3=7|H4=14

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|48|F|C}}

|referee=John Hussey

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/browns-at-patriots-2021-reg-10 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58642/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• CLE - Austin Hooper 2-yard pass from Baker Mayfield (Chase McLaughlin kick), 10:05. Browns 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 84 yards, 4:55.
• NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:26. Tied 7–7. Drive: 15 plays, 83 yards, 9:39.

Second quarter

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:43. Patriots 14–7. Drive: 1 play, 5 yards, 0:05.
• NE – Kendrick Bourne 23-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:40. Patriots 21–7. Drive: 11 plays, 99 yards, 6:11.
• NE – Nick Folk 38-yard field goal, 0:17. Patriots 24–7. Drive: 11 plays, 47 yards, 3:31.

Third quarter

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 5-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:04. Patriots 31–7. Drive: 8 plays, 92 yards, 5:06.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Hunter Henry 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:33. Patriots 38–7. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:59.
• NE – Jakobi Meyers 11-yard pass from Brian Hoyer (Nick Folk kick), 4:13. Patriots 45–7. Drive: 6 plays, 92 yards, 4:02.

|stats=

Top passers

• CLE – Case Keenum – 8/12, 81 yards
• NE – Mac Jones – 19/23, 198 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 19 rushes, 99 yards
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 20 rushes, 100 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• CLE – D'Ernest Johnson – 7 receptions, 58 yards
• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 98 yards, TD

}}

The Patriots outplayed the Browns on both sides of the ball. Mac Jones had one of his better games as a rookie, completing over 80 percent of his passes for three touchdowns and no interceptions as the Patriots converted 7 of 9 third downs. The defense only allowed points on the first drive of the game, held the Browns to 1 of 11 on third down, and knocked Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield out of the game in the third quarter.{{Cite web|date=2021-11-14|title=Jones tosses 3 TDs, Mayfield hurt as Pats beat Browns 45-7|url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-sports-matt-judon-bill-belichick-new-england-patriots-aa17230649156dba4b2843bf084134fb|access-date=2021-12-09|website=AP NEWS|language=en}} With Damien Harris sidelined with a concussion from the Panthers game,{{Cite web|date=2021-11-14|title=Patriots leading rusher ruled out for Browns game with concussion|url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/damien-harris-ruled-out-for-browns-game-november-13-2021/38243082|access-date=2021-12-09|website=WCVB|language=en}} Rhamondre Stevenson served as the primary running back, rushing for 100 yards and two touchdowns. With the score 38–7 in the fourth quarter, Brian Hoyer replaced Jones and threw the pass that ended Jakobi Meyers' record touchdown drought.{{Cite web|title=Patriots' Jakobi Meyers snaps record-setting touchdown drought in Week 10 win over Browns|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-jakobi-meyers-snaps-record-setting-touchdown-drought-in-week-10-win-over-browns/|access-date=2021-12-09|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 11: New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|November 18, 2021}}

|time=8:20 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=3|R2=10|R3=0|R4=12

|home=Falcons

|H1=0|H2=0|H3=0|H4=0

|stadium=Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

|attendance=68,286

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Land Clark

|TV=Fox/NFLN/Prime Video

|TVAnnouncers=Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews and Kristina Pink

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-falcons-2021-reg-11 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58653/ATL_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 32-yard field goal, 5:14. Patriots 3–0. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 4:38.

Second quarter

• NE – Nelson Agholor 19-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 13:44. Patriots 10–0. Drive: 7 plays, 76 yards, 3:29.
• NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:00. Patriots 13–0. Drive: 7 plays, 41 yards, 1:48.

Third quarter

• No scoring plays

Fourth quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 53-yard field goal, 6:39. Patriots 16–0. Drive: 8 plays, 43 yards, 5:21.
• NE – Nick Folk 33-yard field goal, 1:55. Patriots 19–0. Drive: 8 plays, 35 yards, 3:14.
• NE – Kyle Van Noy 35-yard interception return (kick failed, wide left), 1:22. Patriots 25–0.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 22/26, 207 yards, TD, INT
• ATL – Matt Ryan – 19/28, 153 yards, 2 INT

Top rushers

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 12 rushes, 69 yards
• ATL – Qadree Ollison – 9 rushes, 34 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 4 receptions, 42 yards
• ATL – Russell Gage – 5 receptions, 49 yards

}}

The Patriots defense intercepted all three quarterbacks on the Falcons—Matt Ryan, Josh Rosen, and Feleipe Franks—as New England coasted to a 25–0 win over Atlanta on Thursday Night Football, improving to 7–4.{{Cite web |title=Patriots at Falcons score, takeaways: New England beats up Matt Ryan, blanks Atlanta for fifth consecutive win |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-at-falcons-score-new-england-beats-up-matt-ryan-blanks-atlanta-for-fifth-consecutive-win/live/ |access-date=2021-11-27 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}} They would gain the AFC East division lead later in the week after the Buffalo Bills lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 12: Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=November 28

|time=1:00 p.m. EST

|road=Titans

|R1=0|R2=13|R3=0|R4=0

|home=Patriots

|H1=7|H2=9|H3=10|H4=10

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|37|F|C}}

|referee=Alex Kemp

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Charles Davis and Evan Washburn

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/titans-at-patriots-2021-reg-12 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58676/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Kendrick Bourne 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 7:37. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 37 yards, 4:46.

Second quarter

• TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 1-yard pass from Ryan Tannehill (kick failed), 14:28. Patriots 7–6. Drive: 14 plays, 74 yards, 8:09.
• NE – Nick Folk 22-yard field goal, 9:50. Patriots 10–6. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 4:38.
• NE – Nick Folk 37-yard field goal, 3:04. Patriots 13–6. Drive: 6 plays, 47 yards, 2:57.
• NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:58. Patriots 16–6. Drive: 6 plays, 42 yards, 0:53.
• TEN – Dontrell Hilliard 68-yard run (Randy Bullock kick), 0:37. Patriots 16–13. Drive: 3 plays, 75 yards, 0:21.

Third quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 28-yard field goal, 11:13. Patriots 19–13. Drive: 8 plays, 39 yards, 3:47.
• NE – Kendrick Bourne 41-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 5:01. Patriots 26–13. Drive: 4 plays, 56 yards, 1:43.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 52-yard field goal, 6:09. Patriots 29–13. Drive: 10 plays, 46 yards, 5:50.
• NE – Damien Harris 14-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 4:38. Patriots 36–13. Drive: 2 plays, 21 yards, 0:48.

|stats=

Top passers

• TEN – Ryan Tannehill – 11/21, 93 yards, TD, INT
• NE – Mac Jones – 23/32, 310 yards, 2 TD

Top rushers

• TEN – Dontrell Hilliard – 12 rushes, 131 yards, TD
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 9 rushes, 46 yards

Top receivers

• TEN – Nick Westbrook-Ikhine – 2 receptions, 25 yards, TD
• NE – Jakobi Meyers – 5 receptions, 98 yards

}}

The Patriots defense put up a show against a banged up Titans team. The offense was only forced to punt once but struggled to finish drives and get the run game going, resulting in five Nick Folk field goals. Mac Jones threw for 310 yards, and completed a pair of touchdown passes to Kendrick Bourne, with Damien Harris adding a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on the ground. Cornerback J. C. Jackson secured his seventh interception of the season, while the rest of the defense forced five fumbles, three of which were recovered by the Patriots. The Patriots improved to 8-4 for the AFC East division lead and an overall second place in the AFC.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 13: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|December 6, 2021}}

|time=8:15 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=8|R2=3|R3=0|R4=3

|home=Bills

|H1=7|H2=0|H3=3|H4=0

|stadium=Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

|attendance=69,694

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|36|F|C}}

|referee=Bill Vinovich

|TV=ESPN

|TVAnnouncers=Steve Levy, Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, and Lisa Salters

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-bills-2021-reg-13 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58696/BUF_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 64-yard run (Brandon Bolden run), 5:18. Patriots 8–0. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:37.
• BUF – Gabe Davis 14-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:02. Patriots 8–7. Drive: 1 play, 14 yards, 0:05.

Second quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 41-yard field goal, 11:28. Patriots 11–7. Drive: 9 plays, 52 yards, 5:34.

Third quarter

• BUF – Tyler Bass 35-yard field goal, 6:35. Patriots 11–10. Drive: 8 plays, 46 yards, 2:40.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 34-yard field goal, 13:01. Patriots 14–10. Drive: 14 plays, 59 yards, 8:34.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 2/3, 19 yards
• BUF – Josh Allen – 15/30, 145 yards, TD

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 10 rushes, 111 yards, TD
• BUF – Josh Allen – 6 rushes, 39 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Jonnu Smith – 1 reception, 12 yards
• BUF – Stefon Diggs – 4 receptions, 51 yards

}}

The Patriots entered the game in first place in the AFC following the Baltimore Ravens' loss the previous day, and were playing for first place in the AFC East. The game was impacted by {{convert|40|mph|kph|abbr=on}} winds;{{Cite web|last=Fairburn|first=Matthew|title=In Patriots' latest win over Bills, Bill Belichick shows he's living in Sean McDermott's head|url=https://theathletic.com/3002557/2021/12/07/in-patriots-latest-win-over-bills-bill-belichick-shows-hes-living-in-sean-mcdermotts-head/|access-date=2021-12-08|website=The Athletic|language=en}} Belichick noted after the game that the winds in the Patriots' Week 17 game in Buffalo in 2008 were "way worse".{{cite tweet |last=Reiss |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Reiss |user=MikeReiss |number=1468081250032398337 |date=December 7, 2021 |title=Bill Belichick said the 2008 finale in Buffalo was "way worse" from a wind perspective than this game. |language=en |access-date=December 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209194815/https://twitter.com/mikereiss/status/1468081250032398337 |archive-date=December 9, 2021 |url-status=live}}

The Patriots drew up a run-heavy game plan in which Jones attempted just three passes, completing two for 19 yards (in 2008, Cassel completed six of eight passes for 78 yards). The Patriots ran the ball 46 times, for over 220 yards, utilizing a sixth offensive lineman on the majority of their offensive snaps. The three pass attempts were the fewest in a game since 1974 (when the Bills attempted just two in a game), the fewest in franchise history, and the fewest by a winning team in 30 years.{{Cite web|title=Mac Jones throws just three passes in Patriots' victory over Bills, fewest by winning team in last 30 years|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mac-jones-throws-just-three-passes-in-patriots-victory-over-bills-fewest-by-winning-team-in-last-30-years/|access-date=2021-12-08|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}

The Patriots defense was also stout: the Bills' only touchdown came after a N'Keal Harry muffed punt, and Myles Bryant broke up a fourth-down pass in the red zone late in the fourth quarter to preserve the Patriots' 14–10 win.

The Patriots had their bye week after this game, making it their latest regular-season bye since their Week 16 bye in 2001.{{Cite web|title=New England Patriots Announce Full 2021 Schedule|url=https://www.patriots.com/news/new-england-patriots-announce-full-2021-schedule|access-date=2021-12-09|website=www.patriots.com|language=en-US}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 15: New England Patriots at Indianapolis Colts – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|December 18, 2021}}

|time=8:20 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=0|R3=0|R4=17

|home=Colts

|H1=14|H2=3|H3=3|H4=7

|stadium=Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

|attendance=67,391

|weather=None (retractable roof closed)

|referee=Carl Cheffers

|TV=NFLN

|TVAnnouncers=Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olsen, Pam Oliver and Kristina Pink

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-colts-2021-reg-15 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58714/IND_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• IND – Nyheim Hines 8-yard pass from Carson Wentz (Michael Badgley kick), 3:53. Colts 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 78 yards, 4:58.
• IND – E. J. Speed blocked punt recovery in end zone (Michael Badgley kick), 0:14. Colts 14–0.

Second quarter

• IND – Michael Badgley 25-yard field goal, 4:31. Colts 17–0. Drive: 14 plays, 58 yards, 8:57.

Third quarter

• IND – Michael Badgley 41-yard field goal, 11:49. Colts 20–0. Drive: 4 plays, −3 yards, 1:49.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Hunter Henry 12-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 14:55. Colts 20–7. Drive: 9 plays, 61 yards, 4:38.
• NE – Nick Folk 25-yard field goal, 8:57. Colts 20–10. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 4:28.
• NE – Hunter Henry 7-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 2:21. Colts 20–17. Drive: 7 plays, 82 yards, 1:27.
• IND – Jonathan Taylor 67-yard run (Michael Badgley kick), 2:01. Colts 27–17. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:20.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 26/45, 299 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• IND – Carson Wentz – 5/12, 57 yards, TD, INT

Top rushers

• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 10 rushes, 36 yards
• IND – Jonathan Taylor– 29 rushes, 170 yards, TD

Top receivers

• NE – Hunter Henry – 6 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
• IND – Zach Pascal – 1 reception, 23 yards

}}

The Patriots were flat for much of the game, being shut out in the first half for the first time in 99 games. A late second half comeback brought the Patriots to within three points, but fell short when Jonathan Taylor put the game away with a 67-yard touchdown run. With the loss, the Patriots fell to the #3 seed in the AFC prior to Week 15's Sunday games, while still maintaining first place in the AFC East. It was also the first time the Patriots lost to the Colts since Week 10 of the 2009 season.{{cite web |title=Indianapolis Colts send message to rest of AFC with first win over New England Patriots since 2009 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/indianapolis-colts/post/_/id/27041/indianapolis-colts-send-message-to-rest-of-afc-with-first-win-over-new-england-patriots-since-2009 |website=ESPN.com |access-date=21 December 2021 |language=en |date=19 December 2021}} The Patriots gave up 226 rush yards in the loss.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 16: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=December 26

|time=1:00 p.m. EST

|road=Bills

|R1=7|R2=10|R3=3|R4=13

|home=Patriots

|H1=0|H2=7|H3=7|H4=7

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|37|F|C}}

|referee=Shawn Smith

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/bills-at-patriots-2021-reg-16 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58735/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• BUF – Isaiah McKenzie 3-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 6:37. Bills 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 61 yards, 6:57.

Second quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 16-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 14:28. Tied 7–7. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 7:09.
• BUF – Tyler Bass 25-yard field goal, 9:01. Bills 10–7. Drive: 10 plays, 68 yards, 5:27.
• BUF – Stefon Diggs 12-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 1:45. Bills 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 42 yards, 1:25.

Third quarter

• BUF – Tyler Bass 34-yard field goal, 9:02. Bills 20–7. Drive: 14 plays, 64 yards, 5:58.
• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 1:41. Bills 20–14. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:21.

Fourth quarter

• BUF – Devin Singletary 2-yard run (pass failed), 11:42. Bills 26–14. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:59.
• NE – Damien Harris 8-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:37. Bills 26–21. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:05.
• BUF – Dawson Knox 2-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 2:30. Bills 33–21. Drive: 13 plays, 75 yards, 5:07.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 14/32, 145 yards, 2 INT
• BUF – Josh Allen – 30/47, 314 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 18 rushes, 103 yards, 3 TD
• BUF – Josh Allen – 12 rushes, 64 yards

Top receivers

• NE – Jakobi Meyers – 6 receptions, 59 yards
• BUF – Isaiah McKenzie – 11 receptions, 125 yards, TD

}}

This was the first time in five years the Pats and the Bills split the season series. Because of this loss (their second straight after a bye week), the Pats fell to the #6 seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Bills did not have a single punt in this game.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 17: Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots – Game summary

|date=January 2

|time=1:00 p.m. EST

|road=Jaguars

|R1=3|R2=0|R3=0|R4=7

|home=Patriots

|H1=7|H2=21|H3=13|H4=9

|stadium=Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts

|attendance=65,878

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|46|F|C}}

|referee=Adrian Hill

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Andrew Catalon, James Lofton and Sherree Burress

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/jaguars-at-patriots-2021-reg-17 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58748/NE_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 2-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 5:49. Patriots 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 70 yards, 7:03.
• JAX – Matthew Wright 29-yard field goal, 2:18. Patriots 7–3. Drive: 8 plays, 66 yards, 3:31.

Second quarter

• NE – Damien Harris 7-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 12:02. Patriots 14–3. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 5:16.
• NE – Kristian Wilkerson 6-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:40. Patriots 21–3. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 3:37.
• NE – Jakobi Meyers 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 0:48. Patriots 28–3. Drive: 6 plays, 43 yards, 1:11.

Third quarter

• NE – Kristian Wilkerson 20-yard pass from Mac Jones (kick blocked), 11:14. Patriots 34–3. Drive: 6 plays, 77 yards, 3:46.
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:42. Patriots 41–3. Drive: 1 play, 1 yard, 0:03.

Fourth quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal, 11:46. Patriots 44–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:28.
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson 6-yard run (run failed), 7:07. Patriots 50–3. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:46.
• JAX – Dare Ogunbowale 28-yard pass from Trevor Lawrence (Matthew Wright kick), 3:48. Patriots 50–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:19.

|stats=

Top passers

• JAX – Trevor Lawrence – 17/27, 193 yards, TD, 3 INT
• NE – Mac Jones – 22/30, 227 yards, 3 TD

Top rushers

• JAX – Dare Ogunbowale – 9 rushes, 36 yards
• NE – Rhamondre Stevenson – 19 rushes, 107 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• JAX – Laquon Treadwell – 6 receptions, 87 yards
• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 5 receptions, 76 yards

}}

A blowout win combined with a Dolphins loss sent the Patriots back to the postseason, following a 1-year absence.

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=Week 18: New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins – Game summary

|date=January 9

|time=4:25 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=7|R3=3|R4=14

|home=Dolphins

|H1=14|H2=3|H3=7|H4=9

|stadium=Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

|attendance=66,514

|weather=Cloudy, {{convert|76|F|C}}

|referee=Alex Kemp

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Spero Dedes, Jay Feely and Jenny Dell

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-dolphins-2021-reg-18 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58766/MIA_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• MIA – Jaylen Waddle 7-yard pass from Tua Tagovailoa (Jason Sanders kick), 7:34. Dolphins 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 77 yards, 7:26.
• MIA – Xavien Howard 37-yard interception return (Jason Sanders kick), 6:07. Dolphins 14–0.

Second quarter

• MIA – Jason Sanders 30-yard field goal 11:09. Dolphins 17–0. Drive: 15 plays, 77 yards, 6:58.
• NE – Brandon Bolden 15-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 7:36. Dolphins 17–7. Drive: 7 plays, 74 yards, 3:33.

Third quarter

• NE – Nick Folk 43-yard field goal 8:27. Dolphins 17–10. Drive: 13 plays, 50 yards, 6:33.
• MIA – Duke Johnson 1-yard run (Jason Sanders kick), 4:31. Dolphins 24–10. Drive: 8 plays, 75 yards, 3:56.

Fourth quarter

• MIA – Jason Sanders 49-yard field goal 10:55. Dolphins 27–10. Drive: 10 plays, 45 yards, 6:30.
• NE – Brandon Bolden 18-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 6:32. Dolphins 27–17. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:23.
• NE – Damien Harris 1-yard run (Nick Folk kick), 2:53. Dolphins 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 76 yards, 1:56.
• MIA – Sam Eguavoen 0-yard fumble return, 0:00. Dolphins 33–24.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 20/30, 261 yards, TD, INT
• MIA – Tua Tagovailoa – 15/22, 109 yards, TD

Top rushers

• NE – Brandon Bolden – 7 rushes, 46 yards, TD
• MIA – Duke Johnson – 25 rushes, 117 yards, TD

Top receivers

• NE – Hunter Henry – 5 receptions, 86 yards
• MIA – Durham Smythe – 2 receptions, 32 yards

}}

This was the first time since 2000 that the Patriots were swept by the Dolphins.

{{2021 AFC East standings|team=NE}}

{{2021 AFC standings|team=NE}}

{{see also|2021–22 NFL playoffs}}

{{Americanfootballbox

|titlestyle={{NFLPrimaryStyle|New England Patriots|year=2021|border=2}};text-align:center;

|state=autocollapse

|title=AFC Wild Card Playoffs: (6) New England Patriots at (3) Buffalo Bills – Game summary

|date={{dow tooltip|January 15, 2022|df=F j, Y}}

|time=8:15 p.m. EST

|road=Patriots

|R1=0|R2=3|R3=7|R4=7

|home=Bills

|H1=14|H2=13|H3=6|H4=14

|stadium=Highmark Stadium, Orchard Park, New York

|attendance=69,188

|weather=Clear, {{convert|7|F|C}}

|referee=Brad Allen

|TV=CBS

|TVAnnouncers=Ian Eagle, Charles Davis, and Evan Washburn

|reference=[https://www.nfl.com/games/patriots-at-bills-2021-post-1 Recap], [https://nflcdns.nfl.com/liveupdate/gamecenter/58825/BUF_Gamebook.pdf Game Book]

|scoring=

First quarter

• BUF – Dawson Knox 8-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 9:45. Bills 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 70 yards, 5:15.
• BUF – Dawson Knox 11-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 0:40. Bills 14–0. Drive: 10 plays, 80 yards, 5:00.

Second quarter

• BUF – Devin Singletary 3-yard run (kick blocked), 7:20. Bills 20–0. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 6:03.
• BUF – Devin Singletary 16-yard run (Tyler Bass kick), 1:53 . Bills 27–0. Drive: 4 plays, 89 yards, 1:51.
• NE – Nick Folk 44-yard field goal, 0:01. Bills 27–3. Drive: 10 plays, 49 yards, 1:52.

Third quarter

• BUF – Emmanuel Sanders 34-yard pass from Josh Allen (kick blocked), 8:48. Bills 33–3. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 4:05.
• NE – Kendrick Bourne 3-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 4:12. Bills 33–10. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:36.

Fourth quarter

• BUF – Gabe Davis 19-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 13:22. Bills 40–10. Drive: 9 plays, 77 yards, 5:50.
• BUF – Tommy Doyle 1-yard pass from Josh Allen (Tyler Bass kick), 8:37. Bills 47–10. Drive: 3 plays, 39 yards, 1:36.
• NE – Kendrick Bourne 4-yard pass from Mac Jones (Nick Folk kick), 1:44. Bills 47–17. Drive: 15 plays, 75 yards, 6:53.

|stats=

Top passers

• NE – Mac Jones – 24/38, 232 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
• BUF – Josh Allen – 21/25, 308 yards, 5 TD

Top rushers

• NE – Damien Harris – 9 rushes, 30 yards
• BUF – Devin Singletary – 16 rushes, 81 yards, 2 TD

Top receivers

• NE – Kendrick Bourne – 7 receptions, 77 yards, 2 TD
• BUF – Dawson Knox – 5 receptions, 89 yards, 2 TD

}}In New England's first playoff game since the departure of quarterback Tom Brady, they were unable to stop the Bills and quarterback Josh Allen defensively, with the Bills being the first team in NFL history to never punt, kick a field goal or turn the ball over on any of their drives (every Buffalo offensive possession ended in a touchdown or was the end of the game).{{cite web | last=Kerr | first=Jeff | title=Bills become first team in NFL history to pitch a 'perfect' offensive game in playoff win over Patriots | website=CBSSports.com | date=2022-01-16 | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/bills-become-the-first-team-in-nfl-history-to-pitch-a-perfect-offensive-game-in-playoff-win-over-patriots/ | access-date=2024-11-25}} It was the New England Patriots' worst playoff loss since Super Bowl XX.

{{Further|National Football League records}}

Statistics correct as of the end of the 2021 NFL season{{cite web |title=2021 NFL Team Total Statistics |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/stats/team/_/view/ |publisher=ESPN |access-date=January 10, 2022}}{{cite web |title=NE Patriots Stats |url=https://www.patriots.com/team/stats/ |publisher=New England Patriots |access-date=11 January 2022}}

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{official website|https://www.patriots.com/}}

{{New England Patriots}}

{{New England Patriots seasons}}

{{2021 NFL season by team}}

New England Patriots

Category:New England Patriots seasons

New England Patriots

Category:Sports competitions in Foxborough, Massachusetts