At a Glance
- The New England Patriots return to the Super Bowl for the 12th time, extending the NFL record.
- After a 14-3 regular-season finish, the team captured the AFC East and earned the No. 2 seed.
- They defeated the Chargers, Texans, and Broncos before winning the AFC title on the road.
- Why it matters: The Patriots’ journey from consecutive 4-13 seasons to a championship-contending squad showcases a dramatic turnaround.
The New England Patriots are headed back to the biggest stage in football, setting the stage for a historic rematch with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
Season Recap
The Patriots’ 2023 campaign began in a stark contrast to the previous two seasons.
- The team finished 14-3, winning the AFC East and securing the conference’s No. 2 seed.
- Their turnaround was led by first-year head coach Mike Vrabel and second-year quarterback Drake Maye.
Playoff Journey
During the playoffs, the Patriots demonstrated resilience and skill.
- In the Wild-Card round, they defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 and the Houston Texans 28-16 at home.
- The Divisional game saw them hold off the Denver Broncos 10-7.
- The AFC Championship was won on the road with a 28-10 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Super Bowl History
How many times have the Patriots made the Super Bowl?
The 2024 appearance marks the team’s 12th Super Bowl, extending their NFL record.
| Super Bowl | Date | Result | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| XX | Jan. 26, 1986 | 10-46 | Chicago Bears |
| XXXI | Jan. 27, 1997 | 21-35 | Green Bay Packers |
| XXXVI | Feb. 3, 2002 | 20-17 | St. Louis Rams |
| XXXVIII | Feb. 1, 2004 | 32-29 | Carolina Panthers |
| XXXIX | Feb. 6, 2005 | 24-21 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| XLII | Feb. 3, 2008 | 14-17 | New York Giants |
| XLVI | Feb. 5, 2012 | 17-21 | New York Giants |
| XLIX | Feb. 1, 2015 | 28-24 | Seattle Seahawks |
| LI | Feb. 5, 2017 | 34-28 | Atlanta Falcons |
| LII | Feb. 4, 2018 | 33-41 | Philadelphia Eagles |
| LIII | Feb. 3, 2019 | 13-3 | Los Angeles Rams |
Patriots Super Bowl Wins
All six victories came under quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick. Key moments included:
- A 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri at the buzzer in Super Bowl XXXVI.
- A 41-yard field goal at the end of Super Bowl XXXVIII.
- A 24-21 win over the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX.
- A 28-24 comeback against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
- An 18-point rally in Super Bowl LI.
- A 13-3 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII.
Patriots Super Bowl Losses
Losses were often heartbreaking:
- The 1985 season’s Super Bowl XX ended 10-46 against the Bears.
- The 1996 season’s Super Bowl XXXI saw a 21-35 loss to the Packers.
- The 2007 season’s Super Bowl XLII ended 14-17 to the Giants.
- The 2011 season’s Super Bowl XLVI ended 17-21 to the Giants.
- The 2017 season’s Super Bowl LII ended 33-41 to the Eagles.
Looking Ahead
With the Super Bowl set for February 11, 2024, the Patriots face a top-ranked Seahawks defense.
- The matchup will test Drake Maye’s leadership against Seattle’s historic “Legion of Boom.”
- The game is a chance for the Patriots to cement their legacy as the most frequent Super Bowl participants.
The Patriots’ story-from a 4-13 slump to a championship contender-highlights the impact of coaching changes, player development, and strategic resilience. Their upcoming game will be a culmination of years of rebuilding and a testament to the franchise’s enduring pursuit of excellence.
