2014 Year in Review: December Edition
By DJ Smith
Patriots clinch #1 seed
Nov 23, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) congratulates running back LeGarrette Blount (29) on his touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Lions 34-9. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
After the Patriots dropped a late September game to Kansas City Chiefs many fans and analysts had written the Patriots off as Super Bowl contenders, hell even as playoff contenders. To make matters worse for the Patriots was the daunting schedule they had ahead of them, facing several division leaders (at the time) including Green Bay, San Diego, and Denver. What the Patriots did during that stretch was nothing short of amazing, wining 8 or their next 9 games including wins over San Diego and Denver. By the time December rolled around, they were looking to wrap up the AFC East for after a victory against the Miami Dolphins in Week 15 they did indeed capture the AFC East crown. The following week after beating the New York Jets they gained at least a first round bye, and after the Broncos lost to the Bengals on Monday Night Football last week they clinched the #1 seed in the AFC. Looking back it was nothing short of astounding what the Patriots did, when you realize how dire things were in Foxborough early on. But now, as it has been for about 15 years, the Patriots are gearing up for another postseason run and looking to capture that elusive 4th Super Bowl championship.