Ranking the New England Patriots first 9 Super Bowl appearances
8. Super Bowl XLII
New York Giants 17, New England Patriots 14
This is arguably the worst loss in New England Patriots history. The Patriots were 18-0 after an incredible 2007 season, and they were heavy favorites with good reason. The New York Giants spoiled the undefeated season though with a surprising 17-14 win.
New York’s defense swarmed Tom Brady and shut down New England’s offense for most of the night. Then there was the Helmet Catch from David Tyree. Giants QB Eli Manning was miraculously able to escape pressure and he launched a ball up that Tyree somehow caught with the top of his head. Later on the drive, the Giants won the game with a touchdown to Plaxico Burress.
Patriots fans across the world were stunned when the clock hit 0:00 and the confetti wasn’t falling for New England. It was the greatest upset in NFL history.
7. Super Bowl XLVI
New York Giants 21, New England Patriots 17
Just 4 years after they beat the undefeated Patriots, the Giants did it again. It was another case of the New York defense being too much for Brady and the Patriots. 17 points was a usual halftime point total for this team, but they couldn’t score anymore during an entire game. Eli Manning again did just enough to get his team into a position to win, and they took the Patriots down 21-17.
6. Super Bowl XXXI
Green Bay Packers 35, New England Patriots 21
Super Bowl XXXI is very much forgotten in New England. Drew Bledsoe took the Patriots down to New Orleans to face Brett Favre and the Packers. The Patriots actually grabbed a 14-10 lead in the first quarter thanks to touchdown receptions from Keith Byars and Ben Coates. The Packers turned things on in the second quarter though.
17 unanswered points before the half gave Green Bay the lead for good. Favre threw a TD to Antonio Freeman and he ran one in himself. A field goal made it a 27-14 game at the half.
In the third quarter, New England gave some fans hope as Curtis Martin made it a 21-27 game with an 18-yard rush. The Patriots were within a score, but Bledsoe could not lead them to victory. Instead, Desmond Howard put the icing on the cake with a 99-yard return for a touchdown on the ensuing kickoff.