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Ranking New England Patriots Thanksgiving Day games

By Logan Jakubajtys

FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 04: A general view during the second half of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - OCTOBER 04: A general view during the second half of the game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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3. November 28, 2002: Patriots 20, Lions 12

In Tom Brady’s first ever Thanksgiving Day start, New England found a way to win. The Patriots opened the scoring, and never looked back. Adam Vinatieri hit a 31-yard field goal and New England was on the board in the first quarter.

On the next possession, Tedy Bruschi intercepted Lions QB Joey Harrington and ran it back 27-yards for a touchdown.

In the second quarter, Patriots running back Antowain Smith punched in another score from the 1-yard line. Two field goals from Jason Hanson gave the Lions 6 points, but it was a 17-6 New England lead at the half.

The second half was a game of field goals, with Adam Vinatieri adding one for the Patriots and Hanson adding two for the Lions. New England’s defense was strong all day, allowing just the 12 points on 4 field goals.

Brady threw for 210 yards and 1 interception, but Antowain Smith had  80 yards on the ground. Marc Edwards added 31 and Kevin Faulk had 16 on 5 carries. The Patriots ran for over 100 yards easily as they controlled the game.

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