The Story of the 2015 New England Patriots

(photo credit: mmqb.si.com)

The Patriots went into the 2015 season defending world champions. They had beat the then defending champion Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, clinching the 28-24 victory with a goal-line interception by Malcolm Butler.

The Patriots were looking to repeat as champions. They would be the first back-to-back champions since they did it in 2004-2005. The Pats had started the season with a 10-0 record before losing to the Broncos in Week 12.

Another thing that hurt this team was injuries. Both of their star running backs, Dion Lewis and Legarette Blount, went down for the season with injury. One of the Pats' star receivers, Julian Edleman, missed seven games with a broken foot. Even their star tight end Rob Gronkowski missed a game after what seemed to be a serious injury turned out to be a bruised knee. Despite all these grousome injuries, and losing two of their last three after the 10-0 start, the Pats were in position for a #1 seed.

All they needed to do was beat the Miami Dolphins in Week 17 and have the San Diego Chargers beat the Denver Broncos to clinch. Unfortunately, the Patriots couldn't beat the Dolphins and they finished the season 12-4 and the #2 seed in the AFC.

After beating the Kansas City Chiefs, who had won their last 11 games, in the Divisional Round, they were set with a Week 12 rematch with the Broncos in the AFC Championship game.

It was a close game altogether, but with the score 20-18 in favor of Denver, the Patriots needed a two-point conversion to tie the game. Unfortunately, Brady's pass was tipped and intercepted. It was his third interception of the day, and it ended the Patriots hopes at going back to the Super Bowl.