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2013 Patriots season tracker

Keep track of the Patriots' progress throughout the 2013 season here with full coverage from the Boston Globe:

WEEK 1: PATRIOTS 23, BILLS 21

The Patriots opened up a 10-0 lead, but then saw Buffalo roar back by capitalizing on uncharacteristic New England mistakes.

Stephen Gostkowski (3) kicked a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds to play to give the Patriots a Week 1 win in Buffalo.BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF

The Patriots committed three turnovers and fell behind 21-17 in the second half. Brady was forced to rely on an ailing Danny Amendola, Shane Vereen and Julian Edelman almost exclusively as he failed to develop a rapport with most of his new receiving corps. In the end, Brady rallied the Patriots for a game-saving drive that culminated in a 35-yard field goal with 5 seconds left.

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Game story: Patriots start season with shaky win

Box score: Patriots 23, Bills 21

Photos: Highlights from Orchard Park, N.Y.

Christopher L. Gasper: Tom Brady saved the day for Patriots

Ben Volin: Patriots offense could struggle for awhile

Patriots Notebook: Kyle Arrington comes up big twice for Patriots

Shane Vereen steps up with Stevan Ridley benched

Bills rookie QB E.J. Manuel shows poise

WEEK 2: PATRIOTS 13, JETS 10

The Patriots moved to 2-0, but didn't exit the game with a positive vibe as they struggled to score against the Jets. The Patriots punted 11 times, for example, while netting just nine first downs. Playing without Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady connected 13 times with Julian Edelman, who had 78 yards on those catches. The Patriots' defense stiffened against rookie Jets QB Geno Smith, and picked him off three times. Aqib Talib sealed the game with an interception in the final minute.

Game story: Patriots tough it out against Jets

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Dan Shaughnessy: It's Tom Brady ... and not much more

Christopher L. Gasper: Get used to this struggling Patriots offense

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Ben Volin: Patriots' defense can take a bow

Patriots Notebook: Danny Amendola could miss up to six weeks

Report: Bill Belichick has new contract extension

Patriots' win ends with ugly display

Geno Smith accepts blame for Jets' loss

WEEK 3: PATRIOTS 23, BUCCANEERS 3

The Patriots passing offense finally came alive in Week 3 as Tom Brady connected twice for touchdowns with rookie Kenbrell Thompkins in a win at home over Tampa.

Tom Brady and Kenbrell Thompkins celebrated after Tompkins’s first touchdown.BRIAN SNYDER/REUTERS

The Buccaneers fell behind 17-3 in the second quarter, and the Patriots' defense never allowed them back into the game.

Game story: Patriots move to 3-0 with win over Buccaneers

Box score: Patriots 23, Buccaneers 3

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Christopher L. Gasper: Tougher tests to come for the Patriots

Ben Volin: Brady, young receivers start to connect

Patriots Notebook: Rob Ninkovich given 3-year extension

Brandon Bolden impresses in first appearance

Once again, the Patriots defense rules the day

WEEK 4: PATRIOTS 30, FALCONS 23

The Patriots offense found a groove on the road against an NFC South contender, then the defense stood tall when it counted most to improve to 4-0.

Aqib Talib made a game-saving play, breaking up a pass intended for Roddy White late in the fourth quarter.BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF

Tom Brady threw two touchdown passes as the Patriots leapt to a 27-13 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Falcons then rallied and were driving for a game-tying score when Aqib Talib deflected a would-be scoring pass on fourth down to seal the win. The win came at a cost, however, as Vince Wilfork suffered a foot injury that would end up sidelining him for the season.

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Game story: Patriots hold on to beat Falcons, move to 4-0

Box score: Patriots 30, Falcons 23

Photos: Highlights from Atlanta

Christopher L. Gasper: Patriots' defense is the real thing

Ben Volin: Patriots switched offensive strategy at half

Patriots Notebook: Wilfork exits with foot injury

Patriots get contributions from unlikely sources

WEEK 5: BENGALS 13, PATRIOTS 6

Tom Brady's streak of 52 consecutive games with touchdown passes ended as the Bengals suffocated the New England offense.

Tom Brady was disappointed after the Patriots’ first loss of the year.MATTHEW J. LEE/GLOBE STAFF

The Patriots were just 1 for 12 on third down and failed to score a touchdown for the first time in more than four years. The loss at Cincinnati was their first of the season, with Brady throwing an interception in the red zone as the Patriots offered a lame drive aimed at tying the game in the final minute.

Game story: Patriots tamed by Bengals in season's first loss

Box score: Bengals 13, Patriots 6

Photos: Highlights from Cincinnati

Christopher L. Gasper: Tom Brady rues defeat, not end of his streak

Ben Volin: Bengals' defense simply dominates Patriots

Patriots Notebook: Danny Amendola has 4 receptions in return

Only touchdown drive of game went Bengals' way

Bengals' defense delights in victory over Brady

WEEK 6: PATRIOTS 30, SAINTS 27

Tom Brady authored one of the team's most dramatic wins in years with a touchdown pass to Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds left to steal what looked like a sure-fire New Orleans win.

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Kenbrell Thompkins scored the game-winning touchdown with 5 seconds to play.ROB CARR/GETTY IMAGES

The Patriots turned the ball over on downs and via a Brady interception late in the fourth quarter, with the Saints handing the ball back both times. Brady drove the Patriots down the field in the final 80 seconds before connecting with Thompkins on the 17-yard winning pass to improve to 5-1.

Game story: Patriots beat Saints after miracle finish

Box score: Patriots 30, Saints 27

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Ben Volin: Aqib Talib the star of the defense against Saints

Patriots Notebook: Aqib Talib, Danny Amendola leave the game

Patriots' offense stayed calm, cool on final drive

Saints gave Patriots one chance too many

Given opportunity, Stevan Ridley carried run game

WEEK 7: JETS 30, PATRIOTS 27

A critical, little-used penalty on the Patriots in overtime gave new life to the Jets, who broke a five-game skid to their AFC East rivals.

The Jets celebrated after beating the Patriots in overtime.MATTHEW J. LEE/GLOBE STAFF

As the Jets were missing a field-goal attempt in overtime, officials flagged Patriots defensive lineman Chris Jones for illegally pushing his linemate, which negated the 56-yard miss and allowed the Jets to re-kick. "It's not on him," Matthew Slater said of Jones. "There were 20, 30 plays throughout the game that could have gone differently. ... We lost this game as a team."

Game story: Patriots penalty helps Jets claim OT victory

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Box score: Jets 30, Patriots 27

Photos: Highlights from East Rutherford, N.J.

Ben Volin: Confusion reigns over rule that doomed Patriots

Patriots Notebook: Tom Brady blames himself for Patriots loss

In homecoming, Logan Ryan gets first interception and TD

Rob Gronkowski plays well in his return to Patriots

Patriots' young defenders really took charge

WEEK 8: PATRIOTS 27, DOLPHINS 17

The Patriots left behind their problems scoring in the third quarter with 17 points in the frame to break away from Miami. The Patriots trailed 17-3 at halftime and their offense looked bad in the first half. But the team seemed to receive a jolt at halftime, and outscored the Dolphins 24-0 the rest of the way. Starting offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer was lost for the season to a leg injury during the game, however.

Game story: Patriots erupt in third quarter, beat Dolphins

Box score: Patriots 27, Dolphins 17

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Ben Volin: Something is wrong with Tom Brady's throwing hand

Patriots Notebook: Sebastian Vollmer suffers broken leg

Dolphins' infraction helped turn the tide

Stevan Ridley, Logan Ryan made most of their time

Devin McCourty, Marquice Cole cement Patriots win

WEEK 9: PATRIOTS 55, STEELERS 31

The Patriots offense erupted for its most explosive effort of the season in a rout of the Steelers. New England scored the most points that had ever been scored against Pittsburgh in one game.

LeGarrette Blount and the Patriots celebrated a rout of the Steelers.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

Tom Brady had his first four-touchdown pass game of the season, and the Patriots broke away with a 28-7 flourish in the final quarter. The Patriots' 610 yards of total offense were third-most in franchise history.

Game story: Tom Brady, Patriots pummel the Steelers

Box score: Patriots 55, Steelers 31

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Christopher L. Gasper: Patriots are starting to put it together

Ben Volin: Tom Brady at his finest in this win

Patriots Notebook: Rob Ninkovich hurt, but it doesn't appear serious

Opposing view: Humiliated Steelers are all done now

Steelers' Ryan Clark guessed wrong on TD catch

Tom Brady, receivers finally find harmony

Red Sox honored before Patriots game

WEEK 10: BYE WEEK

WEEK 11: PANTHERS 24, PATRIOTS 20

The Patriots again sustained a loss that was tinged by a controversial officials' decision in the final minute.

A flag that would have given the Patriots another chance was picked up after Tom Brady’s pass into the end zone resulted in an interception.BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF

Carolina won with a come-from-behind touchdown drive that culminated in a Cam Newton pass to Ted Ginn Jr. with 59 seconds left. Tom Brady then drove the Patriots up the field in the game's final minute, only to throw an interception in the end zone on the last play of the game. Brady's throw was intended for Rob Gronkowski, who appeared to have been wrapped up by Carolina's Luke Kuechly during the play. That drew a flag from an official, which was later waved off after a conference with other officials.

Game story: Patriots on wrong end of late non-call

Box score: Panthers 24, Patriots 20

Photos: Highlights from Charlotte

Dan Shaughnessy: Patriots' loss was very unexpected

Ben Volin: Ailing Patriots defense is showing its holes

Opposing view from Carolina: Panthers' win was a coming-out party

Patriots Notebook: Shane Vereen catches on quickly in return to action

Cam Newton was Panthers' driving force

WEEK 12: PATRIOTS 34, BRONCOS 31 (OT)

The Broncos jumped out to a 24-0 lead by halftime, thanks to three lost fumbles by the Patriots on their first three drives.

Tom Brady and James Develin celebrated a touchdown during the comeback against the Broncos.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

But Brady rallied the Patriots with four touchdowns on their first four drives of the second half. Manning engineered a game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. In overtime, with winds howling and a wind-chill factor of 6 degrees, Bill Belichick opted to give the Broncos the ball and take the wind at the Patriots' back after winning the toss. The teams traded possessions until Denver's Tony Carter mistakenly touched a Patriots punt deep in Broncos territory. The Patriots kicked a game-winning field goal with 1:56 left on the clock.

Game story: Patriots stun Broncos in OT after historic rally

Box score: Patriots 34, Broncos 31

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Dan Shaughnessy: Patriots deliver a win for the ages

Christopher L. Gasper: Tom Brady humbles Peyton Manning again

Ben Volin: Bill Belichick's OT gamble paid off

Patriots Notebook: Stevan Ridley benched after latest fumble

Patriots' defense kept Peyton Manning in check

WEEK 13: PATRIOTS 34, TEXANS 31

Once again, the Patriots had to come from behind to salvage victory. Trailing 17-7 at halftime, the Patriots scored on their first five drives in the second half and overcame two fourth-quarter deficits.

Stephen Gostkowski nailed two late field goals to clinch the win.JESSICA RINALDI FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE

"We have to find a way to play better early," Matthew Slater said. Stephen Gostkowski nailed two field goals in the final 7:16 to clinch the win for the Patriots.

Game story: Patriots rally in 2nd half to beat Texans

Box score: Patriots 34, Texans 31

Photos: Highlights from Houston

Christopher L. Gasper: Patriots proving they're good enough to contend

Ben Volin: Patriots finding ways for Tom Brady to thrive

Patriots Notebook: With Stevan Ridley benched, Patriots turn to James Develin

Opponents' view from Houston: Texans had no defense from hitting bottom

Texans' Antonio Smith accuses Patriots of 'spying'

Stephen Gostkowski loses streak, but hits game-winner

WEEK 14: PATRIOTS 27, BROWNS 26

The Patriots escaped with another come-from-behind win, this one rather improbable, but also lost Rob Gronkowski to a season-ending knee injury.

Tom Brady, right, and Julian Edelman celebrated the game-winning touchdown.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

After being held scoreless in the first half, the Patriots trailed 26-14 with 2 minutes to play before mounting two touchdowns drives. New England recovered an onside kick with about a minute to play after Tom Brady's first touchdown pass. The game-winning score came on a 1-yard pass to Danny Amendola with 31 seconds left.

Game story: Patriots stun Browns, but lose Rob Gronkowski

Box score: Patriots 27, Browns 26

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Christopher L. Gasper: Losing Rob Gronkowski may be too tough to overcome

Ben Volin: Tom Brady's clutch play rescued Patriots again

Patriots Notebook: Aqib Talib couldn't stop Browns receiver Josh Gordon

Opponents' view from Cleveland: Browns' tough defeat hard to accept

Shane Vereen was key in Patriots' win

Browns safety says he had to hit Rob Gronkowski low

WEEK 15: DOLPHINS 24, PATRIOTS 20

Thrust into another second-half deficit, the Patriots were unable to put together another comeback win in Miami.

Michael Thomas intercepted Tom Brady to seal the win for Miami.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

Tom Brady was intercepted by Miami safety Michael Thomas with two seconds left to seal the Dolphins' win. The loss prevented the Patriots from clinching the AFC East and eliminating the Dolphins from the divisional race. The Patriots had taken a three-point lead with 4:07 to play after a 24-yard scoring pass from Brady to Julian Edelman. But the New England defense allowed Miami to move down the field and take the final lead with 1:15 to play.

Game story: Patriots run out of comeback magic against Dolphins

Box score: Dolphins 24, Patriots 20

Photos: Highlights from Miami

Dan Shaughnessy: Let's face it, Patriots simply are not that good

Ben Volin: Patriots defense just wilted in Miami heat

Patriots Notebook: Stephen Gostkowski kicking himself after loss

Opponents' view from Miami: Ryan Tannehill giving the Dolphins hope

Ryan Tannehill finally making key connections

Red zone was a problem area for the Patriots

WEEK 16: PATRIOTS 41, RAVENS 7

The Patriots left no doubt about their playoff prospects as celebrated clinching the AFC East title by routing the defending champions, who had beaten them in the AFC title game a year earlier.

Patriots fans saluted Rob Ninkovich and another AFC East title after the win in Baltimore.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

New England led 20-0 early in the fourth quarter, but scored three touchdowns in the final 2:05 to turn the game into a laugher. The Patriots clinched the AFC East even before kickoff due to the Dolphins' loss.

Game story: With AFC East title clinched, Patriots pound Ravens

Box score: Patriots 41, Ravens 7

Photos: Highlights from Baltimore

Dan Shaughnessy: Bill Belichick proving this season is his finest coaching job

Ben Volin: Patriots' running backs key to team's success

Patriots Notebook: Shane Vereen, Devin McCourty leave with injuries

Opponents' view from Baltimore: Patriots, Ravens going in opposite directions

Joe Flacco's poor performance set tone for Ravens

Patriots' defense forces four turnovers

WEEK 17: PATRIOTS 34, BILLS 20

The Patriots clinched the No. 2 seed and a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs by again beating the Bills, who have never won at Gillette Stadium.

Bill Belichick congratulated LeGarrette Blount during the running back’s stellar season finale.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

LeGarrette Blount starred for the Patriots, with a franchise-record 334 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. "[He was] clearly the best player on the field," Bill Belichick said.

Game story: LeGarrette Blount, Patriots secure first-round bye

Box score: Patriots 34, Bills 20

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Christopher L. Gasper: The real season begins now for the Patriots

Ben Volin: Patriots' toughness on display in win

Patriots Notebook: Rain falls, but so do records for Stephen Gostkowski

Opponents' view from Buffalo: Bills need real change in culture

Bills can't weather LeGarrette Blount's force

Julian Edelman reflects, a bit, on breakthrough year

WILD-CARD WEEKEND: BYE

DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS: PATRIOTS 43, COLTS 22

LeGarrette Blount set a new Patriots record with four rushing TDs and 166 yards on the ground as New England pummeled the Colts in the divisional playoffs. Tom Brady didn't throw a touchdown pass, but didn't have to with the Patriots scoring six rushing touchdowns.

LeGarrette Blount scored four touchdowns in the win over the Colts.STAN GROSSFELD/GLOBE STAFF

The Patriots picked off Colts QB Andrew Luck four times and overcame a special teams blunder that resulted in a safety and an injury to punter Ryan Allen that required kicker Stephen Gostkowski to punt five times.

Game story: LeGarrette Blount powers Patriots past Colts

Box score: Patriots 43, Colts 22

Photos: Highlights from Foxborough

Dan Shaughnessy: Patriots ride LeGarrette Blount into AFC title game

Christopher L. Gasper: Patriots forcing teams to beat themselves

Ben Volin: Patriots relying heavily on balanced running attack

Patriots Notebook: Secondary does a first-rate job on Andrew Luck

Opponents' view from Indianapolis: Colts are close, but not there yet

Jamie Collins comes up big for Patriots

Magic runs out for Colts' Andrew Luck

Special teams' blunders can't tarnish Patriots win

Exit dims Colts' bright season

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: BRONCOS 26, PATRIOTS 16

The margin of victory was 10 points, but the Patriots never seemed to really be in contention as the Peyton Manning-led Broncos eliminated Tom Brady's team. Manning threw for 400 yards and two touchdowns as the Broncos ripped apart a Patriots defense that was hurt by the loss of Aqib Talib to an injury in the first half. The Patriots had only 3 points until there was 9:26 left to play, when they scored the first of two final quarter touchdowns that would be too little, too late. The Broncos moved on to play the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.

Tom Brady and the Patriots had little to celebrate in the final moments of the loss at Denver.JIM DAVIS/GLOBE STAFF

Game story: Patriots' season ends in Denver as Manning, Broncos too much

Box score: Broncos 26, Patriots 16

Photos: Highlights from Denver

Dan Shaughnessy: Championship days are all over for the Patriots

Christopher L. Gasper: Tom Brady didn't have enough weapons

Ben Volin: Humbled Bill Belichick staggered by loss to Broncos

Patriots Notebook: Aqib Talib lost on Wes Welker collision

Opponents' view from Denver: Broncos owner Pat Bowlen still building on his legacy

Patriots' ground game screeches to a halt

Peyton Manning up to his usual standards

Patriots offense slow to get started in Denver

Wes Welker's speech provides inspiration, insight

Terrance Knighton makes big play for Broncos defense