The Red Sox won’t make the playoffs this year, but the Patriots kick off their season on Sunday against the Dolphins in Miami. With Rob Gronkowski back in the lineup, there is reason to have hope. Looking back to the 1960s, the Patriots played their first NFL team, played their games in three different stadiums, and in 1961 they ended the season with a 41-0 shutout over San Diego. The 41-point margin of victory remains the largest shutout victory in Patriots history. — Thea Breite and Lisa Tuite
