NFL 2011-12: The Top 10 Plays from the New England Patriots' Season

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Losing the Super Bowl hurts.

Losing it to Eli Manning and the New York Giants, again, hurts even more.

However, for all the cliches in sports, the New England Patriots need to remember the success that they had throughout the entire regular season and playoffs.

They destroyed opponents time and time again on offense, and their defense made big play after big play.

And in case you missed anything, or simply just need some cheering up and something to smile about again, here's the top 10 best plays from the New England Patriots throughout their 2011-12 season.

10. Week 10 vs. New York Jets

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Not just one play, but coming in at No. 10 is the series sweep that the Patriots had over divisional rivals the New York Jets.

Putting Mark Sanchez on his back sure felt nice at the time.

9. Week 6 vs. Dallas Cowboys

Capping off a magnificent drive was this game-winning touchdown from Tom Brady to Aaron Hernandez.

Again, watching Tony Romo and the Cowboys throw away another win was pretty nice.

8. Week 11 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

In a lopsided match, this touchdown pass, catch, run, flip, score and spike remains one of the Patriots' greatest plays throughout the year.

7. Divisional Round vs. Denver Broncos

After one of the most dominant first halves of football in recent years, No. 7 is the 29-yard sack the Patriots recorded against Tim Tebow.

If beating the Broncos wasn't satisfying enough, the longest sack in football history should do the trick.

6. Divisional Round vs. Denver Broncos

No. 6 and still with Denver.

Tom Brady punting the ball shows that not only are they absolutely dominating the Denver Broncos, but that they're loving every minute of it.

5. Conference Championship vs. Baltimore Ravens

Whether it was dropped pass by Lee Evans or an outstanding play by Sterling Moore or a little bit of both, doesn't really matter.

Because at the end of the day, if it's a catch, the Ravens are through to the Super Bowl. That and if they could kick straight.

4. Week 17 vs. Buffalo Bills

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When most football fans checked the score of the Patriots-Bills game, 49-21 was surprising, but it just looked like the Pats dominated.

When they then realised that the Bills were up 21-0 at the end of the first quarter and that the Patriots reeled off 49 unanswered points to win, it looked even better.

3. Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins

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Coming in at No. 3 is Tom Brady's incredible performance against the Dolphins waaaaaaaayyyyy back in the opening round.

The Patriots won 38-24, but Brady's 517 yards stole the show.

The incredible total was not just a franchise record—it was downright insane.

2. Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins

That game was also made even greater by Wes Welker and Tom Brady combining for a 99-yard touchdown.

By combining, I mean Brady threw it, Welker caught it and ran very fast whilst everyone jumped up out of their chairs cheering him on.

1. Divisional Round vs. Denver Broncos

But the most memorable and indeed spectacular play from the 2011-12 season by the New England Patriots is the touchdown catch by Rob Gronkowski against the Denver Broncos.

It's some hell of a catch, so sit back, enjoy, and we'll see you next year New England!