Coming of their successful 1994 campaign, optimism for the Patriots was at an all time high.
They had the owner in Kraft, the coach in Parcells, and the franchise quarterback in Drew Bledsoe. Bledsoe was able to lead the New England Patriots to the playoffs for the first time since the 1980’s.
What did 1995 have in store for this up and coming franchise?
The Patriots drafted University of Pittsburgh running back, Curtis Martin in the 3rd round of the NFL draft.
Martin proved to be far more than just a third rounder.
The 1995 season did not start how the Patriots wanted. They started to repeat the team’s inconsistent ways.
Overachieving one year and underachieving the next.
The team started off 1-5 and never was able to emulate the magic from the previous playoff season. New England finished a very disappointing 1995 campaign with a 6-10 record.
However, not all was lost in 1995.
Rookie running back, Curtis Martin came into his own in a very big way that season. Martin rushed for 1487 yards and 14 touchdowns earning himself a Pro Bowl selection and Rookie of the Year honors.
Tight end, Ben Coates also had a great year recording 84 catches for 915 yards, 6 for scores. He joined teammate Curtis Martin in Hawaii and was also named First Team All-Pro.
The Patriots had the offensive weapons in place and they would pay great dividends in 1996.
It just seems New England always started slow out of the gate and 1996 was no different.
The Patriots started the season 3-3 before they got hot.
New England went 8-2 down the stretch including a miraculous comeback versus the Giants in the Meadowlands.
The Pats trailed 22-0 at the half. It was a crucial game due to its playoff implications. A New England victory would give them the AFC East title.
They had their work cut out for them.
Drew Bledsoe connected on touchdown passes to rookie sensation, Terry “She” Glenn (8 catches for 124 yards, 1 td) and old reliable, Ben Coates. Troy Brown also pitched in with 7 catches for 75 yards including a sensational grab on his back.
Former Giant, David Meggett not only helped Ben Coates across the goal line to seal the comeback, but he also ran back a punt which turned the momentum of the game.
Final score: Patriots 23 Giants 22
New England finished the season 11-5 and won the AFC East, securing a first round bye in the playoffs.
The Patriots would face the Steelers in the divisional playoffs at home. It was a foggy day to begin with and the pre game pyrotechnics smoke didn’t help the situation.
The Steelers never saw what hit them.
Bledsoe hit Terry Glenn deep to set up one of Curtin Martin’s 3 rushing touchdowns on the day. Martin gashed Pittsburgh for 166 yards on 19 rushes including a 78 yard touchdown scamper.
Pittsburgh was held to only 3 points and the Patriots advanced to the AFC Championship for the first time since the 1985 season.
Who would they play?
Everything pointed to John Elway and the Denver Broncos. Historically, the Patriots have never played well in Denver.
Every Patriot fan was rooting for Jacksonville in a monumental upset and they got just that.
Marc Brunell and the Jags defeated the Broncos in Denver, 30-27.
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