1974 New England Patriots season

Infobox NFL_season
team = New England Patriots
teamcolor = New England Patriots71thru92
year = 1974
record = 7-7
division_place = T-3rd AFC East
coach = Chuck Fairbanks
stadium = Schaeffer Stadium
playoffs = "did not qualify"
pro bowlers = 0
uniform =

The New England Patriots finished the National Football League's 1973 season with a record of seven wins and seven losses, and finished tied for third in the AFC East division.

eason summary

The Patriots posted their first non-losing season since 1966, finishing 7-7. They erupted to a 5-0 start before losing seven of their last nine games due to injuries and rising strength of oppoants as the season went on. A league-wide player strike during training camp and preseason allowed a large number of new players to make the squad, as coach Chuck Fairbanks was installing a new offensive system.

Game-by-game results

Notable Games

*September 15 vs. Miami Dolphins:

The Patriots ended a four-game losing streak to Miami, erupting to a 31-10 third quarter lead and cruising home 34-24. Mack Herron opened the season for the Patriots with a fourteen-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter, while Jim Plunkett had a touchdown throw to Reggie Rucker and a five-yard rushing score to go with Sam Cunningham's 13-yard rushing score.

*October 20 @ Buffalo Bills:

The Bills ended the Patriots' five-game winning streak 30-28. O.J. Simpson had one rushing touchdown and a catch from Joe Ferguson, who also completed touchdown throws to Paul Seymour. Sam Cunningham had three rushing scores and Jim Plunkett fired a 12-yard touchdown bullet to Reggie Rucker with nine seconds left. The Bills recovered the ensuing onside kick to preserve the win.

*October 27 @ Minnesota Vikings:

With both teams entering the game at 5-1, turnovers plagued the day at Metropolitan Stadium. Jim Plunkett was picked off twice and the Patriots fumbled twice, while Fran Tarkenton had three picks. The Patriots also had nine penalties eating up 122 yards as the Vikings erased an early 10-0 New England lead and led 14-10 in the final minute. But Jim Plunkett drove the Pats down field and fired a ten-yard game-winning touchdown to Bob Windsor on the final play; Windsor had to break numerous tackles to reach the endzone and was injured for the season as a result.

Roster

All of the following players appeared in at least one game for the 1974 New England Patriots.

ee also

*New England Patriots seasons

sequence
prev=1973 New England Patriots season
next=1975 New England Patriots season
list=1974 New England Patriots season