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When's The Last Time The Patriots Made The Playoffs

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April 13, 2026 • 6 min Read

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WHEN'S THE LAST TIME THE PATRIOTS MADE THE PLAYOFFS: Everything You Need to Know

When's the last time the patriots made the playoffs is a question that has been on the minds of many NFL fans, especially those who are die-hard Patriots supporters. The answer, however, is not as simple as one might think. In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the Patriots' playoff history and provide you with the information you need to know.

Understanding the Patriots' Playoff History

The Patriots have a rich playoff history, with six Super Bowl wins since 2001. However, their recent performance has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike. To understand when the Patriots last made the playoffs, let's take a look at their recent history.

In the 2020 season, the Patriots finished with a 7-9 record, which was not enough to qualify for the playoffs. This marked the first time the Patriots missed the playoffs since 2008. However, the team has a history of bouncing back from tough seasons and making a deep playoff run.

One of the key factors that has contributed to the Patriots' success is their ability to adapt and adjust their strategy to suit their opponents. Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots have consistently shown the ability to evolve and improve their game plan, which has allowed them to stay competitive in the highly competitive NFL.

Breaking Down the Patriots' Recent Playoff History
Year Regular Season Record Playoff Result
2020 7-9 Missed playoffs
2019 12-4 Lost to Titans in Divisional Round
2018 11-5 Lost to Eagles in Super Bowl LII
2017 13-3 Won Super Bowl LII
2016 14-2 Lost to Falcons in Super Bowl LI

The Patriots' recent playoff history has been marked by a mix of success and disappointment. In 2019, they finished with a 12-4 record and made it to the Divisional Round, where they lost to the Tennessee Titans. The following year, they finished with an 11-5 record and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII. In 2017, they finished with a 13-3 record and won Super Bowl LII, and in 2016, they finished with a 14-2 record and lost to the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Factors Contributing to the Patriots' Recent Struggles

Factors Contributing to the Patriots' Recent Struggles

There are several factors that have contributed to the Patriots' recent struggles. One of the main factors is the loss of key players, particularly quarterback Tom Brady, who left the team in 2020. Brady was a key factor in the Patriots' success during his time with the team, and his departure has had a significant impact on the team's performance.

Another factor is the lack of depth and talent on the team's roster. The Patriots have not had a strong draft class in recent years, and they have not been able to sign many high-profile free agents. This has left the team with a lack of depth and talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

Additionally, the Patriots have struggled with injuries to key players, including quarterback Cam Newton, who was the team's starter in 2020. Newton's injuries limited the team's ability to run a consistent offense, and the team struggled to score points as a result.

  • Lack of depth and talent on the roster
  • Loss of key players, particularly Tom Brady
  • Injuries to key players, including Cam Newton
  • Inability to adapt to new players and schemes

What the Future Holds for the Patriots

What the Future Holds for the Patriots

The future of the Patriots is uncertain, but there are several factors that suggest the team may be on the rise again. One of the key factors is the hiring of new head coach Bill O'Brien, who has a proven track record of success in the NFL. O'Brien has a strong reputation as a coach and has a ability to motivate and inspire his players.

Another factor is the team's young talent, particularly quarterback Mac Jones, who was drafted by the team in 2021. Jones has shown promise in the preseason and has the potential to be a franchise quarterback. The team also has a strong defensive line, led by players like Christian Barmore and Josh Uche.

The Patriots also have a strong front office, led by general manager Bill Belichick's son, Steve Belichick. Steve Belichick has a strong reputation as a talent evaluator and has been instrumental in building the team's roster over the years.

  • Hiring of new head coach Bill O'Brien
  • Young talent, particularly quarterback Mac Jones
  • Strong defensive line, led by players like Christian Barmore and Josh Uche
  • Strong front office, led by general manager Steve Belichick

Conclusion is not included as per your request

When's the Last Time the Patriots Made the Playoffs? Serves as a Benchmark for NFL Teams The New England Patriots have been one of the most consistent and dominant teams in the NFL over the past two decades. Their sustained success has led to numerous playoff appearances, including a record six Super Bowl wins under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. However, in recent years, the Patriots have experienced a decline in their playoff fortunes, leaving fans and analysts questioning when they'll make a return to the postseason.

Recent Playoff History

The Patriots' last playoff appearance was in 2020, when they secured a wildcard spot and went on to lose to the Tennessee Titans in the divisional round. This marked the end of an era for the Patriots, as Tom Brady departed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason. The team's subsequent seasons have been marked by inconsistency, with a 2021 season that saw them finish with an 10-7 record but miss the playoffs altogether.

While the Patriots have struggled to regain their former glory, they're not alone in their struggles. Other teams have experienced similar declines in playoff fortunes, often due to a combination of factors such as injuries, roster turnover, and organizational instability.

Comparing the Patriots to Other Teams

A closer look at the Patriots' recent playoff history reveals that they're not the only team to experience a decline in their postseason performance. Here's a comparison of the Patriots' playoff history with that of other teams:
Team Last Playoff Appearance (Year) Number of Playoff Appearances Since 2015 Win-Loss Record Since 2015
New England Patriots 2020 5 27-35 (.435)
Green Bay Packers 2020 6 31-31 (.500)
Philadelphia Eagles 2020 5 25-35 (.417)
Minnesota Vikings 2020 5 25-35 (.417)

The table above highlights that the Patriots' decline in playoff appearances is not an isolated incident. Other teams, such as the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles, have also experienced a decline in their postseason performance over the past five years.

Pros and Cons of the Patriots' Current State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When's the last time the Patriots made the playoffs?
The New England Patriots made the playoffs in the 2020 season, which was their 11th consecutive playoff appearance.
How many times have the Patriots made the playoffs in the last 5 years?
The Patriots have made the playoffs in 5 out of the last 6 seasons, missing the playoffs only in 2020.
Did the Patriots make the playoffs in 2021?
Yes, the Patriots made the playoffs in the 2021 season, earning a spot in the playoffs as a 7-seed in the AFC.
What was the Patriots' record in the 2019 season?
The Patriots finished the 2019 season with a 12-4 regular season record, earning a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Did the Patriots make the playoffs in 2018?
Yes, the Patriots made the playoffs in the 2018 season, earning a first-round bye and eventually winning Super Bowl LIII.
How many times have the Patriots made the playoffs since 2001?
The Patriots have made the playoffs 18 times since 2001, including 11 consecutive seasons from 2009-2019.
Did the Patriots make the playoffs in 2017?
Yes, the Patriots made the playoffs in the 2017 season, earning a first-round bye and eventually winning Super Bowl LII.
What was the Patriots' record in the 2016 season?
The Patriots finished the 2016 season with a 14-2 regular season record, earning a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Did the Patriots make the playoffs in 2015?
Yes, the Patriots made the playoffs in the 2015 season, earning a first-round bye and eventually losing to the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game.
How many consecutive years did the Patriots make the playoffs from 2009-2019?
The Patriots made the playoffs 11 consecutive years from 2009-2019, a streak that is one of the longest in NFL history.

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