What Is 2016 New England Patriots season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2016 New England Patriots season saw the team finish with a 14–2 regular season record, win Super Bowl LI by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in overtime, and become the first team in NFL history to overcome a 25-point deficit to win a Super Bowl.

Key Facts

Finished regular season with a 14–2 record, best in the AFC
Tom Brady missed first 4 games due to 'Deflategate' suspension
Won Super Bowl LI 34–28 in overtime against the Atlanta Falcons
First team in NFL history to overcome a 25-point deficit to win a Super Bowl
Head coach Bill Belichick earned his fifth Super Bowl title

Overview

The 2016 New England Patriots season was one of the most dramatic and historic in NFL history. Despite losing star quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games due to suspension, the team maintained a dominant performance throughout the regular season and postseason.

Under head coach Bill Belichick, the Patriots finished with a league-best 14–2 record, securing home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs. Their journey culminated in a legendary Super Bowl LI victory, where they overcame a 28–3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in the first-ever overtime in Super Bowl history.

14–2 record: The Patriots achieved the best regular-season record in the NFL, winning 14 of their 16 games and securing the top seed in the AFC playoffs.
Tom Brady’s suspension: Quarterback Tom Brady missed the first four games due to his suspension related to the 'Deflategate' scandal, during which backup Jimmy Garoppolo led the team to a 3–1 record.
Super Bowl LI: The Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34–28 in Super Bowl LI, marking the first time a team won the game in overtime.
Historic comeback: Trailing 28–3 late in the third quarter, the Patriots rallied to score 31 unanswered points, completing the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
Julian Edelman’s catch: In the fourth quarter, Edelman made a miraculous one-handed catch that became one of the most iconic plays in NFL history, helping sustain a crucial drive.

How It Works

The Patriots' success in 2016 stemmed from a combination of strategic coaching, resilient leadership, and clutch performances under pressure. Their ability to adapt and execute in high-stakes moments defined the season.

Defensive resilience: After halftime in Super Bowl LI, the defense held the Falcons scoreless in regulation and overtime, forcing key stops and a pivotal interception by Duron Harmon.
Offensive execution: Tom Brady completed 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns in Super Bowl LI, setting Super Bowl records for completions and attempts.
Coaching strategy: Bill Belichick adjusted the game plan at halftime, shifting to a more aggressive offensive approach and tightening defensive coverage on Atlanta’s key receivers.
Team depth: Despite losing key players like Julian Edelman to injury late in the season, the Patriots relied on depth and versatility, with players like Chris Hogan stepping up.
Special teams impact: Stephen Gostkowski made all four of his field goals in the postseason, including a crucial 41-yard kick in the AFC Championship game.
Leadership under pressure: Brady’s composure and experience were vital in leading five consecutive scoring drives in the second half of Super Bowl LI.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the Patriots' 2016 season against other recent Super Bowl champions highlights their unique achievements in resilience and offensive output.

Team	Regular Season Record	Super Bowl Score	Key Statistic	Head Coach
2016 Patriots	14–2	34–28 (OT)	25-point comeback	Bill Belichick
2015 Broncos	12–4	24–10	League-best defense	Gary Kubiak
2014 Patriots	12–4	28–24	Brady’s 4 TD passes	Bill Belichick
2013 Seahawks	13–3	43–8	Malcolm Smith MVP	Pete Carroll
2012 Ravens	10–6	34–31	Ray Lewis’ final game	John Harbaugh

The 2016 Patriots stand out not only for their regular-season dominance but also for their unprecedented comeback in the Super Bowl. While other champions relied on defense or balanced play, New England’s victory was defined by sheer will and offensive brilliance in the face of near-certain defeat.

Why It Matters

The 2016 Patriots season redefined what is possible in professional sports, demonstrating the power of perseverance, preparation, and leadership at the highest level.

Historic legacy: The 25-point comeback remains the largest in Super Bowl history, cementing the game as one of the greatest comebacks in sports.
Brady’s legacy: Tom Brady earned his fifth Super Bowl ring, surpassing Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw for the most by a quarterback.
Belichick’s coaching: Bill Belichick solidified his status as one of the greatest NFL coaches, earning his fifth Super Bowl win as a head coach.
Impact on NFL rules: The game’s overtime format led to discussions about potential changes to prevent future lopsided outcomes.
Inspiration for underdogs: The comeback inspired teams across sports to believe in late-game turnarounds, influencing team morale and strategy.
Cultural impact: The game was watched by over 111 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched television events in U.S. history.

The 2016 New England Patriots season remains a landmark moment in NFL history, combining controversy, drama, and athletic excellence in a way that continues to resonate with fans and analysts alike.