10. Week 17 at Texans: Darius Butler’s pick-six
Houston quarterback Matt Schaub used eight plays to get the Texans down to the New England 15-yard line midway through the third quarter of a 13-13 game. Schaub’s next pass over the middle was tipped into the hands of rookie cornerback Darius Butler, who shot through an open lane on the right side of the field and scored his first career touchdown with a 91-yard return. Butler’s open-field speed showed why he could be in the mix to return kicks next season.
9. Week 6 vs. Titans: Brady’s record quarter
The Patriots exploded for 35 points in the second quarter during a driving snowstorm at Gillette Stadium. They took advantage of a lackadaisical Tennessee team, and Tom Brady threw an NFL-record five touchdown passes in the second quarter, the last of which was a five-yard strike to Wes Welker that gave the Pats a 45-0 lead.
8. Week 7 vs. Buccaneers: Meriweather comes alive
Safety Brandon Meriweather had a great start to the season, and it was globally validated with two interceptions against the Bucs in London. On the first drive of the game, Meriweather baited quarterback Josh Johnson by staying behind wide receiver Sammie Stroughter and giving off the illusion that Stroughter was open. When Johnson released the ball, Meriweather jumped the route, picked off the pass and ran 39 yards for his first touchdown.
7. Week 12 at New Orleans: Maroney fumbles, forces fumble, scores
Running back Laurence Maroney developed a troubling fumble pattern that derailed his re-emergence this season. This time, though, Maroney made amends for his mistake. On the first play of the second half, Maroney caught a pass from Brady and gained six yards before losing the football. Saints defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis picked it up and ran the other way, but Maroney stripped him to get it back. Maroney capped off the drive by scoring a two-yard touchdown that cut the deficit to 24-17.
6. Week 11 vs. Jets: Leigh "Air" Bodden
The Patriots were in desperate need of a victory on the heels of their loss to the Colts, and cornerback Leigh Bodden gave the Pats a slam-dunk win. He had a career-high three interceptions, and his first led to a 53-yard touchdown return that gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead in the first quarter. Quarterback Mark Sanchez’s attempted throw to Jerricho Cotchery sailed into Bodden’s hands. After the game, Bodden rocked a nasty old-school Michael Jordan Bulls road red jersey with the cursive lettering.
5. Week 13 at Dolphins: Aiken goes fishing
Sam Aiken’s thrilling 81-yard touchdown was basically the Patriots only productive play in the second half of their 22-21 choke job against the Dolphins. Brady was pressured and lobbed a pass in Aiken’s direction along the right sideline. The receiver reached over the head of cornerback Sean Smith to make a nice catch then broke a tackle on his way to the long score. The play also helped Brady eclipse 30,000 career passing yards.
4. Week 9 vs. Dolphins: Moss puts Davis on a poster
After the Dolphins took a 17-16 lead on a touchdown drive that spanned 16 plays, 66 yards and 10:06, the Patriots answered with a quick-strike score to reclaim the lead. Brady hit Randy Moss on a crossing route, and the receiver stiff-armed rookie cornerback Vontae Davis in the face before racing down the left sideline for a 71-yard touchdown. Brady and Moss reconnected for the two-point conversion, and the Patriots kept the lead for good.
3. Week 14 vs. Panthers: Welker shows his toughness
The Patriots and Panthers were tied 7-7 in the third quarter of an ugly December game at Gillette when Wes Welker sparked his team and the crowd. Welker caught a six-yard pass over the middle — which made him the fourth receiver in NFL history to catch 100 passes in three consecutive seasons — and got knocked out Friday style. After peeling himself off the turf, Welker caught a 13-yard pass on the ensuing third down. He got up again, saw himself on the video boards and went crazy to fire up the crowd and his teammates. Welker wound up with five receptions during the Patriots’ 96-yard touchdown drive that helped them to a tough victory.
2. Week 16 vs. Jaguars: Moss helps Pats win division
Moss caught three touchdown passes against the Jags, but his third gave the Patriots a 35-0 lead and also made headlines. He caught a 17-yard pass from Brady, fought off a tackle and reached the ball into the end zone while falling down toward the right sideline. While the play was being reviewed, Moss and a fan wearing a Moss mask had a memorable exchange via the video boards, and it caused one of the loudest cheers at Gillette all season.
1. Week 1 vs. Bills: Brady returns, leads comeback
Brady’s first game back didn’t start out so hot, but the Patriots got their swagger back after falling behind 24-13 with 5:32 to play in the fourth quarter. The quarterback threw two touchdown passes to tight end Ben Watson in the game’s final 2:06, and the Patriots were aided by Leodis McKelvin’s fumbled kickoff return along the way. It was the 29th game-winning drive of Brady’s career, but his only one of the season. Though the ending was rather unfortunate for the Patriots, the Monday night magic started the year off on the right note.
