What was the overall record of the New England Patriots in the 1976 season?

The New England Patriots concluded their 1976 season with an impressive 11 wins and 3 losses, marking a significant turnaround for the franchise.

How did the 1976 season compare to the Patriots' previous seasons in terms of winning record?

The 1976 season was a major improvement for the Patriots, as it was their first winning season as an NFL team. Prior to this, they had only one non-losing season in a nine-year stretch, with their last winning season occurring in 1966 when they were part of the American Football League (AFL).

What was the significance of the 1976 season for the New England Patriots in the NFL?

The 1976 New England Patriots season was notable for being the franchise's 7th season in the National Football League and 17th overall. It marked a significant turnaround, transforming the team from a 3-11 record the previous year into a 'Cinderella team' with an 11-3 record, and their first winning season as an NFL team.

Who was the owner of the New England Patriots during the 1976 season?

During the 1976 New England Patriots season, the team was owned by Billy Sullivan.

Who served as both the General Manager and Head Coach for the 1976 New England Patriots?

Chuck Fairbanks held the dual roles of General Manager and Head Coach for the New England Patriots during the 1976 season.

Which individuals from the 1976 New England Patriots received major NFL awards?

In the 1976 season, Head Coach Chuck Fairbanks was named NFL Coach of the Year, and cornerback Mike Haynes earned the title of NFL Rookie of the Year.

Which players from the 1976 Patriots team were named to the All-Pro team?

The 1976 New England Patriots had several players recognized as All-Pros: Guard John Hannah was named to the 1st team, while Tight End Russ Francis and Cornerback Mike Haynes were selected for the 2nd team.

Which players from the 1976 Patriots team were selected for the Pro Bowl?

Four players from the 1976 New England Patriots were selected for the Pro Bowl: Tight End Russ Francis, Tackle Leon Gray, Guard John Hannah, and Cornerback Mike Haynes. The Pro Bowl is an all-star game for the National Football League.

What was the home stadium for the New England Patriots during the 1976 season?

The home stadium for the New England Patriots during their 1976 season was Schaefer Stadium, located in Foxboro, Massachusetts.

What were the New England Patriots' key offensive statistics in the 1976 season?

In the 1976 season, the New England Patriots rushed for a total of 2,957 yards, averaging five yards per carry, which was the best in the NFL. They also scored 376 points, both of which were the second-best in the league.

How did the Patriots' rushing yards in 1976 rank in NFL history at the time?

The Patriots' total of 2,957 rushing yards in 1976 was the fifth-highest total in NFL history at that time. This statistic highlights their strong ground game.

What were the New England Patriots' notable defensive statistics in the 1976 season?

The 1976 New England Patriots led the league in takeaways with 50 and finished third in the league in turnover differential at plus-14. Takeaways refer to interceptions and fumbles recovered by the defense, while turnover differential measures the difference between a team's takeaways and turnovers.

When was the New England Patriots' first playoff appearance as an NFL team prior to 1976?

Prior to the 1976 season, the New England Patriots had made only one other playoff appearance in their history, which was in 1963 when they were still known as the Boston Patriots and part of the American Football League.

What was the outcome of the Patriots' playoff game in the 1976 season?

In their second-ever playoff appearance, the New England Patriots lost to the Oakland Raiders with a score of 24-21 in the first round of the Divisional Playoffs. The Raiders ultimately went on to win Super Bowl XI that season.

What controversial penalty occurred during the 1976 Divisional Playoff game against the Oakland Raiders?

During the 1976 Divisional Playoff game, a controversial roughing the passer penalty was called on Patriots defensive tackle Ray Hamilton against Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler late in the fourth quarter. Replays reportedly showed no roughing, but the call stood, significantly impacting the game's outcome.

How was the 1976 New England Patriots team characterized by contemporary observers and later figures like Bill Belichick?

Despite their playoff loss, the 1976 Patriots team was considered one of the most talented in franchise history. In 2004, then-Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, who was an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions in 1976, described the team as 'loaded' and a 'who's who team,' indicating a roster full of notable players.

What significant coaching staff change occurred after the 1976 season, and what was the outcome for the departing coach?

After the 1976 season, offensive line coach Red Miller was hired as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. In his first season with the Broncos, he led them to the AFC's best record (12-2), their first-ever postseason appearance, and a Super Bowl berth.

Which New England Patriots players were selected by expansion teams in the 1976 NFL expansion draft?

During the 1976 NFL expansion draft, the New England Patriots had three players selected: Neil Graff (Quarterback) and Kerry Marbury (Running back) were chosen by the Seattle Seahawks, while Durwood Keeton (Safety) was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. An expansion draft allows new teams to acquire players from existing teams.

Who were the New England Patriots' first-round draft picks in the 1976 NFL Draft?

In the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected three players: Mike Haynes (Cornerback) from Arizona State with the 5th pick, Pete Brock (Center) from Colorado with the 12th pick, and Tim Fox (Safety) from Ohio State with the 21st pick.

Which 1976 Patriots draft pick went on to become a Pro Football Hall of Famer?

Cornerback Mike Haynes, drafted by the Patriots in the first round (5th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft from Arizona State, later achieved Pro Football Hall of Fame status.

What notable play occurred during the preseason Monday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns involving Mike Haynes and Darryl Stingley?

During a preseason Monday Night Football game against the Cleveland Browns, rookie cornerback Michael Haynes ran back a punt but fumbled at the five-yard line while celebrating prematurely. Darryl Stingley recovered the fumble and scored a touchdown, marking the Patriots' first-ever punt return score in any game, despite it being a preseason loss.

What was the Patriots' final record in the 1976 preseason?

The New England Patriots finished their six-game 1976 preseason with a record of 3 wins and 3 losses.

What was the result of the Week 1 regular season game against the Baltimore Colts, and what were some key factors?

In Week 1, the Patriots lost to the Baltimore Colts 27-13 at Schaefer Stadium. Key factors in the loss included four interceptions and a fumble by Patriots quarterback Steve Grogan, despite the team rushing for 179 yards and sacking Colts quarterback Bert Jones for 40 yards.

How did the Patriots perform in their Week 2 regular season game against the Miami Dolphins?

The Patriots rebounded in Week 2 with a dominant 30-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins. They amassed 278 rushing yards and scored four touchdowns, including two rushing scores by Andy Johnson, one by Steve Grogan, and a four-yard pass to Russ Francis. Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese threw three interceptions.

What was remarkable about the Patriots' Week 3 victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers?

In Week 3, the Patriots achieved an upset 30-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in heavy rain. They overcame a 20-9 third-quarter deficit by forcing six Steelers fumbles and scoring 21 second-half points, with Steve Grogan throwing two touchdowns and running for another. The win was sealed when Steelers kicker Roy Gerela missed a field goal with three seconds left.

Describe the Patriots' performance in their Week 4 game against the Oakland Raiders.

The Patriots delivered a decisive 48-17 victory over the Oakland Raiders in Week 4, handing the Raiders their only loss of the season. Steve Grogan had an exceptional game with three touchdown passes (to Darryl Stingley and Marlin Briscoe) and two rushing scores, while Andy Johnson and Jess Phillips added more rushing touchdowns. Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler was sacked four times, and a Raiders touchdown was twice negated by penalties in the third quarter.

What was the outcome of the Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions, and who was a notable assistant coach for the Lions?

In Week 5, the Patriots lost to the Detroit Lions 30-10, with Steve Grogan throwing five interceptions. A notable figure on the Lions' staff during this game was assistant special teams coach Bill Belichick, who implemented a then-uncommon two tight-end offensive set.

What happened during the Week 6 Monday Night Football game against the New York Jets?

The Patriots dominated the New York Jets 41-7 in a Week 6 Monday Night Football game, despite incurring ten penalties. They rushed for 330 yards, including a 103-yard touchdown run by Steve Grogan. During the broadcast, Alex Karras, working for ABC Sports, read aloud Jets coach Lou Holtz's reworked fight song.

What was the result of the Week 7 game against the Buffalo Bills, and who were the notable rushing leaders?

The Patriots secured a 26-22 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 7, marking their first win against the Bills since 1971. The game was characterized by a combined nine turnovers and 125 yards in penalties, with Sam Cunningham of the Patriots and O. J. Simpson of the Bills combining for 229 rushing yards.

What was the outcome of the Halloween game against the Miami Dolphins?

On Halloween, the Patriots lost to the Miami Dolphins 10-3. All scoring in the game occurred in the second quarter, with Jim Mandich scoring the only touchdown. The Patriots were also heavily penalized, accumulating eleven penalties for 80 yards.

What significant event occurred in the Week 9 game against the Buffalo Bills involving Mike Haynes?

In Week 9, Mike Haynes made history by becoming the first Patriot player to return a punt for a touchdown, fielding it at his own 11-yard line and running it back to the endzone. The Patriots won the game 20-10, which also featured a fight between O. J. Simpson and Mel Lunsford, resulting in both players' ejection.

How did the Patriots secure a victory against the Baltimore Colts in Week 10, and what defensive plays were crucial?

The Patriots defeated the Baltimore Colts 21-14 in Week 10, battling for the division lead. After a high-scoring first half, both defenses dominated the second half. Crucial defensive plays included Mike Haynes intercepting Colts quarterback Bert Jones twice and the Patriots sacking Jones five times, limiting Lydell Mitchell to 52 rushing yards.

What characterized the Patriots' Week 11 victory over the New York Jets at Shea Stadium?

The Patriots routed the New York Jets 38-24 in Week 11, overcoming an early 10-0 deficit. The game was characterized by Joe Namath throwing six interceptions for the Jets, with Mike Haynes grabbing three and Tim Fox one. Prentice McCray returned two interceptions for touchdowns, totaling 118 yards. Don Calhoun, filling in for an injured Sam Cunningham, rushed for 109 yards.

What was the Patriots' highest rushing yardage game of the year, and which players contributed significantly?

The Patriots achieved their highest rushing yardage of the year in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos, amassing 332 yards on the ground. Don Calhoun led the effort with 177 rushing yards, supported by Andy Johnson and Ike Forte. Mike Haynes also contributed with a 62-yard punt return for a touchdown.

What milestone did the Patriots achieve in their Week 13 victory against the New Orleans Saints?

In their Week 13 victory against the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots achieved their 100th career victory in franchise history. They won 27-6, with Don Calhoun rushing for 113 yards and Steve Grogan throwing two touchdown passes, one to Al Chandler who was filling in for the injured Russ Francis.

How did the Patriots conclude their regular season in Week 14 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?

The Patriots concluded their regular season with a 31-14 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 14. Despite Steve Grogan's worst passing day of the season (40 yards, one interception, four completions), six Patriots running backs, led by Andy Johnson, rushed for 260 yards and three touchdowns. Sam Hunt also returned an interception 68 yards for a touchdown, and the game marked the end of Tampa Bay's winless inaugural season.

Where did the New England Patriots finish in the AFC East standings for the 1976 season?

The New England Patriots finished second in the AFC East standings for the 1976 season, with an 11-3 record. They were ranked fourth in the overall AFC playoff seeding.

Which team won the AFC East division in 1976?

The Baltimore Colts won the AFC East division in 1976, also finishing with an 11-3 record, but holding the tie-breaker over the Patriots. They were ranked second in the overall AFC playoff seeding.

What specific officiating controversies were associated with the 1976 AFC Divisional Playoff game, known as the 'Ben Dreith Game'?

The 1976 AFC Divisional Playoff game against the Oakland Raiders became infamous as the 'Ben Dreith Game' due to numerous questionable penalties and officiating decisions. These included Bill Lenkaitis being flagged for holding three times despite no prior flags all season, George Atkinson's uncalled facemask hit on Russ Francis, a disputed first down call involving John Hannah and Sam Cunningham, a controversial roughing the passer penalty on Ray Hamilton, and a personal foul on Prentice McCray that extended a Raiders drive.

What was the impact of the roughing the passer penalty on Ray Hamilton in the playoff game?

The roughing the passer penalty on Ray Hamilton against Ken Stabler in the final minute of the fourth quarter of the playoff game was highly impactful. Despite replays reportedly showing no roughing, the call stood, allowing the Raiders to continue their drive and ultimately score the game-winning touchdown. Hamilton was even flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct for protesting the call.

What was the alleged incident involving John Hannah and the first down marker during the playoff game?

John Hannah claimed that during a crucial Sam Cunningham run in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter of the playoff game, a sideline official moved the first down marker just before Cunningham went out of bounds, denying the Patriots a first down. This alleged action contributed to the officiating controversies of the game.

What did Russ Francis claim about Phil Villapiano's actions during the playoff game?

Russ Francis claimed that during a third-and-six play in the playoff game, Phil Villapiano of the Raiders blatantly held him, leaving bruise marks on his arm, which prevented him from raising his arms to catch a pass from Steve Grogan. Francis stated that Villapiano later admitted to the holding at the Pro Bowl.

What was the consequence for referee Ben Dreith following the controversial playoff game?

Following the controversial 1976 AFC Divisional Playoff game, referee Ben Dreith was not assigned to officiate any games involving the New England Patriots until 1980, indicating the severity of the protests and concerns regarding his calls.

Who were the key front office personnel for the 1976 New England Patriots?

The key front office personnel for the 1976 New England Patriots included Billy Sullivan as President, Chuck Sullivan as Executive Vice President, Jim Valek as Assistant General Manager, and Bucko Kilroy as Director of Player Personnel. Additional personnel assistants were Tom Boisture, Mike Hickey, George McGuane Jr., and Tony Razzano.

Who were the primary offensive coaches for the 1976 New England Patriots?

The primary offensive coaches for the 1976 New England Patriots included John Polonchek for Quarterbacks, Ron Erhardt for Running Backs, Ray Perkins for Receivers, and Red Miller for the Offensive Line.

Who were the primary defensive coaches for the 1976 New England Patriots?

The primary defensive coaches for the 1976 New England Patriots included Hank Bullough as Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line, Charlie Sumner for Inside Linebackers, Rollie Dotsch for Outside Linebackers, and Larrye Weaver for Defensive Backs.

Who was the special teams coach for the 1976 New England Patriots?

Tom Yewcic served as the special teams coach for the 1976 New England Patriots.

Who were the quarterbacks on the 1976 New England Patriots roster?

The quarterbacks on the 1976 New England Patriots roster were Steve Grogan and Tom Owen.

Which running backs were part of the 1976 New England Patriots roster?

The running backs on the 1976 New England Patriots roster included Don Calhoun, Sam Cunningham, rookie Ike Forte, Andy Johnson, and Jess Phillips.

Who were the wide receivers for the 1976 New England Patriots?

The wide receivers for the 1976 New England Patriots were Marlin Briscoe, Steve Burks, Darryl Stingley, and Randy Vataha.

Which tight ends were on the 1976 New England Patriots roster?

The tight ends on the 1976 New England Patriots roster were Al Chandler and Russ Francis.

1976 New England Patriots Season Wiki: Gridiron Glory: The 1976 New England Patriots' Resurgent Season

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

Season Overview

A Remarkable Turnaround

The 1976 New England Patriots season stands as a testament to dramatic improvement, transforming from a 3–11 record in the preceding year to an impressive 11–3. This marked the franchise's first winning season as an NFL team since joining the league, and their first overall since their AFL days in 1966. The team's unexpected success earned them the moniker of a "Cinderella team."

Key Accolades

The season was distinguished by significant individual recognition:

**Chuck Fairbanks**, the General Manager and Head Coach, was honored as the NFL Coach of the Year for orchestrating this profound resurgence.
**Mike Haynes**, a rookie cornerback, made an immediate impact, earning the prestigious title of NFL Rookie of the Year.

These awards underscore the collective and individual excellence that characterized the Patriots' 1976 campaign.

Home Field and Leadership

Throughout this memorable season, the Patriots called **Schaefer Stadium** their home. The franchise was under the ownership of **Billy Sullivan**, with **Chuck Fairbanks** serving in the dual capacity of General Manager and Head Coach, a structure that provided unified leadership during this pivotal year.

Statistical Dominance

Rushing Prowess

The 1976 Patriots established themselves as a formidable rushing force, accumulating **2,957 total rushing yards**. This figure was the second-best in the entire league and, at the time, ranked as the fifth-highest total in NFL history for a 14-game season. Their efficiency was equally impressive, averaging **5.0 yards per carry**, which led the NFL and surpassed the average of all Super Bowl champions, with the sole exception of the 1973 Miami Dolphins, who also achieved a 5.0 yards per carry average.

Offensive Output

Beyond their ground game, the Patriots demonstrated a potent overall offense, scoring a total of **376 points** during the season. This offensive production placed them as the second-highest scoring team in the league, highlighting their ability to consistently put points on the board against various opponents.

Defensive Acumen

The team's success was not solely attributed to offense; the defense also played a critical role. The Patriots led the league in **takeaways with 50**, demonstrating their ability to disrupt opposing offenses and create advantageous situations. Furthermore, they finished third in the league in **turnover differential at plus-14**, underscoring their disciplined play and opportunistic defense.

Offseason Moves

Expansion Draft Impact

The 1976 offseason saw the NFL expand, leading to an expansion draft where the New England Patriots contributed players to the newly formed teams. Key players selected from the Patriots included:

**Neil Graff** (Quarterback) to the Seattle Seahawks.
**Durwood Keeton** (Safety) to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
**Kerry Marbury** (Running back) to the Seattle Seahawks.

These departures were part of the league's growth, requiring teams to adjust their rosters.

1976 NFL Draft Selections

The Patriots made several impactful selections in the 1976 NFL Draft, bringing in talent that would contribute significantly to their resurgent season and future success. Notably, their first-round picks laid a strong foundation:

1976 New England Patriots Draft Selections
Round	Pick	Player	Position	College	Notes
1	5	Mike Haynes ^†	Cornerback	Arizona State	NFL Rookie of the Year, Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
1	12	Pete Brock	Center	Colorado
1	21	Tim Fox *	Safety	Ohio State	Made at least one Pro Bowl during career
2	35	Ike Forte	Running back	Arkansas

Made roster ^† Pro Football Hall of Fame * Made at least one Pro Bowl

Team Personnel

Coaching and Front Office

The 1976 Patriots benefited from a dedicated and skilled coaching staff and front office, led by General Manager and Head Coach Chuck Fairbanks. This leadership group was instrumental in guiding the team to its successful season.

1976 New England Patriots Staff
Category	Personnel
Front Office	President: Billy Sullivan Executive Vice President: Chuck Sullivan Assistant General Manager: Jim Valek Director of Player Personnel: Bucko Kilroy Personnel Assistants: Tom Boisture, Mike Hickey, George McGuane Jr., Tony Razzano
Head Coaches	General Manager/Head Coach: Chuck Fairbanks Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line: Hank Bullough
Offensive Coaches	Quarterbacks: John Polonchek Running Backs: Ron Erhardt Receivers: Ray Perkins Offensive Line: Red Miller
Defensive Coaches	Inside Linebackers: Charlie Sumner Outside Linebackers: Rollie Dotsch Defensive Backs: Larrye Weaver
Special Teams Coaches	Special Teams: Tom Yewcic

Player Roster Highlights

The 1976 roster featured a blend of seasoned veterans and promising rookies who collectively contributed to the team's success. Key players like John Hannah, Russ Francis, Leon Gray, and Mike Haynes were recognized for their exceptional performance, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

1976 New England Patriots Roster
Position	Players
Quarterbacks (QB)	Steve Grogan, Tom Owen
Running Backs (RB)	Don Calhoun, Sam Cunningham, Ike Forte, Andy Johnson, Jess Phillips
Wide Receivers (WR)	Marlin Briscoe, Steve Burks, Darryl Stingley, Randy Vataha
Tight Ends (TE)	Al Chandler, Russ Francis
Offensive Linemen (OL)	Sam Adams (G), Pete Brock (C), Leon Gray (T), John Hannah (G), Bill Lenkaitis (C), Bob McKay (T), Tom Neville (T), Fred Sturt (G)
Defensive Linemen (DL)	Julius Adams (DE), Richard Bishop (NT), Ray Hamilton (NT), Mel Lunsford (DE), Tony McGee (DE), David Tipton (NT)
Linebackers (LB)	Pete Barnes (OLB), Sam Hunt (ILB), Steve King (OLB), Donnie Thomas (ILB), George Webster (ILB), Steve Zabel (OLB)
Defensive Backs (DB)	Joe Blahak (CB), Dick Conn (FS), Tim Fox (FS), Willie Germany (SS), Mike Haynes (CB), Bob Howard (CB), Prentice McCray (SS)
Special Teams (ST)	Mike Patrick (P), John Smith (K)
Reserve	Doug Beaudoin (S, IR), Greg Boyd (DE, IR), Steve Corbett (G, IR), Pete Cusick (NT, IR), Craig Hanneman (DT, PUP), Shelby Jordan (T, Susp.), Arthur Moore (NT, IR), Steve Nelson (LB, IR), Jim Romaniszyn (LB, IR), Deac Sanders (CB, IR), Rod Shoate (LB, IR)

Rookies in italics

Season Schedule

Preseason Performance

The Patriots' preseason offered a mixed bag of results, concluding with a .500 record. These games provided crucial opportunities for player evaluation and strategic refinement ahead of the demanding regular season.

1976 New England Patriots Preseason Schedule
Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	August 1	New York Giants	W 13–7 (OT)	1–0	Schaefer Stadium	30,032
2	August 6	vs. San Diego Chargers	L 17–26	1–1	Oklahoma Memorial Stadium	23,800
3	August 15	Green Bay Packers	L 14–16	1–2	Schaefer Stadium	30,552
4	August 21	at Atlanta Falcons	W 28–17	2–2	Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium	23,495
5	August 29	at Cleveland Browns	L 27–30	2–3	Cleveland Municipal Stadium	36,016
6	September 5	Philadelphia Eagles	W 20–7	3–3	Schaefer Stadium	32,254

Regular Season Journey

The regular season saw the Patriots achieve an impressive 11–3 record, securing their place in the playoffs. Their journey included notable victories and challenging divisional matchups.

1976 New England Patriots Regular Season Schedule
Week	Date	Opponent	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
1	September 12	Baltimore Colts	L 13–27	0–1	Schaefer Stadium	43,512
2	September 19	Miami Dolphins	W 30–14	1–1	Schaefer Stadium	46,053
3	September 26	at Pittsburgh Steelers	W 30–27	2–1	Three Rivers Stadium	47,379
4	October 3	Oakland Raiders	W 48–17	3–1	Schaefer Stadium	61,068
5	October 10	at Detroit Lions	L 10–30	3–2	Pontiac Silverdome	60,174
6	October 18	New York Jets	W 41–7	4–2	Schaefer Stadium	50,883
7	October 24	at Buffalo Bills	W 26–22	5–2	Rich Stadium	45,144
8	October 31	at Miami Dolphins	L 3–10	5–3	Miami Orange Bowl	52,863
9	November 7	Buffalo Bills	W 20–10	6–3	Schaefer Stadium	61,157
10	November 14	at Baltimore Colts	W 21–14	7–3	Memorial Stadium	58,226
11	November 21	at New York Jets	W 38–24	8–3	Shea Stadium	49,983
12	November 28	Denver Broncos	W 38–14	9–3	Schaefer Stadium	61,128
13	December 5	New Orleans Saints	W 27–6	10–3	Schaefer Stadium	53,592
14	December 12	at Tampa Bay Buccaneers	W 31–14	11–3	Tampa Stadium	41,517

Note: Intra-division opponents are in bold text.

The Playoff Saga

Divisional Showdown

The Patriots' impressive regular season culminated in their second-ever playoff appearance, and first since 1963. They faced the formidable Oakland Raiders in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Despite an earlier season victory against the Raiders (48–17), the playoff rematch proved to be a contentious and ultimately heartbreaking affair, ending in a 24–21 loss for New England.

1976 New England Patriots Post-season Schedule
Round	Date	Opponent (seed)	Result	Record	Venue	Attendance
Divisional	December 18	Oakland Raiders (1)	L 21–24	0–1	Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum	53,045

The "Ben Dreith Game" Controversy

The playoff game against the Oakland Raiders became infamously known as the "Ben Dreith Game" due to a series of highly questionable officiating calls that significantly impacted the outcome. Several incidents fueled the controversy:

**Holding Penalties:** Offensive lineman Bill Lenkaitis, who had not been flagged for holding all season, received three such penalties in this single game.
**Uncalled Facemask:** George Atkinson of the Raiders delivered a severe hit to Russ Francis's facemask, breaking his nose, yet no penalty was called.
**First Down Marker:** A critical Sam Cunningham run late in the fourth quarter was controversially ruled short of a first down, with claims that the sideline official moved the marker.
**Offsides Call:** On a crucial 3rd and 1, the Patriots were flagged for offsides after attempting to draw the Raiders offsides, a play complicated by the Raiders' own dummy snap counts.
**Uncalled Holding:** Russ Francis was visibly held by Phil Villapiano on a pass play, preventing him from making a catch, a hold so blatant Francis later stated Villapiano admitted to it.
**Roughing the Passer:** Most controversially, Ray Hamilton was flagged for roughing the passer against Ken Stabler on a 3rd-and-18 play, despite replays showing no clear contact with Stabler's helmet. This penalty extended the Raiders' drive, leading to the game-winning touchdown.

These calls led to widespread protests from the Patriots, resulting in referee Ben Dreith not being assigned to any Patriots games until 1980.

Enduring Legacy

A Talented Roster

Despite the contentious playoff exit, the 1976 Patriots team is widely regarded as one of the most talented in franchise history. This sentiment was echoed by none other than Bill Belichick, who, as an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions in 1976 (a team that defeated the Patriots), described this Patriots squad as "loaded" and a "who's who team." This recognition from a future legendary coach underscores the exceptional caliber of players assembled during this era.

Coaching Tree Influence

The 1976 season also served as a springboard for coaching careers. Offensive line coach **Red Miller** departed after the season to become the head coach of the Denver Broncos. In his inaugural season with Denver in 1977, Miller remarkably led the Broncos to the AFC's best record (12–2), their first-ever postseason appearance, and ultimately to Super Bowl XII. This demonstrates the significant talent within the Patriots' coaching staff that year, extending its influence beyond New England.

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio

Click here to open the "1976 New England Patriots Season" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about 1976_new_england_patriots_season while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.

Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

Discover other topics to study!

bay of islands

boeing ch-47 chinook

economy of new york city

dignitatis humanae

mass deacidification

moulin rouge 1952 film

References

WBZ-FM Radio retrospective on 1976 Patriots

John Hannah with Tom Hale (2013), OFFENSIVE CONDUCT: My Life On The Line (Triumph Books: Chicago, Illinois), p. 128

A full list of references for this article are available at the 1976 New England Patriots season Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports analysis or historical definitive record. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official NFL records, historical archives, or expert sports journalism. While efforts have been made to present information accurately, interpretations and details may vary. Always refer to primary sources and reputable sports historians for comprehensive and definitive accounts.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Gridiron Glory: The 1976 New England Patriots' Resurgent Season

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Season Overview 🌟

📈 A Remarkable Turnaround

🏅 Key Accolades

🏟️ Home Field and Leadership

Statistical Dominance 📊

🏃 Rushing Prowess

🏈 Offensive Output

🛡️ Defensive Acumen

Offseason Moves 📝

🔄 Expansion Draft Impact

🌟 1976 NFL Draft Selections

Team Personnel 👥

👨‍💼 Coaching and Front Office

🏈 Player Roster Highlights

Season Schedule 🗓️

preseason Preseason Performance

🏈 Regular Season Journey

The Playoff Saga 🏆

⚔️ Divisional Showdown

⚖️ The "Ben Dreith Game" Controversy

Enduring Legacy 📜

🌟 A Talented Roster

🚀 Coaching Tree Influence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

True or False? 🤔

❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

Gamer's Corner 🎮

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Explore More Topics

📜 Discover other topics to study!

References

📜 References

Feedback & Support 👍

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Season Overview

A Remarkable Turnaround

Key Accolades

Home Field and Leadership

Statistical Dominance

Rushing Prowess

Offensive Output

Defensive Acumen

Offseason Moves

Expansion Draft Impact

1976 NFL Draft Selections

Team Personnel

Coaching and Front Office

Player Roster Highlights

Season Schedule

Preseason Performance

Regular Season Journey

The Playoff Saga

Divisional Showdown

The "Ben Dreith Game" Controversy

Enduring Legacy

A Talented Roster

Coaching Tree Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice