#ThisDayThatYear: Patriots set longest winning streak record versus NFC opponents
What's the story
On October 11, 2009, the New England Patriots achieved a remarkable feat by defeating the Atlanta Falcons 26-10 at the Gillette Stadium. This victory not only solidified their status as a dominant team in the league but also marked their 16th consecutive regular-season victory against NFC opponents. Here's more about the record and other key details.
Record
More about the record
The Patriots' 16-game winning streak against NFC teams is the longest since the 1970 National Football League (NFL) merger. Between 1970 and 2009, the Patriots held a 73-69 record against NFC teams. New England Patriots boast a 108-94 all-time record against NFC teams, with no other team matching their 16-game streak against the opposite conference.
Game recap
Patriots trounced Falcons 26-10 for a dominant victory
The Patriots dominated, scoring 20 points in the second and fourth quarters, while the Falcons were scoreless in the second half. Tom Brady threw for 277 yards and a TD, completing 25 of 42 passes. Matt Ryan had 199 yards on 17 completions. Randy Moss led New England Patriots with 116 receiving yards, while Michael Jenkins recorded 78 for Atlanta Falcons.
Team stats
Team stats and season achievements
The Patriots finished the 2009 season with a 10-6 record, securing 1st place in the AFC East and 3rd in the AFC. However, despite their strong performance, they fell to the Baltimore Ravens, 33-14, in the AFC Wild Card game. According to Statmuse, throughout the season, the Patriots scored 50 touchdowns and 427 points, marking another strong year for the franchise.