Another Banner Year

Game 1

PATRIOTS 27 COLTS 24

THE PATS OPENED 2004 IN FITTING, AND FAMILIAR, FASHION, BEATING INDY FOR THE FIFTH STRAIGHT TIME. AND, FOR THE NTH STRAIGHT TIME, THEY WERE LED BY TOM BRADY (335 YARDS AND THREE TDS).

Game 2

PATRIOTS 23 CARDINALS 12

ACQUIRED FROM CINCINNATI IN AN APRIL TRADE, COREY DILLON IMMEDIATELY IMPROVED NEW ENGLAND'S GROUND GAME. IN ARIZONA, WITH THE REST OF THE OFFENSE STRUGGLING, HE HAD 32 CARRIES FOR 158 YARDS.

Game 3

PATRIOTS 31 BILLS 17

THE PATS' OPENING TD DRIVE IN BUFFALO WAS JUMP-STARTED WHEN DAVID GIVENS HAULED IN THIS 44-YARD PASS ON FIRST-AND-35. THE WIN WAS THE TEAM'S 18TH IN A ROW, WHICH TIED THE NFL RECORD. GIVENS LED NEW ENGLAND IN RECEIVING IN '04, WITH 56 CATCHES FOR 874 YARDS.

Game 4