2012 New England Patriots season
| 2012 New England Patriots season | |
|---|---|
| Head coach | Bill Belichick |
| Owner | Robert Kraft |
| Home field | Gillette Stadium |
| Results | |
| Record | 12–4 |
| Division place | 1st AFC East |
| Playoff finish |
Won Divisional Playoffs (Texans) 41–28 Lost AFC Championship (Ravens) 13–28 |
| Pro Bowlers |
Tom Brady, QB Wes Welker, WR Matthew Slater, ST Rob Gronkowski, TE Logan Mankins, G Vince Wilfork, DT Jerod Mayo, MLB |
| Uniform | |
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The 2012 New England Patriots season was the franchise's 43rd season in the National Football League and 53rd overall. The Patriots did not improve upon their 13–3 record, finishing at 12–4, but did win the AFC East for the fourth season in a row, and a first-round bye as one of the top two seeds in the AFC for the third consecutive year. This season marks head coach Bill Belichick's 13th season as Patriots head coach, and the 11th season in which the Patriots played all of their home games at Gillette Stadium.
The 2012 Patriots featured a prolific offense that broke the record for first downs in a season, with 444, and finished third all-time in scoring, with 557 points, finishing only behind the 2011 Green Bay Packers and their previous 2007 record setting season. Additionally, this was the third consecutive season that the Patriots exceeded 500 points scored, which tied the record set by the 1999– 2001 St. Louis Rams. The Patriots also ranked first in the league with a turnover margin of +25.
The Patriots' 12-win season marked their tenth consecutive 10-win season, a feat exceeded only by the San Francisco 49ers' streak of 16, from 1983 to 1998, and their twelfth consecutive winning season. However, on January 20, 2013, they were defeated by the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, marking their first AFC title game loss at home.
On May 15, Wes Welker signed his franchise tender of 1 year for $9.5 million. He was still permitted to negotiate a long term deal until July 15, which passed, and a new contract cannot be negotiated until the end of the season. Looking for a replacement of Chad Ochocinco who struggled, The Patriots signed Brandon Lloyd. Looking to replace BenJarvus Green-Ellis, the Patriots signed Joseph Addai. When Joseph Addai was released, Shane Vereen moved up to the 3 runningback split.
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