Top 10 Quarterbacks in Patriots history

Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

9. Mike Taliaferro

Tenure: 1968-1971

Record as starter: 8-17

Quick look at stats: 44.9 percent completion rate, 3,920 yards, 27 touchdowns, 44 interceptions, 49.8 rating

Taliaferro’s time in New England bridged the gap between the franchise’s status as an AFL team and an NFL team. Taliaferro sandwiched four seasons with the Patriots in between five years with the Jets and a final season with the Buffalo Bills.

The highlight of Taliaferro’s experience with the Patriots came in 1969, when he was crowned an AFL All-Star by starting 14 of the Patriots’ 17 regular season games, throwing for 2,106 yards. He also tossed more touchdowns (19) than interceptions (18).

Patriots injury report: Gronk fully healthy

That being said, the Patriots only managed to win four games that season. Clearly, the criteria for naming all-stars has changed considerably since the AFL days. Different era.

The cards were stacked against Taliaferro a bit, as he assumed control of the Patriots after the reign of Vito “Babe” Parilli, who will be elaborated on later in this slideshow.

Next: 8. Doug Flutie