New England Patriots: 5 Key moments in the 2016 Season

4) Back to Back Wins against Baltimore and Denver

Last season, the Patriots stumbled into the playoffs, losing four of their last six games to some lowly opposition. This time around, Bill Belichick made sure that there would be no letdown as they faced an incredibly tough December stretch with a Monday home game against Baltimore before facing Denver in Denver six days later. Both opponents still held faint playoff hopes and would be doing everything in their power to keep their season alive.

Baltimore has long been talked about as the team that comes to Gillette Stadium with no fear of the venue or the opponent. A final score of 30-23 might reflect another close battel between the Patriots and Ravens but it was far from it with the Patriots jumping out to an early lead and having the opportunity to put the game away before Brady threw his second interception of the season. Still leading by 16-3 at halftime, the Patriots let Baltimore back in the game on the back of a couple of unfortunate special teams mistakes. With the Ravens threatening to mount a comeback, Brady stepped up and capitalized on a blown coverage, hitting Chris Hogan for a 79-yard touchdown pass to put the game out of reach.

Up next was a trip to the house of horrors in Denver and they surprisingly took the ball out of Brady’s hands, instead asking Dion Lewis and the defense to handle the Broncos. Brady only threw for 188 yards and did not get the ball into the end zone, instead it was Lewis who helped keep the game moving on a frigid evening and the Patriots left with an all-important victory.