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New England Patriots: Ranking 10 Greatest quarterbacks in franchise history

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 30, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; A New England Patriots helmet, shoes and gloves sit on the field during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

10.) Matt Cavanaugh 1979-1982

Coming in at 10th on the list is Matt Cavanaugh. Drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Cavanaugh went on to play four seasons in New England. Mostly as a backup, Cavanaugh made 15 starts during his time with the Patriots.

In the 1980 season, Cavanaugh was given his first chance to be a starter. That season, he totaled a 3-1 record in four starts. Also, he totaled nine touchdown passes and five interceptions. For the second round pick, the 1980 season was a pretty good one.

The following season, Cavanaugh regressed with the additional starts. In eight starts, Cavanaugh and the Patriots had a poor 1-7 record. For the season, Cavanaugh totaled five touchdown passes and 13 interceptions. In addition to the poor touchdown to interception ratio, Cavanaugh also saw his completion percentage drop nearly eight percent.

After the poor season in 1981, Cavanaugh went on to start in three more games for the Patriots in the 1982 season. He totaled a 1-2 record with five touchdown passes and five interceptions in what would be his last season in New England. Overall, Cavanaugh ranks 10th in franchise history in touchdown passes, and 11th in passing yards.

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