Top 5 worst moments from New England Patriots victories

2. Spygate

The Patriots season-opening win against the New York Jets was cause for much celebration as Randy Moss and Wes Welker each scored touchdowns in their New England debuts and the Patriots crushed the Jets, 38-14. However, the good feelings from the win didn't last long as the next day news broke that the Jets caught a Patriots employee filming their defensive signals during the game. Thus, Spygate was born.

The NFL investigated the claims after Jets head coach Eric Mangini reported the Patriots to NFL Security. Commissioner Roger Goodell fined the Patriots $250,000, head coach Bill Belichick $500,000 (the highest fine in NFL history) and stripped the team of its 2008 first-round draft pick. The national media

1. Tom Brady tears ACL

After the way the 2007 season ended, Patriots fans couldn't wait to move on and get the 2008 season underway. However, the 2008 season was over in less than eight minutes. With a first and 10 from the Kansas City Chiefs' 42-yard line, Brady connected with Randy Moss for a 26-yard completion before Moss fumbled at the Kansas City 16-yard line. The fumble was the least of the team's worries as Brady was hit low by safety Bernard Pollard, resulting in a tear of both Brady's ACL and MCL in his left knee.

Matt Cassel was able to replace Brady and lead the Patriots to a 17-10 season-opening win over the Chiefs but Brady was gone for the season. Cassel filled in admirably for Brady the rest of the way throwing for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns and leading the team to an 11-5 mark, but it was a far cry from what Brady and the offense were able to do in 2007. The Patriots had a 2-4 record against playoff teams and despite the 11 wins, missed the playoffs in 2008, becoming just the second team in NFL history to miss the playoffs with that many wins. It was also the only season between 2003 and 2020 where the Patriots did not win the AFC East.