Editing Super Bowl XX (section)

===New England Patriots===
{{main|1985 New England Patriots season}}

The Patriots were a [[Cinderella (sports)|Cinderella team]] during the 1985 season because many sports writers and fans thought they were lucky to make the playoffs at all. New England began the season losing three of their first five games, but won six consecutive games to finish with an 11–5 record. However, the 11–5 mark only earned them third place in the [[AFC East]] behind the [[Miami Dolphins]] and the [[New York Jets]].

Quarterback [[Tony Eason]], in his third year in the NFL, was inconsistent during the regular season, completing 168 out of 299 passes for 2,156 yards and 11 touchdowns, but also 17 interceptions.   His backup, [[Steve Grogan]], was considered one of the best reserve quarterbacks in the league. Grogan was the starter in six of the Patriots' games, and finished the regular season with 85 out of 156 completions for 1,311 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions.

Wide receiver [[Stanley Morgan]] provided the team with a good deep threat, catching 39 passes for 760 yards and 5 touchdowns. On the other side of the field, multi-talented wide receiver [[Irving Fryar]] was equally effective, catching 39 passes for 670 yards, while also rushing for 27 yards, gaining another 559 yards returning punts and kickoffs, and scoring 10 touchdowns. But like the Bears, the Patriots' main strength on offense was their rushing attack. Halfback [[Craig James (running back)|Craig James]] rushed for 1,227 yards, caught 27 passes for 370 yards, and scored 7 touchdowns. Fullback [[Tony Collins (American football)|Tony Collins]] rushed for 657 yards, recorded a team-leading 52 receptions for 549 yards, and scored 5 touchdowns. The Patriots also had an outstanding offensive line, led by Pro Bowl tackle [[Brian Holloway]] and future Hall of Fame guard [[John Hannah (American football)|John Hannah]].

New England's defense ranked 5th in the league in fewest yards allowed (5,048). Pro Bowl linebacker [[Andre Tippett]] led the AFC with 16.5 sacks and recovered 3 fumbles. Pro Bowl linebacker [[Steve Nelson (American football)|Steve Nelson]] was also a big defensive weapon, excelling at pass coverage and run stopping. Also, the Patriots' secondary only gave up 14 touchdown passes during the season, second fewest in the league. Pro Bowl defensive back [[Raymond Clayborn]] recorded 6 interceptions for 80 return yards and 1 touchdown, while Pro Bowler [[Fred Marion]] had 7 interceptions for 189 return yards.