Sept. 26, 1999, at Foxborough > Patriots 16 Giants 14

Two similar teams were just a few weeks into what would be disappointing seasons for both (the 8-8 Patriots and 7-9 Giants each averaged 18.7 points per game). The Patriots likely figured on something different after their third win in a 4-0 start, holding the Giants to 188 total yards and 7 points after nearly 57 minutes. Kent Graham’s 1-yard touchdown pass to Tiki Barber with 1:14 remaining provided a 2-point margin, but Ben Coates corralled the onside kick to seal it for New England. New York drove 66 yards on its first possession for a 7-0 lead (Graham 6 yards to LeShon Johnson) and then punted on its next five. The Patriots punted on their first three possessions before breaking through early in the second quarter on Terry Allen’s 1-yard scoring run. The second half favored the Patriots thanks to Adam Vinatieri, whose three field goals (38, 19, and 41 yards) salvaged drives that lasted 9, 11, and 12 plays. The Giants had scoring chances but Graham was stopped by Tedy Bruschi on fourth and 1 at the Patriots’ 41 in the third quarter, and Brad Daluiso was wide left on a 41-yard field goal attempt with 9:07 remaining.

SEAN SMITH