The Patriots ended the season with a record of nine wins and seven losses and finished second in the AFC East Division.

In their season opener, the Patriots faced the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night as Darryl Stingley returned to Schaffer Stadium.

Patriots' fans gave the paralyzed star a long sustained standing ovation.

The Pats would find themselves at 8–4, as the team featured a more wide-open offense under quarterback Steve Grogan.

However, a three-game losing streak ended their playoff chances, as the team settled for a disappointing 9–7 season.