New England, accustomed to slow starts, took a 10-0 lead on Michael Hoomanawanui's one-handed, 13-yard touchdown reception. But on other trips to the red zone they missed tight end Rob Gronkowski,Scarpe Nike Nuove, who suffered a season-ending knee injury a week ago.
The Patriots mounted drives of 16 and 15 plays but settled for a field goal each time, and Gostkowski misfired on a field-goal try for only the third time this year when he sailed a 48-yard attempt wide left.
