The New England Patriots have made a habit this season of earning victories when teams least expect it.

For the fifth consecutive game, New England stared at a deficit-this one being 6-0-at halftime on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. The Patriots managed to secure wins in three of their past four contests, but after falling behind 26-14 their chances at a fourth win seemed incredibly unlikely.

New England coach Bill Belichick even conceded that fate seemed to be on the Browns' side.

"We had to make just about every play that we made at the end today," he said. "Fortunately, we did.''

Fortune was certainly in play as New England-trailing 26-21-set up an onside kick sequence, a play they had not converted since Jan. 1, 1995 in an American Football Conference playoff game against the Browns.

History repeated itself as Browns running back Fozzy Whittaker fumbled and lost control of the ball. Patriots cornerback Kyle Arrington then swooped in from behind, picking up the ball and regaining possession.

New England quarterback Tom Brady-as he has done time and time again this season-took care of business in the fourth quarter.

Brady began the drive with a 10-yard laser to wide receiver Danny Amendola, and then fate intervened once more.

The Patriots earned a controversial pass interference call, moving the ball to the Cleveland one-yard line. Brady fired off a quick touchdown pass to Amendola, which gave New England to a tight 27-26 lead.

After a failed two-point conversion, Cleveland had a chance to counter with some late-game heroics. Browns quarterback Jason Campbell-after 18-yard and 13-yard passes, respectively, to tight end Jordan Cameron-brought his squad to New England's 40-yard line with one second remaining in the game.

Kicker Billy Cundiff, staring at a 58-yard field goal attempt, had his work cut out for him. The kick sailed far from the goalposts, sealing yet another improbable Patriots victory.

In the first half, it looked like a battle of the defenses. Cleveland's defense shut down a Patriots offense that had put up 68 points in its past two games. The Browns were only able to break through on two field goals from Cundiff.

At the half, the Browns had the 6-0 edge, and by the third quarter, the visitors had things under control. With 10:15 remaining in the third quarter, Campbell launched a 40-yard pass on the left side of the field to wide receiver Gary Barnidge to stretch the lead to 12-0. New England countered with a field goal with 1:37 remaining, but just 12 seconds later, Campbell fired off a pass to wide receiver Josh Gordon near the sideline.

The rookie would not be deterred, taking the ball down the field for an 80-yard touchdown to stretch the Browns lead to 19-3.

However, Patriots running back Shane Vereen kept things close, scoring with just six seconds left in the third quarter. After a successful two-point conversion and a 19-11 deficit, New England still had life.

The Patriots inched closer, benefiting from a 50-yard field goal from kicker Stephen Gostkowski to cut the lead to 19-14 with 5:43 remaining. Campbell then re-captured the momentum, for a four-yard touchdown with 2:39 remaining, but the lead would not last.

Though the team emerged with a big win, New England was not all smiles after the victory.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski tore his A.C.L.-a significant injury for the Patriots that looks to end Gronkowski's season.


The Patriots improve to 10-3 on the season and remain in second place in the AFC, while the Browns fall to 4-9.

New England takes on the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.