Page "New England Patriots" Paragraph 7

During the 1970s, the Patriots had some success, earning a berth to the playoffs in 1976 — as a wild card-team — and in 1978 — as AFC East champions.

They lost in the first round both times.

In 1985, they returned to the playoffs, and made it all the way to Super Bowl XX, which they lost to the Chicago Bears 46 – 10.

Following their Super Bowl loss, they returned to the playoffs in 1986, but lost in the first round.

The team would not make the playoffs again for eight more years.

During the 1990 season, the Patriots went 1-15.

They changed ownership three times, being purchased from the Sullivan family first by Victor Kiam in 1988, who sold the team to James Orthwein in 1992.

Orthwein intended to move the team to his native St. Louis, Missouri, but sold the team two years later to current owner Robert Kraft in 1994.