2016 -- S 2084

========

LC004036

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2016

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

CONGRATULATING THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS ON THEIR STERLING 2015-2016

NFL SEASON AND WISHING THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS ON SUNDAY, JANUARY

24, 2016, IN THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME AGAINST THE DENVER BRONCOS

     Introduced By: Senators Jabour, Picard, Pearson, Doyle, and Lynch Prata

     Date Introduced: January 21, 2016

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, In the 2015-2016 season, the New England Patriots had another elite NFL

season, as they once again won the AFC East Division, compiling an outstanding 12-4 regular

season record. Since 2001, the Patriots, thanks in large part to the innovative coaching and

exemplary leadership provided by Head Coach Bill Belichick, have made the playoffs thirteen

times in the last fifteen years and have played in six Super Bowls, winning four of them; and

     WHEREAS, The Patriots were led on the field by quarterback Tom Brady, who once

again had an outstanding season, throwing for an amazing 4,770 yards, with a 64.4 completion

percentage, and throwing 36 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions. Also contributing to the

Patriots' success this season is an outstanding receiver corps led by all-world tight end Rob

Gronkowski, who caught 72 passes for 1,176 yards. Also contributing significantly to the Patriots'

high octane offense were Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and an excellent offensive line. The

Patriots also benefitted all season long from a superb kicking game, provided by kicker Stephen

Gostkowski and punter Ryan Allen, and a hard-hitting and stingy defense; and

     WHEREAS, In the Patriots' first playoff game this season, they beat the Kansas City

Chiefs by the score of 27 to 20, controlling the game from start to finish. Brady once again played

his best when things mattered most, throwing two touchdown passes and rushing for another

touchdown at the goal line. Gronkowski and Amendola proved to be unstoppable in the passing

attack, and the Patriots' defense contained the Chiefs high scoring offense. Next week the Patriots

travel to Denver to play the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game, the fifth straight

AFC title game for the Patriots; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby congratulates New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, Head Coach Bill Belichick, and

the entire team on their successful 2015-2016 season, and we wish them continued success next

Sunday in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

========

LC004036

========

LC004036 - Page 2 of 2