Today In Patriots History 2005: The "Cut That Meat" Game

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
The 'Cut That Meat' Game
Tedy Bruschi and the Pats defense overwhelms Manning, Colts
Corey Dillon rushes for 144 yards; Edgerrin James limited to 39​

Sunday January 16, 2005 at 4:45
2004 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 20, Indianapolis Colts 3
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Tony Dungy
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning
Odds: Patriots favored by 1
Weather: 25°, 3 mph wind, 7° wind chill
Game MVPs: Offense - Corey Dillon; Defense - Tedy Bruschi
Pats improve to 15-2; advance to AFCCG at Pittsburgh
Colts finish season with a record of 13-5


The iconic image of this game occurred in the second quarter when Tedy Bruschi turned a routine play into a signature moment, ripping the ball away from Dominic Rhodes for a takeaway. Before the game was over the crowd in Foxborough was mocking quarterback/serial television commercial endorser Peyton Manning with 'Cut That Meat' chants, a tagline from one of his many ads.

Then after the game was over, Bruschi went on one of the greatest postgame rants of all time, stating that 'the Patriots will continue to beat the Colts no matter how many times they change the rules'.


Key Stat I: Turnovers
Patriots 0, Colts 3

Key Stat II: Rushing Yards (and Time of Possession)
Patriots: 39 carries for 210 yards (5.4 ypc) and 1 TD (37:43 ToP)
Colts: 15 carries for 46 yards (3.0 ypc), 1 fumble lost (22:17 ToP)

BRUSCHI BRUISES INDY

FOXBORO – The play looked rather routine. Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi tackled running back Dominic Rhodes, who had just caught a second-quarter Peyton Manning screen pass. But when Brusc…

nypost.com

The play looked rather routine. Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi tackled running back Dominic Rhodes, who had just caught a second-quarter Peyton Manning screen pass.​

But when Bruschi popped up, he turned toward the Indianapolis bench and presented it with another surprise on a stunning day. He showed it the football.​

Save a two-minute drill at the end of the half, Bruschi and the Patriots defense got the Colts every time. New England held its visitors to its lowest point total since Manning arrived seven years ago and rolled Indianapolis 20-3 in yesterday’s AFC playoff game at Gillette Stadium.​

As usual, Bruschi led the defense, forcing a fumble and recovering two. He also hopped and yapped after every big play, taunting some Colts he felt disrespected the Pats with well-publicized comments leading up to the game.​

Yesterday’s set of big plays started when he wrestled with Rhodes. Reading the screen, Bruschi shed Colts center Jeff Saturday and hit Rhodes for what appeared to be a two-yard loss. But Bruschi wagged the ball toward the Colts sideline, and officials signaled Patriots possession, ending Indy’s best drive to that point.​

In the fourth quarter, he helped seal the game in the secondary. Reggie Wayne caught a Manning pass over the middle and ran into Pats safety Rodney Harrison, whose hit jarred the ball loose. It had barely bounced before Bruschi fell on it.​

​

The Patriots Deliver Yet Another Cold Slap to Manning (Published 2005)

New England Patriots defeat Indianapolis Colts, 20-3, in second round of playoffs; Patriots will face Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC championship; photos (M)ÿ

www.nytimes.com

The Colts entered the game with the most decorated offense in recent league history. The Patriots walked onto the field with a secondary built with patchwork and guts. But after a season in which Manning threw a record 49 touchdown passes, he could not even muster one against New England.​

But on Sunday, with three defensive starters out with injuries -- cornerbacks Ty Law and Tyrone Poole and end Richard Seymour -- New England still knocked the Colts' receivers around once they emerged from their 5-yard cushion. The Patriots used linebackers, the young cornerbacks Asante Samuel and Randall Gay, and even the receiver-turned-cornerback Troy Brown to disrupt the Colts' routes.​

"What are they going to do next?" Brown said of league officials' decision to reinforce the illegal-contact rule this season.​

Then there was the snow, which, as it did in the championship game last season, swarmed into the stadium, falling in damp clumps.​

"It played right into our hands," said Patriots safety Rodney Harrison, who intercepted Manning's final pass of the game. "He wasn't the same. It's not 70 degrees inside. It's not a dome."​

​

Sports Guy: T-E-A-M defined

Until someone steps up and proves otherwise, the Patriots own the Colts and the rest of the NFL.

www.espn.com

This was about respect. This was about four letters ("team") meaning more than five letters ("stats"). This was about a great team taking care of business at home, because that's what great teams do.​

Patriots Cold-**** Colts | Washington Post

The New England Patriots had heard the predictions of their postseason demise from the naysayers who said they couldn't stop Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning and his stable of big-play performers.​

But these are the champions, playing at home, and on a snowy, emotional Sunday afternoon, the Patriots kept hope alive for a third Super Bowl title in four years with a methodical 20-3 victory that ended Manning's dream season with yet another nightmare finish.​

"I told someone today I felt like there had been more hype over this game than there was for the Super Bowl last year," Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said. "There was a lot of doubt about it, and it ticked us off more and more. It ticked us off that no one gave us respect. I couldn't even sleep last night."​

Manning, who passed for an NFL record 49 touchdowns in the regular season, is 0-7 against the Patriots in Foxboro ...​

The Patriots prevailed Sunday mostly because their offense became their best defense. Three of their four scoring drives covered 78, 87 and 94 yards and consumed 9:07, 8:16 and 7:24. It must have seemed like an eternity to Manning and his offense, bundled up against the cold on the sideline and unable to get back onto the field as the Patriots marched toward the goal line.​

Patriots Divisional Round Retrospective: 2004 vs. Colts

The Patriots beat the Colts in the 2004 divisional round behind a bruising performance by their defense and running back Corey Dillon.

985thesportshub.com

The ’04 Colts had one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history and had put up 49 points in their Wild Card win over the Broncos the week before. The Patriots, on the other hand, were depleted in the secondary. Ty Law and Tyrone Poole were done for the season, two rookies were starting in their place, and wide receiver Troy Brown was playing nickel corner.​

None of that mattered. The Patriots won 20-3 in one of the most impressive defense performances of the Bill Belichick era.​

This game was the encapsulation of what made the early-2000’s Patriots unbeatable in big games. Their defense always seemed to come through with game-altering plays.​

With the Patriots leading 6-0 in the second quarter, Tedy Bruschi forced a fumble by ripping the ball out of Dominic Rhodes’ hands, stalling the Colts in New England territory.​

The Colts almost found the end zone on their next drive, but Eugene Wilson nearly intercepted Manning on the goal line and the Patriots forced Indy to settle for 3 points.​

They wouldn’t score after that.​

The Pats offense imposed their will on the Colts when it mattered the most. Corey Dillon had his signature game in a Patriots uniform, powering two long scoring drives to seal the game in the second half. The Pats went 87 yards over 8:16 to kill off much of the third quarter, before Dillon and company took 7:24 to go 94 yards to take a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter.​

Dillon and the Patriots defense kept Manning off the field all night. The Colts never stood a chance. The 2004 divisional game was the perfect embodiment of complimentary football.​

Top Five Tedy Bruschi Moments

Former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi is one of the best players in franchise history and has several memorable moments throughout his career

lastwordonsports.com

3. 2004 AFC Divisional Round: Change the Rules​

The Patriots had Peyton Manning’s number early in his career. After beating the Colts in the 2003 AFC Championship Game, the Patriots had a rematch in the 2004 AFC Divisional Round. Manning entered the game on the heels of one of the greatest seasons of all time, throwing for 4,557 yards, 49 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while winning MVP honors. After years of coming up short, this was Manning’s best chance to finally overcome New England.​

Instead, Bruschi and the defense once again proved too much for Manning to handle. Even with Ty Law missing the game, the defense limited Manning to just three points, 238 passing yards, and one interception. Bruschi had the play of the game when he forced a fumble by ripping the ball right out of the hands of running back Dominic Rhodes. After the game, Bruschi went on one of the great postgame rants of all time, saying the Patriots will continue to beat the Colts no matter how many times they change the rules.​

Dillon seizes first postseason opportunity

This is why Corey Dillon wanted to get out of Cincinnati. It's also why the New England Patriots wanted to get him.

www.espn.com

This is why Corey Dillon wanted to get out of Cincinnati. It's also why the New England Patriots wanted to get him.​

Dillon carried 23 times for 144 yards in his playoff debut Sunday to help the Patriots advance to the AFC championship game with a 20-3 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The only thing between them and a third conference title in four years are the Pittsburgh Steelers, who beat New England on Halloween when Dillon was out with a thigh injury.​

Patriots shut down Colts and Manning 20-3

www.milforddailynews.com

The Patriots turned Peyton Manning's dream season into a nightmare, shutting down the high-powered Indianapolis Colts offense to win their AFC divisional playoff game 20-3 on Sunday in snowy Foxboro, Mass. New England, winner of two of the last three Super Bowls, will face the Steelers next weekend in Pittsburgh.​

After a first half that featured just three field goals, the Patriots scored touchdowns on drives of 88 and 94 yards in the final two quarters. New England's defense sealed the win with a fumble recovery and an interception late in the game.​

AFC Divisional Playoff Flashback Colts vs Patriots "Manning-Brady Bowl Pt. 6"(2005)
6:00 Highlight Video




2004 AFC Divisional Playoff Game: Patriots vs Colts
1:50:09 Full Game
​

Divisional Round - Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots - January 16th, 2005 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Indianapolis Colts 3 at New England Patriots 20 on January 16th, 2005 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[Rob0729]

That Colts' team was one of the softest I have ever seen. The Patriots punched them in the mouth and they folded.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
Pats end KC's 11-game winning streak
Brady throws for 302 yards, 2 TD; Edelman with 100 yards receiving
Another odd Any Reid clock management game​

Saturday January 16, 2016 at 4:35
2015 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New England Patriots 27, Kansas City Chiefs 20
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Andy Reid
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Alex Smith
Odds: Patriots favored by 4½
Weather: 38°, 6 mph wind,
Game MVPs: Tom Brady, Julian Edelman
Pats improve to 13-4; advance to AFCCG at Denver
Chiefs finish season with a record of 12-6


The two clubs entered this game as teams headed in polar opposite directions. The Chiefs were the NFL's hottest team, on an 11-game winning streak after defeating Houston 30-0 in a wild card game. Meanwhile the Pats limped to the finish line, losing four of their final six contests. With several Patriots recovering from injuries - and the media in a frenzy after Chandler Jones showed up shirtless and reeking of weed at the Foxborough police station - KC was the trendy pick to win in an upset.


Julian Edelman caught ten passes for 100 yards, returning from a broken foot while the Pats went 2-4 without him. Rob Gronkowski had seven receptions for 83 yards and two touchdowns, and also recovered an onside kick to seal the victory.


The crowd became energized when Tom Brady took off for a ten yard run late in the second quarter, taking a hard hit just short of the goal line. On the next play Brady (28-42, 302 yards, 2 TD, 0 Int) snuck in for a touchdown, giving the Pats a 14-6 halftime lead.


Andy Reid once again had some questionable clock management, with the Chiefs using up 5:16 late in the fourth quarter while down by 14 points. KC held an advantage in almost every statistical category, but the Patriots held the lead for almost the entire game. The Chiefs ran a whopping 29 more plays on offense (85-56) and held the ball for over 15 more minutes than the Pats (37:51-22:09), but could not come up with a big play when needed.

Chiefs vs. Patriots | Divisional Playoff Highlights | NFL
6:31 NFLN Game Day Highlight Video



Reid & Belichick AFC Showdown! (Chiefs vs. Patriots, 2015 AFC Divisional)
14:12 Highlight Video



2015 Divisional Round Chiefs @ Patriots
2:25:16 Full Game

MacMullan: Brady's verve, confidence and toughness spur team when games matter most

The concept of Next Man Up doesn't apply to the Patriots QB, who's the heart, soul and emotional center of a team that's one step closer to the only game that matters, writes Jackie MacMullan.

www.espn.com

Clock management again bites Chiefs coach Andy Reid

Declining to use any timeouts during the fourth-quarter drive that got KC within a touchdown left the Chiefs with little hope to tie the game.

www.espn.com

What Went Wrong for Kansas City Chiefs in Divisional Playoffs?

When it was all said and done, Andy Reid’s team just didn’t have enough horses to beat the defending Super Bowl champions. It was nice while it lasted....

nflspinzone.com

Flashback Friday: 2016 AFC Divisional Playoffs Chiefs vs. Patriots

In the 2016 AFC Divisional Playoff game, the Kansas City Chiefs went to Foxboro to take on the New England Patriots. Tom Brady passed for 302 yards and two touchdowns. The defense held Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith to 246 yards and one touchdown. Both…

patriotswire.usatoday.com

Divisional Round - Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots - January 16th, 2016 | Pro-Football-Reference.com

Kansas City Chiefs 20 at New England Patriots 27 on January 16th, 2016 - Full team and player stats and box score

www.pro-football-reference.com

 

[sb1]

That Eugene Wilson hit on Reggie Wayne How did he get up...

 

[Delicate Genius]

Boomer Esiason called Peyton Manning "this generation's Dan Marino" after the game ended and almost caused a riot on the CBS set.

 

[signbabybrady]

This was one of my favorite games of the first run. Corey was a beast. And one of Bruschi's most iconic plays.

 

[oldrover]

Peyton Manning was what Lamar Jackson is now. Looks great… until the playoffs.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
2010 season comes to shockingly quick end
14-2 Patriots upset by blowhard Rex Ryan's Jets
Sanchez throws 3 TDs; Jete win, 28-21​

Sunday January 16, 2011 at 4:40
2010 AFC Divisional Round Playoff Game at Gillette Stadium
New York Jets 28, New England Patriots 21
Head Coaches: Bill Belichick, Rex Ryan
Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Mark Sanchez
Odds: Patriots favored by 9½
Weather: 30°, 14 mph wind, 19° wind chill
Pats finish the season with a record of 14-3
Jets improve to 13-5; advance to second consecutive AFCCG, this time at Pittsburgh


The Patriots did just enough wrong to lose this game. Late in the first half Patrick Chung audibled for a direct snap out of a punt formation and failed to run for the first down. The Jets took advantage a few plays later, scoring a touchdown with 33 seconds before the break to take a 14-3 lead. The Pats scored late in the third quarter to pull within four - but then a couple plays later Jerricho Cotchery took an innocent-looking short pass, and ran 58 yards to set up another Jet touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

New England used up 7:45 on the ensuing drive - and once again came away empty handed, turning the ball over on downs. The Pats kicked a field goal on their next possession to pull within seven at the two minute warning. That was followed by an onside kick that was not only recovered by the Jets, but run back to the 20 yard line. Two plays later the Jets scored again, giving them an insurmountable 14 point lead with 1:40 to play.

Brady was sacked five times and the first eight possessions consisted of a pick; FG; back-to-back three and outs; the failed trick punt play on 4th down; end of the half, and two more punts before the offense finally came alive - too late.

 

[jmt57]

Today in Patriots History
January 16 Birthdays​

Happy 78th birthday to Brian Stenger
Born January 16, 1947 in Euclid, Ohio
Patriot LB, 1973; uniform #59
Acquired Sept 10, 1973 from Pittsburgh in exchange for a 1974 10th round draft pick
Pats résumé: 1 season, 10 games (2 starts); two fumble recoveries

Brian Stenger was originally signed by the Steelers in 1969 as an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame. He played in ten games with two starts and two fumble recoveries in 1973 with the Patriots, before going on injured reserve on November 28.

The following year he was re-signed by the Patriots, and was also drafted by the Florida Blazers of the World Football League. Stenger departed to play in the WFL, first with the Detroit Wheels and then the Southern California Sun.




Happy 51st birthday to Daryl Porter
Born January 16, 1974 in Fort Lauderdale
Patriot DB, 2002 offseason
Signed as a veteran free agent on May 8, 2002
Pats résumé: one offseason and training camp

The Boston College graduate was a sixth round draft pick by Pittsburgh in 1997. He played safety, nickel corner and special teams in 55 games for the Lions, Bills and Titans from 1997-2001. Porter did not make the roster out of training camp, ending his NFL career. He now works as a high school football coach in south Florida.




Happy 35th birthday to Joseph Fauria
Born January 16, 1990 in Northridge, California
Patriot TE, 2018 (practice squad)
Signed as a free agent on November 18, 2015
Pats résumé: one partial season on the practice squad

The nephew of former Patriot Christian Fauria went undrafted out of UCLA in 2013. He signed with the Lions and showed promise as rookie, catching seven touchdowns that year. The following season he suffered an ankle injury and his career never got back on track. Foxborough was his final NFL stop; the Pats released him on December 8, 2015. He totaled 24 receptions for 281 yards with eight touchdowns in 23 games. Fauria keeps himself busy these days with sports podcasts out of Los Angeles.




Happy 46th birthday to Brandon Moore
Born January 16, 1979 in East Meadow, New York
Patriot LB, 2002 (practice squad)
Signed to the practice squad on September 4, 2002
Pats résumé: one partial season on the practice squad

Brandon Moore was originally signed by San Francisco as an undrafted rookie from Oklahoma in 2002. He was part of their final cuts, and the Pats immediately signed him to their practice squad. Moore stayed there for three weeks before the 49ers re-signed him. Moore played in 13 games for the Niners as a rookie, and remained on the team for several years. He eventually became a starter, collecting 11½ sacks and 165 tackles in the '05-06 seasons.

In his post-NFL life Moore has worked as a college coach: three seasons as DC at Scottsdale Community College, seven years with D-2 Colorado Mines, working his way up to head coach, and since 2023 as head coach at FCS-level University of San Diego.




In memory of Dave Ames, born 88 years ago today
Born January 16, 1937 in Portsmouth, Virginia
[size-5]Died August 4, 2009 at the age of 72 in Dichmond, Virginia[/size]
Halfback and Defensive Back, drafted by the Pats
Selected by the Patriots in their inaugural 1960 AFL draft
Pats résumé: an original Boston Patriot draft pick

Dave Ames was one of 51 players selected by Boston in the 1960 AFL draft, and one of 19 from that group that went on to play in either the AFL or NFL. He was also selected by Pittsburgh in the 16th round, 186th overall in the 1960 draft. The University of Richmond product signed with the Steelers, and made their team before being drafted into the U.S. Army. After serving in the military, he played football for the New York Titans and the Denver Broncos in 1961. In his post-football life Ames returned to Richmond, where he had a long career in management at Philip Morris.

David Ames Obituary (2009) - Norfolk, VA - The Virginian-Pilot

View David R. Ames Sr.'s obituary, send flowers and sign the guestbook.

www.legacy.com

David Ames (1991) - Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame - University of Richmond Athletics

University of Richmond Athletics

richmondspiders.com

David Ames was one of the most versatile players to ever wear a Spider football uniform. While at Richmond he played defensive back, halfback, punter, punt returner and kick returner. Ames was 6'0" and hailed from Portsmouth, VA. While at UR from 1955-1959 he also ran track.​

During his football career as a Spider he was named All-Southern Conference in 1957 and 1959 along with receiving All-State honors in the 1959 season. He did not play during the 1957-58 season. He was described as having an amazing change of pace and was rarely brought down from behind. Ames was considered an outstanding halfback in the Conference. Coach Edwin Merrick felt that having David Ames was going to be the difference between three or four more victories a season.​

After his Spider career David played professional football. In 1960 he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and after making their regular season roster as a defensive back he received his draft notice. After serving six months active duty he signed with the New York Titans of the American Football League. During the 1961 season Ames played with the New York Titans and Denver Broncos. While at Denver he played two games on offense (120 yards on 20 carries, and six receptions for 120 yards). He finished the season on defense. After being released by Denver in the 1962 season, David played four years with the Richmond Rebels and Richmond Mustangs of the Continental Football League.​

Today in Patriots History
More January 16 Trivia​

Besides Daryl Porter and Joseph Fauria, one other pro football player born on this date with a New England connection:

Joe Horn, 53 (1972)
Born in New Haven
The four-time Pro Bowl WR for the Saints had 603 career receptions for 8,744 yards and 58 touchdowns from 1996 to 2007, most of which happened after the Chiefs gave up on him and he immediately became a starter for the Saints.




There are also a few others with New England ties who passed away on this date:

Paul Gipson (3/21/1946 - 1/16/1985)
1973 New England Patriots
Gipson was a standout running back for the University of Houston, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. A two-time All-American, he was a major force that resulted in the Cougars achieving their best ever season and a number two national ranking in 1968. The Atlanta Falcons selected him in the second round (29th overall) in the 1969 draft.

The collegiate success never transferred to the pros however – although to be fair the Falcons were pretty horrid at that time. In his rookie season Gipson led the NFL with 8 fumbles. He was traded to Detroit after just two seasons, and landed in New England two years after that. His brief career with the Patriots was rather inglorious: five games, five carries, one fumble and a net of minus-one yard rushing.

Reading between the lines, Gipson’s lack of success in the NFL was likely due to substance abuse. In 1974 he stated that he was “starting all over” after battling alcoholism, playing in the inaugural season of the World Football League. In 1984 Gipson was sent to prison on drug charges. Three weeks later he was shot, and three weeks after that Gipson was found dead on a sidewalk.

UH Wins Game of Century (100-6) - Houston Chronicle

Athletics Hall of Honor Gala Set for Friday, Nov. 9 - University of Houston Athletics

Nov. 1, 2012 Inductees Photo Gallery HOUSTON - As the University of Houston Department of Intercollegiate Athletics prepares to honor some of its biggest nam...

uhcougars.com

PAUL THEODIS GIPSON (Published 1985)

www.nytimes.com

Frank Gaziano (5/2/1917 - 1/16/2010)
Grew up in Waltham; Waltham HS; Holy Cross; Boston Yanks
Born in Italy and raised in Massachusetts, Gaziano was a guard for the 1944 Boston Yanks.


Jim Simmons (4/3/1903 - 1/16/1977)
Providence Steam Roller
Fullback for the 1928 NFL champion Providence Steam Roller, after rushing for five touchdowns the previous year with Cleveland.

 

[sb1]

That Eugene Wilson hit on Reggie Wayne How did he get up...

Don't know what the problem was with this. Clean textbook hit with the shoulder. If it was really helmet to helmet Wayne would have been KO'ed.