Looking back: A critical yet overlooked play in Pats Postseason History

[brdmaverick]

In the 2003/2004 AFC Championship Game against the Colts the Patriots faced a 4th and 1 on their opening drive at their OWN 44 and went for it!

In a 0-0 game in the first quarter how many coaches do you think make that call? I bet only ONE (ok, maybe Mike McCarthy too after his 4th down attempt against hte Giants). I'm sure glad we have a coach who has the guts do what he thinks is right and not even have one iota of concern about media backlash if it went wrong.

As for the play itself, Brady did a QB sneek up in which he actually got stood straight up but was able to keep the legs pumping so that he could at least fall forward on his way down to pick up the first.

Could you imagine if we didn't get it? Giving Peyton Manning a short field and already setting the tone for the game?

And when the game finally concluded there was even greater context to that play, too. The Pats obviously converted and ended up scoring their ONLY TD of the game during that drive. In 24-14 game I'd say that's extremely significant.

As Belichick said in the "A Football Life" documentary the one thing he is NOT is AFRAID.

Definitely took some guts. This was a pivotal yet unspectacluar play that sometimes gets lost in the many many Pats postseason highlights.

 

[captain stone]

I hope that Bill does the same thing if the situation arises again.

We're going to need possessions & TDs in order to have a chance to win.

Anything under 3 yards should be a no-brainer with this short-passing-game offense.

Damn I wish we still had Gronk.

 

[brdmaverick]

Yes, coming into this game the Colts had not punted in 2 full post season games.

I'm not sure the Falcons offense is as prolific as that offense, but pretty close.

 

[New England Pride]

People sleep on Brady to Lafell in the 14 divisional playoffs. Brady busted out the pitching wedge and dropped it in the bucket. It was an amazing throw.