The Troy Brown game that sticks out for me was late in the season in 1999; Pete Carroll's final year as head coach of the Pats.
It was a tough season that started off promising at 6-2 but eventually unraveled to 8-8 down the stretch. The patriots were getting absolutly embarrassed by the Eagles in week 15. There were a few tough losses that season, but this one felt like they were hitting rock bottom. Every Patriot player out there looked completely dejected and lifeless. Every player, that is, not named Troy Brown. He led the team that day in catches and 105 yards. More than his stats though, Troy was THE ONLY patriot out there who was still fighting on every single play, and who would not show any signs of defeat. His patriot hall of fame character, dependability, and legendary competitiveness was on full display that day... in a blowout 24-9 loss.
Up until this point, Troy was seen as a 3rd or even 4th option, (behind Coates, Terry Glenn, and either Jefferson or Brisby) but it was clear after this game that he was the number one. It's no accident that after this season, when Belichick replaced Carroll, Troy came into his own.