The New England Patriots entered their NFL record sixth consecutive AFC Championship game seeking to become the first team in league history to make nine Super Bowls.
During pregame warm ups, quarterback Tom Brady was fired up.
Tom Brady LET'S GO! before the #AFCChampionship captured by @bravowbz #Patriots #WBZ #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/kCqMuWKvYb
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) January 24, 2017
Can it be 6:40 already! I can't hold my adrenaline much longer! #AFCChampionship #PatsNation
— Eric Rowe (@TheEricRowe) January 22, 2017
do not go gentle into that good night #tonight #onemore pic.twitter.com/YtB32Jn5A0
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) January 22, 2017
After winning the opening coin toss, the Patriots surprised everyone by electing to receive, and the offense was off and running early after taking a 3-0 lead following this long Edelman reception.
.@Edelman11 juking the entire PIT defense. #PITvsNE #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/B5TYo6Kyya
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 22, 2017
After being unable to find the end zone most of the first quarter, Brady and the offense finally broke through with this score to Chris Hogan. 10-0 Patriots after one quarter of play.
Brady to Hogan for SIX! #PITvsNE https://t.co/yT3tusAvmU
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 23, 2017
Rob Gronkowski was watching the action from above with Jon Bon Jovi.
https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/823322908877553664
The Steelers answered right back early in the second quarter, with DeAngelo Williams leading the way.
.@Steelers are on the board…@DeangeloRB with the TD! #PITvsNE #NFLPlayoffs https://t.co/SKFiIDzRU4
— NFL (@NFL) January 23, 2017
In a sign of things to come, kicker Chris Boswell, who scored ALL of the Steelers points a week ago, missed the extra point. 10-6 Patriots.
After scoring ALL of the Steelers' points last week, Chris Boswell misses his first extra point attempt tonight… pic.twitter.com/1tPpqF6A2q
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 23, 2017
Looking to respond, Tom Brady caught the Steeler defense napping and executed an incredible flea flicker touchdown pass to none other than Chris Hogan again. A 34 yard catch and a 17-6 lead.
Flea flicker alert! #PITvsNE https://t.co/LHIQIM68kL
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 23, 2017
The Steelers would drive all the way to the Patriots one yard line on their next possession, but were unable to get into the end zone. 17-9 Patriots heading into halftime.
In the third quarter, following another Gostkowski field goal to bring the lead to 20-9, running back LeGarrette Blount pulled off one of the most memorable carries of the 2016 season.
https://twitter.com/NFLCanada/status/823347594814291968
https://twitter.com/LG_Blount/status/823397352295825408
Watching @LG_Blount refuse to fall- is not only a testament to his heart & pride, it's a reflection of the spirit of Boston! #ThePatriotWay
— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) January 24, 2017
https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/823720242484391937
Leading 27-9 following the touchdown, the crowd began to feel the win getting closer, and the chants for Roger Goodell began.
Yeah. @scottzolak just held up a "WHERE IS ROGER?" sign. Crowd seemed to have liked it.
— Michael Hurley (@michaelFhurley) January 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/scottzolak/status/823415700798763008
A touchdown to Julian Edelman brought the score to 33-9 at the end of three quarters.
TB12 to JE11, touchdown! #PITvsNE https://t.co/z9Hok0Tfip
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) January 23, 2017
Benny stopping the Steelers!!! pic.twitter.com/uP4Uh6Ac0x
— Gisele Bündchen (@giseleofficial) January 23, 2017
A round two of “Where is Roger?” chants broke out in Gillette Stadium
mattclapp: Where is Roger CBS NFL Playoff: Steelers at Patriots https://t.co/A40GcnHOgc pic.twitter.com/PISxTS1jUn
— FanSportsClips (@FanSportsClips) January 23, 2017
#whereisroger is now trending in #Bostonhttps://t.co/OBq36T9jWF pic.twitter.com/YSvYdYtBu2
— Trendsmap Boston (@TrendsBoston) January 23, 2017
Tom Brady's last interception against the Steelers was 4,167 days ago.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) January 23, 2017
In the fourth quarter, the Patriots would tack on a field goal and the Steelers would tack on a garbage time touchdown with 3:36 remaining in the game but that would be all she wrote as the Patriots won their record ninth conference title.
Hey @Patriots… See you in Houston!!!#Patriots #SB51 pic.twitter.com/VLAcWDpYRW
— Super Bowl (@SuperBowl) January 23, 2017
"Oh wow, another paperweight. Thanks. Can I go now? I'm trying to win a trophy in 2 weeks." -Bill Bellichick @FeitsBarstool @stoolpresidente pic.twitter.com/Dp6K5GH0Ju
— Blanco (@BSElOsoBlanco) January 23, 2017
Some of the best postgame celebrations came from tight end Martellus Bennett.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPmGsdvBW59/?taken-by=martellusb&hl=en
Grateful to have witnessed this incredible moment for @MartysaurusRex & his family pic.twitter.com/aq16StWgAS
— Michaela Vernava (@MichaelaNESN) January 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/MartysaurusRex/status/823524895669833728
https://twitter.com/ImaginationAgcy/status/823374414901223424
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPmFVfqBlrl/?taken-by=martellusb&hl=en
LeGarrette Blount is on that #SuperBowl vibe https://t.co/fzFIM8dU0H
— Tyler Sullivan (@TylerSully) January 23, 2017
To the university of Houston and the city of Houston. IM COMING HOME!!!
— Elandon Roberts (@Roberts_52) January 23, 2017
I love the group of guys I go to war with every week!!!! #OneMore
— Dion Lewis (@DionLewisRB) January 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/ninko50/status/823435336613330944
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPl95vFDxeJ/
https://twitter.com/zeus30hightower/status/823523739790966785
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPngxT_Blul/
https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/823614406303121408
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPoWAQwBUZ2/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPoE_xjhlV-/?taken-by=mac_bz&hl=en
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPngvbtA6hE/?taken-by=lindaholliday_
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