The date was December 20th 1998 and the 8-6 New England Patriots entered a week 16 matchup at Foxboro Stadium against an 11-4 San Francisco 49ers team featuring a prolific offense of future Hall of Famer members Steve Young, Jerry Rice, and Terrell Owens.
The Patriots meanwhile, entered the game without starting quarterback Drew Bledsoe after fracturing his index finger.
Needing a win to clinch the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC, Scott Zolak was given his first start in three years.
Could the Patriots pull off the upset? Take a look back at the highlights below.
It wasn’t perfect performance, Zolak completed just 14 of 30 passes for 205 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions but then-head coach Pete Caroll was impressed with his relief effort.
“He did a great job,” Carroll said, “He did it like a true pro. I can’t tell you how proud his teammates are of him because he’s such a great team guy and when he had his chance he came through.”
“I’m just glad I got a chance to show people what I could do,” said Zolak. “Over the years, I’ve pretty much been along for the ride.”
Zolak wound up completing 1998 as the starting quarterback due to Bledsoe’s injury but lost both remaining games
The Patriots season would come to an end in the wild card playoffs in a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After the season, Zolak, a free agent, spent his 1999 season with the Jets and Dolphins before retiring.
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