Belichick 20/20: 2003 Divisional Game Against Tennessee

Bill Belichick 20/20 Podcast

For this special playoff installment of Belichick 20/20, we rewind to the 2003 AFC Divisional Game between the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans; one of the coldest games in NFL history. Tom Brady and Bethel Johnson would connect on a 41-yard deep ball for a touchdown giving the Patriots an early lead over the MVP led Steve McNair. But, McNair and the Titans would answer right back, needing only six plays to tie the game at seven. Brady and the Patriots would go in to halftime with a 14-7 lead, and after a first-half where Brady would throw for 166 yards and a touchdown; many were expecting a high scoring second half. However, the Patriots would come out flat to start the second half while McNair and the Titans would answer back on their first drive, tying the game at 14 after McNair connected with Derrick Mason for an 11-yard touchdown. With the score tied at 14 and six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Brady would get the Patriots in field-goal range for Adam Vinatieri who would connect on a 46-yard field-goal to give the Patriots a late 17-14 lead. McNair and company would sustain a long drive to nowhere as the Titans would stall and fail to convert on a fourth and 12, giving the Patriots the football and the victory.