Photos by Tod Fierner (Martinez News-Gazette)
The Patriots are heading back to the Super Bowl for the ninth time in the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era. The incredible run for coach and quarterback started all the way back in the 2001 season, when Brady took over for an injured Drew Bledsoe during the second game of the regular season, led the Pats to an 11-3 record in 14 starts then led the team to three consecutive playoff victories (with a little help from Bledsoe in the AFC title game) to capture the Patriots’ first Super Bowl title.
The opponent in that incredible 2002 Super Bowl victory was the St. Louis Rams, who boasted an offense that was better than any in the league. Kurt Warner. Marshall Faulk. Isaac Bruce. Torry Holt. They were damn near unstoppable. They were the Greatest Show on Turf. And the Patriots beat them, 20-17, on a last-second field goal by Adam Vinatieri
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #12 QB Tom Brady Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #30 RB Todd Gurley Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #11 WR Julian Edelman Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #4 PK Greg Zuerlein Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #16 Rams QB Jared Goff Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #99 DT Aaron Donald Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #12 QB Tom Brady Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
Los Angeles Rams vs New England Patriots #11 WR Julian Edelman Photos by Tod Fierner (MTZ Gazette)
