They say that great teams are able to overcome adversity and win games that lesser teams cannot. Sunday's comeback win by the Super Bowl Champions was a textbook example of this adage. Pittsburgh linebacker Larry Foote summed it up best, "They showed us today why they're the champs." This was a game that could have easily gotten away. Key injuries to Rodney Harrison and Matt Light, 3 drive-killing turnovers, and an uncharacteristic 118 yards in penalties made this one look bleak at several points in the contest.
Tom Brady lead a stirring 4th Quarter comeback (12 of 12 passing in the quarter) with ruthless precision and Adam Vinatieri calmly booted the game winning field goal as the final seconds ticked away as the Pats completely "out-cooled" the still-cocky Steelers. Brady completed 31-41 for 372 yards, 1 INT, 0 TD, and typically, distributed the ball to 8 different receivers (most notably David Givens who caught 9 passes for 130 yards). None bigger than Kevin Faulk's 17-yard reception on the last drive (see quote below).
So, on this "toughest 5-game stint in NFL history", the World Champs are 2-1. So much for NFL scheduler conspiracies.
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From The Pittsburgh Tribune Review:
"In many ways, the 5-foot-8 Faulk is the perfect personification of the Patriots' dynasty. He is a subtle but effective team player whose contributions often go unnoticed everywhere but in his team's locker room."
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