AFC Championship 2001 vs Steelers
The 2001 Patriots' Cinderella season launched a dynasty.
After defeating the top-seeded 13–3 Pittsburgh Steelers 24–17 in the AFC Championship Game, the Patriots faced the heavily favored NFC's number one seeded 14–2 St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI.
Quick Facts
- Date
- January 27, 2002
- Location
- Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
- Final score
- Patriots 24, Steelers 17
- Outcome
- New England Victory
- Next match
- Super Bowl XXXVI
- Quarterback
- Tom Brady
- Season
- 2001 NFL Season
Lore & Background
The 2001 season served as a launching pad for the team. Over the next 18 seasons, they would win 16 more division titles, eight more AFC Championships in 12 appearances, five more Super Bowl titles in eight appearances, and achieve an undefeated regular season in 2007.
Reader's Guide
It only states the final score was 24–17.
Did You Know?
- The Patriots became the first team in NFL history to win the Super Bowl after starting the season 1–3.
- The 2001 season was the first since 1986 that Bruce Armstrong was not on the opening-day roster.
- The Patriots' playoff win over the Raiders featured the now-infamous tuck rule overturning a Brady fumble into an incomplete pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AFC Championship 2001 vs Steelers?
This refers to the pivotal playoff matchup between New England and Pittsburgh played on January 27, 2002. It served as the final hurdle before the Super Bowl for a young team seeking to end a sixteen-year drought.
When and where was this game hosted?
The contest took place at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh during the 2001 NFL season. Fans gathered on January 27, 2002, to witness the conference championship battle.
Who won the AFC Championship 2001 vs Steelers and what was the score?
The Patriots secured a victory over the Steelers with a final score of 24-17. This win sent the franchise to their first Super Bowl appearance since 1985.
What happened after the Patriots won this game?
Following this victory, New England advanced directly to Super Bowl XXXVI. This progression marked the beginning of an era defined by sustained excellence and multiple championships.
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