AFC Divisional 2017 vs Jaguars

Lore & Background

This was their seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance, adding onto their record from the previous year. The win also made Tom Brady the oldest quarterback (40 years, 163 days) to win a playoff game, surpassing Brett Favre for the record.

In Their Own Story

The wind howled across the frozen gridiron of Foxborough, whipping snow into a blinding white curtain that obscured the goalposts. On the sideline, Bill Belichick stood stoic, his breath visible in the freezing air, watching as his team trailed by ten points with less than seven minutes remaining. The roar of the crowd was muffled by the storm, but the tension was palpable. Tom Brady walked to the huddle, his helmet fogged, eyes locked on the field ahead. He called out an audible, signaling a play that had worked in practice but seemed impossible against such pressure. The snap came, the pocket collapsed, and for a split second, it looked like another defeat was imminent. Then, Brady scrambled, found a receiver through the slush, and the chain moved. One drive at a time, the snow seemed to part just enough for the dynasty to march forward.

Reader's Guide

The Patriots overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to win 24–20. The source does not specify the exact deficit at any point, but notes the final score.

Did You Know?

• The Patriots claimed their second consecutive AFC title with this win.
• Tom Brady became the oldest quarterback to win a playoff game at 40 years, 163 days.
• This was the Patriots' seventh consecutive AFC Championship appearance.