Titans-Patriots Playoff Series

Lore & Background

For Titans fans, this match remains a bittersweet touchstone—a reminder of how close they came to immortality and the thin margin between glory and heartbreak. It solidified the Patriots as a formidable force while etching Steve McNair's heroic but ultimately heartbreaking performance into franchise legend.

Reader's Guide

Unlike divisional foes who meet weekly, these two teams met in a high-stakes elimination game that defined an era. Key moments intensifying this feud include Tom Brady's first major playoff performance and Steve McNair's desperate drive to keep Tennessee alive. The Patriots' comeback from a 14-point deficit with under five minutes remaining is widely considered one of the greatest fourth-quarter rallies in NFL history. The head-to-head record in the playoffs stands at 1-0 for New England, though they have met several times in the regular season since.

Culturally, this game represents the dawn of the Brady-Belichick dynasty and serves as a cautionary tale for Titans fans about the fragility of playoff football. For supporters of both clubs, this matchup is a benchmark of intensity. It highlights the contrast between Tennessee's explosive offensive potential in the early 2000s and New England's gritty, resilient identity.

Did You Know?

• This game marked Tom Brady's first playoff start after replacing an injured Drew Bledsoe earlier that season.
• Steve McNair threw for over 200 yards and ran for another, showcasing his dual-threat ability in a losing effort.
• The game was played in freezing temperatures with snow falling heavily during the overtime period.