Super Bowl XXXVI: New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams
Date: February 3, 2002
Location: Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Final Score: New England Patriots 20, St. Louis Rams 17
Background
Super Bowl XXXVI marked a significant moment in NFL history as it was the New England Patriots’ first Super Bowl victory. The game pitted the Patriots against the St. Louis Rams, who were known for their high-powered offense, famously dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf.” The Rams entered the game as the favorites, having finished the regular season with a 14-2 record.
New England Patriots
- Head Coach: Bill Belichick
- Quarterback: Tom Brady
- The Patriots had a regular-season record of 11-5.
- This season was notable for the emergence of Tom Brady, who took over as the starting quarterback after an injury to Drew Bledsoe.
St. Louis Rams
- Head Coach: Mike Martz
- Quarterback: Kurt Warner
- The Rams were led by MVP quarterback Kurt Warner and featured a dynamic offense with players like Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, and Torry Holt.
The Game
The game was a tightly contested battle characterized by strategic plays and a strong defensive performance by the Patriots.
Key Moments
- First Half: The Patriots’ defense managed to contain the Rams’ explosive offense, leading to a 14-3 halftime lead for New England.
- Second Half: The Rams rallied in the fourth quarter, tying the game at 17-17 with a touchdown pass from Kurt Warner to Ricky Proehl.
- Final Drive: With 1:30 left on the clock and no timeouts, Tom Brady led the Patriots on a decisive drive. This set up a 48-yard field goal attempt by kicker Adam Vinatieri.
The Winning Kick
- Adam Vinatieri’s Field Goal: As time expired, Vinatieri successfully kicked the field goal, securing a 20-17 victory for the Patriots. This moment is often remembered as one of the most clutch performances in Super Bowl history.
Aftermath and Significance
- Tom Brady’s Rise: This victory marked the beginning of Tom Brady’s legendary career, establishing him as a clutch performer in high-pressure situations.
- Patriots Dynasty: The win was the first of six Super Bowl titles for the Patriots under the leadership of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, heralding the start of a new dynasty in the NFL.
- Cultural Impact: The game was played in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, and it carried a significant emotional weight, with patriotic themes prominent throughout the event.
Super Bowl XXXVI is remembered not only for its thrilling conclusion but also for setting the stage for the New England Patriots’ dominance in the NFL over the next two decades.
