Patriots Headed Back to the Super Bowl After 36-17 Win Over Steelers
Storied histories collided with two of the most successful programs of the 2000s meeting in Sunday's AFC championship game
By Marc Fortier and Barry Wilner ••
The Patriots are headed to the Super Bowl and fans are celebrating all over New England. Perry Russom caught up with members of Patriots Nation outside of Gillette and Eli Rosenberg watched alongside viewers at Tony C’s in Somerville.
The Tom Brady redemption tour is headed to the Super Bowl.
After beginning the 2016 season suspended for four games for his role in the "Deflategate'' scandal, the New England quarterback relentlessly carried the Patriots to an unprecedented ninth appearance in the title game, and his seventh. Brady threw for a franchise playoff-best 384 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-17 rout of the helpless Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday in New England's seventh consecutive AFC championship game.
The Pats will now play the Atlanta Falcons, who knocked off the Green Bay Packers earlier in the day. Quarterback Tom Brady will be going for his fifth Super Bowl ring.
"The boys showed up and played today," Brady said post-game. "We gotta do that again in two weeks. We'll see if we can write the perfect ending in two weeks."
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: A New England Patriots fan holds a sign after the New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 to win the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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Tailgaters pack Gillette Stadium as early as 3 hours before kick-off.
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: A general view as fireworks are set off prior to the AFC Championship Game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Robert Kraft (R), owner and CEO of the New England Patriots, looks at Tom Brady #12 prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots stands on the field prior to the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Stephen Gostkowski #3 of the New England Patriots kicks a field goal during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Justin Gilbert #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball against Jonathan Jones #31 of the New England Patriots during the first half of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots celebrates with Danny Amendola #80 after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Javon Hargrave #79 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: DeAngelo Williams #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Chris Hogan #15 celebrates with Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots after making a 34-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Eli Rogers #17 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is unable to catch a pass during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball against Artie Burns #25 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots greets Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers after the Patriots defeated the Steelers 36-17 to win the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 22: A New England Patriots fan holds a sign after the New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36-17 to win the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 22, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
"For a number of reasons, all of you in this stadium understand how big this win was," added Patriots owner Robert Kraft. "But we have to go to Houston and win one more."
Coach Bill Belichick gave his players all of the credit for the win.
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"Great players. It's all about the players," Belichick said. "We've got great players, they work hard, they're unselfish and they're tough."
The Patriots are early 3-point favorites heading to face Atlanta in two weeks in Houston, seeking their fifth NFL title with Brady at quarterback and Bill Belichick as coach. Belichick's seventh appearance in a Super Bowl will be a record for a head coach.
"This is my motivation right here, all these fellas in front of me, these guys," Brady said, pointing to his teammates and ignoring mentions of 'Deflategate.' "The boys showed up to play today.''
Brady's main weapon was Chris Hogan. The previously unheralded receiver found open spaces everywhere on the field against a leaky secondary. Hogan caught nine balls for 180 yards and two scores.
Top wideout Julian Edelman added eight receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown as Brady tied Joe Montana's playoff record with nine three-TD passing performances. Brady also had his 11th 300-yard postseason game, extending his NFL record, completing 32 of 42 throws.
Nicole Melvin
Here's 7-month-old Hunter who's already a true Patriots fan.
Debbie Ziemba
Debbie hung her Patriot sign in the window of her Southampton, Mass., home after the AFC Championship Game win and will keep it there until after the Super Bowl.
Nancy Hayes
Members of the Bass River Day program made a Patriots boat and said it was meant to "Sail the Patriots to a super bowl victory."
Mike MacDonald
Mike shared this photo from a game this season.
Gerri Palladino
Gerri Palladino
Gerri Palladino from Chelsea, Mass., has already started decorating for the Super Bowl this weekend.
Steffanie Dexter
Check out this young Pats fan!
Jeanne Paradis
Pepper is ready for the Super Bowl.
Paul Nessralla
Paul and his friends were at a Pats game earlier this year.
Katy B
Katy B is ready for the Super Bowl too!
Br Brown
Jake, Liz, and Gunner may live in North Carolina but they're still supporting the Patriots.
Nicole Melvin
Here's 7-month-old Hunter who's already a true Patriots fan.
Michael Conlon
Michael's dog Gidget has Pats gear too!
Don and Harrison Baptiste
Don and Harrison from South Hadley, Mass., shared their photo from a Pats game earlier this year.
Melissa Moriarty
Charli loves his Pats gear.
Jane ONeil
Jane shared a photo of her cat's Patriots gear.
Carol Lawless
Draper from Roslindale says "Go Pats."
Linda O
Brody is ready for the game.
Barry Dexter
Here's another Pats fan from Vermont.
Kirsten Flaherty
Here's Kirsten's 3-year-old Pats fan.
Mark Carney
Mark Carney from Dartmouth, Mass., has his Pats gear ready to go.
Chris Barrette
Sailor of Sandwich, Mass., is ready for the Super Bowl.
Mary Kenney
Mary shared a photo of her dogs who are ready for the Super Bowl.
Hetal Bhatt
Check out this Pats fan.
Fran Barone
Fran shared a photo of her sister Phyllis with her cut-out of Tom Brady.
Bonnie Rihanna
Bonnie shared this photo of her grandson Conner celebrating from Las Vegas.
Bonnie Rihanna
Bonnie Rihanna
Hank Morris
Pat and Mike are ready for the Super Bowl.
Julie Rose
Julie shared this photo of her Pats fans.
L Troncole
Another young Pats fan.
Jodi Feeley
Jodi Feeley
Check out this young fan.
Thomas Koerber
Thomas' dog Jezzie is ready for the game.
Hughes Mayo
Hughes from Melrose, Mass., is proudly flying his Patriots flag from St. Pete in Florida.
Dwight Huntington
Dwight shared a photo of his dog's first Super Bowl.
Chris
Chris shared a photo of his cat in Patriots gear.
Paul Beausoleil
Bradley is ready for the Super Bowl.
David Hyland
David is ready to cheer on his favorite QB.
Janice Fornaciari
Janice shared this photo.
Reagan
Here's Reagan's Pats pride!
Debbie McCarthy
Debbie shared this photo of her dog ready for the game.
Patty O
Ready for the game!
Here's Gracie from Tewskbury, Mass., in her Pats gear.
Darlene R Martell
Here are Darlene's Pats fans.
Richard Gauthier
Richard is ready for the game!
Courtney Powers
Brooklyn from Milton, Mass., is pumped for the Super Bowl!
Todd Crisostomo
Todd and his friends enjoyed the AFC Championship game.
Susan Russell
Here is Susan's husband with her Pats loving dogs.
Nick Emmons
So is Nick Emmons!
Melody Mendez
Our own Melody Mendez is ready for the Super Bowl!
Laura
Let's go Pats!
John Berry
John was ready for the AFC Championship game.
Gina
Gina and her friends didn't mind the cold.
Kristina Cox
15-month-old Shaye from Raymond, New Hampshire is ready for the Super Bowl!
Andrea Arvayo Gomez
Andrea shared a photo from a game this year. She's ready for the AFC Championship game.
Dom Demechie
Dom has his Patriots swag ready for Sunday's game.
Lori Maribito
Lori is a 103 year old Pats fan!
Kathy Sherman
Kathy's dogs Savannah and Grayson are ready for the game.
Cheryl Frise
Cheryl and her co-workers showed their Pats pride at work on Friday.
Bridget Miller
Bridget shared a photo of her dog ready for the Patriots game on Sunday.
The staff at the South Shore Women's Health in Plymouth, Mass., showed up to work in their Patriots gear.
Trisha Warringer
Here are Trisha's Yorkies Ben and Jerry ready for the game.
Louise Cynkus
Here's Bichon Frise Prince in his Pats gear.
Br Brown
Luna helped cheer on the Patriots too.
Candice Nalbandian
This little guy was ready for the game.
Carolyn Summers
Carolyn watched the game from Dartmouth, Mass., with some fuzzy friends.
Christa Griffin
Christa from Scituate, Mass., enjoyed the game from home.
D Parks
More Pats spirit.
Donna DeMello
Donna from New Bedford is ready for the game.
Erika Deady
Check out these three fans!
Ern Hrt
More fans from New England.
James Bennett
James and his friends all cheered on their favorite player.
Judith Procopio
These two are ready for the game.
Judith Procopio
Barbara Anderson
Krisa and her Patriots gear.
Linda Willett
Linda and her friends were ready to cheer on the Pats.
Lyndad Southerland
Bridhe and Bitty from Quincy, Mass., love their Pats gear.
Robert Poulin
Mac was sporting his Pats gear.
Robert Poulin
Mariana Thomaz
Ready for the game!
Marybeth Carlsen
These guys are ready too!
Maura McGarrigle
Maura loves her Pats blanket.
Michelle
Celebrating the win from the happiest place on Earth.
Mike Schuster
Mike was all decked out in Foxboro.
Neil Andrito
Check out this fan.
Nicole Kirrane
Nicole shared this photo.
Shane Spencer
Shane watched the Pats game all the way from Canada.
Taryn Willenborg
Lunch from Southwick, Mass., cheered on the Pats.
Will Grady
A tiny Pats fan.
Carlos Bruno
Carlos from Bellingham, Mass., sported his favorite Pats gear.
"We won a lot of different ways under a lot of different circumstances,'' Brady said. "Mental toughness is what it is all about and this team has got it. We'll see if we can write the perfect ending.''
The ending for Pittsburgh (13-6) was anything but perfect. It lost star running back Le'Veon Bell late in the first quarter to a groin injury. That didn't seem to matter much in a record 16th conference title match for the Steelers, who made mistakes in every facet of the game.
The franchise that has won the most Super Bowls, six, and the most postseason games, 36, never seemed likely to challenge in the misty rain.
"We've got to be capable of overcoming those things,'' Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. "Injuries and so forth are part of the game. The reality is we didn't make enough plays in any of the three phases. The game kind of unfolded in the way they would like it to as opposed to the way we would like it to. Not only in score, but in style of play and so forth. We didn't get a lot accomplished tonight.''
Hogan's second touchdown came on a flea-flicker and he easily beat safety Mike Mitchell to the corner of the end zone. At that point, Hogan had seven catches for 117 yards and the first multi-touchdown game of his four-year career.
His first score made it 10-0 and came after Brady could have taken a nap before throwing, a common occurrence against a nonexistent pass rush. Hogan was all alone in the back of the end zone for the 16-yard score.
Pittsburgh had drawn to 10-6 on DeAngelo Williams' 5-yard run to cap an 84-yard drive. Veteran Williams is a nice security blanket in the backfield, though he's no Bell these days.
Still, he contributed on a 70-yard drive toward the end of the second quarter that appeared to be capped by Jesse James' TD reception. But video review showed James down at the 1, and the Steelers couldn't get into the end zone, Chris Boswell connecting for a 23-yard field goal.
The Steelers never threatened to get back into it. LeGarrette Blount punctuated the romp with a bruising 18-yard run on which he carried nearly the entire Pittsburgh defense with him. He then scored from the 1.
By the end, the crowd was chanting "Where is Roger?'' and celebrating yet another Super Bowl trip for the Patriots. Soon after, tight end Martellus Bennett was boogeying with the cheerleaders, pompoms in hand, and owner Robert Kraft was accepting the Lamar Hunt Trophy.
Stephen Gostkowski's 31-yard field goal to open the scoring set a franchise record with 27, surpassing Adam Vinatieri's 26. Gostkowski is fourth all-time. He made a 47-yarder in the third quarter, a 26-yarder in the fourth, but he missed an extra point.
Boswell, who set an NFL mark with six field goals in the Steelers' 18-16 win at Kansas City last week, missed an extra point wide left and made a 23-yard kick.
The previous time before Sunday that both conference championship games were decided by at least 19 points was the 1978 season. The Falcons beat the Packers 44-21 for the NFC title. After winning the AFC East with the conference's top record, New England defeated the Texans 34-16 and the Steelers to reach Super Bowl 51 in Houston on Feb. 5; New England won the 2002 and 2005 Super Bowls after beating Pittsburgh for the AFC championship.
