Super Bowl XXXVI

The game

Entering the game as 14-point underdogs (based on betting odds), the Patriots dispensed with the traditional individual player introductions, choosing to enter the stadium as a team. This unselfish approach carried over into the game; even though the Rams outgained the Patriots 427-267 in total yards, New England forced three turnovers and converted them into 17 points.

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The Rams scored first midway through the first quarter, driving 48-yards in 10 plays to set up a field goal by kicker Jeff Wilkens. But with 8:49 left in the second quarter, Ty Law intercepted a pass and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown. Then late in the period, Terrell Buckley's fumble recovery set up David Patten's 8-yard touchdown catch to make the score 14-3 by halftime. Another New England interception by Otis Smith in the third quarter led to a field goal to increase the Patriot's lead 17-3.

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The Rams responded by driving to the Patriots' 3-yard line. On fourth-and-goal, New England defender Tebucky Jones recovered a fumble and returned it for an apparent touchdown, but the play was nullified by a penalty. And two plays later, Rams quarterback Kurt Warner scored on a 2-yard touchdown.

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The Rams tied the score at 17 on Ricky Proehl's 26-yard touchdown reception with 1:30 left in the game. Rather than running out the clock and playing for overtime, the New England offense launched one of its few successful scoring drives of the day, with Brady moving the ball into range for a game-winning 48-yard field goal by Adam Vinatieri that split the uprights at the exact moment that the game clock expired.

Related Topics:
Ricky Proehl - Adam Vinatieri

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Scoring summary

• STL- FG Wilkins 50
• NE- Law 47 interception return (Vinatieri kick)
• NE- Patten 8 pass from Brady (Vinatieri kick)
• NE- FG Vinatieri 37
• STL- Warner 2 run (Wilkins kick)
• STL- Proehl 26 pass from Warner (Wilkins kick)
• NE- FG Vinatieri 48