Pats Pulpit
Pat Lane and Matt St. Jean relive New England’s comeback win in Denver and shutout of the Cowboys from 2003.
Twenty-one years ago, the New England Patriots completed the most dominant streak in the history of the NFL, finishing with 21 wins in a row across two seasons. Since it was such a dominant run, we have decided to take a look back at each one of the games.
This is the third in the series, so expect a ton more to come, and make sure to follow along on YouTube for the accompanying videos for each game as well.
Today, let’s take a look at Wins No. 5 and 6.
2003 Week 9 | Nov. 3, 2003, 9 p.m. ET | Invesco Field at Mile High
Setting the scene: As the calendar flipped to November, the 6-2 Patriots headed west for a prime time tangle with the 5-3 Denver Broncos. Tom Brady and copmany had struggled against their AFC West foe, losing to them in each of the two previous seasons. Mile High also was the site of Brady’s first career interception two years prior (he ended up throwing four picks that day) in a 31-20 loss.
After starting that season 4-0, Denver lost three of four heading into this contest following injuries to starting quarterback Jake Plummer and backup Steve Beuerlein. Third-string passer Danny Kanell, who spent 2001 out of football and 2002 in the Arena Football League, would get his second straight start that night. It would also be his last in the NFL.
Despite the revolving door at quarterback, the Broncos had plenty of big names within their ranks. Head coach Mike Shanahan had won two Super Bowls, and his offenses would continue to give Bill Belichick fits for the next two decades. Offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak would also find success as a head coach. The offense, meanwhile, was built around star running back Clinton Portis, tight end Shannon Sharpe in his final season, and wide receivers Rod Smith and Ashley Lelie. Receiver Ed McCaffrey, father of now-49er Christian, also played on that team but was inactive for this game.
On a cold night in Denver with linebacker Al Wilson wired for sound, the Broncos were favored by two points.
Game breakdown: Early in this one, Brady’s Denver struggles continued. On New England’s first possession, he fumbled a snap, and the Broncos recovered. Clinton Portis would capitalize a few plays later with a 15-yard touchdown run. On the next drive, Brady then threw a ball into traffic that was intercepted by Kenoy Kennedy. Thanks to Jason Elam missing a 44-yard field goal, however, Denver’s lead remained 7-0.
It took one play on the next drive for Brady to tie the score. He unloaded on a deep play-action pass to Deion Branch, going over the top of the Denver defense for a 66-yard TD.
The teams would trade field goals early in the second quarter before Danny Kanell led...
