Synopsis
It was the hit felt from Boston to Bangor. In Week 2 of the 2001 season, New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe absorbed a vicious blow from Jets linebacker Mo Lewis, shearing an artery behind his ribs. He was out indefinitely. The 2001 season appeared lost. But in stepped backup Tom Brady, a former sixth round draft choice, and New England sports history was changed forever. Over the next few weeks, Brady compiled a 5-3 record as a starter. When Bledsoe returned to reclaim the starting role, many assumed the job was his. Instead, head coach Bill Belichick made a gutsy call in Week 11, opting to stay with Brady for the rest of the year. The move, or non-move, paid off handsomely. Brady led the Patriots to an unforgettable win over the Raiders in the AFC Divisional Playoffs. Against the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI, Brady drove the Patriots 53 yards in the final two minutes, setting up the biggest kick of Adam Vinatieri's career - a 48-yarder for the title. Join NFL Films as they retell the story of the '01 Patriots, the club that launched a dynasty. America's Game uses exclusive interviews from Lawyer Milloy, Vinatieri, and Brady to recount New England's world championship run.