Entering an AFC Championship showdown against the Patriots on January 21, 2007, Peyton Manning had led the Colts into the playoffs in six of his previous eight years as quarterback, but never into a Super Bowl. Disappointment had especially prevailed over the past few seasons: in 2005, the 14-2 Colts had lost in the Divisional Round, while in 2004 and 2003 they’d been eliminated by Tom Brady and the eventual Super Bowl champion Patriots. And despite home-field advantage, another failure looked imminent when in the second quarter, a Manning pass was intercepted and returned 39 yards for a touchdown, making the score 21-3, New England. But Manning refused to give up, as he ran and threw for touchdowns in the third quarter, tying the game at 21. Brady threw a TD pass, but the Colts responded with their own touchdown. Later, a second Stephen Gostkowski FG in the 4th quarter gave the Patriots a 34-31 lead. With 2:17 remaining, Manning led the Colts 80 yards in just over a minute for a touchdown and a 38-34 Colts lead. With 24 seconds left, a Brady pass was intercepted and the Colts won. Manning, who threw for 349 yards, was named Super Bowl MVP two weeks later in Indianapolis’ win over the Bears.