The New England Patriots began their 2001 season with Drew Bledsoe as their quarterback. At that time, Tom Brady, a former sixth round draft pick, was merely a second-year backup, while Bill Belichick had losing seasons in 5 of 6 years as a head coach. But after Bledsoe was injured in Week 2, Brady took over and went 11-3 as a starter as the Patriots entered the playoffs 11-5 and on a five-game winning streak. The Patriots offense featured Brady, running back Antowain Smith (1,157 yards and 12 TDs) and wide receiver Troy Brown (101 catches for 1,199 yards). New England won its AFC Divisional matchup, 16-13 over Oakland in overtime – the infamous “Tuck Rule” Game –and then they won at Pittsburgh, 24-17 as Bledsoe replaced an injured Brady. Then, in Super Bowl XXXVI, the Patriots faced the heavily favored and high-scoring Rams led by league MVP Kurt Warner and RB Marshall Faulk. But thanks to a GW drive by Brady and last-second field goal by kicker Adam Vinatieri, the Patriots won their first Super Bowl, 20-17.