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5 Greatest New England Patriots Playoff Victories During Tom Brady-Bill Belichick Era

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By @fanforlife1988

New England Patriots' 5 Best Wins In Brady-Belichick Era

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers v Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Andy Lyons

With their 19th victory together in the playoffs, by far the most of any coach-player combo, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have guided the New England Patriots to a prolonged period of unparalleled success. Along the way, the Patriots have won three Super Bowls and continue to contend every year for a fourth. With an upcoming ninth AFC Championship Game this weekend, let's revisit the five greatest postseason victories of the Brady-Belichick era.

5. New England Patriots 24 at San Diego Chargers 21 – Jan. 14, 2007 AFC Divisional Playoffs

AFC Divisional Playoffs: New England Patriots v San Diego Chargers, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Getty Images Sport - Harry How

5. New England Patriots 24 at San Diego Chargers 21 – Jan. 14, 2007 AFC Divisional Playoffs

AFC Divisional Playoffs: New England Patriots v San Diego Chargers, Tom Brady, Philip Rivers
Getty Images Sport - Harry How

Despite winning three titles in the previous five seasons, the Patriots were underdogs against the 14-2 San Diego Chargers and NFL MVP LaDainian Tomlinson. In hostile territory, the Patriots neutralized the crowd by coming back from nine points down. A missed field goal by Nate Kaeding secured the victory for the Patriots, as Brady and Belichick won their 12th playoff game in 13 tries together.

4. Baltimore Ravens 31 at New England Patriots 35 – Jan. 10, 2015 AFC Divisional Playoffs

Divisional Playoffs - Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Jim Rogash

4. Baltimore Ravens 31 at New England Patriots 35 – Jan. 10, 2015 AFC Divisional Playoffs

Divisional Playoffs - Baltimore Ravens v New England Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Jim Rogash

The Ravens earned redemption for blowing the 2011 AFC Championship Game against the Patriots with a 28-13 throttling a year later, a victory which propelled them to their second Super Bowl. With that game fresh on both team’s minds, the Patriots clawed back this past weekend from two separate 14-point deficits. Late in the game, Brady threw his playoff record 46th touchdown to Brandon LaFell, which also happened to be the game-winning score.

3. Oakland Raiders 13 at New England Patriots 16 – Jan. 19, 2002 AFC Divisional Playoffs

Divisional Playoffs - Houston Texans v New England Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Jim Rogash

3. Oakland Raiders 13 at New England Patriots 16 – Jan. 19, 2002 AFC Divisional Playoffs

Divisional Playoffs - Houston Texans v New England Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Jim Rogash

Remembered as the “Tuck Rule Game” for a controversial referee decision to overturn a Brady fumble, the hard-hitting Oakland Raiders were poised to defeat the young Patriots in 2002. In his first playoff game, Brady had other ideas. Game-tying and winning field goals by Adam Vinatieri helped the Patriots avoid defeat by the narrowest of margins, as it would be four years before Brady actually suffered the first loss of his playoff career.

2. Carolina Panthers 29 vs. New England Patriots 32 – Feb. 1, 2004 Super Bowl XXXVI

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers v Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Elsa

2. Carolina Panthers 29 vs. New England Patriots 32 – Feb. 1, 2004 Super Bowl XXXVI

Super Bowl XXXVIII: Panthers v Patriots
Getty Images Sport - Elsa

One of the most competitive Super Bowls of all time featured the Patriots against the Carolina Panthers. While the matchup wasn’t commercially appealing at the time, the two teams combated criticism with a spectacular offensive array in the second and fourth quarters. Brady and the Patriots would not be denied, winning with a late field goal. The title was the second for Brady and Belichick, as the Patriots’ dynasty was well underway.

1. New England Patriots 20 vs. St. Louis Rams 17 – Feb. 3, 2002 Super Bowl XXXVIII

Super Bowl XXXVI - Fox Postgame Show
Getty Images Sport - Frank Micelotta

1. New England Patriots 20 vs. St. Louis Rams 17 – Feb. 3, 2002 Super Bowl XXXVIII

Super Bowl XXXVI - Fox Postgame Show
Getty Images Sport - Frank Micelotta

The St. Louis Rams were looking to become a dynasty and only had the heavy underdog Patriots in their way. Against the Greatest Show on Turf, the Patriots would not allow that to happen, using their will and determination to guide them through. Despite a Rams’ run, Brady orchestrated a beautiful drive, setting up Vinatieri for a field goal and the win. The torch was passed that night in New Orleans when the Patriots won their first Super Bowl.

Zach Fetaru is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @fanforlife1988 ”like him” on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.

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