- A documentary look at the 2003 New England Patriots, winners of Superbowl XXXVIII. The Patriots' 2003 season is examined through the views of free agent safety Rodney Harrison, veteran linebacker Willie McGinest, and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis; they provide behind-the-scenes looks at how the team was assembled, the effect of the sudden release of popular veteran safety Lawyer Milloy, and the team's record-setting streak of victories ending in a victory over the Carolina Panthers in what was widely considered the most exciting Superbowl ever.—Michael Daly
- This look at the 2003 Superbowl champion New England Patriots focuses on three perspectives - those of safety Rodney Harrison, linebacker Willie McGinest, and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
Harrison was the new arrival to the team, acquired in a trade with the San Diego Chargers, with whom he'd played for nine seasons. Harrison expected to split time as safety with Patriots veteran Lawyer Milloy, but two days after the final preseason game Milloy was cut from the team, to the shock and consternation of its remaining players. McGinest was one who was angered with the move, as he'd played with Milloy since 1996.
Milloy was picked up by the Buffalo Bills and the Bills shut out the Patriots 31-0 in Buffalo in the season's opening game. McGinest was galled by the loss and Rodney Harrison, who'd kept a low profile as a newcomer to the team, suddenly spoke up and asserted control of the locker room. McGinest likewise made clear to teammates that they had to press on with fifteen games left in the season.
Weis, as Bill Belichick's offensive coordinator, directed the team's offense and helped work out several crucial plays, notably an intentional safety taken in Denver to get the Patriots away from their one-yard line. Such coaching helped lead the Patriots to a record never imagined entering this, their 44th season in professional football.
One key game of the season was in Indianapolis at the end of November. McGinest was directly involved in a goalline stand that won the game for the Patriots, and the goalline stand came after a 31-10 Patriots lead exploded into a 38-34 shootout that Harrison admitted left him shaken.
When the Patriots made Superbowl XXXVIII, Harrison, having been with the Chargers when they made Superbowl XXIX, was determined to put in a winning effort, even when his arm was broken on a late Carolina Panthers touchdown drive. The end result was the wildest Superbowl ever seen and a 32-29 Patriots win that left Harrison in tears.
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