The Boston Globe - The Boston Gl
Intentional safety gambit works in Denver
On Nov. 2, 2003, the Patriots traveled to Denver to take on the Broncos. At the time, they had a 1-12 record playing in the Mile High City. After a back-and-forth game, the Patriots found themselves down 24-23 with 2:51 left in the fourth quarter.
After quarterback Tom Brady threw three straight incomplete passes, the Patriots found themselves the Patriots found themselves backed up against their own end zone. In a risky move, coach Bill Belichick called for an intentional safety, and snapper Lonnie Paxton snapped it through the end zone, giving Denver a 26-23 lead.
The Patriots forced the Broncos to punt and on the return, Troy Brown ran the ball to Denver’s 42. Brady then followed with three consecutive passes to running back Kevin Faulk. With a minute left to play, the Patriots were at Denver’s 18 and Brady found wide receiver David Givens for the touchdown the Patriots needed to pull ahead 30-26 and go on to win.
