Games The Defined the Pittsburgh Steelers/Tom Brady Rivalry
Since becoming a full-time starter, Brady developed a rivalry for the ages with the Steelers. During his career, he amassed a 9-3 record against the Steelers, including a 3-0 record against them in the post. We take a look back at the games that defined the Brady/Steelers rivalry.
January 23rd, 2005 - New England Patriots 41, Pittsburgh Steelers 27
The 2004 AFC Championship game was a rematch of their Week 8 matchup, which the Steelers won 34-20. For rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, this was his chance to do something that few rookie quarterbacks had done before: make it to the Super Bowl. Unfortunately for Big Ben and the Steelers, Brady and the Patriots had other ideas in mind, as their defense stymied the Steelers' offense, and Brady played his part, completing 14 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. This game, however, has been marred over the years by controversy with allegations of illegal taping of defensive signals before the contest. Former Steelers greats Jerome Bettis and Hines Ward have both stated that the Patriots knew all of their audibles and signals. Though the legitimacy of this game is still in question, Brady and the Patriots would go on to defeat the Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX for their third championship in four years.
December 9th, 2007 - New England Patriots 34, Pittsburgh Steelers 13
This game will forever be known for the mistake made by former safety Anthony Smith. The undefeated New England Patriots were led by the duo of quarterback Tom Brady and legendary receiver Randy Moss. Prior to that contest, Smith took it upon himself to guarantee a victory over Brady and the Patriots. Instead, Brady embarrassed the Steelers, which included completing a 56-yard flea-flicker touchdown pass to receiver Jabar Gaffney over Smith. Brady would continue his historic season all the way to the Super Bowl, where they would eventually fall to the New York Giants.
November 3rd, 2013 - Pittsburgh Steelers 31, New England Patriots 55
There is no other way to describe this game other than as a complete domination of the Steelers. In essence, from his touchdown to receiver Danny Amendola in the first quarter to the last by running back LeGarrette Blount, Brady had his way with the Steelers defense. His 432 passing yards and four touchdowns do not appropriately tell the tale of the lopsided nature of this game. It became clear after this game that Brady had this team's number, a reality the Steelers' fanbase would have to accept.