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Steelers at Patriots: Highlights, recap and more

By John Buhler

Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after a touchdown by running back LeGarrette Blount (not pictured) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 22, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates after a touchdown by running back LeGarrette Blount (not pictured) against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter in the 2017 AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New England Patriots defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2016 AFC Championship, 36-17. Here are all the highlights, the recap, and the final score.

The New England Patriots handled the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2016 AFC Championship 36-17 to advance to Super Bowl LI. Meeting them in Houston will be the Atlanta Falcons, who defeated the Green Bay Packers in the 2016 NFC Championship, 44-21.

When a few began to question if old age was catching up to Patriots superstar quarterback Tom Brady, the New England senior signal caller went on an all-out aerial assault on the Pittsburgh secondary. Brady would torch the Steelers defensive backfield for 384 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. In the twilight of his prime, Brady proved that he is absolutely the greatest quarterback of all-time. His AFC Championship performance was magnificent.

Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger couldn’t do much of anything to keep pace with Brady on a mission in this AFC Championship. Once Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell got hurt, the Steelers’ offense evaporated completely.

Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will reach their seventh Super Bowl together. It’s a feat that no player and head coach combination will likely ever sniff at again. The Patriots did their job and will play for the franchise’s fifth Lombardi Trophy.

Defensive coordinator Matt Patricia will have his work cut out for him getting ready for Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan’s West Coast machine of an offense. It should be one of the tightest Super Bowls in recent memory.

Three Stars

  1. Chris Hogan: Hogan was Brady’s favorite weapon in the 2016 AFC Championship. He had nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdown catches.
  2. Tom Brady: Brady dissected the Steelers defense to perfection on Sunday night. He completed 32 of 42 passes for 384 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions.
  3. Julian Edelman: Edelman helped make this a rout for the Patriots. He had eight catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.

Next Game

It’s off to Houston for the Patriots. They will be squaring off against the Atlanta Falcons, who buried the Green Bay Packers in an equally lopsided NFC Championship Game.

Next: Best QB/Head Coach Combos in NFL History

The loser of the 2016 AFC Championship Game will be eliminated from the AFC Playoffs. Their next meaningful game will be in Week 1 of the 2017 NFL season against an opponent that has yet to be determined.

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