The 2005 AFC Championship Game was a thrilling matchup between two of the NFL's top teams: the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game, played on January 23, 2005, at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was a rematch of the previous year's AFC Championship Game, which the Patriots had won 41-27. This time around, the Steelers were determined to exact revenge and secure their first Super Bowl berth since 1995.
The Steelers, led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, were riding a 15-game winning streak, including a dominating 20-3 victory over the New York Jets in the Divisional Round. The Patriots, meanwhile, were seeking to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. Tom Brady, the Patriots' stalwart quarterback, was looking to add to his already impressive postseason resume.
First Half Dominance
The game got off to a shaky start for the Steelers, as Roethlisberger was intercepted by Patriots cornerback Asante Samuel on the opening drive. However, the Steelers' defense stiffened, and the Patriots were forced to punt. The Steelers then began to establish their running game, with Jerome Bettis and Willie Parker combining for 47 yards on the ground.
The Patriots, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm on offense. Brady was sacked twice, and the team's usually reliable running game was held to just 15 yards in the first quarter. However, the Patriots' defense was equally stout, limiting the Steelers to just 71 total yards in the first quarter.
As the second quarter got underway, the Steelers began to take control of the game. Roethlisberger led a 7-play, 64-yard drive that culminated in a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Heath Miller. The extra point attempt was good, and the Steelers took a 7-0 lead.
Steelers' Running Game Takes Over
The Steelers' running game, which had been a key factor in their success all season, continued to dominate the Patriots' defense. Bettis and Parker combined for 74 yards on the ground in the second quarter, and the Steelers' offense began to find its rhythm.
The Patriots, meanwhile, continued to struggle on offense. Brady was sacked for the third time, and the team's running game was held to just 10 yards in the second quarter. The Steelers' defense was equally impressive, limiting the Patriots to just 77 total yards in the first half.
Second Half Comeback
The Patriots, trailing 10-0 at halftime, knew they had to make some adjustments if they were going to have any chance of winning. The team's coaching staff made some key adjustments, including switching to a more pass-heavy attack.
The adjustments paid off, as Brady led the Patriots on a 7-play, 71-yard drive that culminated in a 3-yard touchdown pass to tight end Daniel Graham. The extra point attempt was good, and the Patriots cut the Steelers' lead to 10-7.
The Steelers, however, were not to be denied. Roethlisberger led a 9-play, 63-yard drive that culminated in a 1-yard touchdown run by Bettis. The extra point attempt was good, and the Steelers took a 17-7 lead.
Steelers' Defense Secures Win
The Patriots, trailing by 10 points with just over 10 minutes remaining, knew they had to score quickly if they were going to have any chance of winning. However, the Steelers' defense was equal to the task, limiting the Patriots to just 23 total yards on their next two possessions.
The Steelers, meanwhile, were able to run out the clock, thanks in large part to the efforts of Bettis and Parker. The two running backs combined for 63 yards on the ground in the fourth quarter, and the Steelers were able to secure a 34-20 victory.
Post-Game Reaction
The Steelers' victory marked the team's first Super Bowl berth since 1995. Roethlisberger, who had thrown for 123 yards and a touchdown, was thrilled with the win.
"We played a great game today," Roethlisberger said in the post-game press conference. "Our defense was outstanding, and our running game was huge. We're excited to be going to the Super Bowl."
Brady, meanwhile, was gracious in defeat. "We just didn't play well enough to win," Brady said. "We had some opportunities, but we weren't able to capitalize on them. The Steelers played a great game, and they deserved to win."
The Steelers went on to win Super Bowl XL, defeating the Seattle Seahawks 21-10. The Patriots, meanwhile, would have to wait another year to win their third consecutive Super Bowl.
Who won the 2005 AFC Championship Game?
+The Pittsburgh Steelers won the 2005 AFC Championship Game, defeating the New England Patriots 34-20.
Who was the MVP of the 2005 AFC Championship Game?
+Ben Roethlisberger was the MVP of the 2005 AFC Championship Game, throwing for 123 yards and a touchdown.
What was the final score of the 2005 AFC Championship Game?
+The final score of the 2005 AFC Championship Game was Pittsburgh Steelers 34, New England Patriots 20.