The New England Patriots earned a place in next week's Super Bowl with a 24-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, thanks largely to the quarterback skills of Drew Bledsoe, who has recently returned from injury. Playing for the first time since Week Two, Bledsoe stepped in for the injured Tom Brady and threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to David Patten late in the first half to ensure their place in the final, where they will meet NFC championship winners St Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI on February 3 at New Orleans.
Marshall Faulk turned in an outstanding display to help the Rams to their second Super Bowl in three years. Faulk rushed for a career play-off-high 159 yards and a pair of second-half touchdowns to lead the Rams to a 29-24 victory over Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship game.
Filed by Shane Murray
