Patriots' big plays make big difference

0 Comments | USA TODAY, January, 2005 | by Jarrett Bell

PITTSBURGH -- Take out about 10 plays from the AFC title tilt at Heinz Field on Sunday night and maybe, just maybe, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be headed to Super Bowl XXXIX.

But the New England Patriots are AFC champions again, by no stretch of the imagination, after unleashing a barrage of big plays that made all the difference.

If it wasn't Tom Brady heaving a 60-yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch, then it was Rodney Harrison returning one of Ben Roethlisberger's three interceptions 87 yards for a touchdown.

If it wasn't Ted Johnson stuffing Jerome Bettis on a third-and-1 near the goal line, then it was Rosevelt Colvin stopping The Bus on a fourth-and-1 near midfield.

You get the picture.

In a 41-27 romp that sends New England to its...