Patriots 41–27 Steelers: Score, Stats & Recap | Divisional, 2004

Quick answer

Winner: New England Patriots
Final score: New England Patriots 41–27 Pittsburgh Steelers
Halftime: New England Patriots 24–3 Pittsburgh Steelers at halftime
FantasyHQ MVP: T. Brady
Top passer: B. Roethlisberger
Biggest EPA play: (2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE …
Game date: 2005-01-23

Game summary

The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 41–27 on 2005-01-23. T. Brady posted a game-high +13.41 total EPA in the passing.

The highest-scoring period was Q3 with 21 combined points.

Line score

Final score and points by quarter.

	Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	—	T
New England Patriots	10	14	7	10	0	41
Pittsburgh Steelers	3	0	14	10	0	27

Scoring Map

Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.

NENew England Patriots

+3PIT 30

PIT 60

+3NE 25

PIT 9

NE 19

PIT 25

NE 30

+3PIT 13

PIT 23

PITPittsburgh Steelers

FantasyHQ Analytics

Scoring timeline

20 scores

Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.

NENew England Patriots
Q1 11:24FG
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+3
Yard line
PIT 30
Score
3-0
(11:24) 4-A.Vinatieri 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
NENew England Patriots
Q1 6:58TD
DBD. Branch
Points+6
Yard line
PIT 60
Score
9-0
(6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NENew England Patriots
Q1 6:49XP
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+1
Yard line
PIT 2
Score
10-0
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 1:26FG
MSM. Schneck
Points+3
Yard line
NE 25
Score
10-3
(1:26) 3-Je.Reed 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:12TD
DGD. Givens
Points+6
Yard line
PIT 9
Score
16-3
(7:12) 12-T.Brady pass to 87-D.Givens for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 7:08XP
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+1
Yard line
PIT 2
Score
17-3
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 2:31TD
Ronnie Harrison Jr.
Points+6
Yard line
NE 19
Score
23-3
(2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NENew England Patriots
Q2 2:14XP
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+1
Yard line
PIT 2
Score
24-3
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 10:58TD
JBJ. Bettis
Points+6
Yard line
NE 5
Score
24-9
(10:58) 36-J.Bettis left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 10:54XP
MSM. Schneck
Points+1
Yard line
NE 2
Score
24-10
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
NENew England Patriots
Q3 7:34TD
CDC. Dillon
Points+6
Yard line
PIT 25
Score
30-10
(7:34) 28-C.Dillon right end for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
NENew England Patriots
Q3 7:27XP
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+1
Yard line
PIT 2
Score
31-10
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 2:45TD
HWH. Ward
Points+6
Yard line
NE 30
Score
31-16
(2:45) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 2:35XP
MSM. Schneck
Points+1
Yard line
NE 2
Score
31-17
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 13:32FG
MSM. Schneck
Points+3
Yard line
NE 2
Score
31-20
(13:32) 3-Je.Reed 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
NENew England Patriots
Q4 8:06FG
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+3
Yard line
PIT 13
Score
34-20
(8:06) 4-A.Vinatieri 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
NENew England Patriots
Q4 2:32TD
DBD. Branch
Points+6
Yard line
PIT 23
Score
40-20
(2:32) 83-D.Branch right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. On the reverse
NENew England Patriots
Q4 2:23XP
AVA. Vinatieri
Points+1
Yard line
PIT 2
Score
41-20
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 0:56TD
PBP. Burress
Points+6
Yard line
NE 7
Score
41-26
(:56) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q4 0:52XP
MSM. Schneck
Points+1
Yard line
NE 2
Score
41-27
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Stars of the game

Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).

1T. Brady · New England Patriots · Passing · +13.41 total EPA · 24 snaps · +0.56 EPA/play
2D. Branch · New England Patriots · Receiving · +10.15 total EPA · 4 snaps · +2.54 EPA/play
3H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +9.92 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.98 EPA/play
4D. Givens · New England Patriots · Receiving · +8.80 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.76 EPA/play
5D. Branch · New England Patriots · Rushing · +6.19 total EPA · 2 snaps · +3.10 EPA/play
6P. Burress · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +4.78 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.59 EPA/play
7A.Randle El · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.87 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.29 EPA/play
8B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +3.30 total EPA · 5 snaps · +0.66 EPA/play

FantasyHQ Game MVP

Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.

FantasyHQ Game MVP

T. Brady — NE · Passing

T. Brady posted the highest total EPA (+13.41) in the game, the strongest overall impact for New England Patriots. Across 24 counted snaps, they averaged +0.56 EPA per play.

T. Brady's top snap (+5.77 EPA): (6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Biggest single play (-10.72 EPA): B. Roethlisberger — (2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN.

Quarterback report card

B. Roethlisberger led all passers in efficiency for Pittsburgh Steelers, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 25 dropbacks · 56.0% completion · -0.17 EPA/play · -4.19 total EPA
T. Brady (New England Patriots) · 24 dropbacks · 58.3% completion · +0.56 EPA/play · +13.41 total EPA

Team stats comparison

Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.

Stat	New England Patriots	Pittsburgh Steelers
Offensive EPA/play	+0.263	-0.013
Offensive success rate	48.0%	50.6%
Pass EPA/play	+0.559	-0.128
Rush EPA/play	+0.081	-0.112
Defensive EPA/play	+0.013	-0.263
Defensive success rate	49.4%	52.0%

Drive & efficiency notes

Despite the final score, New England Patriots generated the better offensive EPA per play (+0.26 vs -0.01), suggesting they moved the ball more efficiently.

Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):

New England Patriots: +0.26 EPA/play (95th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)
Pittsburgh Steelers: -0.01 EPA/play (45th percentile vs. 2004 team-game averages)

New England Patriots: 13 drives, +19.72 total EPA, 6 scoring drives
Pittsburgh Steelers: 12 drives, -1.03 total EPA, 6 scoring drives

Who scored touchdowns and field goals

Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.

Touchdowns

New England Patriots — D. Branch (T. Brady pass) (Q1 6:58)
New England Patriots — D. Givens (T. Brady pass) (Q2 7:12)
New England Patriots — Ronnie Harrison Jr. (Q2 2:31)
Pittsburgh Steelers — J. Bettis (Q3 10:58)
New England Patriots — C. Dillon (Q3 7:34)
Pittsburgh Steelers — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 2:45)
New England Patriots — D. Branch (Q4 2:32)
Pittsburgh Steelers — P. Burress (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 0:56)

Field goals

New England Patriots — A. Vinatieri (Q1 11:24)
Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Schneck (Q1 1:26)
Pittsburgh Steelers — M. Schneck (Q4 13:32)
New England Patriots — A. Vinatieri (Q4 8:06)

Quarter by quarter

Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.

The opening quarter: New England Patriots won the period 10–3. New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the PIT 30 (Q1 11:24) — (11:24) 4-A.Vinatieri 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 60 (Q1 6:58) — (6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q1 6:49) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the NE 25 (Q1 1:26) — (1:26) 3-Je.Reed 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

The second quarter: New England Patriots won the period 14–0. New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 9 (Q2 7:12) — (7:12) 12-T.Brady pass to 87-D.Givens for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 7:08) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the NE 19 (Q2 2:31) — (2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q2 2:14) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller..

The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 14–7. Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 5 (Q3 10:58) — (10:58) 36-J.Bettis left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 10:54) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 25 (Q3 7:34) — (7:34) 28-C.Dillon right end for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q3 7:27) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 30 (Q3 2:45) — (2:45) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q3 2:35) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

The fourth quarter: The quarter finished even at 10–10. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the NE 2 (Q4 13:32) — (13:32) 3-Je.Reed 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.; New England Patriots connected on a field goal from the PIT 13 (Q4 8:06) — (8:06) 4-A.Vinatieri 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; New England Patriots found the end zone from the PIT 23 (Q4 2:32) — (2:32) 83-D.Branch right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. On the reverse; New England Patriots added 1 points from the PIT 2 (Q4 2:23) — 4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the NE 7 (Q4 0:56) — (:56) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the NE 2 (Q4 0:52) — 3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki..

Turning points

Plays that moved win probability the most.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 2:31) — (2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -13.0% · EPA -10.72]
Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 7:07) — (7:07) 36-J.Bettis up the middle to NE 39 for no gain (59-R.Colvin). FUMBLES (59-R.Colvin), RECOVERED by NE-50-M.Vrabel at NE 39. 50-M.Vrabel to NE 40 for 1 yard (68-K.Vincent). [WPA -9.2% · EPA -2.74]
Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 13:41) — (13:41) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 82-A.Randle El INTERCEPTED by 26-E.Wilson at PIT 48. 26-E.Wilson to PIT 48 for no gain (82-A.Randle El). [WPA -9.0% · EPA -3.05]
New England Patriots (Q1 6:58) — (6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.3% · EPA +5.77]
Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 9:50) — (9:50) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress to NE 48 for 16 yards (26-E.Wilson, 22-A.Samuel). [WPA +6.8% · EPA +1.95]

Impact plays

Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.

Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 2:31) — (2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA -13.0% · EPA -10.72]
New England Patriots (Q1 6:58) — (6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +8.3% · EPA +5.77]
Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 2:45) — (2:45) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. [WPA +3.1% · EPA +5.54]
New England Patriots (Q4 2:32) — (2:32) 83-D.Branch right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. On the reverse [WPA +0.0% · EPA +5.16]

Every scoring play

Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.

New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q1 11:24 · PIT 30 · Score 3-0
(11:24) 4-A.Vinatieri 48 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q1 6:58 · PIT 60 · Score 9-0
(6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q1 6:49 · PIT 2 · Score 10-0
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 1:26 · NE 25 · Score 10-3
(1:26) 3-Je.Reed 43 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 7:12 · PIT 9 · Score 16-3
(7:12) 12-T.Brady pass to 87-D.Givens for 9 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 7:08 · PIT 2 · Score 17-3
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q2 2:31 · NE 19 · Score 23-3
(2:31) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass intended for 84-J.Tuman INTERCEPTED by 37-R.Harrison at NE 13. 37-R.Harrison for 87 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q2 2:14 · PIT 2 · Score 24-3
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 10:58 · NE 5 · Score 24-9
(10:58) 36-J.Bettis left guard for 5 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 10:54 · NE 2 · Score 24-10
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q3 7:34 · PIT 25 · Score 30-10
(7:34) 28-C.Dillon right end for 25 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q3 7:27 · PIT 2 · Score 31-10
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 2:45 · NE 30 · Score 31-16
(2:45) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 86-H.Ward for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 2:35 · NE 2 · Score 31-17
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q4 13:32 · NE 2 · Score 31-20
(13:32) 3-Je.Reed 20 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.
New England Patriots FG (+3) — Q4 8:06 · PIT 13 · Score 34-20
(8:06) 4-A.Vinatieri 31 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
New England Patriots TD (+6) — Q4 2:32 · PIT 23 · Score 40-20
(2:32) 83-D.Branch right end for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. On the reverse
New England Patriots XP (+1) — Q4 2:23 · PIT 2 · Score 41-20
4-A.Vinatieri extra point is GOOD, Center-66-L.Paxton, Holder-8-Jo.Miller.
Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q4 0:56 · NE 7 · Score 41-26
(:56) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass to 80-P.Burress for 7 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q4 0:52 · NE 2 · Score 41-27
3-Je.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-54-M.Schneck, Holder-17-C.Gardocki.

Key takeaways

What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.

New England Patriots earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
T. Brady (New England Patriots) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.

Frequently asked questions

Who won New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers on 2005-01-23?

The New England Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 41-27 in Divisional, 2004.

What was the score by quarter in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

Q1: New England Patriots 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 3; Q2: New England Patriots 14, Pittsburgh Steelers 0; Q3: New England Patriots 7, Pittsburgh Steelers 14; Q4: New England Patriots 10, Pittsburgh Steelers 10; Final: New England Patriots 41, Pittsburgh Steelers 27.

Who scored touchdowns and field goals in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

New England Patriots touchdown — D. Branch (T. Brady pass) (Q1 6:58) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Givens (T. Brady pass) (Q2 7:12) New England Patriots touchdown — R. Harrison (Q2 2:31) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — J. Bettis (Q3 10:58) New England Patriots touchdown — C. Dillon (Q3 7:34) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — H. Ward (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q3 2:45) New England Patriots touchdown — D. Branch (Q4 2:32) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — P. Burress (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q4 0:56) New England Patriots field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q1 11:24, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — M. Schneck (Q1 1:26, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — M. Schneck (Q4 13:32, 3 pts) New England Patriots field goal — A. Vinatieri (Q4 8:06, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.

How did the quarterbacks play in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 56.0% completion, -0.17 EPA per dropback, -4.19 total passing EPA. T. Brady (New England Patriots), 58.3% completion, +0.56 EPA per dropback, +13.41 total passing EPA.

Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers?

T. Brady (New England Patriots) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +13.41 total EPA on Passing plays. across 24 snaps. Their top snap (+5.77 EPA): (6:58) 12-T.Brady pass to 83-D.Branch for 60 yards, TOUCHDOWN..

Season records after this game

New England Patriots

Entered 15-2 Now 16-2 W

Pittsburgh Steelers

Entered 16-1 Now 16-2 L

New England Patriots vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 2004 Divisional Recap

Top fantasy performers · Patriots

Top fantasy performers · Steelers

Quick answer

Game summary