In the rich history of the National Football League, few streaks shine brighter than what the New England Patriots accomplished between 2003 and 2004. Over the course of two seasons, Bill Belichick’s Patriots engineered a jaw-dropping 21-game winning streak — a record that still stands as one of the most dominant runs ever witnessed in professional football. But perhaps no stretch of that streak better defined New England’s grit, discipline, and championship mettle than what happened in January of 2004, when they faced — and defeated — both of the NFL’s Co-MVPs in back-to-back playoff games.
Yes, you read that right.
That postseason, the Patriots took down Steve McNair’s Tennessee Titans and Peyton Manning’s Indianapolis Colts — the two quarterbacks who had just been crowned Co-Most Valuable Players of the 2003 NFL season. It was a feat that remains nearly unmatched in NFL lore.
Let’s step back into history and relive that defining stretch of the Patriots dynasty.
Setting the Stage: The 2003 NFL Season
The 2003 season was electric from start to finish, but no two quarterbacks shone brighter than Tennessee’s Steve McNair and Indianapolis’ Peyton Manning. Both led their teams with MVP-caliber performances and were eventually named Co-MVPs by the Associated Press — a rare distinction that hadn’t been awarded in over a decade.
Meanwhile, in New England, the Patriots — led by second-year starter Tom Brady and mastermind head coach Bill Belichick — quietly went about their business. After dropping their season opener to Buffalo 31–0, the Patriots rattled off 12 straight wins to finish the regular season at 14–2, good enough for the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Their prize? A playoff path that included matchups against both McNair and Manning.
Win No. 13: Patriots 17, Titans 14 — January 10, 2004
In a bitter cold night at Gillette Stadium — the temperature hovering around zero — the Patriots hosted the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round. Steve McNair, fresh off an MVP campaign, came in with a bruising Titans squad known for their physicality and toughness.
What unfolded was a classic playoff slugfest.
Tom Brady threw for 201 yards and a touchdown, while Antowain Smith ran for 69 hard-fought yards and a key second-quarter touchdown. On defense, Ty Law, Tedy Bruschi, and Willie McGinest helped contain McNair, forcing the Titans to settle for field goals and short gains.
With the game tied at 14 in the fourth quarter, Adam Vinatieri — the clutch king of postseason kicking — drilled a 46-yard field goal that ultimately sealed the 17–14 win for New England.
It was the Patriots’ 13th consecutive victory, and a clear signal that this team wasn’t just lucky — they were built to win in any condition, against any opponent.
Win No. 14: Patriots 24, Colts 14 — January 18, 2004
Eight days later, the Patriots welcomed their longtime rival to Foxborough: the Indianapolis Colts, led by none other than Peyton Manning.
Manning entered the AFC Championship Game on a tear, having dismantled both the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. His offense looked unstoppable. His reads were razor-sharp. His confidence was sky-high.
Until he met the Patriots’ defense.
On a snow-covered field at Gillette Stadium, the Patriots delivered one of the most dominant defensive performances in postseason history. Manning, who had thrown for over 600 yards and 8 touchdowns in his previous two playoff games, was harassed and frustrated all game long.
New England picked him off four times — three by Ty Law alone — and sacked him twice. The Colts’ offensive line, which had protected Manning so well all season, fell apart under the pressure of New England’s blitz-heavy schemes.
Offensively, Brady did just enough — finishing with 237 yards and a touchdown — and once again, Vinatieri’s foot added critical points in the snow.
Final score: Patriots 24, Colts 14. The Patriots were headed to the Super Bowl.
A Feat Unlike Any Other: Beating Both MVPs in Consecutive Games
What New England accomplished in those two playoff games was nothing short of historic.
They beat two Co-MVP quarterbacks — Steve McNair and Peyton Manning — in consecutive playoff games.
Both games were decided by 10 points or fewer, and both required complete team efforts.
The Patriots’ defense allowed just 14 points in each game, despite going against the league’s top two QBs.
It was the ultimate validation of Belichick’s “team-first” system and Brady’s poise under pressure. The Patriots weren’t just beating teams; they were beating legends.
Crowning the Dynasty: The Super Bowl That Followed
Two weeks later, New England defeated the Carolina Panthers in a thrilling 32–29 victory in Super Bowl XXXVIII, thanks again to a final-minute drive from Brady and a game-winning field goal from Vinatieri. It marked the franchise’s second Super Bowl win in three years — and the beginning of a dynasty that would redefine NFL success.
But it was those playoff wins against McNair and Manning that truly tested their championship DNA.
Final Word: 21 Wins, 21 Years Later
Looking back, it’s clear that the Patriots’ 21-game winning streak was built not just on talent, but on preparation, toughness, and the ability to rise when it mattered most.
Taking down both NFL MVPs in back-to-back playoff games? That’s a flex few teams in league history can match.
It’s no wonder the 2003–04 Patriots are remembered as one of the greatest teams of all time.
