The 2003 Patriots went 14-2, allowed an NFL-low 14.9 points per game, and won their second Super Bowl in three seasons. After starting off the season 2-2, New England won 15 straight games, capped off by a 32-29 victory over the Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII. While Tom Brady guided the offense, the defense was at times dominant, posting three shutouts in the team’s final seven regular season games. The Patriots defense featured Hall of Fame cornerback Ty Law, who had six interceptions, and All-Pro free safety Rodney Harrison; linebacker Mike Vrabel, with had 9.5 sacks; and All-Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour, who had eight sacks. After beating the Titans, 17-14 in the AFC Divisional Round and the Colts, 24-14 for the AFC Championship, the Patriots needed a high-scoring effort to compete with Carolina. Brady threw for 354 yards and Adam Vinatieri kicked a 41-yard field goal with nine seconds left to clinch the Super Bowl for New England.