Tom Brady and the New England Patriots aren't used to losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers - a team they've defeated 11 times since he took over as the starter 17 years ago.
But Sunday was one of the sloppiest efforts of Brady's career, and it was highlighted by this costly red zone interception, where Steelers corner Joe Haden picked off his errant throw-away pass.
The Steelers would melt most of the clock on the ensuing drive and extend their lead to 17-10 with just over two minutes left. The Patriots got the ball back but turned it over on downs in the waning seconds, falling to 9-5 on the season.
After the game, Brady explained what happened on his terrible and costly interception, one that is highly uncharacteristic for the five-time Super Bowl champion.
"Just trying to throw it away and didn’t," Brady said, via CBS Boston."I was just trying to flick it out of bounds, didn’t want to take a sack. Just shouldn’t happen."
Brady has been one of the best for 17 years at escaping pressure and either throwing the ball away or finding an open receiver at the last second. But the Steelers' superb coverage gave Brady no choice but to try and throw it away, but it fell into the waiting arms of Haden.
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Brady had gone 12 years (2005 to 17), without throwing an interception against the Steelers, but he's now thrown a pick against them in back to back games. This was easily his worst game against a Pittsburgh team that Brady has feasted one, as the Pats scored just three points the rest of the way after their opening drive touchdown.
What This Means
The loss marked the first time since 2009 where the Patriots have lost at least five games, and their chances at clinching a first-round bye are iffy right now. The Pats need to win out, and the 10-4 Houston Texans will have to lose at least once. Otherwise, New England will be playing on wild card weekend.
The Steelers, meanwhile, saved their season and move to 8-5-1. They control their own destiny for the AFC North, so this win against their long-time Kryptonite couldn't come at a better time.