Almost exactly a decade ago, the Patriots-Steelers rivalry produced one of its more regrettable soundbites, and it completely backfired on its author.
In the run-up to a December clash between the two AFC powerhouses in 2007, second year Steelers safety Anthony Smith guaranteed a win against the (undefeated) Patriots. When asked about it, he doubled down:
Brady and the Patriots not only heard Smith, they went directly at him when the game began. Randy Moss caught a 63-yard touchdown running past Smith. And the Patriots used a double pass play to exploit Smith for a second score:
Brady himself found Smith after one score, making sure his thoughts were understood.