The Steelers and the Patriots, two of the most successful NFL franchises of the past two decades, renew an NFL series tonight that has not been very competitive in recent years. The Patriots have won seven of the past 10 meetings, including two AFC championship games at Heinz Field after the 2001 and 2004 seasons.
Current and former Steelers who played in the 2004 championship game always felt cheated out of a Super Bowl after New England came into Heinz Field and won, 41-27. They believe, to a man, that the Patriots used illegal tactics to help them win that game.