By Bob Matthews
Democrat and Chronicle

(Monday, February 4, 2002) -- Super Heroes

Tom Brady --For most of the game, New England's second-year QB did exactly what he was supposed to do: make the routine plays and protect the football. But his nine-play, 53-yard drive to set up the winning field goal would've made Johnny Unitas, John Elway or Joe Montana proud.

New England's secondary -- As many as seven defensive backs played at a time and St. Louis needed three quarters to get its passing game on track. They all played well and intercepted two passes.

Antowain Smith -- It was mandatory that he have a solid game to keep the ball out of St. Louis' hands. He responded with 18 carries for 92 yards and earned the Super Bowl ring he probably wasn't going to get with the Bills, who decided he wasn't good enough for them.

Adam Vinatieri -- His 48-yard field goal to win it for New England will be remembered as the greatest clutch kick in Super Bowl history. And don't forget his 45-yarder in the snow and wind to tie and a shorter FG in overtime to beat Oakland in the AFC playoffs.

Bill Belichick -- The challenge of New England's coach was to win the Xs and Os contest with St. Louis coach Mike Martz. Belichick's defense vs. Martz's offense. Martz had more talent, but Belichick made better use of his talent.

Super Goats

Kurt Warner --Give the St. Louis QB credit for playing with a sore thumb, but one of his two interceptions was returned for a TD and only a fortuitous holding penalty spared him from a costly fumble that would've sealed New England's victory much earlier.

St. Louis' defensive unit -- They weren't helped by three giveaways by their offensive teammates, but they had no takeaways and couldn't stop the Patriots on a last-minute drive for the winning field goal.

Mike Martz -- The head coach of the Rams was outsmarted by New England's Bill Belichick, who confused Warner with an army of defensive backs and managed to hold Marshall Faulk to 130 yards from scrimmage.