FOXBORO, Mass. — There’s one particular catch that sticks out in David Patten’s memory. Surprisingly, it wasn’t his brilliant grab in Super Bowl XXXVI.
It actually came during a 41-38 overtime victory against the Chiefs in the third game of the 2002 regular season. The Patriots led 24-17 and had a third-and-9 early in the fourth quarter. Patten ran a 14-yard dig route, which was designed for him to create space off of his back shoulder. Once the receiver broke free from his defender, he had to reach back for Tom Brady’s throw.
“Tom threw the ball about a yard or two behind me, and I just stuck my hand out and the ball just kind of stuck to my hand,” said Patten, who re-signed with the Patriots in February. “I reversed field, stiff-armed the safety and took it for about 30 more yards. At the 5-yard line, I just jumped into the end zone because I kind of shocked myself. Everyone is like, ‘Well, what was the best catch of your career?’ And they just assume it was the Super Bowl.”
Patten understands the magnitude of the Super Bowl catch, but he really appreciated how that 38-yard touchdown reception unfolded at home against the Chiefs. He said it showed how he and Brady were able stay in sync with one another, and that bond could potentially make Patten a useful asset in 2010.
