Chapter 4 Summary

Chapter 4 introduces Patriot field goal kicker Adam Vinatieri in the strange, hyper-patriotic environment immediately after the September 11 attacks. Adam was solid kicker and a creature of habit who was focusing in on the upcoming Super Bowl game in Louisiana. As usual, the field goal kicker was not considered a deciding factor in the game; especially a Super Bowl game. However, Belichick had made some ominous comments about his kicker being his most consistent player all season. Vinatieri had made a 45-yard field goal in a snowstorm to tie a recent game and then kicked another 23-yarder to win. Therefore, the concept of a field goal kicker being a deciding factor was not unprecedented; just unusual.

The Patriots were definite underdogs against the St. Louis Rams going into Super Bowl XXXVI. The Rams were considered "the greatest show on turf." They were coming off...