The 2017 AFC Championship Game was the American Football Conference (AFC) championship game for the 2016 NFL season, and the 51st overall. The game was played on January 22, 2017, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and was won by the New England Patriots, who defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 36–17. This was the eighth AFC Championship title in Patriots' franchise history and sent them to Super Bowl LI, where they went on to defeat the Atlanta Falcons by a score of 34–28, winning their fifth Super Bowl title.
The Patriots entered the game as the top-seeded team in the AFC and the Steelers as the second-seeded team after winning their respective divisional playoff games. The Patriots defeated the Houston Texans by a score of 34–16 and the Steelers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 18–16. This AFC Championship game was the Patriots' third consecutive appearance, while it was the Steelers' first appearance since winning Super Bowl XLIII in 2008.
2017 AFC Championship Game
Here are nine important points about the 2017 AFC Championship Game:
- Patriots defeated Steelers 36–17
- Patriots' eighth AFC Championship title
- Sent Patriots to Super Bowl LI
- Patriots won Super Bowl LI
- Patriots were top-seeded AFC team
- Steelers were second-seeded AFC team
- Patriots' third consecutive AFC Championship appearance
- Steelers' first AFC Championship appearance since 2008
- Tom Brady was named AFC Championship Game MVP
The 2017 AFC Championship Game was a memorable game that saw the Patriots continue their dominance in the AFC and advance to their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.
Patriots defeated Steelers 36–17
The Patriots got off to a fast start in the game, scoring a touchdown on their opening drive. The Steelers responded with a field goal on their first drive, but the Patriots scored another touchdown on their next drive to take a 14–3 lead. The Steelers scored a touchdown on their next drive to make it 14–10, but the Patriots scored a field goal on their next drive to make it 17–10. The Steelers scored another touchdown on their next drive to tie the game at 17–17, but the Patriots scored a touchdown on their next drive to take a 24–17 lead. The Patriots then scored a safety on the Steelers' next drive to make it 26–17. The Patriots added a field goal on their next drive to make it 29–17. The Steelers had a chance to tie the game with a touchdown and two-point conversion, but were unable to score. The Patriots then added another touchdown on their next drive to make it 36–17.
The Patriots' offense was led by quarterback Tom Brady, who completed 32 of 42 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was Brady's favorite target, catching 9 passes for 118 yards. Running back LeGarrette Blount also had a strong game, rushing for 110 yards and a touchdown. The Steelers' offense was led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who completed 29 of 46 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Antonio Brown was Roethlisberger's favorite target, catching 7 passes for 104 yards.
The Patriots' defense played a key role in the victory, holding the Steelers to just 17 points. The Patriots also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Steelers' defense also played well, but they were unable to generate enough pressure on Brady and force him into mistakes.
The Patriots' victory was their eighth AFC Championship title in franchise history. It was also their third consecutive AFC Championship title, and their seventh Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
Patriots' eighth AFC Championship title
The Patriots' victory in the 2017 AFC Championship Game was their eighth AFC Championship title in franchise history. It was also their third consecutive AFC Championship title, and their seventh Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.
The Patriots' first AFC Championship title came in the 1985 season, when they defeated the Miami Dolphins 31–14. The Patriots' second AFC Championship title came in the 1996 season, when they defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 20–6. The Patriots' third AFC Championship title came in the 2001 season, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 24–17. The Patriots' fourth AFC Championship title came in the 2003 season, when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 24–14. The Patriots' fifth AFC Championship title came in the 2004 season, when they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 41–27. The Patriots' sixth AFC Championship title came in the 2011 season, when they defeated the Baltimore Ravens 23–20. The Patriots' seventh AFC Championship title came in the 2014 season, when they defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45–7.
The Patriots' eighth AFC Championship title is a testament to the team's sustained success over the past two decades. The Patriots have been led by quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick for the majority of this time, and they have built a dynasty that has been unmatched in the NFL.
The Patriots' victory in the 2017 AFC Championship Game was a special moment for the franchise and for the fans. It was a victory that was hard-fought and well-deserved, and it sent the Patriots to their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history.
Sent Patriots to Super Bowl LI
The Patriots' victory in the 2017 AFC Championship Game sent them to Super Bowl LI, where they faced the NFC champion Atlanta Falcons. The Patriots were favored to win the game, but the Falcons were a high-scoring team with a lot of offensive weapons.
- Patriots' defense played a key role in the victory.
The Patriots' defense played a key role in the victory, holding the Falcons to just 28 points. The Patriots also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Patriots' defense was able to generate pressure on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and force him into mistakes.
- Patriots' offense was able to score enough points to win the game.
The Patriots' offense was able to score enough points to win the game, scoring 34 points. The Patriots' offense was led by quarterback Tom Brady, who completed 28 of 43 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was Brady's favorite target, catching 8 passes for 118 yards.
- Patriots' special teams also played a key role in the victory.
The Patriots' special teams also played a key role in the victory. The Patriots' special teams unit blocked a punt in the first quarter, which led to a Patriots touchdown. The Patriots' special teams unit also recovered an onside kick in the second half, which gave the Patriots the ball back with a chance to win the game.
- Patriots won their fifth Super Bowl title.
The Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI was their fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history. It was also their second Super Bowl title in three years. The Patriots' victory was a testament to the team's sustained success over the past two decades.
The Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI was a special moment for the franchise and for the fans. It was a victory that was hard-fought and well-deserved, and it cemented the Patriots' dynasty as one of the greatest in NFL history.
Patriots won Super Bowl LI
The Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI was their fifth Super Bowl title in franchise history. It was also their second Super Bowl title in three years. The Patriots' victory was a testament to the team's sustained success over the past two decades.
- Patriots' defense played a key role in the victory.
The Patriots' defense played a key role in the victory, holding the Falcons to just 28 points. The Patriots also forced three turnovers, including two interceptions and a fumble recovery. The Patriots' defense was able to generate pressure on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and force him into mistakes.
- Patriots' offense was able to score enough points to win the game.
The Patriots' offense was able to score enough points to win the game, scoring 34 points. The Patriots' offense was led by quarterback Tom Brady, who completed 28 of 43 passes for 466 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was Brady's favorite target, catching 8 passes for 118 yards.
- Patriots' special teams also played a key role in the victory.
The Patriots' special teams also played a key role in the victory. The Patriots' special teams unit blocked a punt in the first quarter, which led to a Patriots touchdown. The Patriots' special teams unit also recovered an onside kick in the second half, which gave the Patriots the ball back with a chance to win the game.
- Patriots' victory was a special moment for the franchise and for the fans.
The Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI was a special moment for the franchise and for the fans. It was a victory that was hard-fought and well-deserved, and it cemented the Patriots' dynasty as one of the greatest in NFL history.
The Patriots' victory in Super Bowl LI was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The Patriots have built a dynasty that is unmatched in the NFL, and they are one of the most successful teams in all of sports.
Patriots were top-seeded AFC team
The Patriots entered the 2017 AFC Championship Game as the top-seeded team in the AFC. They earned this seeding by finishing the regular season with a 14–2 record, the best record in the AFC. The Patriots' success in the regular season was due in large part to their strong offense, which was led by quarterback Tom Brady. Brady had one of the best seasons of his career in 2017, throwing for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns. The Patriots' offense also benefited from the addition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who was acquired in a trade with the New Orleans Saints. Cooks quickly became one of Brady's favorite targets, and he finished the season with 1,082 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns.
The Patriots' defense was also a key factor in their success in 2017. The defense was led by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who was acquired in a trade with the Buffalo Bills. Gilmore quickly became one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and he helped to solidify the Patriots' secondary. The Patriots' defense also benefited from the return of linebacker Dont'a Hightower, who missed the 2016 season with a shoulder injury. Hightower was a key member of the Patriots' defense in 2015, and his return helped to make the defense even more formidable in 2017.
The Patriots' success in the regular season earned them the top seed in the AFC playoffs. The Patriots received a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and they defeated the Houston Texans 34–16 in the Divisional Round. The Patriots then defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 36–17 in the AFC Championship Game to advance to Super Bowl LI.
The Patriots' success in the 2017 season was a testament to the team's strong offense and defense. The Patriots have built a dynasty that is unmatched in the NFL, and they are one of the most successful teams in all of sports.
Steelers were second-seeded AFC team
The Steelers entered the 2017 AFC麁 Game as the second-seeded team in the AFC. They earned this seeding by finishing the regular season with a 13–3 record, the second-best record in the AFC. The Steelers' success in the regular season was due in large part to their strong defense, which was led by outside linebacker T.J. Watt. Watt had a breakout season in 2017, recording 15 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. The Steelers' defense also benefited from the return of safety Troy Polamalu, who came out of retirement in 2017. Polamalu was one of the best safeties in the league during his career, and his return helped to make the Steelers' defense even more formidable.
The Steelers' offense was also a key factor in their success in 2017. The offense was led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had one of the best seasons of his career. Roethlisberger threw for 4,251 yards and 28 touchdowns. The Steelers' offense also benefited from the addition of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Smith-Schuster quickly became one of Roethlisberger's favorite targets, and he finished the season with 917 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
The Steelers' success in the regular season earned them the second seed in the AFC playoffs. The Steelers received a bye in the first round of the playoffs, and they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 18–16 in the Divisional Round. The Steelers then lost to the New England Patriots 36–17 in the AFC Championship Game.
The Steelers' 2017 season was a successful one, as they finished with a 13–4 record and advanced to the AFC Championship Game. The Steelers have a bright future, as they have a young and talented roster. The Steelers are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, and they are always a contender for the Super Bowl.
Patriots' third consecutive AFC Championship appearance
The Patriots' appearance in the 2017 AFC Championship Game was their third consecutive AFC Championship appearance. The Patriots had previously appeared in the AFC Championship Game in 2015 and 2016, and they won both games. The Patriots' success in the AFC Championship Game is a testament to the team's sustained success over the past two decades.
The Patriots' success in the AFC Championship Game is due in large part to their strong offense, which is led by quarterback Tom Brady. Brady is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and he has led the Patriots to six Super Bowl victories. The Patriots' offense also benefits from the presence of wide receiver Julian Edelman, who is one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL. Edelman is Brady's favorite target, and he has been a key part of the Patriots' success for many years.
The Patriots' defense has also been a key factor in their success in the AFC Championship Game. The defense is led by cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Gilmore is able to shut down opposing receivers, and he has helped to make the Patriots' defense one of the most formidable in the league.
The Patriots' success in the AFC Championship Game is a testament to the team's strong offense and defense. The Patriots have built a dynasty that is unmatched in the NFL, and they are one of the most successful teams in all of sports.
Steelers' first AFC Championship appearance since 2008
The Steelers' appearance in the 2017 AFC Championship Game was their first AFC Championship appearance since 2008. The Steelers had not won a playoff game since 2010, and they had not reached the AFC Championship Game since 2008. The Steelers' success in the 2017 season was a resurgence for the team, and it was a sign that the Steelers are back among the elite teams in the NFL.
- The Steelers' defense was a key factor in their success in 2017.
The Steelers' defense was a key factor in their success in 2017. The defense was led by outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who had a breakout season in 2017. Watt recorded 15 sacks, 33 tackles for loss, and 7 forced fumbles. The Steelers' defense also benefited from the return of safety Troy Polamalu, who came out of retirement in 2017. Polamalu was one of the best safeties in the league during his career, and his return helped to make the Steelers' defense even more formidable.
- The Steelers' offense also played a key role in their success in 2017.
The Steelers' offense also played a key role in their success in 2017. The offense was led by quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who had one of the best seasons of his career. Roethlisberger threw for 4,251 yards and 28 touchdowns. The Steelers' offense also benefited from the addition of wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Smith-Schuster quickly became one of Roethlisberger's favorite targets, and he finished the season with 917 receiving yards and 7 touchdowns.
- The Steelers' special teams also played a key role in their success in 2017.
The Steelers' special teams also played a key role in their success in 2017. The special teams unit was led by kicker Chris Boswell, who made 35 field goals in 2017. The Steelers' special teams unit also blocked 4 punts in 2017, which was the most in the NFL.
- The Steelers' coaching staff also played a key role in their success in 2017.
The Steelers' coaching staff also played a key role in their success in 2017. The coaching staff was led by head coach Mike Tomlin, who is one of the most successful coaches in the NFL. Tomlin has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl victories, and he has helped to make the Steelers one of the most consistent teams in the NFL.
The Steelers' success in the 2017 season was a resurgence for the team. The Steelers are back among the elite teams in the NFL, and they are a contender for the Super Bowl in 2018.
Tom Brady was named AFC Championship Game MVP
Tom Brady was named the AFC Championship Game MVP after leading the Patriots to a 36–17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brady completed 32 of 42 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 23 yards on four carries. Brady's performance was particularly impressive considering that he was playing on a torn MCL.
Brady's first touchdown pass came in the first quarter, when he found wide receiver Chris Hogan for a 16-yard touchdown. Brady's second touchdown pass came in the second quarter, when he found wide receiver Danny Amendola for a 10-yard touchdown. Brady's third touchdown pass came in the fourth quarter, when he found wide receiver Brandin Cooks for a 23-yard touchdown.
In addition to his three touchdown passes, Brady also led the Patriots on a 10-play, 75-yard drive that resulted in a field goal in the third quarter. Brady's performance was a masterclass in quarterback play, and he was the clear choice for AFC Championship Game MVP.
Brady's performance in the AFC Championship Game was a continuation of his strong play throughout the 2017 season. Brady led the Patriots to a 14–2 record in the regular season, and he threw for 4,577 yards and 32 touchdowns. Brady also led the Patriots to a victory over the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
Brady's performance in the AFC Championship Game was a reminder of why he is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Brady is a winner, and he always seems to play his best in big games.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2017 AFC Championship Game:
Question 1: Who won the 2017 AFC Championship Game?
The Patriots defeated the Steelers 36–17.
Question 2: Who was named the AFC Championship Game MVP?
Tom Brady was named the AFC Championship Game MVP.
Question 3: How many touchdown passes did Tom Brady throw in the AFC Championship Game?
Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes in the AFC Championship Game.
Question 4: What was the score of the game at halftime?
The score of the game at halftime was 17–10 in favor of the Patriots.
Question 5: Who was the Steelers' leading receiver in the AFC Championship Game?
Antonio Brown was the Steelers' leading receiver in the AFC Championship Game, with 7 catches for 104 yards.
Question 6: How many sacks did the Patriots record in the AFC Championship Game?
The Patriots recorded 3 sacks in the AFC Championship Game.
Question 7: What was the attendance at the AFC Championship Game?
The attendance at the AFC Championship Game was 66,829.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the 2017 AFC Championship Game. For more information, please visit the official website of the NFL.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are a few tips for watching the 2017 AFC Championship Game:
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purgatory 2017Conclusion
The 2017 AFC Championship Game was a memorable game that saw the Patriots continue their dominance in the AFC and advance to their seventh Super Bowl in franchise history. The Patriots' victory was a testament to the team's strong offense and defense, and to the leadership of quarterback Tom Brady. The Steelers played a tough game, but they were unable to overcome the Patriots' firepower.
The 2017 AFC Championship Game was a reminder of why the NFL is the most popular sport in the United States. The game was played in front of a sold-out crowd, and it was filled with excitement and drama. The Patriots' victory was a special moment for the franchise and for the fans, and it will be remembered for years to come.