Way-back Playback: Tuck Rule game continues to stir strong emotions

The legacy of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots could have been very different if not for a fortuitous break in the 2001 AFC divisional round. 

Before all the championships and records, Brady and Belichick found themselves on the brink of elimination against the Oakland Raiders on a snowy night at Foxboro Stadium. 

Trailing 13-10 late, Brady was sacked by college teammate Charles Woodson, causing him to fumble. The Raiders recovered, and it appeared they would be able to run out the clock. 

However, the play was reviewed and overturned based on a ruling that Brady's arm was initially going forward, even though he was trying to tuck the ball back toward his body when it came loose.  

The Patriots retained the ball and Brady eventually led them down field, where Adam Vinatieri made a 45-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. 

Vinatieri would connect again from 23 yards in the extra session to give New England an improbable victory. 

Ray Lewis, perhaps hastily, recently said the only reason we know of Brady is because of the Tuck Rule. 

When we - the first time we created something called a Tuck Rule, it’s the only reason we know - I'm just being honest! - the only reason we know who Tom Brady is, because of a tuck rule!

Brady, of course, has done a few things since then. 

The Raiders, though, have never quite recovered from the agony of that defeat.