This was the first game played by any team since the September 11 attacks . During the fourth quarter of a 10 – 3 loss to the Jets , Bledsoe was hit hard while running to the sidelines by Jets linebacker Mo Lewis . The injury to his chest , which filled with blood , left Bledsoe hospitalized . Tom Brady finished the game , completing five of ten passes for 46 yards , and was elevated to starter for the following week . During the game , the Jets appeared to lose a fumble to the Patriots , but the fumble was reversed based on a rule that would become controversial in the subsequent playoffs – the Tuck Rule
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
2001 New England Patriots season