Bill Belichick used a game plan to stuff the run and let young quarterback Quincy Carter make mistakes, which is exactly what he did. Carter threw three picks, two to Patriot cornerback Ty Law, and ended the game with just 207 yards passing and no touchdowns.

While Tom Brady was ineffective for most of the game, he did not commit any turnovers and broke 200 yards passing while effectively reading any blitz that the Cowboys threw at him. The Cowboy offense never got in gear, and never even got into position to attempt a field goal.