10 years later, Bailey thinks Belichick may have been right

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Ten years later, Champ Bailey admits that just maybe Bill Belichick was right.

Ten years ago today, Bailey’s 100-yard interception return of a Tom Brady pass in an AFC divisional playoff game in Denver was a key play in the Broncos’ 27-13 victory over the Patriots.

Patriots tight end Benjamin Watson famously chased Bailey down at the end of the return and knocked Bailey and the ball out of bounds. While the ref placed the ball at the 1, Bill Belichick argued that the ball went across the pylon, which would have been a touchback, giving Patriots ball at the 20. The Broncos scored from the 1 on the next play to take a 17-6 lead. Bailey’s interception of Brady had prevented the Patriots from going ahead, 13-10.

Belichick has been pushing for a goal-line camera to help in replay reviews ever since.

In a new book on the greatest moments in Broncos history, by Mike Klis, 9News in Denver’s Broncos Insider, Bailey says Belichick might have a point:

More from Klis' story:

“I get it,” Bailey said. “Because I thought it was a touchback. When I was on the sideline, I was saying, ‘Did the ball cross? Did I get in? Did I get in?’ Everybody on our bench of course was optimistic. ‘Yeah, you got in.’

“I was like, ‘I don’t think I got in.’ And then when they put it at the 1, I thought, “Wow, that’s great.”

 

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