September 7, 2008 Pats win 17-10 despite Brady's absence

(NECN) - In a goal line stand that will be talked about by Patriots fans for days to come, the New England Patriots prevented the Kansas City Chiefs from tying the game in the closing seconds of the 4th quarter.

On 4th and goal with under a minute to play, Deltha O'Neal provided blanket coverage on QB Damon Huard's target, Dwayne Bowe, to force the Chiefs to turn the ball over on downs. It came after Huard had completed a huge pass to bring the Chiefs within the Red Zone.

The story that may stick with Patriots fans more, though, was the injury Tom Brady suffered in the game's opening quarter. Brady stepped up into the pocket to pass to Randy Moss when Chiefs defender Bernard Pollard grabbed hold of Brady's left leg. The pass was complete, but Brady fell to the ground, clutching his left knee.

Moss fumbled the ball at the end of the play, but that was of the least concern to Patriots fans. Brady was helped off the field and taken into the locker room. He would not return.

Matt Cassel was thrust under center at his own 2-yard line, and stepped up huge. The man who struggled so much during the preseason led the Patriots 98-yards down the field for the game's first touchdown -- a 10-yard pass to Randy Moss.

Both teams struggled on offense throughout this one. But the Patriots finished on top, winning 17-10.

There is no word on Brady's status following his exit from the game -- and it is unlikely that the Patriots will reveal any