Page "Super Bowl XXXI" Paragraph 23

The Patriots then defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars, 20 – 6, in the AFC Championship Game.

The 1995 expansion team Jaguars advanced after upsetting the AFC top seeded Denver Broncos.

However, New England took advantage of several key Jacksonville miscues in a game dominated by defense.

A bad snap allowed Patriots defensive back Larry Whigham to tackle Jaguars punter Bryan Barker at the Jacksonville 4-yard line, setting up Martin's 1-yard touchdown run a few plays later.

The Jaguars scored a field goal in the second quarter, but Jacksonville punt returner Chris Hudson's fumble set up Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri's 29-yard field goal.

Eventually the teams exchanged field goals and the Patriots led 13 – 6 going into the fourth quarter.

With under 4 minutes left in the game, the Jaguars reached the New England 5-yard line, but Patriots defensive back Willie Clay intercepted a pass in the end zone.

After New England was forced to punt, cornerback Otis Smith recovered a fumble from Jaguars running back James Stewart and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown to put the game away.