His first year as a starter was 2000, when he recorded 83 catches for 944 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2001 New England Patriots season he, alongside Tom Brady, led the Patriots to their first ever Super Bowl championship, recording 101 catches during the season for 1,199 yards and 5 touchdowns, setting the franchise record for receptions and earning his first and only trip to the Pro Bowl. He also returned 29 punts for 413 yards and 2 touchdowns, giving him a league-leading 14.2 yards per return average. During the AFC Championship Game at Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL playoffs, 2001-02 that season, Brown returned a crucial punt for a touchdown which provided the winning margin, adding to the two he returned for touchdowns during the regular season. He also scooped up a blocked field goal attempt in that game, and made a lateral pass to teammate Antwan Harris, which completed a second special teams touchdown.  In 2002, he recorded 97 receptions for 890 yards and 3 touchdowns. In 2003 New England Patriots season, he had 40 catches for 472 yards, helping his team back to Super Bowl XXXVIII.. Did Brown have a higher average yards per catch in the 2000 season or the 2001 season?